Ecuador Part Two

 

This week I am sharing a little more about Ecuador.

Encebollado is widely recognized as the national dish of Ecuador. It's a hearty fish stew, often made with tuna, and features a prominent onion flavour, along with cassava, tomatoes, and cilantro. While other dishes like ceviche and bolon de verde are also popular and sometimes cited as national dishes, encebollado is generally considered the most representative of Ecuadorian cuisine.

Their national animal is the Andean condor. It is also the national bird of several other South American countries, including Bolivia, Chile, and Colombia. The Andean condor is a large bird of prey and holds significance in Andean folklore and mythology. 

They have a national flower it is the Chuquiragua (Chuquiraga jussieui). It's also known as the "Flower of the Andes". While red roses are a popular and important flower cultivated in Ecuador, the Chuquiragua holds the official designation.

It’s not surprising that the national sport is Football (soccer). Amateur weekend games are played in parks, plazas, and vacant lots around the country. The national team has enjoyed success in regional competitions and in the World Cup.

Ecuador is known for its low cost of living, particularly when compared to countries like Australia or the US. A couple can live comfortably on less than $23,000 per year, enjoying things like nice apartments, frequent dining out, and even a house cleaning service. Housing costs are significantly lower, with rentals ranging from $300-$1300 per month depending on location and amenities. 

 

Some Sunday Questions

 

Came across these questions over here: https://lemonscottage.blogspot.com/

So decided to post them here with my answers.

What is something you should throw away, but just can't bring yourself to part with?

My collection of Trixie Beldon books got my first one when I was 9yrs old and just can’t part with them.

When you make yourself a sandwich, do you cut it on the diagonal, straight up the middle, or not at all?

Depends on the bread some I cut diagonal usually twice, so I have four small triangles other bread I cut into four small squares.

What song or sound brings back memories of childhood?

Can’t think of any one song, there are many different songs that when I hear them take me back to my childhood.

Who is the first person you call when you have good news?

For many years it would have been my mum, but the last couple of years it has been my sister Sue.

Have you ever set out on a walk in the rain?

Yep I have done way back when.

Week 26 of 2025

I slept for 8hrs and 54mins and I was awake for 36mins, and woke feeling good, although it took me a while to get moving when the alarm went off.

I have had a productive morning did two loads of washing, tossed the sheets into the dryer but hung the clothes on the clothes hoists and took them outside to dry.  Also put the work shirts in the dryer so they shouldn’t be too difficult to iron.

BGL:5.2

Steps:5,758=3.00klms

My watch says I slept for 5hrs and 3mins and I was awake for 8mins, maybe that’s why I don’t feel fully with it. I will have a shower after Tim leaves for work as I am going to the doctors and my hair feels yuck. I also am going to have my blood taken for my six-monthly blood work check.

After the blood was taken, we drove Sam to Tafe and then I went to the doctors for a new referral to see the neurologist that appointment is on the 14 July and is a telehealth appointment. He also said my eye has healed nicely after the fall.

Sue made my appointment with the optometrist that this Saturday at 11am.

Also went and picked up scripts from the chemist.

Tim rang to let me know he will not be home till around 10pm, he is doing emergency rail.

7,351=3.68klms

My watch says I slept for 7hrs and 43mins and I was awake for 7mins, I do feel ok at the moment as in awake and functioning.

No school for Sam today she has an 11am appointment with the hairdresser and Jess can’t see the point of sending her for only a couple of hours.

It is a cold day, and we have had rain around 11am. Around 2pm someone came and repaired the roof so hopefully no more leak.  

Sam haircut looks good.

BGL: 5.2

Steps: 4,688 which equals around 2.35klms

My watch says I slept for 8hrs and 20mins and I was awake for 48mins, I am feeling good this morning, have already vacuumed out and tidied the kitchen.

After Sam left for school, I decided to mop the bathroom and kitchen floors, while doing the bathroom my right knee felt like it started to dislocate but then it didn’t, and the knee has been very sore and unstable since.

When I go to meet Sam this afternoon, I am going to use the scooter as it feels like it may give way at any moment.

Just had plumbers arrive to look at the roof, I told them someone was here yesterday he said he would check it out anyway. I was waiting for him to come and tell me if all was good but nope, he just left.

BGL: 5.1

Steps:6,015= 3.11klms

My watch says I slept for 8hrs and 56mins and I was awake for 14mins, I had a shower and let the hot water run over my knee and it has helped with the pain and movement.

Sue and I went to Charlestown Square to meet up with Sandy and she had Denni with her and our niece Samantha was there and her eldest Hayley and our nephew Dawson was also there it was really great seeing everyone. Sue did her grocery shopping and then we left, by the time I got home I was barely able to move.

I put a heat pack on my right knee and sat and rested for a while after an hour or, so I was doing much better and able to walk and move without too much pain.

I still took the scooter up to meet Sam by Monday I am hoping I will be ok.

BGL: 5.2

Steps:5,111=2.56klms

My watch says I slept for 9hrs and 57mins and I was awake for 55mins, my knees yes both of them are painful this morning.

I did a load of washing and hung it up to dry and by the time I was done I was exhausted, and my back ached something shocking. I had to have a rest before doing anything else. I didn’t take the washing outside as it felt like it could rain, and it did end up raining around 1pm.

Thankfully it wasn’t raining when I went to meet Sam.

I am extremely tired this arvo and even though it’s only 6.30pm I am off to bed as I am falling asleep sitting here.

BGL:5.8

Steps: 4,506=2.30klm

My watch says I slept for 10hrs and 41mins and I didn’t wake at all during the night. I am feeling fine this morning and have already vacuumed once and cleaned the kitchen.

Sue took me to have my eyes checked and all is good with them.

It has been a cold day; Tim has been saying he is bored as the yard is too soggy to work on. After a while he found something to do but once he did that he was bored again.

Steps:5,129=2.62klm’s

 

 

 

 

 

Caturday

 

Hello everyone it is my time to feature on Caturday,, this is me Archie when I was a tiny kitten this  was taken just after my mum adopted me, wasn’t I oh so cute , I am sitting on mum’s lap.

Scared Band if Thebes

 

Today I am writing a post suggested by and for my transgender granddaughter Sam, who is mentioned often in my diary posts, she has learnt a bit about these soldiers, I think at school, abut I am not 100% sure about that.

Anyway, the subject is The Sacred Band of Thebes.

The Sacred Band of Thebes was an elite heavy infantry of select soldiers, allegedly consisting of 150 pairs of male couples which formed the elite force of the Theban army in the 4th century BC, ending Spartan domination. Its predominance began with its crucial role in the Battle of Leuctra in 371 BC.

They were formed under the leadership of Gorgidas but first ac

hieved fame under the general Pelopidas. They remained invincible from 378-338 BCE when the entire troop fell together at the Battle of Chaeronea.

The military unit is first mentioned in 324 BCE in a speech, but their full story wasn’t known to much later.

The Sacred Band were deployed early in the Boeotian War in 378 BCE under Gorgidas but became famous for their participation in the Battle of Leuctra in 371 BCE. They remained undefeated until the decisive battle of Chaeronea in 338 BCE when the Macedonians under Philip II and his son Alexander the Great crushed the combined forces of Thebes and Athens.

The Sacred Band fell together as a single unit and, according to Plutarch, were mourned by Philip II of Macedon himself as valiant warriors. They would later became legendary figures exemplifying courage and military strength.

The city of Thebes, where this band had been founded in 378 BCE was particularly unique in how it regarded the love, between men. A young Plato is thought to have said “the rule has been laid down straightforwardly that it is right to gratify (male) lovers, and no one, young or old, would say that it is wrong."

Of course, it was not uncommon for male-male encounters to be pursued by ancient Greek soldiers, demonstrated through the institutionalised practices of homoeroticism in Spartan militia and the cities of Crete.

The very act of homoeroticism was thoroughly incorporated into the educational systems of the Greek world. It was a means to lead a boy into adulthood, and by the Classical period, it extended into higher culture: “from the military to athletic games, from philosophy to historiography.”  

But why would Thebes want to specifically create an elite unit of bonded male lovers, if homoeroticism was already part-and-parcel of ancient Greece’s cultural fabric?

According to Plato’s philosophical thought, lover-soldiers would inspire the courage and bravery needed on the battlefield. Plato tells us that:

The last person a lover could bear to be seen by, when leaving his place in the battleline or abandoning his weapons, is his boyfriend; instead, he’d prefer to die many times. As for abandoning his boyfriend or failing to help him in danger – no one is such a coward that he could not be inspired into courage by love and made the equal of someone who’s naturally very brave. — The Symposium, 179a’

It is said that such was the powerful display of love that it brought the great king to tears. So, to mark the burial site, a marble lion was erected in honour of the fallen, acting as a “symbol of their courage.”

The Lion of Chaeronea is still standing. It's a funerary monument erected in honour of the Theban Sacred Band, who died in the Battle of Chaeronea in 338 BC. The monument was rediscovered in 1818 and later restored, and it remains a prominent landmark near the battle site. 

This once-famous troop of heroes is often passed over in discussions of Greek history possibly because they were gay and the concept of a victorious unit of gay warriors is at odds with the prevalent homophobia of the present day.

As LGBTQ+ activism makes more progress in educating people, however, the Sacred Band of Thebes is again receiving the kind of recognition they deserve.

 

A post with links to other posts

Here are the new links to other posts over at Random Stuff

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2025/06/swallowing-issues.html

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2025/06/this-months-sister-poem.html

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2025/06/history-of-child-labour-laws.html

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2025/06/junes-last-hodgepodge.html

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2025/06/tuesdays-four-on-thursday_26.html

 

Mount Gambier

 

This week we are looking at the second largest city/town in South Australia, which is Mount Gambier, with a population of over 26,000. It is located on the Limestone Coast. It is in the southeastern corner of South Australia.

The town was founded by Hastings Cunningham and was first called "Gambierton" in 1854 by subdividing a block of 77 acres (31 ha). From 1861 to 1878, the Post Office was known by this name before reverting to Mount Gambier.

It’s known for its limestone, volcanic landscape and crater lakes. One of these, Blue Lake, turns cobalt blue in summer. Nearby, the Centenary Tower offers panoramic views of the area. The Umpherston Sinkhole contains a lush sunken garden. The Lady Nelson Visitor Centre houses a full-size replica of a late-18th-century ship.

Mount Gambier's history is marked by its volcanic origins, early European exploration, and development as a significant regional centre in South Australia. The extinct volcano, Mount Gambier, was first sighted by Lieutenant James Grant in 1800 and named after Admiral James Gambier. European settlement began in the 1840s, with the area becoming a major agricultural and timber centre.

The traditional owners of the Mount Gambier area are the Boandik people, also known as the Bungandidj. They are the First Nations people of the region, and their language and culture are deeply connected to the land and waterways. The name "Bungandidj" is said to mean "people of the reeds". 

Organizations like the City of Mount Gambier and headspace Mount Gambier formally acknowledge the Boandik people as the traditional custodians. 

There's a growing movement to recognize the Boandik presence and connection to the land through dual naming of significant sites, alongside their European names. 

The Bungandidj language is being revitalized, and efforts are underway to reintroduce it into the community. 

The Boandik people have a long and rich history in the region, and their stories and cultural knowledge are important to the area's identity. 

Mount Gambier is generally considered a safe place, but like any location, it has areas where caution is advised, especially at night or in more remote areas. While some crime statistics show increases in thefts and break-ins, these are not indicative of the overall safety of the city for residents and visitors. 

 

 

American Black Bear

This week we are looking at the American black bear, or simply black bear, it is a species of medium-sized bear which is endemic to North America. It is the continent's smallest and most widely

They vary in size, with males typically weighing between 56 to 226 kilos (125 to 500) pounds and females between 40 to 136kilos (90 to 300) pounds. They generally measure 1.5 to 2.1 metres (5 to 7 feet) in length and stand less than1 metre (2 to 3 feet) tall at the shoulder on all fours. When standing upright, they can reach a height of 5 to 6 feet

Most of their diet consists of berries, fruit, sedges, and insects. They will also occasionally consume fish, honeycomb, and human food and garbage, so it is important to make sure to keep your items locked up with bear-proof equipment! In the spring, black bears may prey on young elk and deer.

They are typically shy and secretive towards humans, generally avoiding encounters. They are known for their intelligence and curiosity, exhibiting problem-solving skills and a tendency to explore. While they can be active at any time of day, they are often crepuscular, meaning they are most active during dawn and dusk. Black bears are also solitary animals for most of the year, except during mating season and when females are raising cubs. 

They inhabit a wide range of environments across North America, primarily favouring forested areas. They are commonly found in mountainous regions, woodlands, and swamps, often seeking out areas with ample food, water, and shelter. 

They may become prey to mountain lions, wolves, coyotes, bobcats, grizzly bears, humans, or other black bears. Cubs are especially vulnerable to predation by these other animals.

While they are generally not known to be aggressive towards humans and often try to avoid encounters, they can be dangerous in certain situations. They may act defensively if they feel threatened or cornered, or if they are protecting food or their young. However, fatal black bear attacks are rare, with only a small number occurring each year in North America. 

Black bear cubs are typically born in January or February, weighing less than a pound and hairless, inside their mother's den. They are usually born in litters of one to three, and emerge from the den with their mother in the spring, weighing around five pounds. Cubs stay with their mother for about 18 months, learning essential survival skills

 

Ecuador

This week we are back in South America at the country of Ecuador which lies along the Equator which is why it is called Ecuador and is on the northwestern coast of South America.

The country has a diverse landscape which encompasses Amazon jungle, Andean highlands and the wildlife-rich Galápagos Islands.

The country’s capital is Quito which sits high in the Andean foothills at an altitude of 2,850m. It is constructed on the foundations of an ancient Incan city, it’s known for its well-preserved colonial centre, rich with 16th- and 17th-century churches and other structures blending European, Moorish and indigenous styles. These include the cathedral, in the Plaza Grande square, and ultra-ornate Compañia de Jesús Jesuit church.

Quito is the oldest of all South American capitals and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1978 due to its well-preserved old town.

Founded by Spanish conquistador Sebastián de Belalcázar in 1534, Quito remained the focal point of national affairs until the early 20th century when economic dominance shifted to Guayaquil . Today, Quito remains the country’s political and cultural centre, maintaining much of its colonial atmosphere with historic churches, peaceful squares, and narrow streets.

 The country has a population of around 18 million, the official language is Spanish, but Quichua, the lingua franca of the Inca Empire, is spoken by many of the indigenous people. Nine additional indigenous languages are also spoken in Ecuador. English is spoken in major visitor centers.

The official currency of Ecuador is the US dollar. While US dollar bills are used in Ecuador, the country issues its own centavo coins. US dollars have been used in Ecuador since 2000 and replaced the former currency, the Ecuadorian sucre.

The Ecuadorian flag is a horizontal tricolour with three bands of yellow, blue, and red. The yellow band is at the top and is twice the width of the blue and red bands. The flag also includes the Ecuadorian coat of arms in the centre. The colours represent the sun (yellow), the sea and sky (blue), and the blood shed for independence (red).

The flag was first adopted in 1860, with the coat of arms being added in 1900. 

It is similar to the flag of Colombia, but the Ecuadorian flag is longer and includes the coat of arms. 

When it comes to religion, Christianity is the primary religion. Catholicism is the main Christian denomination in the country. There are also small minorities of other religions.

Ecuador is also considered a constitutional republic. The Constitution of Ecuador provides for a four-year term of office for the President, Vice-President, and members of the National Assembly with concurrent elections. Presidents and legislators may be re-elected immediately.

 

Week 25 of 2025

 

I slept straight through the night again 7hrs and 24mins and I was awake for 8mins.

Been a good day, turned out warm and Tim did a lot more work in the back yard and it is starting to look good.

Me well other than getting the clothes of the line, folding and putting them away, I ironed the work shirts and that was a bitch of a job because we soaked them overnight in wash booster stuff, they were extremely wrinkled, and I hadn’t put them in the dryer just hung them out to dry. I won’t make that mistake again. I also vacuumed but that’s all the housework I did.

I spent the rest of the day watching YouTube and reading blogs.

BGL:5.8

Steps: 6,946=3.60

I had a rough start to the night it was around 11pm when I finally settled so only had 4hrs and 54mins of sleep.

Sue drove Sam to Tafe and I went with them as I had a 8.36am doctor’s appointment, I was home by 9.30am.

What an afternoon, at 1.40 I tripped on the mat under my computer chair and fell flat on my face, splitting above my left eye open. I managed to call Tasha who thankfully was home, and she was here in less then a minute. She helped me up and onto the lounge, she cleaned the wound and rang people.

Sue took me at first to my GP then to Belmont Hospital where I was for 4.5hrs. I did not want to go to the hospital, then did a ct scan which was normal. I had a mild concussion and wasn’t with it for around 2.5hrs, by the time I was called into be seen by a doctor I wasn’t doing good as I hadn’t taken my afternoon meds and had an internal tremor as well as an external tremor.

The doctor wanted me to have blood tests and an ECG but I said no there is nothing wrong with my heart and my bloody pressure was normal and I just wanted to come home. Sue got very firm with them telling them we would be leaving and if she had to sign something she would but that wasn’t needed, and we left can came home at 6.45pm.

When I got home, I took my meds and within 15mins I was feeling much better.

BGL:4.6

Steps: 5,194

I was asleep pretty much as soon as I went to bed, I slept for 8hrs 54mins and didn’t wake at all.

This morning, I didn’t want to get up, but I knew I had to in order to get Sam up and see her off to school.

By 7am I was awake and feeling ok and yeah, I have two black eyes and a sore head but I’m doing ok.

Had an okay day didn’t do as much as I would normally do with blogging and housework and by 5pm I am completely exhausted and fighting to stay awake I will be in bed by 6.30pm.

BGL: 4.9

Steps: 4,519=2.31klm

I was asleep pretty much as soon as I went to bed, I slept for 8hrs 56mins and didn’t wake at all. I am feeling ok this morning.

Tim rang to let me know that it will be around 8.30pm by the time he gets home.

I had a good day but another early night for me as it is 6pm and my eyes are stinging.

BGL:5.2

Steps: 4,633=2.36klm

I was asleep pretty much as soon as I went to bed, I slept for 9hrs 13mins and didn’t wake at all. I am feeling good enough to have a shower this morning.

I’m feeling more like myself today and even vacuumed and washed the towels as well as folding up the clothes and put them away. I cleaned the kitchen twice and ran the dishwasher.

My eye area can be touched without me wincing in pain.

BGL: 5.4

Steps: 5,487=2.83klms

I had another good night remember waking once to pee, my watch says I slept for 7hrs 19mins and was awake for 15mins.

Another cold morning temp is 2C or 35.6F

Tim felt so sick this morning he considered calling in sick but ended up going to work anyway.

Sam rang and told me she felt too sick to go to school, so I went up and told Joel when he arrived.

This afternoon Sam was so sick she was vomiting and so unwell that she has come down here for the night, as Jess doesn’t want her home alone tonight.

I am also not feeling well this afternoon. 

I had to have a nap as I was so tired.

BGL:5.4

Steps: 5,551=2.90klms

I slept for 10hrs and 22mins and I was awake for 21mins, at 5am when my alarm went off, I got up went to the loo, took my medication and went back to bed for an hour.

Another cold morning temp is 2C or 35.6F.

Jessica came over to check on Sam when she got home from work at 6.10am, Sam was sleeping and didn’t wake up when Jess checked her temperature and covered her with a quilt.

I ordered pizza for lunch, when Sam woke up, she came out looking for food and decided to make herself scrambled eggs.

It has been a warmish day.

BGL: 5.2

Steps: 5402=2.93klms

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another Caturday

 

Hello everyone, it is Caturday and this week we have this photo of Luca.

Hi all, I’m Luca and this is my big brother Blain, this is a lovely photo of the two of us.

 

Vatican City National Anthem

 

This week we have the National Anthem of the Vatican City.

 It is called the "Inno e Marcia Pontificale", which translates to "Pontifical Hymn and March" or "Papal Anthem". This anthem is played on all major occasions within the Vatican City and also serves as a symbol of the Holy See and the Vatican City State according to the Vatican State website. 

It's played to mark the presence of the Pope or his representatives, and on other solemn occasions within Vatican City. 

The anthem was officially adopted by Pope Pius XII in 1949.

The anthem is not meant to be understood as a national anthem in the traditional sense. Instead, it's a piece of music that resonates with those who see Rome as the See of Peter according to the Vatican State website. 

Initially a purely instrumental piece composed by Charles Gounod in 1869, it became the official papal anthem in 1949, replacing an older anthem. Italian lyrics were added later that same year by Antonio Allegra, and Latin lyrics were added in 1991 by Raffaello Lavagna. 

 

 

A Summer hodgepodge in winter

 

Here I am doing another hodgepodge which is brought to you by Joyce over at http://www.fromthissideofthepond.com/

Here are this week’s questions.

Summer officially begins this week (in the northern hemisphere)what was your favourite thing to do in the summer when you were a kid? What do you like most about summer now?

Well, it is winter here but in summer as a child I would spend most of the day outside playing. Now days my summer days are the same as my winter days. 

Something you'll celebrate this summer.

During Summer we have four birthdays we celebrate 

Summer tastes like. Smells like? Sounds like? 

Summer tastes like water ice blocks; it smells like BBQ’s and sounds like laughter and music.

June 18th is National Splurge Day, what's the last thing you splurged on? What might you splurge on today?

I don’t splurge on anything as a rule. 

Share a favourite summer quote, saying, song lyric, or meme. 

Can’t think of a damn thing at the moment.

Insert your own random thought here. 

Remember not to take your life for granted, wake up every day and show deep gratitude for your life. Try your best to be kind and understanding to the people around you.
Appreciate the small moments that you often overlook.

 

 

Geelong

 

This week we are having a look at the second largest city in the state of Victoria, which is Geelong, located on Corio Bay, part of Port Phillip, and is about an hour's drive southwest of Melbourne. 

It is a vibrant city with a rich history, particularly in wool production and design. It's known for its beautiful waterfront, proximity to the Great Ocean Road, and as a major regional centre with a growing population and economy. 

It's the second most populated area in Victoria, with the City of Greater Geelong having an estimated population of over 289,565. 

The town has a strong connection to the wool industry and was once a major wool port. It was also once known for its automotive manufacturing but is now has a growing tourism sector. 

Geelong was recognized as a UNESCO City of Design for its commitment to using design and creativity for urban development and sustainability. 

The city's name is derived from an Aboriginal word, and it acknowledges the traditional owners, the Wadawurrung people. 

Geelong is home to Deakin University and other educational institutions, contributing to its role as a centre for research and innovation. 

Geelong is a popular starting point for exploring the scenic Great Ocean Road and the Bellarine Peninsula. 

The city's waterfront has been revitalized with developments, creating a vibrant area for leisure and recreation. 

Geelong hosts various major events and festivals, further enhancing its appeal. 

 

Brown Bears

The brown bear is a large bear native to Eurasia and North America. Of the land carnivorans, it is rivalled in size only by its closest relative, the polar bear, which is much less variable in size and slightly bigger on average.

Grizzly bears and brown bears are the same species, although currently grizzly bears are considered to be a separate subspecies.

Brown bears are omnivorous, eating a mixed diet of plants, berries, fish, and small mammals, with almost 80 percent of their diet being tree bark, leaves, roots, mushrooms, nuts, fruit and berries. They are not averse to meat and will eat small rodents, birds, frogs or snakes, fish and carrion.

Unlike black bears, brown bears have long, strong claws that they use to dig for food, pick fruits, and catch prey.

The average life span for a wild brown bear is about 20 years, although many bears typically live longer than this. The oldest wild brown bears known lived for about 35 years.

Bear cubs are born after a gestation period of around 180-270 days. The newborn bears are naked, blind and toothless and are completely dependent on the mother. A litter usually consists of one to three cubs that weigh only 300 to 400 grammes at birth and are around 30 centimetres long.

The cubs typically stay with their mother for 2 to 3 years, learning essential survival skills. This period allows them to grow strong, learn to find food, and navigate their environment under their mother's guidance. In some regions, like Katmai, cubs might stay with their mothers for around 2.5 years. 

Cubs are born in dens and rely on their mother's milk for nourishment and protection. 

During their time with their mother, cubs learn crucial skills like foraging for food, recognizing and avoiding predators, and navigating different terrains. 

While some cubs might become more independent in their second year, they often continue to den with their mother for at least one more winter. 

Mothers are very protective of their cubs and may chase away or threaten other bears, including males, to keep their young safe. 

By the time they are around 2 to 3 years old, cubs are generally ready to venture out on their own and start their independent lives. 

They can climb trees, although their ability to do so diminishes as they grow older and larger. While young brown bears are excellent climbers, their size and weight can make it more challenging as they mature. However, they are still capable of climbing trees, even as adults. 

Why do they climb trees, well for various reasons, including escaping predators, accessing food (like fruit), or even just for fun or exploration.

 

They have an exceptionally acute sense of smell, exceeding that of dogs. Contrary to popular belief, bears are not nearsighted. Their eyesight and hearing are comparable to humans. They can run in short bursts up to 40 mph (64 kph) and are excellent swimmers

They use rocks as a tool to scratch an itchy spot and they know when they are being hunted.

Brown bear attacks on humans are relatively rare, with an average of about 40 attacks per year globally. While most encounters with bears do not result in attacks, and the vast majority of bears are not interested in attacking humans, defensive reactions can occur if a bear feels threatened or surprised, especially if it has cubs.