8-6-12 On The Road: Ecuador

On the road (Ecuador; see scores of photos being added here).

 We find the people a delight, the country well run, the environment protected, natural resources being reasonably developed, culture embraced, arts and humanities revered and overall quality of life unexcelled.  We'll return to Alaska this week, carring with us memories of an extensive and poignant visit to a land too close to ignore, to far to understand without visiting and too precious to not put in one's travel plans.  It was a wonderful photo mission wherein we learned much about oil and other natural resources extraction done in a harmonious way with involvement of indigenous people done in many ways for their benefit.  We also respected why costs of society are reasonable.  If you trip over a curb, it's your fault and does not trigger an automatic, lifetime social security disability retirement at everyone else's expense, nor are frivolous lawsuits nourished in the judiciary.  Yes, we have much to learn from a nation, a culture, a blending of peoples that have evolved from a march over the Bering Land Bridge, down Arctic and Pacific trails to South America while adapting to the elements...then further evolving beyond the entry of Conquistadores into marketing goods and services worldwide.  Yes, much to learn.  -dh