Report From Ecuador #4 - Bits And Pieces

Before we head off to the Diocesan Center for the workshop, I thought I'd jot down a few bits and pieces of things I've seen and experienced.

On the way to Ambato on Tuesday we passed three or four military bases. The military has quite a bit of power here, primarily economic at this time. They own vast tracts of farmland, which they themselves farm. They have their own schools and even universities. The military also owns some 28 companies here. Yesterday we passed one base that was in the middle of what appeared to be a lower middle class neighborhood. Except for the guard towers at the corners of the walls, it could have passed as a wealthier enclave in that part of the city.

When we were in the Pilahuin area, some of the people greeted us by offering their wrists instead of their hands. We later learned that because of the weather and their work, their hands often become dry and cracked--so much so that it they can be painful. However, it is not only the pain that causes them to offer their wrist, but also embarrassment. The traditional greeting is to put a hand on your shoulder as they shake your hand. Only recently have they begun to also give the kiss on the cheek that is common among the majority of Ecuadorians.

The soil in the area where we were on Tuesday is very black. They explained to us that it is no good for growing corn. The plant grows well, but it does not produce ears.

The only country where I've eaten more potatoes at mealtimes is Ireland. Of course, the potato originated in this part of the world, so I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. The main difference is that the ones we have been served here so far are the small ones with red skins.

There are dogs everywhere. Most of them live amongst people, but they seem not to be "owned" by anyone. They are mutts, but sometimes you see the distance characteristics of individual breeds. On Tuesday I saw one that looked like a Cocker Spaniel. Yesterday we drove through one neighborhood where the majority of the dogs were German Shepherd mixes, with the look of the German Shepherd predominating.

Primary education--through the 7th grade--is mandatory here, but many children do not attend because they work to support the family, either by doing household or farm chores, or some sort of job outside the house. So far I have seen no children begging; instead they sell things. Of course, I have not yet been in the tourist areas of Quito, so I don't know if begging takes place there.

Yesterday afternoon on the way back to our hotel, Javier stopped at an overlook. A view we "must see." It was magnificent, even with the low clouds. In the valley below us was part of ever-expanding Quito, including some well-to-do neighborhoods. Marco told us that on the far side of the valley is an active volcano. If it were to erupt, everything we could see could be seriously damaged and even destroyed.

And now off to the Diocesan Center. More later.

Peace, Jeffri