La Floresta: The Bohemian Heart of Quito

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [no]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vor/deh nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-see-ahs]
• Excuse me/SorryDisculpe/Lo siento
  [dees-kool-peh/loh see-ehn-toh]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [bee-ehn. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glehs]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tee-ehn-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah behr ehl meh-noo, por fah-vor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-loohd]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah pah-gahr, por fah-vor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la Policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un doctor!
  [yah-mah ah oon dohk-tohr]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [ehs-toy pehr-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEsto es demasiado caro
  [ehs-toh ehs deh-mah-see-ah-doh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puede rebajar el precio?
  [pweh-deh reh-bah-har ehl preh-see-oh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una en punto
  [ehs lah oo-nah ehn poon-toh]
• Half past (10)Media hora (10)
  [meh-dee-ah oh-rah (dheez-eez)]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [sehs]
• 7Siete
  [see-eh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rehk-syohn]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-dehs mohs-trar-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl prohk-see-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ...)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (ah ...)]

La Floresta was officially established in the early 20th century, around the 1930s. It began as a residential area designed for the emerging middle class of Quito, reflecting the city's expanding urban landscape. The neighborhood was characterized by its wide streets and green spaces, which became a hallmark of its design, aiming to provide a modern living environment.

By the 1950s, La Floresta began to cultivate a reputation as a cultural and artistic center in Quito. This was largely due to the influx of artists, musicians, and intellectuals who were drawn to its vibrant atmosphere. The neighborhood started hosting art galleries, theaters, and cultural festivals, contributing to Quito's broader artistic scene.

In the late 20th century, La Floresta experienced significant urban transformation. The gentrification process began, with older properties being renovated and new businesses emerging. This shift not only changed the demographic composition of the area but also led to an increase in property values, making it one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Quito.

La Floresta is known for its eclectic architecture, featuring a blend of modernist styles and traditional Ecuadorian elements. In recent years, there has been a concerted effort to preserve these architectural gems, with local government initiatives aimed at maintaining the neighborhood's unique character while accommodating new developments.

The residents of La Floresta have a strong sense of community, which has been exemplified through various social movements advocating for local rights and environmental sustainability. Community-led initiatives often focus on enhancing public spaces, promoting local businesses, and fostering a sense of belonging among the diverse population of the neighborhood.

La Floresta is conveniently located in Quito and can be accessed from various neighborhoods. From the Mariscal district, take a taxi or an Uber, which should take around 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, you can use the Ecovía bus system; board a bus at the Estación de la Mariscal and alight at the La Floresta stop. If coming from the historic center, the same Ecovía route applies, or opt for a taxi for a direct route.

La Floresta is a walkable neighborhood with many attractions within easy reach. Public transport includes the Ecovía, which runs along Avenida 6 de Diciembre, and local buses that connect to other parts of the city. For a more leisurely experience, consider renting a bicycle, as there are bike lanes in some areas. Rideshare apps like Uber are also widely used for longer distances.

La Floresta is generally considered safe for tourists. However, as in any urban area, exercise caution, especially at night. Avoid walking alone in darker streets and be mindful of your belongings in crowded places. Areas near the Parque La Carolina can be busy, so stay vigilant. It's advisable to avoid the outskirts of the neighborhood late at night, as they can be less populated and less secure.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance. The nearest hospital is Hospital Metropolitano, which is well-equipped to handle emergencies. Keep a copy of your travel insurance and identification on hand. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available throughout La Floresta, where you can find over-the-counter medication.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably but modestly; while La Floresta is trendy, avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs; when visiting churches, dress appropriately. Public Transport: Do be polite; give up your seat to the elderly and women with children. Don't engage in loud conversations or eat on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local cafes and eateries; don't refuse food or drink offered to you as it can be seen as impolite.

To experience La Floresta like a local, visit the artisan markets that pop up on weekends, where you can find handmade crafts and local food. Explore the vibrant street art that adorns many buildings; take a stroll and enjoy the creativity. Consider visiting the neighborhood's small galleries and cafes, where you can often find live music or art events. Engaging with locals at these venues can provide deeper insights into the culture and community.

When interacting with locals, it's customary to greet with a friendly 'Buenos días' in the morning and 'Buenas tardes' in the afternoon. Remember to use formal titles such as 'Señor' or 'Señora'. Additionally, it's polite to accept invitations to share a meal or drink, as hospitality is highly valued in Ecuadorian culture.

La Floresta is known for its culinary scene. Do visit local eateries like 'Las Corvinas del Río' for fresh seafood or 'La Casa de la Cultura' for traditional Ecuadorian dishes. Make sure to try a 'ceviche' or 'locro de papa', a local potato soup. Enjoying meals during lunch hours, which typically run from 1 PM to 3 PM, allows you to experience the local dining culture.