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Published: August 29th 2009
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There's something about Vilcabamba that attracts people on opposite ends of the spectrum—any spectrum you define —political, religous, financial, moral, etc. You'll meet some of the nicest and most evolved people anywhere here—locals, transplants, and transients—and you'll also meet characters who just want to take advantage of the innocents. As far as we can tell the highest population of scoundrels seems to be among the recent transplants (yes, many of whom are in real estate).
Some say it's the vortex and the powerful sacred mountain of Mandango that draws such disparate energies and brings out the best—and the worst—in people here. Some say it's just human nature that a certain type of unscrupulous operator will smell money in a burgeoning area and come running.
The "Wild West" is a term people often use when describing Vilcabamba and the lack of regulation in Ecuador in certain areas (like real estate). If you think about it, those dusty old towns west of the Mississippi attracted all kinds of characters, and maybe Vilcabamba is no different.
Here you'll meet conservatives, liberals — doctors, lawyers, engineers, chiefs — healers, farmers, yoga teachers, cowboys, CEOs, water dousers, machine operators, chefs, developers, builders, Phd's,
high school dropouts, a former brothel owner, auto designer, conspiracy theorists, and expats from around the world. Whew! There's "something for everyone" in Vilcabamba.
In the past week, we've heard the "usual"—that aliens are among us, that Global Plan 2000 (check it out online) is a plan by Rockerfeller & company to decimate all but 500 million of the planet's population, that H1N1 vaccinations are going to be made mandatory in October, concentration camps have been built around the U.S., everyone over 44 is going to be "eliminated," and that several of our presidents, including Obama, have actually been clones and get their "tuneups" at Camp David. We also heard there's going to be a "bank holiday" in the U.S. within the next couple of weeks, so maybe if that one comes true... Hmmmm.
Whatever "it" is, "it" makes Vilcabamba an interesting place to be—as long as you don't get caught up in the romance of the valley and check your brain at the door. The happiest transplants just enjoy the climate, the beauty, the people, do volunteer work, ride horses, stay out of various controversies, the realtor mess, and away from the "gringo gossip tables" where
the travesty of the day is dissected with the appropriate invectives hurled at the offending party. Maybe there's just not enough to keep people busy!
One interesting "happening" in the Valley this past week was a conference at Montesuenos Retreat & B&B, run by Dr. Brian O'Leary and Meredith Miller. Brian is an expat and former astronaut who was scheduled to blast off in the first manned flight to Mars before it was derailed by a nasty little budget-drainer called Vietnam. Brian taught physics with Carl Sagan at Princeton and has written several books on "free energy." Meredith is a visionary artist, creating both delicate and intricate paintings filled with ethereal subject matter that lean toward pastel colors.
We knew this talented duo before they moved from Nevada County, California five years ago to create a new life high on a mountaintop overlooking Vilcabamba and Podocarpus National Park. This summer, they went on a three-continent tour as Brian spoke on free energy and sustainability and promoted his latest book.
They built their home and retreat center, Montesueños (Mountain of Dreams), to offer retreats and conferences featuring leaders in various fields exploring important topics of the day. Or
maybe "sculpturing" their new home is more accurate, because it's truly a work of art with the telling hand of an artist in its many special features. Like many building projects, it kept expanding and now includes something like eight bedrooms in two structures.
The conference they held this past weekend was called The Five E’s Workshop and featured Leonardo Wild, George Green, Susan Davis and Brian, and was attended by about 25 people, a smaller group than usual. Its purpose was to explore "action-oriented solutions in Energy, the Environment, Education, Ethics, and the Economy."
In between conferences, Montesuenos functions as a B&B. Brian and Meredith rent out rooms with awe-inspiring views and delicious breakfasts. Sometimes, you even get a special concert by Brian, also a jazz pianist. Rooms are pricier than the average around here—$25 a night per person—but it's a treat to stay there because of the views and because of Brian and Meredith. It takes about a half hour to walk into town from Montesuenos and/or is a $3.00 taxi ride.
I've included several photos taken at Montesueños, including a great shower and sink with wonderful rock and tile work, and many special touches
Looking Cool
Vilcabamba's been good to Jack! by Meredith. You can check Montesueños out at www.brianoleary.com
We're getting into the rhythm of life here. After a killer hike yesterday into the mountains (more tomorrow), it's yoga at 10 and Spanish lessons at 3 today.
Good stuff. And it keeps us away from the "gringo gossip tables!"
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KatieJack
Katie & Jack in Ecuador
great blog
Thanks, Wayne. Sorry we missed you guys on the coast!