Tour guides, Pablo and Renee, were extremely knowledgeable and knew the country very well. We strolled the exteriors of the colonial churches and government palaces. A short amount of time was given in homage to the plazas of colonial Ecuador. In colonial America, cathedrals and plazas were often built atop destroyed ancient indigenous temples, pyramids, or places of worship. Our guides pointed out the extremely large ancient Incan stones which served as the base of their temples and later the foundation of the colonial churches which now stand. The interiors are intricately adorned with gold from floor to high ceilings. Many tourists find this a great attraction, however, for this delegation of indigenous people, it was a reminder of the genocide that took place for gold and natural resources. Silent moments were spent thinking of the people who built the colonial city and all prayed for the legacy that was left behind.

Our guides helped us find a healthy vegetarian restaurant for a late lunch within the city colonial hub of downtown. This was the first sit down meal in Ecuador and all noticed the cleanliness and order of the ambiance. Within a real iner-city setting, a small restaurant on the second floor, served “comida sana”, healthy food.

The lunch special was ordered and all were very pleased when they brought the “entrada” of Quinoa soup. The soup was divine and all sipped it with gusto along with perfectly ripe butter avocadoes. Quinoa is an ancient grain that has been harvested and eaten by the Incas and Andean people for thousands of years. It can be eaten in place of rice, for it has an abundant amount of nutritional properties that surpass rice and most grains. The main meal was an Asian-Andean fusion of gluten meat, “fake meat made of wheat”, served with brown rice, salad and ripe plantain. They served “aromatic water” which is a sweet warm fragrant tea and is commonly served in Ecuador. In addition, all ordered licuados, or fruit shakes. All mixed juices were made with panela or as known in Panama as “raspadura”, natural solidified cane sugar. They refer to most liquid waters as “la aguita”.

Complimenting this great meal were two vital strengths found to be essential to the success of Ecuador. First, the six of us ate a four course meal with licuados and bottled waters in a sit down, table cloth restaurant for $14. Second, the hospitality was impeccable and the cleanliness and order of the restaurant made ones feel like kings and queens. The people were so kind with their mannerisms and in the way they address people. The owner also came out and greeted us, served us, then took us on a tour of his other restaurant directly above on the next floor that served non-vegetarian food. It was nicely decorated with local art and fine wood finishing and tables. All the delegates felt a certain unexplainable peace and respect with the vibe of Ecuador.

Leaving Quito, the delegation drove north for and hour, over large passes and valleys, and arrived at the small community of Oton. A host family, a traditional Andean music group, and community awaited us. Night had fallen and the temperature dropped significantly. Our tropical climate delegates cried out for their warm clothes. We were met with a warm welcome, grace and hospitality. This cordial humble vibe gave all a good feeling and this was to be seen at every place we visited in Ecuador.

In Oton, we were celebrated as the first tourists to ever visit the community. Later that weekend, we were recognized and honored on stage during their annual “Nino Divino” Community and Cultural Festival.

The next morning we awoke to see the small community in early brisk morning light. All had plots of land along hillsides and plateaus, optimally producing. Ubiquitous was the evidence of Andean family sustainability; seen in the rows of corn, potatoes, Lima beans, squash and various other fruits and herbs. Renee, The Mayor of Oton and musician by heritage, took us around the area and showed us some of what Ecuador is famous for within 10 minutes. Within 10 minutes, we visited the largest Rose growers in the world, many sitting atop high plateaus and in high valleys. On an adjacent plateau, we looked out and around a 360 degree view, surrounded by 5-7 large Volcano Peaks. In the distance below, Renee pointed out the ancient Inca Trail winding up and through large land. Walking from there, off the main highway corner, a small immaculately clean cart served fresh made Aloe Vera sifted pulp with warm herb tonics and lime. We saw the high places.

Continued: Cayambe

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Jovenes Intertribal Panama (JIP)

• Programa de Salud/ Health Program for Panama Youth

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