LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL

The continuing adventures of Joe, as he settles in to his life in Ecuador and Rio Muchacho.

Philippe is leaving Rio Muchacho tomorrow to go on to another project. I’m gonna miss that guy. He’s like one of these stereotypically disillusioned French guys you see in old French (Godard) movies. Like the kind of guy who sits sullen on the beach, looking out at the waves and smoking French cigarette after cigarette, saying:
“Ah, what is thees life all about anyway?” in a heavy French accent.
Good dude, though.
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Oh Mariposa… Mariposa Traicionera.
Huge hit song in Ecuador. All over South America, in fact. It’s playing rather loudly over the scratchy boom box uneasily mounted - or tied - on this hilariously ancient bus, which is complete with no windows. I'm just really digging the ride as it creaks it’s way up this series of potholes that I imagine is supposed to be some sort of a road back to Rio Muchacho.
I love this song, Mariposa, man.
I love the mellow instrumentation of it, the Latin beat. The whole thing. I’ve been hearing this song everywhere I go, since the minute I first arrived in Ecuador nearly six weeks ago. It’s very comforting, like the essence of Ecuador.
In any case - the song, the sea breeze, the white sand, the aroma of corvina (fish) frying from the bamboo thatched hut restaurants dotting the shoreline… man, this feeling sweeps over me.
I lean out the frame where the windows used to be, look up at the sun, and take it all in, thanking God for the deep sense of satisfaction I'm feeling right now. Like - this is the exact place I should be at this moment.