Pigs, apparently, are highly intelligent animals. Perhaps it's good they're not quite intelligent enough to see their eventual fate, which seems universal. At least some, probably like this individual, had lives they could enjoy, unlike most of the pigs in so-called "developed" countries. (The meat market immediately behind this scene was truly gruesome.)
On Saturday I visited the famous market at Otavalo with friends; a two-hour bus journey from Quito (not counting the two bus trips to get from the hostel to the bus terminal). A great but tiring day.
[13 August 2011 (Ecuador), Panasonic Lumix GH1, 14–45 mm at 37 mm, ISO 400, 1/40 at f8]
All content © 2011 Pete McGregor
Oh!
ReplyDeleteWell, there's a basic honesty here, but I once had a most charming and entertaining pig companion.............
RR, I know several people who also had pigs as pets ("companions" does seem a more appropriate word), and they share your view. I haven't had similar contact, but do find them fascinating. I think the general view, worldwide, is very much utilitarian, though.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I think the intelligent response is to not dwell on one's eventual fate, especially if it involves commercial activity around one's carcass!
ReplyDeleteHow about some birds, Pete? How's your trip so far?
I certainly agree, Mike, (although they wouldn't get much of commercial value off my lean carcass). The trip's going great and it's hard to believe my Spanish lessons finish next week. I'll try to catch up with Renato soon, and I might be able to tag along with some keen NZ bird people I met on the plane over here; they're back from a big organised trip next Friday (including Galapagos) so we might meet up and do something on that weekend. Not too many opportunities for serious bird watching yet, but I have seen my first hummingbird!
ReplyDeleteOh, no, I cannot handle that. :(
ReplyDeleteLydia, you should have seen the meat market nearby...
ReplyDelete