Specifically, What’s going on in Ecuador and are you guys okay? Is Ecuador safe?
There often seems to be a protest or news of violent crimes or something happening. Earlier this month the new Ecuadorian president, Daniel Naboa, declared war on the gangs and drug lords. A series of violent crimes, an established curfew, schools moved to virtual and online are just to name a few of the changes. I reached out to a friend living closer to the epicenter of this particular mess and she commented, “This country’s norm seems to be instability”. Protests. War against gangs. War on drugs. State of Emergency.
“This country’s norm seems to be instability”
True story. Ecuador has had a rough history. Recently it has experienced more gang violence, especially with involvement in drugs. Corrupt policemen and politicians add to the excitement. The US embassy doesn’t recommend travel right now to Ecuador. But the big question I keep getting and seeing, is, how’s it really like? On the ground, where you’re at?
And you know? We’re okay. We’ve always preferred to be rural. I suppose this is one more reason to be away from the cities. We have our own small community here at the Yachana with a clean water system. It encourages our efforts to really get to the point where we are able to grow our own food as much as possible.
Here are three tips if you happen to be traveling or living in Ecuador as well or are in a similar situation in another country. Keep in mind that we are living in a rural community in the Amazon, so some details might be different from experiences in other locations.
Stay Informed
Stay informed. But don’t focus so much on all the headlines either- they are often blown out of proportion and play to the side of fear. Don’t find yourself guilty of naivety though either. Most areas have Facebook groups or other social media platforms that will do a good job. In Ecuador I have found Ecuador Expats or Ecuador Emergencies to be the most helpful. The US Embassy will have major news or updates posted. And keep tabs on travel- the airlines you are using, the changes to requirements at the border or roads closed that you might hope to travel. Stay informed.
Be Prepared
Don’t be caught by surprise. Be aware of your surroundings. Heed curfews and carry copies of your passport or itinerary, especially if traveling has you out past curfew. If you are able to just stay put, many times these things blow over quickly. Protests and road blocks often resolve after a few days. This one is going to last longer, but as a rule, after the first few days you’ll have a better idea of what’s considered safe and how to move forward.
Keep some basics on hand. Especially if you are living here, keep a storage of food and basic supplies. Mostly there’s not a need to turn all-out prepper, and food just doesn’t last long in the heat and humidity and bugs that we have in the Amazon, but keeping a small store is advisable. It seems to be cultural in part to only have what you need in the house for a day or two. Fresh groceries are bought almost daily in many households. But those are the ones who get into trouble when roads are blocked or trucks can’t get through or panic clears the shelves at the stores.
Consider storing these items and any others you use regularly. It can be as easy as not letting your basic pantry items ever run out. It might be a plastic tote under a bed for emergencies. But it also gives a sense of preparedness and reassurance that, come what may, you’ll have food and the necessities.
- Grains (Rice, Flour, Noodles, Oats)
- Dry beans or lentils
- Tuna fish or other canned meats
- Oil
- Salt, Spices, Sugar
- Powdered milk
- Clean water
We also know a few neighbors and try to buy milk, eggs and produce from them. We are planting like crazy and hope to have a lot of fruits and vegetables grown right here, but if you don’t, get to know the people around you who might. And be friends with them. Look out for each other.
Other things to have on hand would be toilet paper (remember the shortage during Covid!?), toiletries, diapers, medications, flash light and some cash.
Trust Your Intuition
A lot of getting through these times comes down to your own mindset and your ability to calmly function or not. If a certain street or store or taxi just seems off, make a different choice. If your homebase isn’t safe, go somewhere else for the time being. That gut feeling is powerful and accurate.
Life in a developing country, life in Ecuador, is just different from the stability we associate with life in the United States (or wherever your home country may be). A little political unrest feels like the norm. There’s hope that this current state of emergency will actually be a great turning point in Ecuador’s favor. Let’s hope so, cause we’re just got here and we’ve got a lot of work to still do!
