Vilicabamba and the Galapagos Tsunami evacuation

We went on the most beautiful journey today. We are in Vilicabamba, Ecuador, a place where many people live to be 100 plus years. The oldest person known was 125 years old. Medical investigations say they live to be so old because of the eternal spring, stable climate and water that is known to heal all that ails you. It has a mineral content that supports the body in a way that no other water can. The people here are the friendliest we have found in all of Ecuador.
The journey was by horseback up into the mountains and through tiny villages to swim in the healing waters. The entire trip was absolutely breathtaking. The mountains stand proud with a rich blue sky above. The flora and fauna was rich with agave plants, brilliant orange, pink, red and purple flowers, kiave trees that poked through my clothing, cherimoya trees, mango trees, orange trees, coffee trees and more. Even 5 ½ hours into our ride with a blistered bum I could only focus on the stunning beauty that surrounded me. Without a doubt this is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Image Alaska at 75 degrees, sunshine, no mosquitoes and no threat of rain or cold, it is heaven here on earth. Out of all the places I have visited in the world this ranks among the top 2. To top it off full body massages are only $18 and are superb. I am going to look at property here in the next few days. Anybody want to go in on a place?
To back up a bit, on Saturday, February 27th I was brutally awaken by a man in Santa Cruz in the Galapagos pounding on my door. In my grogginess and limited Spanish I understood “”Yo es un bomberro, tsunami auqi in un hora. English translation: I am a fireman there will be tsunami here in one hour. When I asked how long we had he said one hour to get to higher ground. I asked where the earthquake was and he told me an 8.8 in Chile. My mind flashed to Hilo, Hawaii and the destruction of the last tsunami there caused by a Chile earthquake smaller than this. I asked how to get to higher grounds 1.5 miles away and he said run. I flew into the house and woke up everybody and ran back out to talk to my neighbors and gather more information. With luck friends of our neighbors pulled up in a Banana truck and offered us a ride, but said AHORA VAMOS. I tossed Treava in and Noelle and Vienna climbed in. My niece, Marybeth and Mia remained in the house packing. I told them now or else. They appeared. As we drove out of town we passed thousands who were running for higher ground and yet our truck ¾ empty would not stop to give anyone else a ride. This was devastating for me to be a part of. Humanity at it’s worst. I had no right to demand they stop, so I silently went along I quickly realized that we had no water or snacks. As we drove through Bellavista we took advantage of the traffic jam and grabbed the last 7 bottles of water. We then drove on the Santa Rosa as they thought Bellavista would not be high enough. As we sat waiting for news I was faced with my own humanity, would I choose to share my water, and limited food? Marybeth had called her husband Rob, who within an hour and a half had gotten back to us and said that they thought it would only be 2 meters high here. Thank God as a tsunami here would be devasting as most of the population and services are within the area of Puerta Ayora which is a valley and flat and would have been wiped out. The airport is even lower and we are 3 days by cargo boat from the mainland. We spent the next 4 hours waiting out the watch and letting the locals know all would be OK.
So what did I learn from this experience. How important and invaluable community is. To see a friend, get a hug, tell horror stories to each other, share food and drink in the state of an emergency can soothe ones soul. I remember seeing my English students that were 9 years old in Santa Rosa and they ran to me for a hug and to know what I knew. I am not sure who comforted who more. To know that you are part of a larger group that will look out for each other removes fear. I became closer to my neighbors and friends in the Galapagos during that Tsunami and the days that followed as we shared our experience of the Tsunami evacuation.
So my advice first and foremost is to get to know your neighbors. Pack an emergency kit as it would have made my life less stressful that morning. We had not prepared one while living in the Galapagos because when we first arrived I asked several people about tsunamis and was informed that in all of recorded history they had never had one. No place is ever free of disaster. Have a plan. Last but not least, a cell phone when in a third world country is invaluable as your community is not just where you live but all those whose lives you’ve touched who love and support you wherever you are.