Joy at the end of the world

Deep in the Ecuadorian wilderness at an altitude of 2,600 mtrs ((8530 ft) above sea level precariously perched atop a treehouse 'Casa del Arbol' is a is a seismic monitoring station. It's location is perfect for seismologists to observe and keep a tab on Mt. Tungurahua, the nearby active volcano and warn others in the region in case of any danger.

While the treehouse itself is a sight to behold, the real attraction is the swing hanging from one of the tree’s skinny branches appropriately called 'Swing at the End of the World'

With only a lonely seat belt to hold you in, the swing set up by a whimsical seismologist arcs riders out into the air over the seemingly bottomless canyon.

If one wants to experience the feeling of joy, and excitement of existing at the very end of the world, then the swing at Casa del Arbol, near Banos in Ecuador might just be the place.

Should the active volcano Mt. Tungurahua in whose shadow sits Casa del Arbol, erupt then one will witness the city of Baños being engulfed in lava.

If instead of erupting should the volcano explode then the Casa del Árbol too would be engulfed in lava. From this perspective, a visit to this swing will definitely feel like the end of the world for the swingers. But what a ride that would be?

The swing at Casa del Arbol only goes to remind us that there is a possibility of happiness, joy and excitement everywhere for everyone.

 Interesting links:

• The Swing of Casa Del Arbol, Ecuador ~ Amusing Planet
• A swing to dangle you off the very edge. - Casa del Arbol, Ecuador ~ Atlas Obscura
• Swing At The End Of The World ~ Wanderbus Ecuador
   

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What are religions fighting over?

Art is not an object

Art is an experience, not an object.

 - Robert Motherwell

___________________________________________

I spent almost a lifetime trying to understand art. I read many books and spoke to many experts and I still did not understand it. I eventually realised, that this was a good thing. 

If it is art, it will stimulate. Otherwise it is just some colours, noise, an assembly of inconsequential objects or just movements of the body.

When we look at something objectively we use the mind. The mind feels nothing for its a cold analytical thing. Art touches our being, and that is a matter of the heart. Matters of the heart cannot be understood, merely experienced.

What a dreary place our world would be without artists.

To have succeeded

To laugh often and much;

To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;

To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;

To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others;

To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition;

To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.

- Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803 -1889) American Essayist & Poet

(1803 - 1882) American Essayist & Poet