Iguana-Inspired Reflection in Guayaquil, Ecuador
After a 27-hour bus ride to cross the Peru-Ecuador border to renew my visa, I really only spent two days in Guayaquil, the largest and apparently most dangerous city in Ecuador. What I’ll especially remember from those two days was my afternoon in Seminario Park.
And now? Although it’s officially called Seminario Park, the signs at the entrance welcome you to Simón Bolívar Park and it’s best known by tourists and Guayaquileños alike as Iguana Park.
Nevertheless, I interpreted the iguanas’ “laziness” as a zen-like take-life-as-it-comes attitude and imagined their dewlaps as beards, symbols of their grandfather-like wisdom. After all, what do they possibly do all day other than meditate and reflect on the grandness of life? That iguana underneath the flock of birds didn’t bat an eye at the sudden onset. There was patience there. So we put our thinking caps, sat on a park bench and lazed the afternoon away alongside those wise lizards.
Check out this video clip of our visit:
What has recently inspired you to stop and think?
If you’re considering a green iguana as a pet, I highly recommend Your Complete Iguana Survival Guide!
Tags: ecuador coast, green iguanas, guayaquil, iguana park, parque de las iguanas, parque seminario, reflection, seminario park, simon bolivar park
@oneshoeshy
I enjoyed this post – just as I would have enjoyed joining you and the iguanas.
Samantha Bangayan
Aww thanks, Thom! =) It was definitely a peaceful afternoon. =)
fullerjanette
Seminario park looks like a lovely place to visit. We had a pet iguana many years ago. We really didn't know the proper way to care for it and it eventually died. I am glad you posted the link to "Your Complete Iguana Survival Guide".
My recent post Book Review: A Reel Cool Summer
Samantha Bangayan
I'm so sad to hear that your pet iguana passed away, Janette! I've only recently heard that it's difficult to care for iguanas!
Deeone
Samantha, I get totally freaked out with reptiles… I have no idea why. But if I see a snake, lizard, iguana, frog, etc.; I get this creepy crawly feeling all over me. Just looking at the picture you took left me with that feeling…. And don't let me see one of their tails fall off. (*faints*) 😀
.
Samantha Bangayan
Haha! =) I can so imagine! That happens to me with various insects. =P Hope you didn't actually faint! Hehe! =P
Marcus Baker
Hi Sam,
I'm not a reptile lover. I sense an unease around them. I have no idea why this is so, Maybe it's a throw back to a previous life?
What I can resonate with however is their love for the sun and their uncanny ability to sit so still. Maybe they were indeed all Zen masters at one time.
Sun and stillness…. ah the very words fill me with joy. I make it a daily habit of sitting in the sun and being still, often just focusing on a tree, bird or even a blade of grass.
There is so much soothing in looking without thinking, without naming or wanting to give the object of our attention any meaning. Just looking for the sake of looking.
~Marcus
My recent post What do you Believe About Good Luck?
Samantha Bangayan
Of all the people I know, Marcus, you definitely seem like a master of stillness, not only because you meditate every day, but also because you dedicate time to your practice.
I love the idea of looking without thinking, labeling or establishing meaning. These are such natural habits to us, but breaking them makes a world of a difference in our understanding of ourselves, others and the world.
Thanks so much for sharing your wisdom, Marcus! =)
RAAckerman, PhD, EA
This is Dr. Contrary!
The iguanas are not wise. They are dumber than dirt. If they were smart, they would avoid their tormentors. This is akin to saying someone is wise as they contemplate their navel while traversing an active shooting gallery. Yes, they may appear calm- but that is not the definition of wise. It may be definition of brain dead…
My recent post Spinal Cord Injury- No longer terminal???
Samantha Bangayan
Haha! =) I guess that's why they say ignorance is bliss. =) Maybe it's more like brain dead is bless. =)
Diana Simon
Hi Sam,
It's interesting that you should write a post about reptiles because a few nights ago, I had such a bad nightmare about reptiles that I woke up with a scream and jump. It even woke up my husband!
What always inspires me are my nieces. They are 2 yrs old and what they do always make me stop and think. A lot of times, they are so creative and keep doing the same things over and over again but like it is the first time. They always laugh and are easy about things. I just love their attitude and am reminded that it's important to be child-like at heart to fully enjoy every experience 🙂
My recent post My Blogging Community Features Tambre Leighn
Samantha Bangayan
Eek! Sorry that I had to bring up that nightmare for you again, Diana. =P
Ooh! Good one! Children always make me reflect on life with their creativity, wonder and humor as you describe. =) Thank you so much for the reminder!! =)
Joy
Sam, this was totally unexpected. I would not have thought of iguanas the way you did and I kinda liked it! Sure they may not be actually so, in reality I mean, but who cares? The point is that seeing them as wise and zen-like is the inspiration they gave you at the time. It's always refreshing to have unexpected insights like that. What I take from this is that sometimes it's good to challenge ourselves to look at things differently. We may come out a little wiser in doing so. Cool video clip too btw! 🙂
My recent post Excuse Me, You Said What??
Samantha Bangayan
Exactly so, Joy! Roy has said that iguanas are in fact "dumber than dirt," but I liked the inspiration in the moment and how it changed my afternoon. =)
I love the thought that you took away from this, Joy, and I too want to continually challenge myself to take on different perspectives. =)
cath
Wonderful video and post! I had a pet lizard as a child and loved it. (Mom wouldn't let us have a dog or cat.) Clouds make me stop and think. But I also look at things around me and often stop to think. Sometimes no thoughts, just feelings, emotions, run through me. I've been like this my whole life. My family says I'm an airhead. 😀
My recent post sugared sand
Samantha Bangayan
Aww I should have asked my parents for a lizard! They didn't let me have a dog or cat either. =P
Haha! That's hardly airhead-like — I find your description more meditative! =) And I love the idea of being able to stop and think about absolutely anything around us. I imagine it makes you more aware and perceptive, Cath! =)
Abe
I love to get in the car and just drive. Where I go and what I see is as random as the thoughts I have as I enjoy the experiance. Who I am and where I want to end up in life is usually the direction my thoughts end up, but the journey I choose to take becomes the fasination by which I go. Half the fun of a vacation is the pre planning, the emagination and anticipation. The rest is just making your dream come true.
Samantha Bangayan
What a beautiful idea, Abe! I love driving too. Maybe I can make it up to Alaska one day and just enjoy that experience of driving through the entire province. =)
I love your insight on vacations, dreams and journeys — half of it is the anticipation! =) It reminds us how we should fully enjoy every part of life, not just the end result. =)
penniej2
Interesting about the iguanas in the park and the life they lead. To me, the fascinating thing about them is that they are prehistoric animals. I don't like them but nor do I like seeing them mistreated, being bait for pigeons or lacking tails. Years ago, I went to a native pre-Columbian cuisine place where the owner both had roast iguana at the top of his list of offerings, and the real thing, a live pet iguana, hanging on his shoulder. He allowed me to dandle it a few minutes. After that, I definitely lost my appetite. However, iguana was (and still is in some parts) considered a delicacy in Mexico. Most have no compunction about eating them.
My recent post “Fall Seven Times, Stand Up Eight.”
Samantha Bangayan
Yikes! I had heard about eating lizards. When I was doing my research for this post, it found that lizards are typical meals in this area of South America because they're so abundant. =P I have never once tasted them, but thanks so much for sharing your story! I can just imagine you there and losing your appetite! Hehe! =)
Lynn
Stop and think? yikes…. I will be running Samantha! lol
Sorry, but I am not good with reptiles. We have these little gecko's in California and I don't even are for them either. But when I saw your video it gave me the willies!!!
Although Samantha, I really did enjoy your information about the iguanas, really interesting.
My recent post Simple Social Media Marketing Tips
Samantha Bangayan
Haha! =) It's so funny have people have very different attitudes toward reptiles! =) Now that I think about it, there are tons of little geckos in the Philippines and they used to freak me out as well. I've come so far. =)
Thanks so much for your comment, Lynn! =)
MuMuGB
It looks like you have made some new friends Sam! i can't believe that you actually have patted an iguana (I would have been scared!).
It seems that you too are far from London. xxx from Bali!
My recent post My Bad Accent
Samantha Bangayan
Haha! Now that I think about it, I'm actually surprised I petted one too. =) They just seemed so normal there with tons of people around. =)
Can't wait to hear more exotic things you've done and experienced in Bali! =)
Nyxzie
That pigeon picture makes me want to cry! 🙁
I LOVE iguanas. My dad had 2 of them when I was a kid. I don't remember much about the little one except that he was kind of schizoid. The older one was Godzilla. She was beautiful and the sweetest thing ever. She used to sit on me with her head on my shoulder and I would rub her head and she'd fall asleep.
I think iguanas are gorgeous and graceful animals!
I LOVE this line – "a zen-like take-life-as-it-comes attitude"
My recent post The Color of Hunger
Samantha Bangayan
Sorry about that, Dayle! The iguana surrounded by pigeons was actually completely fine! =) The birds were just pecking at the food around him. =)
AWW! That is so adorable! I didn't know iguanas could be so warm and cuddly. =) Now I want one as a pet! =) Although, my kitty is much softer when he puts his head on my shoulder. =)
Aaron
great post…I have always been fascinated by iguanas ever since a childhood friend of mine had one and I learnt about their ability to drop their tail in self defense. They also have such a prehistoric look to them, when you are around them you feel a connection with the past.
The closest I have ever had to an experience like yours was in cozumel where iguanas were all over our resort. Like you, I found it added a significant amount of peace, tranquility, and beauty to the resort 😀
My recent post Patiently Waiting
Samantha Bangayan
Wow! I had no idea iguanas could drop their tails on purpose! Crazy! =)
My family visited Cozumel a few years ago. I'll have to ask if they stayed at an iguana-filled resort too. =) Very cool that you had a similar experience, Aaron! =)
Adrienne
Hey Samantha,
I've always thought Iguanas were fascinating. I don't know why, I'm not a big reptile lover. But let's face it, they are a pretty cool looking creature wouldn't you agree? So are they bothered by all those birds that land on them when the kids throw food their way? Do they eat the same thing the birds do? I'm curious.
Sorry you had to travel to such a dangerous place just to get your visa renewed. But looks like everything worked out well and you and Roy arrived home safely. Guess that's all that matters.
Thanks for sharing, I loved the video.
Adrienne
My recent post If It Ain’t Broke, Don’t Fix It
Samantha Bangayan
Definitely! Iguanas are exotic-looking to me because I had never seen one up close! That iguana surrounded by the birds didn't seem bothered at all. They just pecked around him and he hung out there until they left. =) The iguana didn't seem interested in the bird food at all. The park caretakers fed the iguanas lettuce, but I'm not sure what else they eat. =)
Yeah! It was a lesson to research the destination before traveling! Thankfully, everything turned out alright. =)
Thanks so much for being interested, Adrienne! =)
Barry Wells
Hi Samantha, after 27 hours on a bus I'd have wanted to chill like the iguanas as well, especially in such a dangerous place.
I'm not really a retile lover Samantha but then I've never really been around any. Like so many comments before Samantha, I don't like the thought of them being mistreated and abused. I wonder how many times the pigeons must have decended for the iguana to stay so still.
I think if i was to visit the park I'd be taken in with them and sit chilling along side them. I know what you mean about wise old men with their beards ha ha.
Loved the video and the music was really relaxing.
It's good to see your safe return Samantha,
take care, Barry
My recent post Learn With Sally: Our First Webinar and One Fear Faced
Samantha Bangayan
I think that iguana surrounded by pigeons came out alright. =) The pigeons only descended once and left once they had finished all the seeds. =)
I also know what you mean about not really having experience with reptiles. I had actually never seen one up close until that day! =) I was surprised that I enjoyed my time with them instead of being disgusted by them or scared of them. =)
Thanks so much for your comment and for caring, Barry! =)
Rowena Bolo
Hey Sam,
You know I've been waiting for your Ecuador trip post, and I am so happy to see that you included a video too . Although I'm not a reptile lover, it is wonderful to see the park and yes what interesting creatures, Iguanas are! Wow, 27-hour bus ride?! Really would make you laze the afternoon away alongside those wise lizards…
I was reading the other comments, and of course I loved what Marcus and Diana both said. Peace, still, calm, sun. Utter joy. I love to be able to also look at God's wonders just for the sake of looking, and just like Diana, I love being with my niece and nephews. Kids bring joy to my heart and I am reminded that it's okay to make mistakes and to not take life so seriously.
I can't wait to see future posts with more videos 😉 Again, welcome back and we have missed you a lot!
Hugs,
Rowena
Samantha Bangayan
Aww thanks, Weng! =) Whenever I travel, I know I should post about it, but usually nothing interesting happens, so I don't know what to post about. =P
Ooh! I loved what you took from Marcus and Diana's comments! "Peace, still, calm, sun. Utter joy." =) You definitely seem like someone who finds these valuable. =) I also love how children have taught you to not take life so seriously — what an important lesson! Thank *you* for teaching me the same and for taking the time to comment, friend! =)
gjsuap
Hi Sam!!
Well, Mexico City's Main Square had also a similar history: in one side is National Palace, in other the Cathedral, in a third one the Jewlery Market and Mexico City Legsilative Assembly and in the fourth the Mexico Citys Mayor Office. The Plaza is officialy named "Plaza de la Constitución" (Constitution's Plaza) but popularly known as "Zócalo", because a basement for a monument that never was constructed. It had some threes and plants, but now is one of the biggest rally plazas on the world (only second behind Moscow's Red Square). It can hold up to 200,000 people.
Saludos.
Gonzalo.
My recent post “No construyan sobre arena”
Samantha Bangayan
Wow! I loved learning more about Mexico City, Gonzalo! Funnily enough, but Huancayo's main plaza is also called Plaza Constitución. =) But the equivalent in Mexico City sounds so much larger and influential! I can't wait to visit. =)
gustavo
Samantha!!!
I can't believe you you have being here and not told me. I live very, very close to Guayaquil. I wish I could invite you guys a cup of coffe or something. Anything to meet you face to face. I hope there will be another chance.
Janet Callaway
Sam, aloha. Thx so much for the clip. It does seem the iguanas have figured out life, as it should be. They are present. They enjoy the moment–sunning, stillness and scratches on the head.
Actually, my recent post inspired me to stop and think–both as I wrote it and responded to questions.
Best wishes for a terrific week, Sam. Until next time, aloha. Janet
My recent post Life—Is it Puzzling or a Puzzle? By Janet Callaway The Natural Networker
Samantha Bangayan
You describe it so perfectly, Janet! "They are present." That's what I had learned when I first lived here in the Andes in 2008 — to slow down and not rush through life — but old habits die hard. =)
Ooh! Good point! An idea for a blog post always makes me stop and think of what I want to truly express. I often have half-formed ideas that I need to flesh out with research and thoughtfulness!
Chris Barba
I've just been thinking/battling with this.
I feel like I've adopted this mental philosophy that I always need to be doing something. That when I'm not. When I'm just sitting in my thoughts, that I'm being unproductive and anxiety begins to surface.
…Not good. Embracing the was of the Iguana and understanding that it's okay to do nothing will help me tap into something else completely. Looking forward to continuing on with this challenge.
Great post Sam, very relevant for me.
My recent post A Push Forward
Samantha Bangayan
Chris, I *so* identify! This is actually one of the main reasons I was drawn to living here in Peru. There was much less pressure to need to be productive or "busy" all the time, so it was much easier for me to just sit and think, reflect, meditate and be creative. =)
I love what you've taken from this post, Chris! Thanks so much for deepening my perspective on this. =) So glad we're in touch!
Samantha Bangayan
OMG, Gustavo!! I'm SOOOO SORRY!! I was even pondering whether I knew anyone in Ecuador and it TOTALLY slipped my mind! It won't this time! =P
I'm sure I'll be there again because if we move to Trujillo, it'll be easiest for me to cross the border to Guayaquil. The Peruvian bus company Cruz del Sur goes straight there and Trujillo is already north of Lima by 8 hours.
EEEK!! Sorry again!! Now, I'll so be wondering what it would have been like to meet. =P
Sherry Zander
I loved this post. I'm an animal-lover at heart, anyway, and have always been intrigued by iguanas. I know several people who own them locally. They're better than having a dog for a pet in many aspects. They never run away, they stay where you put them, they never bite or threaten your friends and neighbors and they're just all-around docile creatures — all the ones that my friends and neighbors own are like that, anyway. Don't know what they're like in the wild. How cool to have something so exotic out in the open for everyone to enjoy. On the other hand, It's obvious the situation makes them vulnerable for abuse.
Samantha Bangayan
Wow! =) You know, this trip was my first time seeing iguanas up close. I wish I knew people with iguanas when I was a kid, so I wouldn’t have been so scared of them at first! =) I had no idea how cool they were! =)