NOTE: click on a photo to enlarge.

Mary and I just returned from 10 days in Ecuador — a country filled with volcanoes, markets, and friendly people. While there, two other things stood out – not nearly as many fat or obese people as in the U.S. and a lot of people recreating and exercising. Included here are a number of photos of people getting their exercise and enjoying life in public parks and other locations.

The next photo is an early morning shot of adults in a public park doing calisthenics. Unlike when we did them in high school and goofed off, these adults were taking the exercises seriously.

The next photo is from a rural municipal recreation facility. You can see that the facility consists of two multi-purpose courts marked off for soccer, basketball, and volleyball. On one court was a volleyball game and on the other court was a soccer game (photo). Both games were played by adults.

Here is a youngster practicing and learning tricks on his bicycle. From the photo, it is apparent that he has had a lot of practice and is a regular at the park. Also in the park were other youngsters working on their skateboard skills while still others played basketball and soccer.

The next photos are of a number of youngsters who are getting their exercise in their physical education class. Interestingly, the class is running (and walking) along a mountain road.

The scenery is beautiful and the kids seem to be enjoying the out-of-doors. Also of interest, you do not see any adult supervision even though their route traveled along a curvy mountain road and across a high bridge traversing a deep gorge and stream.

As with most recreational facilities, there were some visible hazards. Look back at the previous photos and see if you spot any. One of the most glaring was between two courts. In the final photo, you can see metal pipes protruding from the pavement between the two court areas. It looks as if they have been cut off two or three inches above the pavement leaving significant hazards for participants.