Valley of Longevity

When I feed a stray dog food, I do so out of pity for the desperate and sad dog. I wonder if strangers feel the same way towards me when they buy me dinner. I wonder if after 13 months of traveling alone, I have developed the sad and pathetic puppy dog look. Maybe travel is catching up with me. This time, the free dinner though came with a bet. Bruce of Villcabamba bet me that I could not finish a plate of spaghetti that he has never been able to finish and if I did, he would buy it. What Bruce did not know is that I've been taking food bets ever since I was 10 and only lost once on a cheesecake.

While we waited for my spaghetti, he paid for my dinner anyway. When my food did come, and to everyone's surprise, I finished that meal with no hesitation. And this is how I came to know Bruce who has retired in the Valley of Longevity and has become just like one of the regulars here.


Villcabamba is known for the longevity of the inhabitants. No one is really sure if it is the tranquil setting, mineral water or fresh air that contributes to the longer life. One thing is for sure, Americans are moving here in droves. I visited during a real estate conference with hordes of Americans looking to buy property. Bruce came for all of the above and the cheap rent and massages. It has become a backpacker's resort of sorts.

During my time here, I took advantage of another spa opportunity and another horseback ride. I've ridden more horses during this last year than in my whole life. Horseback riding just seems to be the tour of choice around Ecuador.

The rest of the time, I read and caught up on my life. I've also read more books in the last year than I may have read in my life. I had forgotten how much I enjoy reading and I relish the time I now have to delve into worlds, lives and adventures so different from my own. I have a born again devotion to books, which I hope continues even when I return to the real world.