November 23, 2007

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Though a holiday generally not observed here in Ecuador, Thanksgiving was nonetheless spent feasting on turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, green bean casserole, salad, and a whole lot of cake. Yes, it was an intercultural celebration that brought together U.S. college students studying in Ecuador through the Fundacion Cimas and their Ecuadorian host families and friends. Four large turkeys and an impressive spread of side dishes and desserts prepared by the students were shared among the 80 or so people in attendance. In true Ecuadorian fashion, long speeches, plenty of jokes, and an all-out dance party were also included in the day’s event. In all, it was an enjoyable Thanksgiving, and though I certainly missed my family and friends I was grateful to be able to share that day with so many wonderful people.

Unfortunately, the day was also marked by tragedy. On the way back from the celebration, Luis, Jose, Nicky and I drove past what appeared to be an accident site. Judging by the crowd of onlookers gathered just in front of the police car, Luis guessed that someone must have been hit by a car. A pair of mangled legs visible just beyond the police vehicle confirmed his suspicion. As we passed, we saw an elderly gentleman wearing a brown suit lying on the ground. Despite the large crowd and policing standing near by, no one seemed to be attending the poor man, so Luis, Jose (both medical doctors), and Nicky (an RN) pulled over and rushed over to see what they could do. By this time darkness had already settled and the evening had turned foggy and rainy. According to the police, an ambulance had been contacted and was on the way. It was at least ten minutes before the ambulance actually did arrive, however, and by that time, the man had been lying in the rain with no assistance for about a half an hour according to witnesses. The most Luis, Jose, and Nicky could do was comfort the man and clear his airway.

Considering the extent of his injuries and the slow medical response time, chances are that the gentleman did not survive the night. This I can’t confirm, but aside from his injuries, a few other factors seemed to work against him. Specifically his age and lack of identification or other documentation (which meant he probably didn’t have health insurance and a family to speak of) most likely secured him a minimum level of care. I don’t mean to speak ill of the quality of the health services here in Ecuador, but it’s a part of the reality here (and this reality voiced by Luis himself). Chances are they took him to the hospital to die. I wasn’t joking when I said pedestrians don’t have the right of way.

In other news, the public announcement of another kind of passing was made by president Correa with regards to the U.S. military base in Manta, Ecuador. Even before taking office, Correa had hinted at the fact that he would not renew the U.S. military contract for the airbase in Manta (which expires soon), unless, of course, the U.S. was willing to let Ecuador have a military base in the United States (say in Miami, for instance). So, the news shouldn’t have come as such a surprise except for the fact that Correa made an agreement with China, essentially opening the airport for international trade and travel to and from East Asia. Obviously the politics behind this move are complex and, to put it mildly, bold. According to Lenin Moreno, the vice president, the airport is to be used exclusively for commerce and travel and that the decision to terminate the contract with the U.S. and negotiate with China does not signal a change in Ecuador’s relationship, economically and politically, with Washington. We’ll see how the U.S. responds.

So, this Thanksgiving turned out to be quite memorable. In some ways the tragedy witnessed and the day’s activity on the national and international political/economic level helped put the day into perspective. Such events remind me of the fragility of life, of the suffering of others, the role of greater social, political, and economic forces and struggles in our daily lives, and of all that we should be grateful for in this life. To my family and many friends who have supported me over the years, my many thanks.

Un Abrazo,
Pacho