[continue]
Guaquill is a big, bustling city with streets packed with people and traffic. The people there realized that they needed a place where people could walk, relax and escape the hubbub of the city. So what do you suppose its citizens did?
Believe it or not, they established a non-profit organization that had no relationship with government, to collect donations from the people, for the purpose of building the malecon. Within 3 years, it collected enough in donations from everyone - $10 from poor citizens, $10,000 from rich citizens - to build this beautiful malecon.
The malecon is broad and very long. It is shaped like a long extended boat, with artificial crows nests at several locations. People can climb up these crows nests to get broader views. Spread out along the long malecon are 4 structural columns representing earth, air, fire and water. At one part of the malecon there is a big formal garden of flowers. In another location there are about 30 big, lit-up glass panels with names of all those who contributed to the project.
A walk along the malecon was extremely enjoyable. I observed people, young and old, and from all walks of life, taking it easy and enjoying life. As I walked, I saw the fast-paced traffic along the parallel boulevard, 9 October. The contrast was tremendous.
The poor people of Ecuador increased their enjoyment of life with a simple act of cooperation. Do you think we could do the same?
