So far I've been here for two days and here are a few interesting things I've noticed:
1) CHEAP GAS- How much are we paying for gas in the US? Like $3.85? Well a gallon here is $1.06!!! All thanks to government subsidy. Sometimes Colombians on vacation cross the border just to get gas. Every Hummer driver's dream!
2) CHEAP TOLLS- For those who have been to Colombia and paid 8000 pesos ($4) for a tollway only to see the road be only so-so, well the roads here are PERFECT and the tolls are only $1. I think the government subsidizes this too.
3) CHEAP FLOWERS- They grow roses here and for those of you who have paid upwards of $50 to get your girlfriend a bouquet of roses, well it would have cost you around $2 here. Now imagine that on Valentine's Day!
4) DOLLARIZATION- Mmm well touchy subject. It seems people have gotten used to it, but they all agree that it was bad, at least in the beginning. Everyone I've spoken to says they lost any savings they had in Sucres when these devalued abruptly and though it did stabilize the economy, they mostly see it as a way for the rich who held investments in Dollars to make more money. Another problem with dollarization, people from neighboring countries come to Ecuador, work for a few Dollars and send it back to their own (non-dollarized) countries where they can trade it for a lot in local currency, thus displacing Ecuadorian workers who could not survive here on such meager wages.
5) EMPLOYMENT ISSUES- Well from my driver, I found out two sort of startling things. The first is that when the government, in an attempt to help domestic workers whose employers previously did not pay for their medical insurance or other benefits, forced these to start doing so, what happened was actually that many lost their jobs and now complain at this measure originally taken in their favor. However, I think that as time passes, this can change, as it has in Colombia where most people who have domestic workers do cover their benefits. Also, my driver had what is called an "executive taxi" which basically means he doesn't have an official permission to drive, he just puts a plastic sign on his car as he drives around the city. He says he did not incorporate into any company because they demand around $2000 just to apply for a job and even then it is not guaranteed. What a concept: pay to work for us... Good news is the government is now regularizing taxi drivers like him who derive all their income from this activity, so hopefully he will be able to work without worries of police citations.
6) PRESIDENTIAL SECURITY- There is a balcony at the Presidential Palace. President Correa comes out every Monday morning to wave to his people. Imagine how secure he must feel! Neither Obama nor most presidents would ever venture in such an open space! I thought this was quite interesting.
Well, that is all for now! I'd love to hear your thoughts!
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