Hello from the Equator!*
* Several Bloggers are using this title, which seems appropriate for this update. See Nicole, Otto Otto and CindyCindy with their smoke signals! (Perdon the double names.. the insert has a demon!)
Six months ago, if we had peered into 2020 via a crystal ball, few (none?) of us would have believed what we saw. If we DID believe, we would probably have altered some of our choices, and realized our priorities.
“Iguana iguana in the tree.. Do you have good news for me?”
Loved ones write from various GPS locations on the planet and state something like this: “Lisa! Ecuador is in the news; I did not realize things were so bad there. How are you: how are things where you live?”
They are seeing the news out of Guayaquil/ Guayas Province, which seems to be Ecuador’s “Hot Spot.” After perusing various (and random) websites and updates, my first thought is, “Guayaquil’s climate is hot; Guayaquil is humid. To those who think that the virus vaporizes in warmer climates – look what’s happening here.”
I’ve been watching the virus stats since early January and sensed back then that ‘this is a sneaky virus’ capable of affecting many countries. Having not-so-lovely experiences with Dengue (twice) and Chikungunya, I have a profound respect for a virus’s ability to slam one near doorway to the ‘Valley of the shadow of death.’
Ecuador’s first case was in late February, and about ten days later our President Moreno began the evening curfew, which became more strict the next week when 2 pm became our ‘must be home’ hour.
They enforce the face mask rule and the required personal distance, which the latter is prominently marked with large red circles on the pavement/sidewalks outside most banks and supermarkets. At the closest supermarket, one person stands outside and observes the distancing and reminds all to use gloves and masks. Before the next person enters the store, a worker takes a ‘long distance’ digital reading for fever.
With shorter hours to conduct tasks of importance, people often form a long line outside the apartment and wait their turn to use the improvised window at the bank next door. The bank closes at noon, so I usually wait until the people have left before I venture outside. With soap and chlorox in hand, I wipe down the outside door and its hardware, run my errands, then wash everything again when I return (before 2!)
By noon, most everyone in this part of the city has vanished. The people have had practice in putting priorities in proper order. After the dengue-chikungunya epidemic, the 7.8 earthquake followed a year later on April 16, 2016. The residents of this area still recall the horrors of the earthquake – and of food shortages and of living in a very-basic mode for an extended time. Last week’s anniversary of the earthquake passed via quiet reflections – most in isolation which brought back acute memories to some.
Autos are allowed on the street one day a week, depending on the last number of the tag. On weekends, no driving is permitted aside from the exceptions. The people of Portoviejo seem to have adjusted well, are compliant and respectful of these regulations, and no one wants to be one of those statistics.
Yesterday morning downtown was blissfully silent, the skies pure and blue with fluffy cumulus clouds. In a four-block walk I saw four other people. With bucket of fruit and vegetable scraps, I walked to the nearby park to supplement the iguanas’ short food supply. Their hunger increases, and the larger ones often aggressively warn other ones with mighty strikes with their tails! One man ambled along and watched the iguanas eating the token ration of food. He stated that many people don’t care about the natural world; they only think of themselves. I did not argue with him, but I would hope more people would remember the iguanas if they knew they were hungry. He said that he would remind others.
On my meandering route back home, I paused to photograph the remnants of an historic house. A man wearing a quite-serious respirator-type mask approached on his bicycle. I mentioned the old house, and he then asked if I recognized him; he is a guard at the bank, but with mask I would never have recognized him!
He peddled onward and turned near a popular bakery doing a brisk Sunday-morning business. I returned to the apartment, washed the bucket – and my keys, the door, my hands, etc with soap and chlorox, then switched to quieter tasks.
A series of botanical studies continues, and the past week I’ve added color to the ink drawings. Adjusting to the restrictions has been easy for me, as my normal behavior remains basically the same. I wish for the nearby art-business-school supply store to be open, as I could use more paper and specific watercolor and ink for the printer! The latter is needed most, but there are many other options to keep me busy. Adaptation allows us to gracefully dodge frustrations!
One friend wrote and said that he knew that my diet was healthy, but if possible to be even more healthy! I assured him that my diet is ultra rich in nutrients, leans to the alkaline side and also ‘anti viral’ – which I started months ago to try to boot the lingering dengue/chikungunya side effects out of my life!
Poza Honda Oranges / 2019
One man sells basic staples fresh from a farm in the nearby foothills from a modest corner location near the apartment. Large slightly-sour oranges: 15 for a dollar, and they always give me one extra! Eggs, 7 for a dollar, and they give me 8! Two-dollar papayas (the size of a watermelon) they sell for $1.50. I have a trump card – the knowledge of what I would be paying if still living at Poza Honda, so they know that I know they’re still making a nice profit. (They always give me more plantains than I ask for, but the extras – when ripe – are shared with the iguanas.)
The Guardian Ceibo
April 22 marks Earth Day’s 50th anniversary; check the main website and see what’s happening in your area. They also have a page for artists, and ‘The Guardian Ceibo’ is included in that collection.
https://www.earthday.org/artist-gallery/
Not only painters, but also writers and musicians are featured. There are some amazing projects – spend time perusing, then consider adding your sky photos to this project.
Rolling back around to the evil pandemic in progress, this ted.com update showcases person reports from people in 23 countries, including Ecuador. http://ideas.ted.com/scenes-from-a-global-pandemic-heres-what-life-is-like-in-23-countries-from-the-ted-fellows/
My internet checks present my greatest risk in dodging this virus. With a small window of time, I am online from a discreet corner table at friends’ restaurant where they are allowed to serve take-out. By two I have to be home/off the streets – not only for my own ‘compliance’ but also to not risk my friends getting in trouble for being open past two. Forgive my silence, although I am reading most posts which are in ‘complete’ for via the email option. The very-talented and sensitive blogger Thom of The Immortal Jukebox thankfully warned us that he planned to go into quiet mode. Thom, you are missed!
https://theimmortaljukebox.com/
Another blogger has been tossing out a few tunes each day with ‘Isolation Radio,’ and it’s my loss that I don’t have the opportunity to explore the varied selection of artists. Every so often there are tunes that I know well. If you’re wistful for a variety of tunes, he’s there – while his wife is one of those ‘still working’ heroes. https://diaryofaninternetnobody.com/
This was written off line, and now I am approaching the bewitching hour of 2 pm. Time to publish this and scram home! PS: (I also rebuilt the headboard to my bed – a two-day task – but with new material from Playamart, it is much better!)
Zeebra Designs & Destinations 
Life will never be boring for you, will it, irrespective of lockdown or curfews? I keep saying we are lucky here in Portugal, and wondering if that is in fact the case, or if we’re fooling ourselves. Statistics seem to have little meaning, and we’re looking at a return to the ‘new normal’ soon after 2nd May. How this will work is hard to say. I hope for your continuing safety, Lisa, and that our optimism is well founded. 🙂 🙂
Now, look at those pictures. What gorgeous creatures! It is amazing, by all the challenges and difficulties the situation creates, it holds so many wonders, rediscoveries, and healing.
Hi Lisa this is Jim. Pilar is in Quito, she went there on March 4 because her sister has cancer.Her sister Mariana died on Saturday April 11. Pilar was suppose to return May 4 but Ecuador is in a lockdown. Pilar is safe she has legal documents to deal with. I saw BBC video of Guayaquil, what a mess. Here in the USA we have to wear a mak if you have to go for food or exercise.I think I’m ok, I have a dry cough that comes and go’s . No fever but sometimes it’s hard to get a full breath. It’s hard to get a test for corona. Well be safe, you know Pilar’s email?
So glad to know that you are taking care of yourself!!! Hugs coming from Vancouver to Ecuador with all speed.
Hi Lisa
We are thinking of Ecuador since we lived there for two years. We feel for the people .We also remember Costa Rica. Good times. Let’s go to lunch at Pueblo Nuevo, feed the horses, and heckle Dean. Sadly, Dean passed away in November. You seem to be doing well in Ecuador and that pleases us. Your lovely painting hangs on our wall.
Que le vaya bien. Clyde and JUdy
Thanks for your report on how another side of this world is doing. It’s hard to know when news only comes out of the “hot spots”!
It’s so wonderful to hear from you! Life under COVID-19 seems more peaceful in your part of the country – I was so worried when I saw the horrifying news reports from Guayaquil. We have a nightly curfew in Jamaica (but not as early as yours) and our numbers on the island are rising rapidly over the past few days. They would seem small to many but we are a small place with even smaller resources to cope! I have been providing updates on my blog but am so weary and anxious so don’t write every day. Just good to know that you are well, as we are. We stay home 90% of the day and wear masks. Take care and stay safe!
Thanks for letting us know how you are. Stay safe, Z. Thoughts and prayers go with you.
I’m glad you are coping, Lisa, and making the best of things.
I’m curious-is there not enough natural food for the iguanas? Usually it’s recommended not to feed wildlife.
Thank you, and best wishes,
Tanja
Just a note, Tanja. Lisa posted about the iguanas previously. They’re actually being fed things that are good for them — fruit, plantain, and such — but they’re accustomed to getting scraps of those things from hotels and such. Now that those establishments are closed and the people are gone, the source of food is, too, so people have been taking up the slack by providing extra food for them.
Glad to hear you are safe, and so happy to hear the iguanas have a friend in Portoviejo.. we’ve hunkered down , John goes out once a week to pick up items at the tiendas, banking and meds. I’m high risk so I haven’t gone past our gate for over 5 weeks now. When he gets home it’s a 20 minute process to disinfect everything including himself.. You’re only 40 minutes away, but now it seems like the other side of the world.. stay well, love and hugs , Mary y John
Wonderful to hear from you, Lisa, and know that you are safe and doing well. We moved to Arizona about a week before the end of March, moving up the date from mid-April when we could see how things were going. Made it safely and obviously that gave me lots to do at home and my husband works from home, so that’s easy. We don’t have a curfew and I go out every other morning for a walk along the canal, only passing a few people and those at a distance. I wear a mask when grocery shopping and make sure that the car handles are disinfected, either by store employees or by me, then clean everything down when I get home. My s-i-l in France is under much more stringent rules, but they’ve been hit quite hard. Many places here are closed, although some restaurants are doing takeout. A few states are starting to ease restrictions. We’ll see how that works out. I think it could work if there are still restrictions on numbers of people, etc. but who knows? My parents, one of the main reasons we moved, are 91 and 90, so they stay home and we or my brother get their groceries and go over to help around the house.
Anyway, keep staying safe and checking in when you can.
janet
So good to hear from you Lisa, to hear you’re safe and well, and to learn about your day-to-day in this strange time. I love your art as usual – those passion flowers are exquisite. And those iguanas are so lucky to have you!
Stay well.
Alison
Thanks for letting us know that you are allright, Lisa. I am sure the iguanas are just as grateful.
As you have no doubt heard, folks in this country are not nearly as respectful of the steps that have been taken to slow the spread of the virus. I suspect we have not been scared enough — as you folks obviously have. Very good read!
Lisa, thanks for sharing your update. Best wishes to you and your friends and fellow citizens there. Keith
Thank you for feeding the iguanas 🙂 So glad to hear you’re holding up well in these crazy times. And the passion flower “studies” are sublime. Hang in there!
So good to hear from you Lisa and learn more about what is happening in your part of the world. It is so scary and it is hard to know when life will be easier. So far we are healthy here. Stay well and glad you have so much beauty where you are!
Good to read that you take your precautions and stay healthy and safe. It seems like Portoviejo is even more quite and locked down than where I am presently. It’s good to have some creative work you can pursue even in these times, isn’t it? Take care, Lisa.
Hello Lisa, thanks for providing this window into what it’s like where you are. The iguanas are fortunate still to have you looking out for them! Conditions of lockdown are much the same here in Scotland. The hardest thing for most of us is not being able to touch or hug our loved ones. We have taken ordinary human contact for granted, but cannot now that it’s a potential threat.
Let’s hope we humans across the globe learn something useful from this as we are forced to live in a way which, let’s face it, is great for our planet at the same time as being awful for us. Stay safe, keep up those wonderful artworks~!
I read an article about Guayaquil in The Guardian, and was interested to learn of the Spain/Ecuador connection. Once again, our global life (travel cruises, airline travel, and so on) has had its downside revealed.
I was glad to see your post, and to know you’re well. You certainly understand the value of prevention vs. cure! All is well in my world. Just now, I’m as surrounded by birds as you are, although my species aren’t quite as colorful. Since putting up my feeders, I’ve attracted cardinals, bluejays, three species of doves, chickadees, Carolina wrens, house finches, and both fox and eastern gray squirrels. The baby birds are arriving now — I’m sitting here watching a mother wren feed her brood in a duranta shrub not three feet away, on the other side of the window.
The durata has bloomed too, and just this morning I saw the first bees visiting. It’s a variation on another theme: if you plant it, they will come! Sending hugs and a wish for continued flourishing!
I was worried about you because I’d seen some articles about the virus in Ecuador. It’s good to hear that you’re okay and pursuing a semi-normal life as an artist.
There are much better safety regulations in Ecuador than in the US. Glad you are staying so busy and super glad you are feeling the iguanas too.
Good to hear from you Lisa, and to hear how your neighbors and the iguanas are adapting to what may be our new reality for a while. Funny how Ecuador’s President and her people seem so much more sane and forward thinking than those entities in the “Grate” United States. Stay safe!
Ahh, Lisa, it’s good to hear that plenty of things are in place where you are to keep people safe. of course, you do all the intelligent things yourself, but it’s good to know that adequate restrictions surround you. Those other viruses you struggled with are different – this one will keep its distance. That’s my hope and prediction. Take care!!
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It’s so good to hear from you about how you’re faring there in Ecuador. I read at one point, I guess it was in Guayaquil, that people were dropping dead on the streets. Yes, it’s hot and humid there, supposedly (though I’ve never been), so there goes that theory that the virus evaporates in the heat! I wonder how it is in Quito, where the elevation is higher and the temps are lower. I’m not sure where you are in relation to Cuenca or Quito. You have a very strict curfew there; I’m not surprised with the high numbers of cases you have compared to the population. We are supposed to stay locked in but can go out anytime for essentials. There is no time limit. Mostly we’re just staying home here. I love your iguana photos; do you find that since people are out less that the iguanas are coming out more fearlessly?