Today I ventured into town to further my understanding of the true lifestyle of the not-so-healthy Vilcabambans. Most people live in small houses connected in rows without lawns. The youth dresses similarly to that of Quito except for the ex-pats who dress themselves in mostly dreadlocks, subtle facials piercings, and baggie pants.
At the transportation center I interviewed a 96-year-old man. He spoke of the acreage he owns in the
campo close to Quinara. He explained that he grows several vegetables, tree varieties, and livestock without use of pesticides or fertilizers. He refuses to use products he cannot propagate himself (including seeds) other than the fencing he uses to contain his animals and household items.
The Quinaran man has seen a large influx of friendly Europeans during the last decade into Vilcabamba. He said the biggest struggle in his life was during a war in the region (when guns were still legal to own by the general public). He was forced to carry his weapon in the fields to protect his family and produce. Also, at this time he said that self-sustainability was key to living comfortably. The man's story made me believe that the current economical situation in Ecuador, big businesses supplying a large amount of food to the people, may have changed the lifestyle of used-to-be farming families.
Small families and young social groups joined at the main plaza during the late afternoon. I observed their food choices:
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| People waiting for a Salchipapa (hotdog and french fries) stand to open |
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| Salchipapa with mayonnaise and Ketchup |
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| Ice cream |
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| Kabobs made of chicken, beef, hotdogs, and potatoes |
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| Fried chicken and french fries kept warm by a heat bulb |
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