Mindo Ecuador – Garbed in raincoat and mud boots this past Saturday around dark, I trekked past Mindo’s Catholic Church on my way to the market. Through the whoosh-whoosh sound of my rain gear and the drizzle hitting the roofs and sidewalk, a stronger much-sweeter sound brought me to a halt.
Mindo’s Main Street
“Is that a violin?” I wondered, then followed the beckoning music until I stood in the doorway of the church. The church was empty aside for one lone figure standing to the side near the front row. In formal attire, perfect posture and with violin at his chin, he seemed like a mirage. Or was he a life-sized poster? No, that was a real person standing there, and his music was pure and sweet.
Captivated, I listened for a very short time, and decided that my presence was most likely an intrusion. I bowed slightly and backed away, all the time wondering who was this person and why was he in this empty church? I resumed my trek, bought my token items and returned for one more discreet glance before going home.
A second person was peering inside, and this younger woman and I exchanged mystified expressions. Who was this person, and why was he there? Continue reading
