Embracing the Randomness...

The owl was very impressed.

Many of the things we see around here on a daily basis are odd, strange and very random.  We have learned to embrace and accept most everything.  I like to equate our new surroundings to Wonka's Chocolate Factory...it's crazy and doesn't necessarily make sense, but it works!  It is amusing and innocent and, yes, very brightly colored.  There is a palpable innocence and honesty to the locals.  They love life.  They love their families.  They are completely happy to just be happy.  I dare say that this is unconditional and pure and devoid of naivete.  From the smallest child to the most weathered and seasoned adult, the same innocence is in their eyes.  And their culture is a direct reflection on their honesty and innocence.  What I view as "random" from my perspective, is unintentional.  Everyday is rife with examples.  So, without further ado, here are a few of those great examples of randomness:

We were leaving the SuperMaxi (side point: It still boggles my mind why they chose to name a grocery store after a feminine hygiene product.) grocery store in Ibarra yesterday when we noticed a guy standing literally in front of on-coming traffic juggling three big machetes...and, sadly, he wasn't very good, possibly self-taught.

Families of three, four and even five riding on the same motorcycle or scooter...amazing and impressive.

There is something of a fascination, which we cannot figure out, with the local culture and stickers or decals.  This is the very definition of random when it comes to adorning cars, trucks, buses (especially buses!) and businesses with any sticker image ranging from western sunset scenes, Detroit Pistons or New York Yankees logos, clowns, rainbow Jesus, regular Jesus, Bart Simpson, Tweety and/or Pooh, Playboy logo, local soccer team logo, the names Teresa or Maria, over sized blonde in bikini...you get the drift.

Massive colorful statues, usually located in common areas or roundabouts, depicting local peoples doing various activities like working in a field, riding horses or breastfeeding.  The latter statue was disturbingly graphic.

Indigenous children wear some interesting accessories with their customary dress, such as: silver boxing gloves, spider man pajamas over the clothes, Disney princess backpack, etc.  A nun was walking through the main square texting on her phone.  I wonder who she was texting?  Street dog walking down the sidewalk carrying a baby doll in its mouth.  Small truck with 15-20 students piled in the back.  Local "handyman" fixing our gas stove armed with only his mouth and a long piece of wire...works great!


Anywhere we go, whether it be here in Cotacachi or in another town, locals and indigenous peoples take the time to acknowledge Eli and either touch his face in a gentle way or try to interact with him.  I believe they are genuinely intrigued and amused by him.

Everyday we walk into town, there is a little boy who always manages to find a dandelion to pick and give to his mother.  He tells her she is "the most beautiful mommy in the whole world" and I'm pretty sure he means it.  That's just the way Eli is most of the time...very random and very sincere.  I think this culture suits him well.