Robbery

My recent trip to Ecuador provided me with a new experience: assault and robbery. I was climbing up the Panecillo hill in Quito to get a glimpse of the city from up high and to admire the statue of the Virgen de Quito from up close. Contrary to my belief, the stairway was not crowded with tourists. The passers-by were few, and I began to get a bad feeling about the place, especially as I was alone. I was already close to the top and hurried my steps to get there even faster.

That was when three young men attacked me. They pushed me down and grabbed for my bag as I screamed and fought back. I have never had such a scare in my life – I even wet my pants, as ridiculous as it now sounds. The whole scene was over as fast as it started. The robbers ran off with my bag and left me shaking. A friendly woman accompanied me down and even gave me money for a cab back to the hotel. I got there hysterical and crying, still not over the shock. The hotel personnel consoled me, and when I felt a bit better, I went to the nearest police office to file a report of an offense.

I lost a brand new camera, my mobile phone, my diary, make-up, around US$ 15, a sweater, and some small items. Thankfully I had left my passport and cards in the hotel safe. I mostly felt relieved for not having been injured – for a moment I actually feared for my life. Material things really don’t matter that much; what is important is my health. Besides, I have travel insurance, so my insurance company should compensate me for my losses.

Not surprisingly, I have been pondering a lot on the issue of security lately. Why are Latin American metropolis such as Quito and Guayaquil so dangerous while Helsinki (and other European capitals) is safe even at night? It is not just that I look like a tourist and therefore am prone to be attacked. I had the chance to discuss the subject with various Ecuadorians, and they all agreed that the country’s two big cities have grown very hazardous recently. The city centres tend to be well protected: there is one policeman standing at every corner. Only two weeks back I thought that was absurd, but now I am more than glad to see a police officer. No one walks the streets after dark. If you do not own a car, take a cab, and preferably one you know from before.

In Guayaquil my host, Roxana, a real estate agent, took me to visit a residential area of the elite, safe behind walls and guarded gates. The houses looked spacious and luxurious, and each boasted a garage with a brand new car or two. The residents never use public transport; the bus lines connecting the urbanización privada with the city only serve the hoard of domestic help. Robberies are so common that the rich and the famous prefer shutting themselves out of the rest of society.




My quiteña host, Andrea, drove me around quite a bit by car, always with the doors locked and windows up. When we entered a bar, we left the car under the surveillance of a guard hired by the bar. Despite all the precautionary measures, Andrea had been robbed of seven mobile phones in the past two years. She no longer carries her phone around if it is not absolutely necessary, and has bought the cheapest model, just in case.

Thanks to extensive social security and equality, Finland is an exceptionally safe country. I definitely prefer to pay high taxes if that enables me to move around without threat. Personal security is priceless.