Here is a nice article about our co_works project and our journey. Many thanks to eileen blädel / mannheimer morgen !

Sorry guys, it´s in german language only! Inbox me for translation!

Jim and mimi are pursuing a similar project as suzi and alan carle, who founded the “botanical ark” in australia and through them we got the address of the reserve rio guaycuyacu.

For more than 30 years, the former us americans have been living and working here in the ecudorian jungle and have made it their mission to save edible tropical fruits from extinction. More than 600 different trees, bushes and shrubs thrive on his property and jim gave us a great guided tour, a gustatory but also olfactory journey through the wonders of nature.

some facts about the Reserva Rio Guaycuyacu

Fruits, forest and sustainability in the lowlands tropics

Reserva Rio Guaycuyacu promotes social and environmental well-being by conserving native forest and watersheds; cultivating and curating a collection of over 600 species of tropical fruits; and teaching, sharing and working in community with others towards a culture and development models that are environmentally conscious, socially responsible, practicable and sustainable; using permaculture and natural building techniques as well as encouraging scientific investigation and environmental education.

General Information:

EXTENSION: 24 hectares  ELEVATION: 493-700 m.s.n.m.  LAND USE: 12 has. forested  TEMPERATURE: 16-31 degrees C.  9 has. in fruit trees (617+ spp.)   ANNUAL RAINFALL: c.2800 mm.  WILDLIFE –      MAMMALS: 60+spp.    BIRDS: 207 spp.

The old town of quito is blessed with numerous churches. Well, I only go into such buildings when my blood pressure is low but after entering the iglesia de la compañia I needed a pack of antihypertensives.

I only know two churches that are secured with a fence (the second is notre-dame-de-la-paix de yamoussoukro *) and here in quito mainly begging indigenous people are kept away from the church portal. This church here asks for $5 entrance fee for every visitor to admire the 7 tons of gold. (wich is now 270 000 000us$) Gold, which was probably mainly stolen and remelted from the indigenous people. oh yes, and you are not allowed to take pictures in this church. Truly, truly a christian revelation!

* the second largest showpiece building of christianity stands in yamoussoukro /ivory coast. This church, allegedly donated by the president houphouët-boigny, could accommodate all christians of the country at the same time.

quito’s old town has been nominated as a world heritage site since 1979. the once neglected quarter has been extensively renovated and equipped with new infrastructure. Today the city has over 2.2 million inhabitants and it is a real gem with a great flair.

Enclosed some impressions from the area of the volcanos chimborasso and cotopaxi.