Film Crew Stranded in Quito airport during the uprising

[Randy Harris]

There is an uprising going down in Ecuador today and we are stranded in the airport and being told not to go back into the city until further notice.

Thanks to the Aggressor agents here in Quitio and the crew in the office for looking out for us. We definately would have been a bit freaked out if it were not for them.

Enough city wildlife, we are hoping things settle down and we make it to Galapagos tomorrow for some whale shark and hammerhead action.

[cdolphin]

Yikes, Randy. Stay low. What's all the uproar about, do you have any idea?


~Cheryl

[cbm32]

A quick google search indicates that the police are staging an uprising over budget cuts that effect their pay and benefits.

[Randy Harris]

That is what started all of this. Then the idiots took to the streets and starting looting, mugging, holding up banks etc. because the cops were striking.

[cbm32]

More specifically:

"The protests were triggered by a law passed by congress yesterday on Wednesday that would end the practice of giving medals and bonuses with each promotion. It would also extend from five to seven years the usual period required for promotions. "

[Randy Harris]

Seattle news covers Into The Drink crew.

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1625064036523&ref=mf

[Randy Harris]

Savannah news covers Into The Drink crew.

Savannah Man Caught in Ecuador Unrest | WSAV TV (http://www2.wsav.com/news/2010/sep/30/savannah-man-caught-ecuador-unrest-ar-902375/)

[ScubaSam]

Randy - Safe travels home to you and your crew. Keep us posted.

[drbill]

If you can believe the stories I've read, the recent law that was passed did not affect pay or bonuses... but then the source I saw may have been biased. It claimed that anti-government individuals on the right fanned the flames with lies. Hmmm... that does sound familiar! Apparently the military sided with the elected government and quelled the police.

Hope you guys get out to the Galapagos quickly.

[Scott L]

If you can believe the stories I've read, the recent law that was passed did not affect pay or bonuses... but then the source I saw may have been biased. It claimed that anti-government individuals on the right fanned the flames with lies. Hmmm... that does sound familiar! Apparently the military sided with the elected government and quelled the police.

Hope you guys get out to the Galapagos quickly.

It certainly does. Castro and Chevas...

[cdolphin]

Hey, Into The Drink - I'm hoping that you've gotten out of Ecuador since the last post.

I suggest Rum. Send Johnny to the store ;)

[drbill]

Hopefully your film crew got some very interesting footage to include in this episode... if you ever get to actually dive the Galapagos!