World Run II / Reports

The map shows the position of which the pictures for the day are taken (if any). The start and finish markers are placed at the first and last valid registered position. This is not nessesary the actual start and finish position, if GSM or GPS signals was not available.

Goto: 2011-10-13 2011-10-15 Equador

2011-10-14:

38
Distance today: 29.0 km (Accumulated: 29184.0 km)
Elapsed time: 02:36:08
Country: Equador

Start 11:10am., 29c, overcast, very humid & light wind, at km-sign "530" on hwy. E25. Finish 14:58pm., 37c, steamy humid, same & no wind, at farm sign "Sitio San Augustin", approx. 1km after km-sign "135" on hwy. E80 to Cuenca.

Banana contry - but no banana republic ;-)

I am now running near Machala, a harbour-city on the Pacific coast which apparently is the world's largest banana exporter. No surprise when you look at todays pictures: dense banana plantations as far as the eye can reach, and likewise a thick fog' of humidity that makes even a short run like todays 29km somewhat of a fight to get through in this 'sauna of running' :-)

But while Equador may be one of the worlds main banana exporters - along with many other more exotic fruits from this biological and ecological 'hot spot' of our planet - then I have to say that from what I've experiensed during my first few days here that it isnt a "banana republic"... I've got a very positive impression, not only of its fantastic nature and friendly people. But, also of what goes on officially ! As a political scientist by educiation (a masters degree in international politics) I tend to have a keen eye for the small, or large!, signs of the main political problem of South America: corruption. In this aspect Equador is likewise a pleasant difference since the police controls, which especially in Peru nearly always involves the hint of a little 'gift' in order to avoid surprising made-up infractions, seems to be non-existent. What a Great change :-)

So far the only comments from the freqvent police controls (which is sorely needed due to a driving-culture a'la Argentina.. Which aint a compliment ;-) are encouragements a'la "FORZA !!" (meaning "Strength !!") and when stopping and expecting to have to make an explanation of what Im doing running along the highway I've just been waved along with a smile. What a pleasure !

This along w. the outstanding nature in Equador makes one feel that this is worth All the troubles & hardship of world run 2 to experiense. Nothing less.

But as a true danish citizen' I have to find something to complain about. And its easy in Equador: "How can I continue after this ? I would like to stay !"

:-)