A Trip to Ecuador -- Visiting Bill and the Ground Crew

[Jeffrey]

Where's Bill Ryan? (http://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?58636-Where-s-Bill-Ryan&p=667029&viewfull=1#post667029) Found him! :)

Somehow, someway, and against all odds (or so it seemed) -- I finally made my way to Ecuador to visit Bill and the Ground Crew. Tucked away securely in the beautiful belt-line of Mother Earth, I arrived on the first of January. A new adventure to start off a new year!


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For a long time I put it off and pushed the decision further out. Things kept coming up in my life -- between friends, family, and finances I just couldn't find the time. In addition, I had never been out of the states alone and I had precious preconceived notions to preserve!

Visiting Ecuador was a prospect that had been fizzing in the back up my mind ever since I shook up the idea. I couldn't take the pressure any longer -- I had to open up, I had to release any anxiety about it, I had to step out, I had to go.

A dear (very close) friend of mine (:o) helped me to make this decision. It was the kind of help a friend would have given you when you were a little kid teetering on the edge of the high dive at the public pool -- a little nudge! Cannon ball!


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Bill and company have welcomed me with open arms. The hospitality here is incredible, and so are the vistas. Away from the smog of propaganda, away from the blanket of synthetic transmissions, away from the sticky artifice back home. Although, I do miss my family, so it's a good thing there's an internet connection here!

The hacienda is nestled in the bosom of the Andes mountains and is only a short, scenic drive away from a quaint, semi-modern city. It's the rainy season here now, but the weather is great (nice and sunny) for the first half of the day. Actually, there's a mystique atmosphere created when the clouds pass through the valleys and this is offered during the second half of the day. Bill and I are on the prowl for Brocken Specters. I like it.


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We've been on scenic hikes, marinated in mineral rich hot-springs, shared some wonderful meals together, and ventured through different dreamscapes during the stimulating conversations that tend to spontaneously emerge.


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I've met a lot of great people down here and I'm grateful for that. We've all enjoyed each other's company. There's a heaviness that lifts off of you when you step out of the ordinary, it's a breath of fresh air!


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I have to say, it's very inspiring to experience a group of people that are living intentionally. There are genuine people here that have decided to live in their own sovereign space and off the grid (as have others around the world). When I return to the states, I will do so with a newfound confidence.

The problems that I had initially perceived regarding actually getting out here -- they were being magnified by the very forces that would have me bound. The process of getting here has been freeing in and of itself. The rest of the experience has simply been rewarding.

This thread will be a dropbox for photos, stories, information about the country, and things of that nature. Also, any questions Avalonians may have regarding traveling to Ecuador are encouraged.

I only have a few weeks left of this adventure, so I will leave the torch here for somebody else to pick up and relate their experience after I depart (or if you've travelled to this country before, please feel free to share). I will be back!

Peace,

Vivek

[Dennis Leahy]

Thank you for sharing this, Jeffrey. I have a huge vicarious grin. :~)

Dennis

[Kimberley]

Good on you dear brother! Continue having loads of FUN! And give Bill a hug from me and ask him to please answer the question I have been asking him via a PM... Thanks! :hug:

[Mandala]

Jeffery, thanks for sharing. It truly seems like an awesome and inspiring adventure. I'm sure your conversations with Bill have been enriching. Continue to have a great time, and do share your travels with all of us spread all over this glorious planet.

¤=[Post Update]=¤

Looking forward to some inspiring photographs.

[christian]

Thanks, Jeff! :)

For a smart person traveling is the best education. — Goethe

I don't know if it's the best, but it's certainly good. You only get a real feel about the atmosphere and all the rest, like how things can be done in a different way than what you're used to, if you really go somewhere. This is, going somewhere else physically, but also in your mind, being open to just experience and seeing things in a different way.

The most memorable thing about my trip to Ecuador last summer was that the vast majority of expats I met was in some way aware of what's going on in their home country. Most were Americans and told me that they know their country is becoming a police state, many also told me they had something like an intuitive calling, this was whether I met them at the beach, in the Andes, or somewhere in between.

I'm very glad that these people are there in Ecuador, like Bill and the Ecuadorian Ground Crew, because they are pioneers conducting an experiment of how we can live together and develop ourselves in a more resourceful way, which is not only of value right there but it also adds to the collective human experience. I found great inspiration in being part of this particular experiment in Ecuador, even if only briefly.

As of now, my calling is to get back into the other fray though, I do think Western countries and the people there need far more hands-on support than Ecuador, where it's really lush and where government policies don't seem to affect the simple man too much with rules and regulations. I hope I can return to Ecuador every now and then though, because it really is a wonderful life there, enjoying fresh, organic food and the company of some of the most wonderful people you could come across. I don't remember if I ever saw a chemtrail there...

[Sérénité]

Sounds like a paradise heaven on earth...how everywhere should be!
Hey, you even met some star people :P

[lysander]

Excellent post Jeffrey, I'm planning the same trip :)

[Bill Ryan]

I don't remember if I ever saw a chemtrail there...

Right. No chemtrails here.

http://projectavalon.net/No_chemtrails.jpg

There are many more pictures in the Where's Bill Ryan? (http://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?58636-Where-s-Bill-Ryan) thread. Do look! I might cross-post a few of them.

Some more photos of the Ecuador Ground Crew: :)

(The first one is Jeff and Christine...)

http://projectavalon.net/Jeff_and_Christine.jpg

http://projectavalon.net/Mara_and_Pandora.jpg

http://projectavalon.net/Mara_and_flower.jpg

http://projectavalon.net/Cast_of_Characters.jpg

It's been a joy and a delight having Jeff with us. He's smart, funny, attentive, creative, has a brilliant mind, and is always more than willing to help out with the chickens and all the chores. We're conspiring to make sure he misses his flight back home in a couple of weeks' time.

:)

[GoodETxSG]

Your very lucky Jeff,
I am happy you took the first step in your adventure. We have the exact same plans as soon as circumstances permit. I have to admit I am a bit jealous ;)

[Bill Ryan]

We have the exact same plans as soon as circumstances permit. I have to admit I am a bit jealous ;)

Come on down!


Gasoline is $1.48 a gallon, diesel $1.04.
Fresh raw milk and yogurt every day.
A year-round growing season: as much fresh pineapple, mango, papaya, avocado and sweet potatoes as you can eat.
No mosquitoes, no chemtrails, and no smart meters.
High-speed internet, Apple technicians not hidebound by Apple Rules, and a very friendly dog whose only need in life is to have her tummy tickled and to go on long walks in the forest as often as possible.


:)

[learninglight]

Well done Jeffery for going with your hearts desire, it looks amazing :)
Thank you for this thread, i was feeling very low today but this has put a very big smile on my face; and to you too Bill for contributing the pics and for all you do :)

sharon

[Knowrainknowrainbows!]

Congratulations on making the journey!
I am feeling envious so maybe your (and others') sharing will transform the envy into motivation so I will make this trip one day ...

Best to All,
KRKR

[Becky]

We have the exact same plans as soon as circumstances permit. I have to admit I am a bit jealous ;)

Come on down!


Gasoline is $1.48 a gallon, diesel $1.04.
Fresh raw milk and yogurt every day.
A year-round growing season: as much fresh pineapple, mango, papaya, avocado and sweet potatoes as you can eat.
No mosquitoes, no chemtrails, and no smart meters.
High-speed internet, Apple technicians not hidebound by Apple Rules, and a very friendly dog whose only need in life is to have her tummy tickled and to go on long walks in the forest as often as possible.


:)


Sounds wonderful :-) x

[Jeffrey]

The Parque Nationale: Part One

Within week one, four of us set out to visit Parque Nacional Cajas for a day hike. We were fortunate to catch some good weather that day -- the forecast can be completely unpredictable up there.


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The above is a panorama that Bill was kind enough to take during the last leg of the hike. Getting used to the altitude takes some time and Bill is a seasoned mountaineer. I'm grateful that he stayed behind with me during that final stretch because I was beginning to slow down a bit.

He patiently idled his engine while my body was busy adjusting the fuel to air ratio required to function above 13,000 feet. Like I said, getting acclimated takes some time. :)

Before setting out we all had to sign in and let the staff at the park know our plans in case they had to come looking for us. This shouldn't be taken for granted either! We selected which trail we wanted to tackle and stepped into the fantastical, picturesque landscape that is Cajas.

After gradually winding around and up a mountainside we came face to face with what we dubbed the Enchanted Forest. A place that seemed to have been crafted from the imaginative depths of nature, inspired by the magic of a memory long forgotten.


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The woods there emit an enchanted aura that impress a sense of curiosity and wonder upon those who wander in.


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Almost immediately my mind began peppering the area with mythical creatures and mystical plots dancing amidst the twisted, pinkish-red trees of the cloud forest. Who knows, maybe the forest was sharing something we me then.

After exploring for a little bit, we realized that we took a wrong turn somewhere along the path. It was then that I was glad that we informed the staff about the details of our trek.

As we moved forward it became more and more obvious that there was no longer a path to follow. Trusting the synergistic intelligence of the group, we navigated by consensus. Shortly after we emerged from the other side of the forest, but we still had to search for a worn trail -- which we found of course!

It should be noted that nobody really doubted that we would find our way; we were calm, confident, and enjoying every moment. Below is the photograph taken of the view looking back.


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Later we found out that the forest we were in is known as the Quinoa Forest, populated with Quinoa trees, and it's the highest forest in the world! Yeah, take that Quinoa Forest! Local legends paint that land with evil elves that haunt the forest alongside the ghosts of long lost hikers. We throw snowballs at the bogeymen!

I'd be happy to go back anytime. It truly is a beautiful, rich space and I had a great experience there.

Continued in Part Two ...

[Adi]

Seem like such a wonderful place, its a world away from the dusty, mirky, loud conversing city streets that I live alongside. Maybe one day I could go to a place like Vilacabamba Equador, were you are surrounded by great people and great natural tranquility. Thanks for these photos Bill, I love looking at them when I arrive home from a hectic busy day, in what seems like a heavily controlled city life style.

Peace

Adi

[Jeffrey]

... The Parque Nationale: Part Two


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In the image above you can see how far we journeyed from the forest, it was quite a trip.

The path we ended up taking after getting out of the woods was different than the one we originally set out on. We met other hikers along the way and encountered a myriad of striking scenes that gave our cameras a good exercise.

It did start to drizzle intermittently half way through the hike -- I liked it though. :)

Here are a few more photographs.

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I would recommend visiting the park to anyone who finds themselves in Ecuador. There are a multitude of trails, I think you can even camp there too. An adventure for sure.

There are more photos and I'll be putting together an album soon (accessible on my profile page). All of the images can be right-clicked and opened in a new tab for an enlarged view.

Thanks! :biggrin:

[sheme]

Really appreciate a magical view into the dream thank you. You are safe and protected, how wonderful this feeling is.

[CD7]

Awesome!!! Seems like a great trip...im jealous too! Would love to visit there :)

[childs hood end]

Place looks magical...
do you`s get much sightings ?
is there any natural predators roaming them hills ?

wouldn't mind getting lost up der...

peace.

[chocolate]

So, now I know the name also- Ariel.
Before today and that picture, it was a furry small-y thing-y holding on to me (in that otherworldly dream I had some few nights back).
Lucky fellas. I mean... the animals ;)

[Sidney]

Wow, it seems there really is Heaven on Earth. I will make that trip before I die. :) Thank you so much for sharing Jeffrey . And another WOW for no chemtrails. I am sort of surprised that more people are not flocking there for that reason.

[Bill Ryan]

-------

Not every day has been a sightseeing vacation. Here's Jeff working with a friend of ours who's an experienced therapist and counsellor. Jeff volunteered to be a guinea pig to help him practice a new technique he was learning. In less than 20 minutes, Jeff vanished a heavy allergy that'd been affecting his sinuses.

:)

http://projectavalon.net/Jeff_collage.jpg

[Gardener]

Jeff :) You have soooooo earned that wonderful experience. Thanks for bringing it to us and sharing.

[Billy]

Thank you for sharing Jeff. It looks like heaven on earth.

My next mission is to return to India, But my dream is to buy a round the world trip and continue travelling after India. If this be, I will be popping in to Ecuador for a cuppa and a chat with the team. :plane::cantina::tea:

[chocolate]

Some call it Heaven on Earth, some-... I am sure up the hills I can even find some flying dragons.
I need no encouragement, only restraints at this point. I even made a research about the weather and what kind of clothes I should prepare.

< I guess it will be considered a bad taste if one would "think" about acquiring a more permanent place to stay there.?.>

I very much appreciate the effort to create the thread and post all the beautiful pictures (conspirators).

Thank you for sharing!
:luv:

[Jeffrey]

So, now I know the name also- Ariel.
Before today and that picture, it was a furry small-y thing-y holding on to me (in that otherworldly dream I had some few nights back).
Lucky fellas. I mean... the animals ;)

Ariel and Serena are best friends. They've made a game of chasing each other around on the roof before the rooster crows in the morning. It sounds like a stampede of little horses coming from the ceiling.

I'm not sure if they've figured out the climbing trunks that they dig their sharp claws into are actually attached to bodies (i.e. people's arms and legs). They're supposed to be innocent by nature but I have my suspicions. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt though because they are good cats. :)

Below is a picture of Ariel getting her stomach scratched while attempting to look cute.

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[Hazel]

It all sounds so idyllic..

Look out Bill... Avalonians and the like may create a deep furrowed path to your door and want to grow your intentional haven into an intentional village... :eek:

I'm dusting off my ruck sack and hiking boots as I type this :nerd::yes4:

[chocolate]

Jeffrey, I had a dream some several nights back, about which I wrote, I think, on the Here and Now thread. A small kitten looking suspiciously like Ariel was stuck to me and either I was helping her, or she was helping me, I am not sure right now, it was long ago when it comes to dreams. But it was the most lovable thing at the time (that is the impression I got from the dream and the animal) and somehow reminded me of my previous cat (which was far from being cute and lovable since it was a male and with quite the temperament). That is what my comment meant. But all the animals (with Jeffrey) look very adorable. Mara sounds just about right for where I live :) .
You know, I talk to animals, send them pictures and they send me pictures back. We have sometimes quite the conversation.

I hope Bill will not misunderstand me, I will not invade the area where he lives. But I certainly wish I could. When I go out here, at the moment it is snowy, the wind is strong, and the temperature is 10 degrees below the 0.

[Nenuphar]

Thank you for creating this thread, and congratulations on taking the step that many of us are still wishing about! Really enjoy reading everyone's contributions. Please keep us posted!

[Bill Ryan]

http://projectavalon.net/Jeffs_Biggest_Secret.gif

http://projectavalon.net/Hobbit_in_the_kitchen.jpg

[Christine]

This thread is so heart filled and inspiring .. thank you Jeffrey, your visit has been magic. Getting to know Vivek has been a sparkling highlight of this year, heck this century! We have turned over some big cosmic stones, traversed the high lands and back again. Being able to share in person is something I wish for everyone of us on Avalon.

So time to take off my hat... yes, it is me, the woman with the floppy hat, and show my face. Big scary moment!

I have enjoyed the company of Bill and others here on the ground in Ecuador and all I can add is that Jeffrey has captured the enchantment of living to ones fullest ability each and every day. Of course this brings many challenges with it - but each victory is a victory for us all.

And always after any hard battle when the sun comes out with it comes a new horizon not previously seen. We are the ground crew guiding this Mothership.. oh boy, I am getting teary eyed thinking of the enormity of the love and wisdom in this place for the heart... Avalon.

With the blessings of Satkirn, who created this video, allow me to present (little drum roll) "The Ascent of El Sombrero - but it's really Candy Mountain!"


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nm9TNGhgWcg

[christian]

Both on the tiles and on the rocks,
there is no need for smelly socks.

As Jeff and I superbly show,
barefoot is the way to go.

:)

[Limor Wolf]

Some great energies here, which I am sure is creeping to some darker corners of the world.

Bless you many times Jeff, Christine and Bill and then more

P.s

Can't wait for Jeff's counter response.. these legs are actually cute

[Jake]

I must echo what Cory said,, I am a bit jealous... Though, I am grinning from ear to ear. What a beautiful place, magical. You'd better leave the light on, Bill!! :) I am quite inspired by Jeffrey... And I am quite inspired by these pictures!! Wow!! Bill,, I'll bring mee guitar,, we can play... (I know that you play...) :)

Jake.

P.s. Jeffrey,,, you are awesome, brother. Very cool,, I am jealous... :)

[Jean-Luc]

This thread is so heart filled and inspiring .. thank you Jeffrey, your visit has been magic. Getting to know Vivek has been a sparkling highlight of this year, heck this century! We have turned over some big cosmic stones, traversed the high lands and back again. Being able to share in person is something I wish for everyone of us on Avalon.

So time to take off my hat... yes, it is me, the woman with the floppy hat, and show my face. Big scary moment!

I have enjoyed the company of Bill and others here on the ground in Ecuador and all I can add is that Jeffrey has captured the enchantment of living to ones fullest ability each and every day. Of course this brings many challenges with it - but each victory is a victory for us all.

And always after any hard battle when the sun comes out with it comes a new horizon not previously seen. We are the ground crew guiding this Mothership.. oh boy, I am getting teary eyed thinking of the enormity of the love and wisdom in this place for the heart... Avalon.

With the blessings of Satkirn, who created this video, allow me to present (little drum roll) "The Ascent of El Sombrero - but it's really Candy Mountain!"


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nm9TNGhgWcg

Wonderful, Christine.
Great to see you live, hat off or not.
And of course we love Bill's alternative hat.

[Bill Ryan]

It all sounds so idyllic..

Look out Bill... Avalonians and the like may create a deep furrowed path to your door...




Like this? :)

http://projectavalon.net/deep_furrowed_path_1.jpg

http://projectavalon.net/deep_furrowed_path_2.jpg

[Becky]

Your trip looks wonderful, not least of all because it looks warm and sunny - here in the UK it has been so so wet. Thanks for the PM and invite - I wish i could join you guys i really do - sadly kids and work are a bit of a tie at the moment. But you have fun and report back :-)
Becky x

[chocolate]

Christine, the video you have posted is so wonderful, with the animation and the real life event capturing. Thank you! And the ditches are also quite remarkable. I got a bit of a nostalgia going on, because those mountains remind me of my mountains where the grand parents used to live.

As a side note, it is good to see a woman being always a woman, even squeezed in between rocks :) .

I am so coming to visit! It is only a matter of timing.

This thread really reawakened the innocence in me.

[jp11]

Since I don't see myself coming that way anytime soon...as I sit in my room in my comfy, warm abode, I feel as though I've been apart of this adventure. I love the words, pictures and videos.

Wonderful gift to me and others. Thanks for the time and energy you've given.

:) jp

[Heather2017]

Jeffrey, Christine, Bill, Alejandra and Christian, you have a special place in my heart. Thanks so much for this thread and for being who you are and doing what you do. :biggrin:

Alejandra, it's wonderful to see your smiling face again. I loved the video. :cool:

Lots of love,
Heather

[Spirithorse]

Thank you Jeffrey, for this thread and Bill and Christine for sharing all these lovely pictures and stories with us. I too, envy those of you being able to live permanently in Ecuador.

I've been playing with the idea to come for a visit for quite some time. I'm actually at a point in life where I'm planning to completely change my way of living. I've been trying (for a long time) to find a self-sufficient, off-grid community that I could join here in England, but so far I haven't found the right place yet.

Makes me think sometimes, maybe I'm not supposed to stay in this country....?
Also, in the communities I visited so far, people live very alternatively, almost Hippie-like (not really my thing) and some do in a way people would have done centuries ago.

That's fine basically, but I really would like to join like-minded, spiritually aware people who actively want to work on making the world a better place. Not just sitting in the woods, feeding chickens and digging in the mud. Don't get me wrong here, I actually love doing all of these things, but I don't feel I want to make them my sole life's purpose, if you know what I mean.

My question to you guys is: Is there such a community or group of people in Ecuador, where a mature (and honed by life :-) person like myself, hardworking, with high ethics and a number of skills (but limited funds) would be able to join and actually be of some use?

I have to admit, I'm not a travel person, I never was, and the idea of embarking on such a journey scares me to no end, to be honest.

[chocolate]

Thank you Jeffrey, for this thread and Bill and Christine for sharing all these lovely pictures and stories with us. I too, envy those of you being able to live permanently in Ecuador.

I've been playing with the idea to come for a visit for quite some time. I'm actually at a point in life where I'm planning to completely change my way of living. I've been trying (for a long time) to find a self-sufficient, off-grid community that I could join here in England, but so far I haven't found the right place yet.

Makes me think sometimes, maybe I'm not supposed to stay in this country....?
Also, in the communities I visited so far, people live very alternatively, almost Hippie-like (not really my thing) and some do in a way people would have done centuries ago.

That's fine basically, but I really would like to join like-minded, spiritually aware people who actively want to work on making the world a better place. Not just sitting in the woods, feeding chickens and digging in the mud. Don't get me wrong here, I actually love doing all of these things, but I don't feel I want to make them my sole life's purpose, if you know what I mean.

My question to you guys is: Is there such a community or group of people in Ecuador, where a mature (and honed by life :-) person like myself, hardworking, with high ethics and a number of skills (but limited funds) would be able to join and actually be of some use?

I have to admit, I'm not a travel person, I never was, and the idea of embarking on such a journey scares me to no end, to be honest.

Okay, fellow friend. Than we can join forces into taking the step to visit Bill. I will start from Bulgaria, and we can than continue forward. I mean it.
Just I am not quite sure when will be good to happen (for me personally), since I have a few loose ends to tide up, temporarily at least.
But here I mean to just visit. If you decide to stay if chance permits it, it will be up to you.
Honestly, I think you can figure it out just where you are, no need to go to the other end of the world.
For myself I know I am looking for place where I will have the least amount of people, and the biggest amount of like-minded people. I do well on my own, around nature and animals, but not so well in a more social environment. :)

^ - ^

[naste.de.lumina]

Hey friend.

Seems to me an incredible journey. Thanks.

Have you noticed that some trees in this enchanted forest seem to have faces?

Enlarge Photo.
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[Deneon]

I just want to say: I don't really know any of you, but this whole thread puts a smile on my face. Thank you for that :)

It also really, really makes me want to go to Ecuador!

[Hazel]

Wonderful to view the video and the joy in those faces... that now feel so familiar / bringing me closer to what it is to be part of this unity of consciousness we harness and expand with, here at project Avalon.

I did see a deeply furrowed path in my minds eye.. just might be that many of us visit you there astrally... who can tell. But not out of the realms of possibility! :cool:

Thank you Christine for bringing it to us with such heart...

[Elly]

What a beautiful group of souls. Bless you all.

Mara has captured my hearth. Such a lively cutie. <3

Jeffrey, Bill, Christine and Christian, thanks for sharing your experiences in Ecuador.

[scanner]

A real AVALON , thanks for sharing your experience Jeff . My life is so tied into the Matrix I will never see it with my own eyes . Keep the photo's coming folks, I envy you all , I know I shouldn't . All I can hope for is some stealth camping in Cumbria , that will have to do . But it's better than nothing ;)

[Spirithorse]

Thank you Jeffrey, for this thread and Bill and Christine for sharing all these lovely pictures and stories with us. I too, envy those of you being able to live permanently in Ecuador.

I've been playing with the idea to come for a visit for quite some time. I'm actually at a point in life where I'm planning to completely change my way of living. I've been trying (for a long time) to find a self-sufficient, off-grid community that I could join here in England, but so far I haven't found the right place yet.

Makes me think sometimes, maybe I'm not supposed to stay in this country....?
Also, in the communities I visited so far, people live very alternatively, almost Hippie-like (not really my thing) and some do in a way people would have done centuries ago.

That's fine basically, but I really would like to join like-minded, spiritually aware people who actively want to work on making the world a better place. Not just sitting in the woods, feeding chickens and digging in the mud. Don't get me wrong here, I actually love doing all of these things, but I don't feel I want to make them my sole life's purpose, if you know what I mean.

My question to you guys is: Is there such a community or group of people in Ecuador, where a mature (and honed by life :-) person like myself, hardworking, with high ethics and a number of skills (but limited funds) would be able to join and actually be of some use?

I have to admit, I'm not a travel person, I never was, and the idea of embarking on such a journey scares me to no end, to be honest.

Okay, fellow friend. Than we can join forces into taking the step to visit Bill. I will start from Bulgaria, and we can than continue forward. I mean it.
Just I am not quite sure when will be good to happen (for me personally), since I have a few loose ends to tide up, temporarily at least.
But here I mean to just visit. If you decide to stay if chance permits it, it will be up to you.
Honestly, I think you can figure it out just where you are, no need to go to the other end of the world.
For myself I know I am looking for place where I will have the least amount of people, and the biggest amount of like-minded people. I do well on my own, around nature and animals, but not so well in a more social environment. :)

^ - ^

Hi chocolate,

When I was writing the initial post I was actually hoping for exactly that - that I would find somebody who also wants to go (visit) and we could do it together.... makes it much less scary for me.
I'll pm you and we can take it from there.
Thank you :-)

[Tesla_WTC_Solution]

God that looks pretty.
since a little kid was always obsessed with rainforest (big scary lol).

Wanted to say, thanks for the pictures, my old boss in the mil said in those South American countries,
there are fruits that can't even survive the plane ride to USA, you have to eat them there while they are fresh;
he wanted me to know about the beauty down there and I wanted you guys to know that!

also I think it's amazing that Ecuador tried to help Julian Assange.
they sure provide a lot of nice fruit to the USA.

[sandy]

WOW!!

The only thing that could give one a greater feeling of joy while viewing this thread is an actual visit !! What I love the most is the authenticity and genuine connections amongst everyone. The energy is vibrant and full of LOVE........Thank you Everyone :)

[Mike Gorman]

Like everyone else, I think this looks very special indeed, congratulations for locating a blessed haven: with high speed internet too!
Middle Earth literally (Ecuador)...thanks for the pictures!

[Jeffrey]

God that looks pretty.
since a little kid was always obsessed with rainforest (big scary lol).

Wanted to say, thanks for the pictures, my old boss in the mil said in those South American countries,
there are fruits that can't even survive the plane ride to USA, you have to eat them there while they are fresh;
he wanted me to know about the beauty down there and I wanted you guys to know that!

also I think it's amazing that Ecuador tried to help Julian Assange.
they sure provide a lot of nice fruit to the USA.

Speaking of fresh fruits :)

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There are shops like this all around. They serve freshly squeezed juices and all sorts of fruits. They've got fresh eggs (some of them look like Easter eggs; light, faded blues and greens), and you can buy raw milk that comes in a bag. Very cool!

That's "Manny" in the picture. We met him yesterday. He lives in Ecuador but he spent over ten years in NYC. It turns out that he's explored more of the US than I have!

The feedback on this thread has been wonderful -- thanks y'all.

-----------


[...] Can't wait for Jeff's counter response..

As for Bill exposing my hobbit feet ...

All I can say is that there's a little LOTR in us all.

24795

:)

[christian]

...the company of some of the most wonderful people you could come across...

One of whom is our David Allany! Eventually, I've come around and uploaded the video I recorded when we met in Ecuador last summer. Felt it would fit well into this thread. :)

s9m85ZRt-OU
If you wanna comment or have questions, I also just started a separate thread for that here (http://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?68130-The-Ordinary-Magical-Life-Conversation-with-David-Allany-and-Christian-Stolle-from-Project-Avalon).

[gripreaper]

- Swami Vivekananda -?

Now, that's classic.

[Bill Ryan]

-------

Hi, All:

Jeff, Christine and I have just returned from a road and boat trip into the very lungs of the planet: the deep Amazon jungle, near the border with Peru. It took two days to drive there, and one long day to get back. We were there for just a day and a half.

It was a stunning experience for all of us, and is actually very hard to write about. I would very much like to share it if I can.

Jeff is preparing his own personal account, and I don't wan't to hijack his thread! But for me, the experience was powerful, deeply moving, and quite unforgettable. Jeff and I watched Jim Cameron's AVATAR again last night, and after the movie I could barely speak. The similarities to where we were were tangible and all too real.

It was a stunningly beautiful place, vibrant with life, and quite certainly full of spirit. We could all feel it at every moment. Like many reading this, I'd seen documentaries of travel in the Amazon, and felt I knew a little about it. As many of you know, I spent the first few years of my life in Africa, and have traveled widely since then. But nothing I have seen, read or encountered prepared me for the impact of this short trip.

We were in the country of the Shuar (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shuar_people), on the Rio Nangaritza. On our river boat (long, metal, simple, and surprisingly effective), we passed under a bridge which featured this giant statue of a Shuar warrior riding a giant Toucan.

http://projectavalon.net/Amazon/Shuar_Toucan_and_Avatar.jpg

We were left wondering if Cameron knew of this, or whether this symbolic, symbiotic relationship with powerful forest creatures, now almost lost, was simply in the morphic field for him to pick up.

Between us, we have quite a lot of video and over a thousand photos. Sorting through them all took many hours. Below is a tiny, tiny, inadequately representative sample of our trip that might just give some kind of impression. Jeff has much more.

http://projectavalon.net/Amazon/river_panorama.jpg

http://projectavalon.net/Amazon/river.jpg

http://projectavalon.net/Amazon/Jeff_and_Christine_in_forest.jpg

http://projectavalon.net/Amazon/Bill_Ryan_Christine_Jeff_by_big_tree.jpg

http://projectavalon.net/Amazon/waterfall.jpg

http://projectavalon.net/Amazon/insects_collage.jpg

http://projectavalon.net/Amazon/birds_collage.jpg

http://projectavalon.net/Amazon/flowers_collage.jpg

[Bob]

Great pictures Bill - thanks !! :) appreciate it !

[Becky]

WOW, what a beautiful beautiful place. I am blown away by the giant statue of a Shuar warrior riding a giant Toucan and how similar it is to the dragon birds in Avatar.

[gripreaper]

Cameron's movie "Avatar" does very much parallel the true reality of this planet. Pandora is earth. As you probably recall, many people who went to see it were deeply touched on a visceral DNA level, as if they were remembering, and had depression for days afterward.

I recommend everyone to see this movie. It is the only movie in the last ten years that I can say is a must see.

[chocolate]

Bill, you are killing me. Seriously! :) :)
(I so much appreciate the photos!)

I am happy all of you are alive and well.

I am finishing this 'eloquent' post (as Bobd sometimes jokes with me), and am getting to watch photos.
I'll probably watch Avatar as well.

:fans:

[4evrneo]

Jeff, Bill and Christine! Much love to you for sharing this experience.

When looking at the pictures I actually became quite emotional. It is really hard to describe but its tangible and deeply embedded within me. It almost feels that I have been there before. Strange indeed.


I thought the desire to go to Ecuador just couldn't get any stronger, Wrong! :)

Can't wait to see more pictures!

xo

[Harley]

At a loss other than

WOW!!!

[johnf]

I have always been very interested in biology, biomes, etc, and planet earth
contains a very wide selection.
However it is difficult to not hold the rain forest as my favorite.
These images show it off pretty well, thanks, Bill, and I am looking forward to Jeff's next entry
even more because of these!

JohnF

[chocolate]

I wanted to ask, which bird made the photo of the three people by the tree.
And the photo of Christine and Jeffrey down below the waterfall is done with a fly-above camera, I am sure!

I mean, we will be very happy with more pictures. And videos. Jeffrey? :)

[bruno dante]

Hi Jeff, Awesome thread!

Can you get other raw products there as well, like raw butter and honey( unheated) for examlple?

Thanks.

[Dennis Leahy]

Stunning imagery, Bill. Can't wait to see Jeff's as well. Very moving. Very magnetic.

About 40 years ago, I lived in Southern California for just over a decade. One of the coolest things about it was the proximity of various biomes: the beach and the most welcoming ocean, the desert, and snow covered mountains all within about a 3 hours drive. I realize that a 2-day drive (and very long one-day back) is not quite the same proximity, but look at the diversity of biomes between Vilcabamba and the jungle surrounding Rio Nangaritza, and maybe 100km (as the toucan flies) from Vilcabamba to the Pacific Ocean. And, I'll bet there are a thousand other adventures just waiting for the adventuresome.

As soon as I saw the image of the Shuar warrior on the giant toucan, I was reminded of the movie "Avatar" (the only movie I have ever gone back to the theater to experience twice.)

My bags are packed. All I have to do is wait for the drugs to take effect on my wife. heheheheheheh

Dennis

[Knowrainknowrainbows!]

Inspiring!!!
Thanks for sharing so promptly!
Everyone has BIG smiles ...

So it's been said that good things come to those who wait.
........ I've waited a long time ...
Expecting great things one day ....
Maybe a trip to Ecuador ;)

KRKR

[seehas]

Wow im just now sitting in medellin columbia and tomorrow im going to cali and afterwards to quito by bus, i would love to visit villacabamba also how long will you be there jeff?

Absolutely amazing photos i cant wait to experience ecuador

see you all in villacabamba

[Hazel]

Awesome and some!

Am hoping my plan to go there isn't just some pan pipe dream..

Interestingly the flora and terrain looks very much like the dense World Hertage Gondwana sub tropical rain forest of Springbrook National Park on the Gold Coast hinterland, near to where I live here in Queensland. The area is the second oldest cauldron in the world.. the volcanic plug is Mount Warning at Byron Bay. The energies around Byron Bay/Tweed Shire are rejuvinating and uplifting, believed to be due to the properties of the volcanic rock.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Springbrook_National_Park

http://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/photos/medium/69750881.jpg

So many magical places remain on our Mother Earth... so many blessings to remind us of who we really are when in connection with her.

To see these photo's and the depictions of the experience is an important and welcome reminder

Thank you: :couch2:

[Bill Ryan]

-------

Hi, All: Jeff is leaving today (despite all attempts and ruses to keep him here for longer!), and begs forgiveness from everyone following this thread for not yet having created time to further update his travelog.

He's working, reading, researching and communicating on a number of fronts, and at the same time is packing and preparing to return to snowy Texas where he's looking forward immensely to reuniting with family and closest friends. He has a huge heart as well as a huge intellect: having him here has been a privilege and a joy.

After that little eulogy, Jeff's given me the okay to post a few more pictures of our Amazonia trip on his behalf. The first photo shows where we stayed, at $30 per person per night including breakfast, right by the Rio Nangaritza (the second photo). A very wonderful place.


http://projectavalon.net/Amazon/Nangaritza_cabinas.jpg

http://projectavalon.net/Amazon/Rio_Nangaritza.jpg

http://projectavalon.net/Amazon/waterfall_and_rocks.jpg

http://projectavalon.net/Amazon/river_and_forest.jpg

http://projectavalon.net/Amazon/waterfall_and_forest.jpg

http://projectavalon.net/Amazon/Christine_and_Jeff_by_waterfall.jpg

http://projectavalon.net/Amazon/Jeff_by_waterfall_pool.jpg

http://projectavalon.net/Amazon/Christine_in_forest.jpg

http://projectavalon.net/Amazon/Bill_Ryan_by_waterfall.jpg

[Bill Ryan]

-------

Here's Carlos, our guide, talking with Christine:

http://projectavalon.net/Amazon/Christine_and_Carlos.jpg

And here's the man himself. :)

http://projectavalon.net/Amazon/Jeff.jpg

[doodah]

Jeffrey, Bill, Christine,

It was wonderful to read this thread and see all the photos. Lots of beauty, great energy, many possibilities. Nice cats (and dog). It is good to see everyone looking so hale and healthy! Thank you for sharing your trip, Jeffrey.

Blessings and peace to all,
Doodah

[Natalia]

With the blessings of Satkirn, who created this video, allow me to present (little drum roll) "The Ascent of El Sombrero - but it's really Candy Mountain!"


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nm9TNGhgWcg

Loved this :)

[Joe Sustaire]

Wow, just found this thread. What a beautiful place and such beautiful camaraderie between friends!

Thanks for popping this up Amethyst.