When you are living on the edge of the Amazon jungle, there are bound to be certain mysteries that occur. "Why is my computer no longer functioning?", "Why is the sink exploding?", or "Did that bug just spit acid?" for example. When you have lived here for any significant amount of time, however, these mysterious are not so mysterious after all. Ask these questions of any bona fide Amazon-dweller and you will find that the answer is always the same: the jungle.
NOTE: In 99% of cases, "The jungle" is accompanied by a rueful smile, a knowing nod, or a tolerant eye-roll and head shake.
A few examples:
WHO: Who gave that six year old a machete?
WHAT: What is dirt doing in my freshly cleaned sheets?
WHERE: Where did that weird rash all over my body come from?
WHEN: When did my bra get moldy?
WHY: Why are you covered in mud? Why is there dirt on the just-cleaned floor? Why is a multi-course lunch with drink only $2.50 and nutella is $11? Why is no one upset that a tarantula just crawled out of the guayusa bag I was leaning against?
HOW: How come it rains everyday and although I have never seen an Ecuadorian with a raincoat I have also never seen an Ecuadorian in wet clothing?
Answer: The jungle.
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NB: In the Sierra, the answer is always "altitude."
