Reading to learn to walk

Abstract

My expectations for the imminent arrival in Puerto El Carmen del Putumayo were enormous. Two days before I had arrived at Lago Agrio in a propeller plane that had flown over the mountain range amidst scares, screams, turbulence and deafening noises from its engines. Thus, I passed from the cold and rainy Quiteño storm, to the enveloping and warm humidity of the lower Amazon. From the order, comfort and services provided by the Lago Agrio airport, that is, from Texaco's facilities, I migrated to dusty streets, some stained with oil, others, and above all - which were not many - to hundreds of people who sold and bought everything, under a canicular sun and multicolored dresses in that little town that had formed next to the oil facilities, Lago Agrio.