Ecuador, My Home for the past Four and a Half Years. Part 3 of 3 – Wildlife and some Wild Life.

The third and final part of this photographic journey – thank you to all of you who have been kind enough to stop by and comment upon this extraordinary place. Like everywhere, there is the good, the bad and the ugly!

 

All Images ©Edward Bryans

 

Ecuador, My Home for the past Four and a Half Years. Part 2 of 3 – River Journeys, Poverty and Haciendas.

Poverty is a relative concept.

Many of the FARC people have never known life in a house. School is a concept never experienced. The lack of education across many parts of South America has made me wonder whether it is a political construct to retain such standards. The divide between the ‘haves’ and the ‘have-nots’ is a stark reality here.

The wealth of this nation is in the ground. Rarely does one see such fertility in the soil. Mineral wealth has been largely ignored. The excuse is environmental responsibility. The reality is lack of knowledge. I have not met a single Ecuadorian outside Government circles who knows about the realities of mining.

This country could be and should be wealthy. I know where it is but I am not going to publicise.

 

All Images ©Edward Bryans

Ecuador, My Home for the past Four and a Half Years. Part 1 of 3 – Gold Mining on the Colombian Border.

If you are in the stands, you cannot be in the game.

Have I ever been in the game! I have been robbed, drugged, stabbed and ripped off (not to mention, threatened with murder).

Welcome to Ecuador. Every day, you are alive to your environment and ready for the unexpected. I have loved it … but I would prefer to have done a few things differently.

This is how and why I came to be here.

GOLD

All Rights Reserved. ©Edward Bryans 2017. No unauthorised reproduction of this post in whole or in part is permitted without the express written consent of the author

Extraordinary Deserted Places 6. The Initiation Wells in Sintra, Portugal

Title Image: Wikimedia Commons

Two wells, more accurately described as inverted towers are one of the main attractions of an historic Portuguese tourist attraction. These wells are centuries and many theories surround their origins and purpose.

Image: Feel The Planet

Located near the historic centre of Sintra, Portugal lies the Quinta da Regaleira- a spectacular estate that sits in a World Heritage protected landscape. While thousands of tourists flock to the castle every year to admire the unique architecture of the Quinta de Regaleira that combines Gothic, Egyptian, Moorish and Renaissance features, one of its most fascinating features is located beneath the ground – a pair of wells spiralling deep within the earth. The wells were never used, nor intended for water collection. Instead, these mysterious underground towers were used for secretive initiation rites.

Images: Running White Horses

The cultural landscape upon which the Quinta da Regaleira sits dates back thousands of years. There are archaeological sites in the area dating back to the early Neolithic (5 th millennium BC) and extending all the way through to the Iron Age (4 th – 2 nd centuries BC). The Roman occupation of the region began in the mid-2 nd century BC and it was later conquered by the Moors. Sintra finally yielded to Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal after the conquest of Lisbon in 1147. Afonso built an imposing royal Palace there which served as a summer residence until the late 16 th century. After the suppression of the Templars in 1312, the lands passed to the Order of Christ.

Image: Deborah Smolinske 

In the late 15 th century, Sintra was associated with Leonor, one of the greatest Queens of Portugal. Succeeding monarchs spent much time in the town, but after the Restoration of 1640, Sintra lost this link and the Royal palace served only as a prison for Afonso VI. Sadly, most of the built heritage of the region was destroyed in an earthquake in 1755, though there are some outstanding court and military buildings, examples of religious architecture and archaeological sites.

Image: Amazing Facts

The Quinta da Regaleira is a vast estate that sits within this historical landscape. It has had many owners throughout the years, each contributing their own personal touch. But it was not until 1904, after being sold to António Augusto Carvalho Monteiro, a wealthy Portuguese entomologist, that the estate was transformed into a unique palace adorned with symbolic carvings associated with Masonry, the Knights Templar, and the Rosicrucians.

The bottom of the Initiation well at Quinta da Regaleira. Image: Wikipedia

The two wells, known as the ‘Initiation Wells’ or ‘Inverted Towers’, consist of ‘winding stair’ architecture, which carries symbolic meaning including the death/rebirth allegory common to many hermetic traditions.
One of the wells contains nine platforms, which are said to be “reminiscent of the Divine Comedy by Dante and the nine circles of Hell, the nine sections of Purgatory and the nine skies which constitute Paradise.” A smaller well, called the “Unfinished Well,” contains a set of straight staircases, connecting the ring-shaped floors to one another. It is believed that the spacing of the landings, as well as the number of steps in between, was dictated by Masonic principles.

Image: TOPO.BIZ

A journey of rebirth and self discovery is one theory behind the larger well. At 27 metres deep it really does resemble an inverted tower, and depending on the direction you choose, either a journey down into the depths of the earth, or a climb out of the darkness into the light, the journey through the earth is like a rebirth through mother natures womb, from where all things come and where one day all shall return.

Image: Victor Travel

The owner of Quinta da Regaleira, António Augusto Carvalho Monteiro, was a known Freemason, and with the help of Italian Architect Luigi Manini, set about designing and constructing the four hectare estate with its enigmatic buildings, parks and tunnels which are laden with symbols related to alchemy, Masonry, the Knights Templar, and the Rosicrucians.There are obvious Hermetic/Rosicrucian connotations in the well:

Image: Feel The Planet

‘That which is Below corresponds to that which is Above, and that which is Above, corresponds to that which is Below, to accomplish the miracles of the One Thing’
Hermes Trismegistus

The well is divided in nine platforms reminiscent of the Divine Comedy by Dante and the nine circles of Hell, the nine sections of Purgatory and the nine skies which constitute Paradise. At the base of the well you will find a Rosicrucian Cross, which also happened to be the coat of arms of Carvalho Monteiro.

Image: Hive Mind

Zhangjiajie, Hunan, China – Adrenalin Central – Amazing Images, accompanied by Nina Simone’s Sinnerman (Felix Da Housecats Heavenly House Mix)

Image: rssTrip

The Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Hunan Province might not resonate with you but … if you are into adrenalin rushes – this has got to be on your radar.

Boasting the highest and longest suspension foot bridge in the world, this place has some of the most spectacular views.

Not only is the footbridge long (470 yds or 430m) and high (984ft. or 300m) but they decided to make it out of glass so you can straight down to the valley floor!

Then there is the Coiling Dragon Cliff skywalk at 4,600 feet above the ground … they had to make that out of glass too!

Enjoy the show accompanied by Nina Simone singing the Thomas Crown Affair track – Sinnerman (Felix Da Housecats Heavenly House Mix)

All Rights Reserved. ©Edward Bryans 2017. No unauthorised reproduction of this post in whole or in part is permitted without the express written consent of the author

Deserted Places 3 – Hotel del Salto, Bogota, Colombia – Accompanied by Everybody Hurts, R.E.M.

Hotel del Salto is about 20 miles outside Bogota, Colombia. Once the go-to Hotel for the rich and famous, time seems to have got the better of its bygone splendour. The obscurity which engulfed its reputation caused to become a popular suicide spot.

Recently restored, the spectres of the past seem to have outstayed their welcome!

Deserted Places 2 – The Valley of the Mills, Sorrento, Italy

Map: Google Maps

Just south of Naples as one travels south down the shin of Italy, past Pompeii is Sorrento. This small town on the Amalfi coast hides a tourists gem, The Valley of the Mills. The site dates back to the 10th Century in terms of milling. The Italians have an appetite for pasta, it seems and so a strong reliable water supply was needed.

The valley was abandoned about 60 years ago and nature has reclaimed its space.

I hope you enjoy this montage of images, set to Luciano Pavarotti singing Miss Sarajevo with U2.

All Rights Reserved. ©Edward Bryans 2017. No unauthorised reproduction of this post in whole or in part is permitted without the express written consent of the author

Extraordinary Deserted Places – Angkor Wat – Music by Deep Forest

Title Image: chocolateipimenta.pt

Angkor Wat is the largest site of Religion in the world. Formally the centre of the Khmer Empire, it is now home to a small number of Buddhist Monks. It’s founding was based upon Vishnu, the Indian God.

I hope you enjoy this journey through an extraordinary site, accompanied by Deep Forest’s ‘Sweet Lullaby’.

Gold Safari, you find it, you keep it! An Ecuadorian Adventure.

Title Image: Gold, the stuff can send people crazy! Image: Author

Gold Fever, you would think it a hiatus only found in films and outlandish documentaries about the Gold Rush.

It is in fact a very real phenomenon. Even seasoned investors get overly excited at the idea of gold and seeing the stuff coming out of the ground and nesting in their palms. I have seen it! Truth be told, it is exciting. Gold is one of the most iconic, if not the most iconic substance on earth.

Ecuador is incredibly lush and abundant with fresh water.
Cascada Gallito de La Pea Pacto. Image: VirtualTourist

Density, scarcity and conductivity are the principal attributes of gold, other than its colour. The colour of gold varies depending upon the region in which it is mined. Here in Ecuador it is a lovely rich deep colour.

Ecuador is also rich in minerals. Rule: do not trust Ecuador’s mine shafts. Image: Author

As a guide, though by no means an absolutely hard and fast rule, gold occurs nearer the equator whilst silver is more prevalent as you move further away, hence Argentina (Argento is a Latin based word for silver). Rio Plata (Silver River) is the most famous river and Football Club in Buenos Aires.

My GM inspecting black sands through a loupe (magnifying glass). Image: Author

Back to Gold. Some time ago I started researching a tourism project I dreamed up: Gold Safaris. The idea is to go from Hacienda to Hacienda and visit gold bearing rivers during the day, amongst other activities. The countryside of Ecuador really is absolutely stunning. The soil, being fed by the Andes, is incredibly fertile to the extent that a sawn post will sprout and grow! Magic fences they are called.

Gold Country. Image: Author

Along the way, we demonstrate how the rivers collect gold and where to look. The incentive for the guests is that whatever gold they find, they keep. It is amazing how well people work when incentivised!

One of the difficulties with alluvial gold is that only about 50% of it is visible to the naked eye. It is found, ultimately at the bottom of your pan in what is referred to as black sands.

From above you get a better understanding of the erosion and hotspots. Image: Author

These photographs are from a lovely area close to Pacto in the mid-north of the country. On the way to Pacto you pass through a small township called Tulipe where there are ancient Incan ceremonial baths. Each bath in the network has its own purpose.

Incan baths in Tulipe. Image: Author

Bridge across to the Incan Baths site. Image: Author

Yumbo Petroglyphs, Fertility Symbols. Image: Virtual Tourist

Panning for gold takes you to some lovely country in Ecuador. Image: Author

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All Rights Reserved. ©Edward Bryans 2017. No unauthorised reproduction of this post in whole or in part is permitted without the express written consent of the author

Less than Lethal Weapons and How to defend yourself when threatened.

Title Image: UCSF.edu

Personal assault is not fun. Getting assaulted, mugged, robbed or just beaten up is something that happens from time to time in certain parts of every nation.

Protecting oneself from these situations is something we can all do without having to resort to death threatening measures!

Here are some self-defence options:

Pepper spray/mace.
Advantages – neat aerosol design, fits into a handbag but you should keep it in your pocket. Quick and easy to discharge. Just get it the right way round if you are in a dark space! Make sure you get a strong version with a jet spray, not a mist spray.

Disadvantages – can easily affect the person being assaulted/threatened. Once people see it they can self-protect effectively. Multiple assailants can overcome such a defence easily.

There are many pepper/capsicum sprays but get a strong one which fires a jet for accurate deployment

Tasers.
There are many types of taser on the market. The police versions tend to use electrodes which are fired at the assailant. Watch this video:

A couple of reasons make this a poor option. It is big and fires just once! It is expensive.

Personal Tasers.
Small and very portable, discreet; similar dimensions to a pepper spray aerosol – looks like a torch (is a torch too!) so assailants do not catch on prior to use. Can be discharged many times before requiring a recharge.

Disadvatages – is more a deterrent than an effective defence weapon. Many assailants run just at the sound and sight of the taser being discharged but do not count on it!

This is my Taser/Torch. It cost me US$20 and is rechargeable. I carry it in my pocket.

These are two innovations which are not really practical to carry about but you can see the future developments:

Coil Pistol.

The coil pistol – not advanced in design yet but will be available soon

The Coil pistol fires aluminium rings at very high velocity, using LORENTZ force and magnetic energy. It can be modified to fire ball bearings rendering it very much a mortal weapon.

It is clearly in need of some design modification but you can see what it can do here:

Video demonstrating its power.

Ultrasonic guns.
One of the most exciting developments in non-lethal defence systems is ultra-sonic technology. Ultrasound can induce nausea, disorientation and incapacitation very quickly and effectively and can be directed such that the person using the device is not affected to a debilitating extent.

Ultrasonic devices will be the way forward. Design modifications will make these weapons suitable for defense from multiple assailants and again, are non-lethal

Again, some design work is needed but the technology is already being used via larger scale devices by military, police and even some nightclubs to disperse crowds.

Here are some tips to keep you safe if you find yourself in a dangerous place:

1. Do not carry a handbag, back-pack or other carrying item. They are targets and make you a target.
2. Don’t get isolated. Stay with your friends in a group.
3. If you are alone, stay where there are other people and in the light. Take a cab to where you need to get to no matter how short the journey.
4. Always carry a torch with a strong beam.
5. Never carry credit/debit/cash machine cards. Only carry enough cash for the time you are out.
6. Never carry your passport. Always have a colour copy of the photo page of your passport and have it laminated for durability.
7. A mobile phone can be a useful security device but use an old one which you can afford to lose, not your latest smart phone.
8. When walking at night, walk down the middle of roads, when traffic allows. This gives you time to react.
9. Maintain a 20m radius of awareness around you – 360 degrees! This gives you sufficient time to react to anyone who encroaches that space.
10. Put some money in your sock/shoe in case you do get done over.
11. Drinking. Have a drink or two but NEVER lower your capacity to observe your surroundings to the extent that might put you at risk.
12. Remember that 9 out of 10 situations are avoidable. Follow the guidelines and stay safe.

All Rights Reserved. No unauthorised reproduction of this post in whole or in part is permitted without the express written consent of the author