As I’ve said, there’s nothing better than to host friends and family from afar, but our recent visit from great friends Kim and Andy a few days after Mom left was extra special. We spent the first week visiting places they hadn’t seen the first time they were here, and the second week we were joined by their 20-something daughters Lexi and Hannah. Not having children, it certainly turned out to be a very cool experience for us to “travel family style”.
One thing we all wondered about was the girls’ reactions to being exposed to some very different life styles than what they’re used to. Yes, Ecuador is absolutely spectacular in terms of its history, culture, and gorgeous terrain, there’s no doubt about it. But still, it’s definitely a developing country. What would they think?
Cuenca itself is a city with every modern amenity you can think of. But once outside, the agricultural countryside and coastal areas often tell a different story. Many “campesinos” (country folk) live in a variety of housing - made of cement, brick, wood, or adobe. Some homes are more elaborate, but many are extremely humble. Families often share the limited space of a tiny house. Clean, running water and sanitary facilities are often crude. Hot water? A rarity. Electricity? Yes, but often bare bulbs are sufficient. Paint is costly, so often the homes look drab and dirty. And, while we’re running off to the supermarket for more goodies, they’re living off their farms and very possibly bartering when they can.
Yes, their lives are simple. But look closer and you can see just how wealthy they are in terms of family. They cultivate and harvest together; tend to cows, chickens and pigs together; cook, eat and celebrate together. Just watch, and the children are often taking care of younger siblings, smiling, playing and teasing with sweet innocence. Even the teenagers seem to be playful with one another, and very respectful of adults.
With few exceptions, we’ve experienced Ecuadorians as very gentle and affectionate people. Yes, I’m sure they will certainly have imperfections as we all do, but there may be a lesson for us in watching how they live their daily lives. I admit that I’m too spoiled to trade lifestyles at this point. But are they any less happy than those of us with more privileges ? I wonder...
And apparently so did the girls, which was wonderful. They arrived with open minds and hearts, took it all in, and thoroughly “got it”. These beautiful words from Hannah’s thank you note...
Gotta love it.
Of course, we also got to show the girls the highlights ~ Cuenca’s best: Piedra de Agua spa in nearby Baños where we luxuriated in volcanic mud baths and massages (talk about contrasts!); hiking in the Cajas National Park, and down to the Ecuadorian coast for beach-combing and zip-lining. Top those off with a visit to Incan ruins at Ingapirca and jewelry shopping for silver in Chordoleg, and WOW, that was one full visit.
And lovely it was. We may not be parents, but now we understand how proud kids can make you feel. It will be an honor and a pleasure to have these girls back any time!!!
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