Anything could have appeared in the news at any time in Cotacachi. A bank robbery (I doubt that), the cops were alerted; there was a fire and the fire department was called out; the new Post Office that opened recently, or when someone has passed away. Their “death notices” are impressive. A picture is published of the deceased in the newspaper,with a short resume of the person’s life. This is the sole news outlet here in Cotacachi – barring of course the verbal variety.
It’s all in the news. Everything that happens here in Cotacachi, becomes news, whether it is in the newspaper, or if something is detected or heard – news spreads here. I live a short distance from town – out in the country, but everyone knows about the “Casa Amarija”, and how the Cuban Doctors rented it out for 5 years. Everyone knows the past history of the owner of this property. It’s a tiny town, but news is a big thing here. It spreads like wildfire. You realize that when a complete stranger walks up to you and says, “You are the one who……………………………” Do you own up? If you divulge further details, you are back in the news. My scapegoat – I have very little knowledge of Spanish – I love it – I love to keep ‘em guessing!
Advertising is a big thing here in Cotacachi. The most preferred way of announcing something newsworthy, is to hire a P.A. system for $15 an hour. Connect it to your vehicle the night before. That is important, because by 5:30 am you start blasting away while driving up and down every street in Cotacachi. Sunday is the best day. Everyone is fast asleep and they are woken to this most important news item. People’s ears open immediately. They are semi-paralyzed from sleep, so they just tune in to what you are announcing. Everyone hears the news. No problem if you are illiterate, or if you do not have a TV. No bother with billboards, or littering from fliers. It’s just “lend me your ears” – or is it forcing it into my ears – noise pollution?
Okay, tuck the newspaper under you arm. We have a few more services to visit.
Now let us get this straight! You are wearing a peaked cap. Lift your cap and turn the peak to the back. If you fail to do this, the security guard will very soon keep you in check. You may look a bit suspicious and in this way the guard could watch your every move. After all, look at you, you look different – just like a gringo!
Here is my tip for today. Be very patient. This is big business, dealing with money. On one particular day, the Bank was full of people. I counted 20 people who crashed into the queue in front of me. Eventually someone from the back roared, but I think they were hard of hearing. You get excited when you are close to the front, but then you see that the row beside you is growing longer and longer. They arrive – the elderly and mothers and fathers holding babies. They get preference. I searched for a baby that matched my skin color and found none. Gringos here are quite ancient, and besides I qualified to stand in that fast queue, but was too embarrassed to admit that I was over 60 years of age. It probably would hit headlines in the news.
This was a huge event. A Post Office opened recently in Cotacachi. It is strategically situated. You can take one of two streets – the one about 3 kilometers away and the other a little shorter. I take the long one. What a pleasure having a Post Office so far away! What motivation to go to the Post Office! You need the exercise and the experience, so come along, you bunch, we are off for a quick trot so that you can post all your news to those who ride around in smart cars – around the corner to their Post Office.
On the way there, you find the usual traffic – cows crossing the road.
Ecuador is the country of the sun. The Post Office is situated in this square, with beautiful views of the countryside and the Imbabura Volcano in the background.
Unfortunately we will have to retrace our steps along the long route back to town. I want to show you our Cuerpo de Bomberos – the Fire Department. I’m not sure if their sirens work. I haven’t heard them in almost two years. Our fire prevention program here seems to be working very well. I know that you are spellbound at the sight of our fire vehicle, but we must move on.
Hey, check this out. They loved it when I took their pic . . . they adored it! Are your cops this pleasant? Maybe not, seeing you have much more crime than we have here. The policia are always around. I am not sure how much of the theory that they have learned comes into practice here. We, at Cotacachi, know how to behave ourselves. I walk alone in the countryside late at night at times. At first I was terrified, especially coming from South Africa. What a novelty to walk in the dark, through the mist in absolutely safety! Just look at all the security walls, fences, gates . . .that you have! You must be petrified. You poor things!
We have now arrived at the “dead end” of Cotacachi. If you want a view of the dedication, respect and love that these dear Ecuadoreans have for the their deceased family members and friends, I suggest you refer to my post on the “Day of the Dead”.
Wow, how could I miss it! Some of you are moving from one leg to the other, some crossing your legs, others checking out for a tree. Have you got 15 cents? You’ll be there in 5 minutes – in full view of the public – but they all do it. And there is a lady facing the men’s side. Not to worry she is busy with handwork. Tomorrow I will take you for the ride of your life. Rest – and we’ll go for some rides.
Thought for your Tour:
Just imagine the headlines in the newspaper in Cotacachi, and the P.A system blaring: “Jesus is coming to Cotacachi!” What kind of a reception would He get here, and in your home town? Would it be anything like this? Would you take off your coat and lay it before Him, waving your palm branch of praise as He passed by? “They brought the donkey and the colt, laid their clothes on them. And a very great multitude spread their clothes on the road; others cut down branches from trees, and spread them on the road. Then multitudes cried out, . . . . Hosanna in the highest!” (Matthew 21:7-9)
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