First day in Ecuador! After arrival last night and a stroll around the plaza this morning, I'm ready for lunch, or "almuerzo" at a sidewalk cafe. Then a ferocious storm rolls in from the Andes, turning the street and sidewalk into a virtual river. When hail begins pummeling my umbrella, I flee indoors with the other patrons.

At last the storm abates and things start returning to normal - until the next downpour. A chivalrous young man transports a girl across the street on his back. That must have a bit difficult, but there are certainly worse things.