Mindo, Ecuador
Warning
Upon arrival in, Quito, we quickly made plans to
visit, Mindo. Mindo, is in the cloud forest and is known for it's may bird
species and water falls.
On day two we headed to the main bus terminal
in, Quito, Ecuador. I was traveling with a group, me and three other members of
the 2008 Landmark Learning Relief Medic Expedition. Once at the bus station we
quickly purchased tickets and boarded a bus. There were eight or ten people on
the bus when we boarded. Several people selling items, moving up and down the
isles. One male individual appeared to work for the buss and was checking
tickets and helping us with or assigned seats(?). In my case, he also helped me
place my duffel bag in the overhead compartment. I was aware that having my bag
stored above me was not a great idea and I needed to keep a close eye on it.
Boarding the buss, and getting to or seat, took maybe 20 seconds. After seated,
not more that 10 seconds had pasted and I checked on my bag; it was gone! I
quickly jumped to my feet, shouted loudly, “my bag is gone!” Then began
searching for my luggage. My main concern was that the thief had gotten off the
bus with my bag. I began my search from my seat heading back and found my bag,
two rows behind, alone in a seat with some of it's contents removed. I was
certainly glade to see it, and glade it was still on the buss! I quickly
checked to verify witch items were missing and to my surprise everything was
there; nothing was missing! He obviously did not have time to finish the
job!
Only a day or two later, the entire group of twelve were on our way to Riobamba
(South of Quito). We were previously warned of the posiblity of theft. I
informed everyone in advance of my situation and instructed everyone to keep
their day packs in their lap, only! The entire group is now headed for the main
bus terminal in Quito. Once on the bus, a fellow expedition member (called TT
Boy) allows a native to assist him with his bag; the native places his top
loading day pack under his seat and he (TT Boy) takes his seat. At this point
the rest of the group is not aware, and either is TT boy that he is in the
process of being robbed. Later after arriving in, Riobamba, TT boy mentions to
me that he is missing money (cash USD) and his yellow CDC card. This is what
happened; when the man placed his bag under the seat, he did it so in such a
way, that the top of the bag – witch has a small accessories pocket that is
commonly used for small loose items that are need quickly - was facing the seat
behind, the native then sat in the seat behind and had all the time needed to
access the small pocket and take what he wanted!
Several weeks past, as I am only days away from departing, Quito, and returning
to the USA. Sitting in the hostel I over hear a conversation. The conversation
was between the manger of the hostel and a male and female traveler who were
staying at the hostel. They described the exact same scam, that had failed in
my case. In my case the robber's got nothing and I was able to continue with
that leg of my trip. In this case the bag was placed in the overhead bin and
they lost $500 USD and a passport, and could not continue that leg of their
trip. This accrued at the same main bus terminal in, Quito, and if I had to
guess the same group of 4 native people.
I depart
for Belize on June 7th. I am planning to visit Belize City, Dangriga, Hopkins
Village and Punta Gorda (from North to South respectively).
