Climbing a mountain in Quito and getting invited into a police car?

⛰️ Only 200 meters high but hard to climb - In the old town of Quito, Ecuador 🇪🇨, there is a mountain that looks like a loaf of bread. It is only 200 meters high, but because Quito is already at an altitude of 2800+, it is still a strenuous climb. - It costs about $2.5 to take a taxi from Independence Square to the El Panecillo observation deck, or you can try the bus, which costs only $0.35. After getting off the bus, there is a long staircase with more than 800 steps, and climbing up it will take you to the observation deck, but climbing the stairs at high altitude instantly reminded me of climbing the Potala Palace. There are food and drinks on the top of the mountain, as well as a sloping green area where you can enjoy the breeze and daydream. The view of the entire old town of Quito from the top of the mountain is spectacular. The restroom is very clean and costs $0.25. - 👩 The world's tallest aluminum statue - The tallest statue in Ecuador is the Virgin Mary on Bread Mountain, which is 45 meters high, including the base, and is taller than the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It is also the tallest aluminum statue in the world. - The statue was completed on March 28, 1975. The Virgin Mary is stepping on a snake, which is considered a protective deity in the local culture. The lower part of the statue is accessible, and the entrance fee is $1 per person. You can go up three floors, where there are beautiful glass windows, and the next floor has some detailed photos and historical information about the statue, and the next floor is the observation deck. - 🚓 Invited into a police car after dark - Before going up the mountain, I was warned by the owner of the guesthouse, the bus ticket seller, and passersby that the mountain was dangerous, especially after dark, when the probability of being robbed was extremely high. But the view from the top of the mountain was so beautiful, especially the afterglow of the sunset reflecting on this small mountain town, that I stayed until the city was full of stars without realizing it. - There were fewer and fewer people on the top of the mountain, but we couldn't get a ride, and it was said that local drivers didn't dare to go up the mountain at night. That's when the local police noticed our Asian faces and tourist outfits and were very surprised that we were still on the mountain so late, and they told us to get in the car. To be honest, I was hesitant, as I didn't trust the police in South America and was afraid it was some new trick. - It turned out that I was overthinking it. After getting in the car, they repeatedly emphasized the local security issues, saying that tourists were being robbed every day, and finally dropped us off in a safe tourist area and left. - This small incident made me, a newcomer to Ecuador, feel more positive about the place.