SCENES ALONG THE RIO TOMEBAMA

One of the most beautiful things about living in the Palermo is its nearness of one block from the Rio Tomebama.  The walkways along the river, the beautiful park settings, the joggers as they make their way along the paths, the families who do their laundry in the river, the people who enjoy their day of relaxation, the young lovers walking hand in hand while occasionally stealing a kiss from one another, the amusements for the children--all make for a day of awesome tranquility.

The Tomebama is one of four rivers that flow through Cuenca, and is a very narrow river.   Many in the states would laugh at the idea of even calling it a river.  In fact, when we have dry spells, the river becomes shallow and would more accurately be referred to as a brook.  However, it would be a big mistake to underestimate this river.  When the rains pour, and the river fills as water makes its way down from the Cajas, the mighty roar of the Tomebama is one of magnificence.  The river is of little use for swimming, canoeing, or river rafting.  The waters are far too treacherous and tumultuous for such activities, as the raging waters cascade eastward from the Cajas over the numerous rocks that cause the sound of endless rapids,  I can not help but experience a spiritual oneness with what I imagine as the sounds of thousands of indigenous drums beating out the crescendo of hundreds of generations of traditions that continue in the blood, pride, and spirit of their contemporary offspring.

The photos today present the beauty along the river, the ferociousness of the waters when the river is high, the people washing their clothes and belongings along the banks of the river, the wonderful equipment in the playground area that adults often use as much as the children.  Those who can not afford health club memberships can get a work out on some of the equipment that makes me wonder why I have never seen parks around Chicago make use of the same concept of wellness and well-being.  Where there are people in this very enterprising city of Cuenca, there will be food vendors as well.

I took these photos on the Sunday afternoon of March 17th as I made my way to the Coopera; where I purchase my organic fruits, vegetables, nuts, eggs, quinua and whatever type of grain one would want, as well as milk, and meats.   I count my blessings everyday that I have an opportunity to live in a city nestled in a basin of the Cajas where we are replenished continuously with fresh water, and where we are the only city not only in Ecuador but in South America known for having the safest drinking water.  Even Norte Americanos can drink directly from the tap in Cuenca.  The soil in Ecuador is amongst the richest in the world.  One can only hope that this sliver of paradise can be preserved, without destruction by international corporations and corrupt politicians.

All but one or two of the last photos were taken when I was on my way to the Coopera.  I was in the store about twenty minutes.  I was amazed upon my walk back from the Coopera that the number of people in the playground area of the park had doubled.  Mules are often on site on the weekends as children can be provided with rides, but unfortunately for my photo shoot there were none today.  Generally, the soccer/volleyball area you see in the photos normally have young and middle age men playing one game or another on the weekend afternoons with dozens of people seated and enjoying the games. 

In the background, are the recently built highrises that speak to the affluence of the area.  Although the west side of Cuenca is often referred to as "Gringolandia",  a large majority of the people in the area are Ecuadorians (Ecuatorianos), and there are just as many gringos living on the south side of town, as well as in El Centro. In fact, recently I am meeting increasing numbers of Gringos living or moving into the Monay Mall area on the northeastern side of town as well. 

I am sorry I can not provide you with the roaring sounds of the Rio Tomebama, but I do hope you enjoy a view of one small part of Cuenca that provides beauty and tranquility.  You can click on any photo for a larger view:

 

JEWISH PASSOVER--THE CHRISTIAN HOLY WEEK

This being the beginning of Holy Week, I listed below two links to two of my past posts, one link which is for those who wish to know more about the Jewish Passover which is celebrated from March 25th until April 2nd this year of 2013.  Th second link is about the celebration of the Christian Holy Week as it is celebrated in Cuenca, Ecuador beginning with Palm Sunday, March 24th through Easter Sunday, March 31st of this year.

The Seder Dinner post:

http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=311130598749211263#editor/target=post;postID=8695157816355486105


The Celebration of the Christian Holy Week in Cuenca post:

http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=311130598749211263#editor/target=post;postID=6633290994918812111

IS MOVING ABROAD THE RIGHT MOVE FOR YOU?

There are many things to consider when one moves from ones native country to a foreign country and culture.  I have written about many of these considerations in my various posts over the last two-and-a-half years, and specifically as they relate to Cuenca.  I have attempted to be unbiased by pointing out both the negatives and positives to life in Cuenca.  It has been gratifying when people who moved here have told me what a strong influence my blog posts played in positively impacting them in their choice to move to this wonderful city in the Southern Andes of Ecuador.

I am enjoying my second anniversary year in Cuenca and Ecuador as of this week.  I absolutely love this city, the people, and their culture; and with each passing day the Cuencano culture becomes more and more my culture.  I have never been more happy in my life, and retirement for me in Cuenca has been an endless time of excitement, as well as an adventurous time of making  new friends and acquaintances far to numerous to count.   Needless to say, as I begin my third year in Cuenca I anticipate each new day of surprises and wonderment.

Probably because of my extensive academic background in history, geography, world cultures, philosophy, world religions, and my extensive world travels in Eastern and South Asia; moving to Cuenca was relatively easy for me.  Both my expat friends and Ecuadorian friends helped immensely in smoothing my way toward settlement as well.  I have always felt at home in Cuenca, and my love affair with this city and its people continues to grow with each passing day.

However, by the same token, Cuenca or for that matter living in a foreign country is not going to be the right move for everybody, and many people can be disappointed when they make a "permanent" move for which they were not fully prepared, or for which they are ill-fitted.  I am not going to recreate the wheel.  Recently, there have been two excellent articles which have been posted and deal with the very significant pitfalls one needs to consider very seriously before uprooting oneself and making a major life changing move to another country and foreign culture.  If you are giving any thought to moving to a foreign culture and specifically to Cuenca or some other part of Ecuador, I would strongly encourage you to read both articles linked below:

 

What Aren’t You Being Told About Moving to Ecuador? – Part I        (by Dr. Lee Dubs)

February 13, 2013 by posterdog

What Aren’t You Being Told About Moving to Ecuador? – Part II        (by Dr. Lee Dubs)

February 15, 2013 by poster

http://southofzero.wordpress.com/2013/02/15/moving-to-ecuador-part-ii/http://southofzero.wordpress.com/2013/02/13/moving-to-ecuador-part-i/ 

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Moving to Ecuador? Odds are you WON'T make it as a resident here!     (by Roger Yazell)

http://togetherontheroadoflife.blogspot.com/2013/03/moving-to-ecuador-odds-are-you-wont.html

END OF THE YEAR 2012 IN REVIEW

AS MANY OF YOU KNOW, UPLOADING PHOTOS IS NOT MY STRONG POINT.  MANY PHOTOS DO NOT GET DISPLAYED ON NEW BLOG POSTS IN A TIMELY MANNER.  SOME POSTS NEVER SEE THE LIGHT OF DAY, BECAUSE OF ENDLESS AGONY OVER TRYING TO GET THE PROCESS TO WORK.   MANY OF YOU HAVE ASKED TO SEE MORE PHOTOS.  THEREFORE, YOU WILL SEE A COLLECTION OF ALBUMS AND LINKS, WHICH YOU MAY PERUSE AT YOUR LEISURE.  THESE PHOTOS AND LINKS ARE GOING TO BE A LITTLE OF THIS AND AND GREAT DEAL OF THAT (LIKE THE PASE DEL NINO),

I OWE A GREAT DEBT OF GRATITUDE TO CHRISTIAN LUPERCIO, A UNIVERSITY STUDENT IN COMPUTER SYSTEMS, WHO HELPED ME TO ACCOMPLISH IN FOUR AND A HALF HOURS WHAT WOULD HAVE TAKEN ME DAYS OR EVEN WEEKS.  CHRISTIAN WORKS FOR THE PALERMO WHILE HE COMPLETES ONE MORE YEAR OF COLLEGE TRAINING TO PAY FOR HIS TUITION, AND SUPPORTS HIS WIFE AND SIX YEAR OLD SON. THOSE OF YOU WHO WANTED TO SEE MORE PHOTOS IN MY POSTS, I WARNED YOU TO BEWARE OF WHAT YOU WISH FOR.  THANKS AGAIN TO CHRISTIAN, WHO ACCOMPLISHED MORE THAN ANYONE IN ATTEMPTING TO GET ME TO UNDERSTAND THE PROCESS.  

I HAVE NOT MADE ANY FINAL DECISIONS AS TO WHETHER OR NOT I WILL CONTINUE WITH MY FACEBOOK PAGE.  I WILL BE POSTING ON MY BLOG MUCH LESS IN 2013, AS NEW PROJECTS AND ADVENTURES ABSORB MY TIME.

THE YEAR 2012 HAS BEEN MOST MEMORABLE IN CUENCA.  THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE YEAR HAS BEEN MY PERSONAL GROWTH AND THE MANY NEW FRIENDS WHO HAVE CROSSED MY PATH.

MY MOTHER'S 90TH BIRTHDAY PARTY IN MAY BACK IN THE STATES WAS THE SINGLE BIGGEST EVENT OF THE YEAR, AND IT IS A JOY TO STILL HAVE HER WITH US.

THE TWO WEEK VISIT TO CUENCA IN MARCH OF MY BROTHER, LEO, AND HIS WIFE, CARLA WAS ANOTHER ENJOYABLE HIGHLIGHT.

MY ONE WEEK VACATION ON THE COAST IN SEPTEMBER WAS EXCITING AND VERY MEMORABLE AS WE TRAVELED TO SALINAS, MONTANITA, AND PUERTO LOPEZ.  WHAT MADE THE ENTIRE EXPERIENCE SO DELIGHTFUL WAS THE PEOPLE WITH WHOM I INITIALLY TRAVELED, AND THE FRIENDS WE MET ALONG THE WAY AND ADDED TO OUR TRAVELING TROUPE.  EVERYBODY WAS DEDICATED TO THE PROPOSITION OF JUST NATURALLY HAVING A SPONTANEOUSLY GOOD TIME, IN WHICH OUR WIDE AGE RANGES WERE OF NO IMPORTANCE,  IT WAS NICE TO KNOW I COULD HAVE SUCH A GOOD TIME WITHOUT IT COSTING ME MUCH MONEY. 

ANOTHER HIGHLIGHT OF THE YEAR WAS THE FEBRUARY PARTY AT MY PLACE THAT MARTHA ABRIL DID SUCH AN EXTRAORDINARY JOB OF CULINARY DELICIOUSNESS IN THE THREE MAIN ENTREES SHE PREPARED, AND THE GUESTS BROUGHT THE PERFECT SIDE-DISHES AND DESSERTS TO COMPLEMENT THE MEAL.  FORTY-FIVE FRIENDS IN MY APARTMENT WAS REALLY PUSHING IT, BUT EVERYBODY ATE HEARTY WHEREVER THEY COULD FIND AN OPEN SPACE ANYWHERE IN THE APARTMENT AMONG THIS MASSIVE WALL-TO-WALL OF PEOPLE.  A GOOD TIME WAS HAD BY ALL AS MARTHA AND HER BROTHER, WINSTON, ENTERTAINED US WITH THEIR SINGING TALENTS OF PRIMARILY SOUTH AMERICAN MUSIC.  THE PHOTOS BELOW ARE ALL I HAVE OF THE PRE-DINNER ARRIVAL OF GUESTS.  I WAS WAY TOO BUSY ONCE GUESTS ARRIVED TO WORRY ABOUT PHOTOS, AND THE CROWD OF PEOPLE WAS NOT CONDUCIVE TO PICTURE-TAKING.

THE RAIN LET UP THE LAST HALF OF THIS YEAR IN CUENCA, AS THE BACK-TO-BACK LA NINAS FINALLY CAME TO AN END.  THE SECOND HALF OF THE YEAR HAS BEEN JUST FOR THE MOST PART WARM AND IDEAL WEATHER FOR CUENCA, WHICH IS A TRULY BLESSED PLACE TO LIVE.

LIFE IS CONSTANTLY IN CHANGE, AND NOTHING REMAINS THE SAME FOR VERY LONG.  THIS HAS BEEN A YEAR OF RELEASE FOR ME AND OF PERSONAL GROWTH AS WELL, AS IS FOR BETTER OR WORSE EACH YEAR OF OUR LIVES.  NEW YEAR'S EVE IS THE BIG DAY OF CELEBRATION IN CUENCA.  THE FOCUS IS MORE ON THE YEAR PASSED THAN THE HOPE OF THE YEAR AHEAD.  IT IS A DAY OF RECKONING, AS EFFIGIES ARE BOUGHT AND BURNED THROUGHOUT THE CITY.  SOME EFFIGIES MAY FOCUS ON CIRCUMSTANCES LIKE BURNING ONE'S DETESTABLE BOSS IN EFFIGY, OR LONGING TO CUT TIES TO AN UNFULFILLING JOB.

OTHER EFFIGIES MAY SYMBOLIZE AN INNER WORK INTO HABITS, ATTITUDES, FEELINGS AND EMOTIONS, AND NEEDED PARADIGM SHIFTS IN OUR WORLD AND PERSONAL VIEWS AS OUR DESTINIES AND FATES ARE UNFURLING BEFORE US.  OF COURSE, I AM NOT TALKING ABOUT NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS HERE.  INSTEAD, I AM ADDRESSING AN ON-GOING AND CONTINUAL RENEWAL OF CHANGE THAT TAKES PLACE EVERY MOMENT OF OUR LIVES.  NOR ARE THOSE CHANGES ALWAYS OF A PROGRESSIVE NATURE OR NECESSARILY TO OUR LIKING.  THE CALENDAR COUNTDOWN TO THE FINAL DAY IS ONLY A WAY TO MOMENTARILY REMIND US IN A MORE DRAMATIC FASHION, THE PROCESS OF EVER CHANGING REALITY.  FINALLY, CHANGE AND TRANSFORMATION IN OUR LIVES ARE FURTHER AND OFTEN TIMES INDELIBLY MARKED BY THE PEOPLE WHO CROSS OUR PATHS WHETHER BRIEFLY OR FOR A PROLONGED PERIOD OF OUR LIVES.  THESE PEOPLE PLAY THEIR ROLE IN OUR LIVES FOR BETTER OR FOR WORSE AND WE IN THEIRS.  POSSIBLY BECAUSE OF DEATH, A CHANGE IN CIRCUMSTANCES, OR  RELATIONSHIPS WHICH NO LONGER SERVE A HEALTHY AND MEANINGFUL PURPOSE IN OUR LIVES; THESE RELATIONSHIPS COME TO AN END.

IN THE THREE PHOTOS BELOW IS A GOLDEN RETRIEVER.  THEY WERE TWO BEAUTIFUL DOGS WHO LOOKED IDENTICAL. WHEN I FIRST MOVED TO THE PALERMO IN MAY OF 2011, BOTH DOGS STILL HAD SOME LIFE AND FRISKINESS TO THEM.  MUCH TO MY GRATITUDE, NEITHER DOG  WAS A BARKER TO ANY DEGREE, AS I OBSERVED THEM FROM  MY BALCONY IN THEIR FENCED AREA OR RUNNING FREE IN THEIR OWNER'S LARGE YARD.  WHEN THE REST OF THE DOGS WOULD GET INTO THEIR "A ONE AND A TWO AND A THREE, ALL RIGHT GUYS IN UNISON BARK AND HOWL" MODE; THE RETRIEVERS JUST RELAXED IN THEIR TYPICAL ECUATORIANO TRANQUILO STYLE.

AS THIS YEAR PROGRESSED, IT WAS OBVIOUS TO ME THAT THE DOGS WERE IN DECLINE, AND SPENDING A GREAT DEAL MORE TIME JUST LYING AROUND.  WHILE I WAS IN THE STATES IN LATTER NOVEMBER, MY LADY FRIEND SAW ONE OF THE DOGS TAKEN AWAY NEVER TO RETURN.  I WAS HOME ONLY THREE WEEKS AND THE SAME FATE APPEARS TO HAVE BECOME THE OTHER DOG AS WELL.  UNFORTUNATELY, THE OWNERS OVER TIME MUST HAVE PREPARED FOR THIS DAY BY ADDING TWO POODLES TO THEIR FAMILY IN PROBABLE ANTICIPATION OF THE PASSING OF THE SETTERS.  THESE POODLES BARK, AND THE ONE HAS DAMAGED VOCAL CORDS.  THE FAMILY IN THE HOUSE BELOW THE PALERMO CAN LEAVE THEM OUTSIDE FOR HOURS, WHILE THE POODLES JUST BARK INCESSANTLY.  THE BARKING OBVIOUSLY DOES NOT IN THE LEAST BOTHER THEIR OWNERS.

THESE RETRIEVERS ARE JUST ANOTHER REMINDER OF CHANGE IN OUR LIVES:

THIS LAST PHOTO IS MY FAVORITE.  I  ONCE WANTED TO USE IT AS A SYMBOL OF THE FREE AND EASY LIFE OF A RETIREE.  MY PHOTOS SKILLS JUST WERE NOT GOOD ENOUGH TO ACCOMPLISH THE TASK AT THE TIME I WROTE THAT POST.  IT IS ALSO A REMINDER TO ME TO ENJOY EVERY MINUTE OF LIFE WHILE I CAN, FOR AS WITH THESE DOGS IT IS ALL TEMPORARY.  NOW IS THE TIME WHILE I STILL HAVE MY HEALTH AND HOPEFULLY THE FINANCIAL WHEREWITHAL TO LIVE OUT SOME OF MY DREAMS.  IN THE MEANTIME, I WILL MISS THESE DOGS, AND WHAT WAS ONCE THEIR LIVELINESS AND THEIR LIVING IN THE MOMENT.

THEREFORE, THE NEW YEAR ALSO SPEAKS OF NEW OPPORTUNITIES MANY OF WHICH I NOW ENVISION AND OTHERS THAT WILL APPEAR AND ARE NOT YET SEEN BY ME IN THE YEAR AHEAD.  I KNOW THE UNIVERSE HAS ANOTHER EXTRAORDINARY YEAR OF EXPLORATION, NEW RELATIONSHIPS, AND ADVENTURE BEGINNING TO UNFOLD FOR ME.  I HOPE AS WELL, THAT ALL OF YOU WILL MAKE THE BEST OF WHATEVER COMES OUR WAY IN 2013,

BELOW ARE SOME PHOTOS OF "BEAUTIFUL CUENCA", A CITY WHICH IS A FEAST FOR THE EYES AND THE SENSES.  THESE ARE THE FIRST OF MANY PHOTOS AND LINKS TO  FOLLOW BELOW:

ON ALL THE LINKS BELOW JUST CLICK ON THEM ONCE.  IF YOU WISH TO SEE THE PHOTOS ENLARGED, PARTICULARLY OF THE PARADE FLOATS AND CHILDREN, CLICK ON THE FIRST MAIN PHOTO, AND YOU CAN CLICK THE SLIDE PRESENTATION AND THE CLICK FOR LARGER PHOTOS:

DISCO PARTY AT MALL DEL RIO

THE NEXT SET OF PHOTOS IS FROM OUR BIG DISCO NIGHT AT THE CONVENTION CENTER AT MALL DEL RIO ON NOVEMBER 1ST.  THERE WERE EASILY 500 PARTY- GOERS PRESENT.  ALONG WITH DANCING, TRIPLE LARGE SCREEN PRESENTATIONS, AND THE REQUIRED IMPERSONATIONS OF MICHAEL JACKSON, AS WELL AS OTHER STAGE DANCE ROUTINES; AMY ABRIL ALSO PARTICIPATED IN ONE STAGE DANCE ROUTINE.  THE EVENING WAS LIKE WOW.  IN OTHER WORDS, A GREAT NIGHT OF SPECTACULAR FUN, NONSTOP MUSIC, AND DANCING.  UNFORTUNATELY, I NEVER GAVE MY CAMERA TO ANYONE TO TAKE PHOTOS OF ME WHILE I WAS DANCING.  NEXT YEAR, I WILL BE SLIMMER, AND HAVE A SPECIAL OUTFIT MADE JUST FOR OUR ANNUAL DISCO NIGHT.  LOOK OUT JOHN TRAVALTA.  THE MOLA MAN IS MAKING A COMEBACK.

https://plus.google.com/photos/111741036841400152108/albums/5827472506159633889


PALERMO CHRISTMAS PARTY

THESE PHOTOS ARE FROM OUR CHRISTMAS PARTY AS THE PALERMO LOBBY WAS TRANSFORMED INTO A FORMAL DINING AREA.  I TOOK THE PHOTOS BEFORE EVERYONE ARRIVED, AS I WANTED TO PUT MY CAMERA UP BEFORE THE MEAL WAS SERVED.  DINNER WAS SERVED AFTER 10:00 P.M., AND AFTER DINNER THE TABLES WERE CLEARED AWAY, THEN THE DANCING BEGAN AFTER MID-NIGHT.

UNFORTUNATELY, I DID NOT HAVE MY CAMERA WITH ME FOR THE 3:00 P.M. DINNER BUFFET AT VILLA SAN CARLOS, WHICH IS A BEAUTIFULLY WOOD-CARVED INTERIOR OF EXQUISITE DESIGN.  TWO CHRISTMAS MEALS IN ONE DAY WAS NOT OUR INTENT.  HOWEVER, TWENTY OF US ALREADY HAD OUR TICKETS PURCHASED FOR THE SAN CARLO'S MEAL, BEFORE THE PALERMO DINNER WAS ANNOUNCED FOR THE SAME DAY.

https://plus.google.com/photos/111741036841400152108/albums/5827479339921202641/organize



PACE DEL NINO PARADE

THE  "PACE DEL NINO" IS FOR ME THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE ENTIRE FESTIVAL YEAR IN CUENCA.  I HAVEN'T LIKE PARADES SINCE I WAS A KID, BUT THIS PARADE I ENJOYED EVEN MORE THIS YEAR THAN I DID LAST YEAR.  THE PARADE FEATURES PARTICULARLY THE CHILDREN, AND IS IN HONOR OF THE INFANT JESUS.  PARTICIPANTS COME FROM PROVINCES ALL OVER ECUADOR.  THE PARADE BEGINS ABOUT 8:30 A.M. AND CONTINUES UNTIL ABOUT 5:00 P.M.

I ONLY CAPTURED NINETY MINUTES OF THE PARADE, SO DON'T THINK BY ALL THESE PHOTOS THAT YOU HAVE SEEN ANYTHING APPROACHING THE TOTALITY OF THE PARADE.  I HAVE SEEN BLOG AND FACEBOOK PHOTOS OF THE PARADE BY FRIENDS, AND SO MANY OF OUR PHOTOS ARE DIFFERENT BECAUSE OF THE DIFFERENT TIMES AND PLACES WHILE WE WERE OBSERVING THE PARADE.  I DO NOT HAVE MANY PHOTOS OF HORSES, SHEEP, AND CAMELS.  HOWEVER, BELIEVE ME, THERE WERE MANY IN THE PARADE BY THE AMOUNT OF FRESH FECAL MATTER I HAD TO SIDE-STEP WHILE TRYING TO ENJOY THE PARADE AND SHOOT PHOTOS SIMULTANEOUSLY.

WHAT MAKES THE 'PACE DEL NINO' SO SPECIAL IS THE FACT THAT IT IS NOT A BIG COMMERCIAL ENTERPRISE, BUT IS INSTEAD A PEOPLE'S PARADE.  ALL THE FLOATS ARE DESIGNED BY FAMILIES AND VILLAGES.  THE ENTIRE FAMILY PARTICIPATES, AND THE ECUADORIAN CHILDREN AS ALWAYS ARE ABSOLUTELY ADORABLE.  IT IS NICE TO BE ABLE TO WALK UP TO THE FLOATS.  PARENTS ARE ALWAYS WILLING AND HELPFUL TO ARRANGE OR POSE THEIR CHILDREN FOR OUR PHOTOS, EVEN THOUGH THEY THEMSELVES WILL NEVER SEE ANY OF THESE PHOTOS.  I WAS FORTUNATE ENOUGH THAT EVENING TO HAVE MY ECUADORIAN FRIENDS AS THEY LOOKED AT MY PHOTOS IDENTIFY FOR ME WHAT PART OF ECUADOR FROM WHICH THE VARIOUS PARTICIPANTS OF EACH FLOAT CAME.  AS I WALKED CLOSER TO EL CENTRO FROM THE WEST SIDE WHERE THE PARADE BEGAN, THE CROWDS WERE TOO MASSIVE.  I COULD NO LONGER MAKE MY WAY DOWN THE PARADE ROUTE AND THROUGH THE CROWDS TO KEEP UP WITH THE FLOATS AND TAKE PHOTOS OF SOME OF WHAT CAME EARLIER BEFORE I BEGAN SHOOTING PHOTOS.

TAKE A CLOSE LOOK AT WHAT ADORNS THESE FLOATS--LITERALLY EVERYTHING.  FROM COOKED PIGS AND CUY TO ALL KINDS OF CANDY, FRUITS, VEGETABLES AND CANNED AND BOTTLED GOODS OF ALL KINDS.  THERE IS NOTHING LIKE SEEING THE INFANT JESUS SURROUNDED BY VINO AND BEER BOTTLES.  MY ONLY DISAPPOINTMENT WAS WHEN I SPOTTED A RATHER LARGE FLOAT AND THERE WAS NO ONE ON IT.  WHEN I APPROACHED THE FLOAT AND LOOKED INSIDE, A LITTLE BOY ABOUT SIX TO EIGHT YEARS OLD WAS SPRAWLED OUT FAST ASLEEP ON THE FLOOR OF THE FLOAT.  THE MUSIC, NOISE, AND CROWDS WERE OF NO DISTURBANCE TO HIM.  UNFORTUNATELY, JUST AS I WAS ADJUSTING MY CAMERA TO TAKE HIS PHOTO, THE FLOAT BEGAN MOVING AT A SPEED THAT MADE CAPTURING THAT MOMENT IMPOSSIBLE FOR ME. THE VERY LAST PHOTO IS OF THE WORKERS WHO BEGAN TO CLEAN-UP AS THE PARADE REACHED IT CULMINATION ON THE WEST SIDE WHERE IT BEGAN:

https://plus.google.com/photos/111741036841400152108/albums/5827497261735945633



CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER AT THE HOME OF THE ABRIL'S

AFTER THE "PACE DEl NINO" PARADE, DINNER WAS HELD THAT CHRISTMAS EVE AT MARTHA ABRIL'S HOME, WHICH INCLUDED BOTH FAMILY MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OF MARTHA.  MARTHA IS A WONDERFUL COOK, AND ONCE AGAIN DID A MARVELOUS JOB IN THE PREPARATION OF THE TURKEY AND THE ENTIRE MEAL.  AFTER DINNER WE MADE OUR WAY INTO THE LIVING ROOM.  THE PHOTOS ARE ALL OVER THE PLACE.  HOWEVER, CHRONOLOGICALLY, AMY, MARTHA'S NINE YEAR OLD DAUGHTER BEGAN TO HAND OUT PRESENTS TO THE VARIOUS GUESTS AND FAMILY MEMBERS.  MARTHA HAD A VERY SPECIAL CRADLE MADE FOR AMY, AND MY GIFT TO AMY WAS THE DOLL THAT AMY PLACED IN THE CRADLE.  NEEDLESS TO SAY, THESE DOLLS ARE MADE TO DO JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING.  AMY'S MOTHERING INSTINCTS IMMEDIATELY BECAME APPARENT AS SHE CRADLED THE DOLL, WHOM SHE NAMED VIOLETA, AND IMMEDIATELY BECAME A FULL-TIME MOTHER TO THE DOLL.

JOSHUA, MARTHA'S FIFTEEN YEAR OLD SON, IS AT AN AGE WHERE MONEY AS A GIFT IS MORE APPRECIATED.  AS YOU CAN SEE IN MANY PHOTOS, LIKE MOST FIFTEEN YEAR OLD MALES, JOSHUA IS FREQUENTLY PREOCCUPIED WITH SOME TYPE OF GAME ON HIS GALAXY.

I DID THE BEST I COULD WITH THE CAMERA AND MY UNDERSTANDING OF LIGHTING.  HOWEVER, THE FINAL PHOTOS ARE OF AN ABRIL TRADITION, WHICH THE FAMILY SETS UP EVERY CHRISTMAS SEASON IN AN ADJOINING ROOM TO THE LIVING ROOM.  THE CHRISTMAS SCENE IS VARIED, REQUIRED METICULOUS HANDLING AND ARRANGEMENT.  THE DISPLAY IS ABOUT SIX TO EIGHT FEET LONG AND APPROXIMATELY FOUR FEET WIDE.  LAST CHRISTMAS SEASON, AMY PATIENTLY EXPLAINED TO ME EVERY DETAIL OF THE DISPLAY IN SPANISH.  SHE IS STILL AT AN AGE WHERE SHE ENJOYS THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS.

THIS WILL BE THE LAST CHRISTMAS CELEBRATED IN THE ABRIL HOME, AS MARTHA IS BUILDING A NEW HOME THAT BEGAN CONSTRUCTION OVER A WEEK AGO.  I APPRECIATE THE TWO CHRISTMAS SEASONS THAT HAVE BEEN SHARED WITH THE ABRIL FAMILY IN THEIR OLD HOMESTEAD.  LIKE EVERYTHING IN LIFE, NEXT CHRISTMAS WILL BE BOTH A CONTINUATION AND AN ADJUSTMENT TO THE ABRIL CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS.


 https://plus.google.com/photos/111741036841400152108/albums/5827879866405902865


CHRISTMAS DINNER AT THE HOME OF THE BIRKENSHAW'S

MIKE AND SUSAN BIRKENSHAW ARE A WONDERFUL CANADIAN COUPLE WHO HAVE SPENT THE LAST TWO YEARS WITH MANY MONTHS IN CUENCA PROLONGED BEYOND THE USUAL SNOWBIRD STAY OF WEEKS TO TWO OR THREE MONTHS.  CHRISTMAS DINNER WAS SERVED WITH A DELICIOUS TURKEY, OF COURSE; WITH MANY FINE AND TANTALIZING SIDE DISHES BROUGHT BY THE GUESTS.  THIS WAS MIKE AND SUSAN'S  FIRST CHRISTMAS IN CUENCA, SO TACKLING A CHRISTMAS DINNER SHORTLY AFTER ARRIVING FROM CANADA FOR APPROXIMATELY TWO DOZEN FOR DINNER WAS NO SMALL FEAT.   THE DINNER ALLOWED US THE OPPORTUNITY TO MEET NEW FRIENDS AND RENEW ACQUAINTANCES, AND TOUCH BASES WITH MORE FAMILIAR FRIENDSHIPS.  THIS WAS DEFINITELY THE MOST TRAVELED AND MOST INTELLECTUAL GROUP OF EXPATS I HAVE MET GATHERED IN ONE PLACE.  THE GENEROSITY AND HOSPITALITY OF THE BIRKENSHAWS WAS MORE THAN GREATLY APPRECIATED BY ALL.

THE BIRKENSHAWS LIVE IN A SECOND FLOOR APARTMENT AT PADRE AGUIRRE AND GRAN COLUMBIA IN EL CENTRO, WHICH IS DIRECTLY ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE SANTO DOMINGO CHURCH AND THE COLLEGIAL OR CATHOLIC PREPARATORY HIGH SCHOOL, BOTH FACILITIES ARE PART OF A CAMPUS SITUATED ON THE SANTO DOMINGO SQUARE.  YOU WILL SEE PHOTOS OF THE BIRKENSHAW'S VIEWS FROM THEIR APARTMENT BALCONIES, PHOTOS OF GUESTS AT THE DINNER PARTY, AND INTERIOR PHOTOS WITH MANY TRAVEL PHOTOS.  SUSAN IS ALSO AN INDEPENDENT TRAVEL CONSULTANT THROUGH HER BUSINESS "YOUR TRAVEL QUEST.ca"  MEETING MIKE'S SON WAS A PLEASURE.  NOT ONLY IS HE WIDELY TRAVELED, BUT HE SOUNDS LIKE A SPIRIT WHO LIVES HIS LIFE WITH FULL GUSTO, AND HE COULD PROBABLY TALK ANYONE INTO TRAVELING TO SITES THEY MANY NOT HAVE AT FIRST CONSIDERED.  I APOLOGIZE TO MIKE AND SUSAN AS I JUST NOW REALIZED THAT I DID NOT TAKE A PHOTO OF THE TWO OF THEM TOGETHER.  (CLICK ON THE PHOTOS FOR ENLARGED PHOTOS AND WITH THESE PHOTOS THERE ARE SIDE CAPTIONS WHICH BETTER EXPLAIN WHAT YOU ARE VIEWING WITH THIS LINK.)  ENJOY:

https://plus.google.com/photos/111741036841400152108/albums/5827935565161368161


NEW YEAR'S EVE

NEW YEAR'S EVE WAS SPENT DINING WITH FRIENDS AT "SOLE MIO RESTAURANTE", WHICH IS LOCATED IN THE VERY ATTRACTIVE HOTEL LOS BALCONES.  A SPECIAL CHRISTMAS MENU WAS OFFERED.  I HAD EATEN AT "SOLE MIO" WHEN IT FIRST OPENED EARLIER THIS YEAR.  BOTH IT DINNERS AND THE SERVICE HAVE GREATLY IMPROVED.  EVERYTHING WAS VERY GOOD THIS EVENING.  DINNER FOR US BEGAN AT 10:00 P.M.  A FOUR PIECE ECUADORIAN BAND PLAYED WHILE WE ATE DINNER.  THE BAND WAS GOOD, AND IT WAS NICE TO LISTEN TO A MORE TRADITIONAL SPANISH MUSIC.  AT 11:00 P.M. THE DANCE MUSIC BEGAN AS DANCING CONTINUED UNTIL 1:00 P.M.  TIME WAS TAKEN OUT TO SEE THE EFFIGIES BEING LIT AND BURNT IN THE STREETS.  THE EFFIGIES OFTEN HAVE FIRE CRACKERS IN THEM AS WELL, SO AN OCCASIONAL STARTLED REACTION WAS NOT UNEXPECTED AFTER THE FIRST EXPLOSION CAUGHT US OFF-GUARD.  THIS BURNING OF THE EFFIGIES IS WIDESPREAD THROUGHOUT THE CITY.  LARGE PLUMES OF SMOKE ARISE ALONG THE STREETS OF THE CITY.  I WAS AMAZED THAT ONE LARGE BONFIRE JUST DOWN THE BLOCK FROM THE RESTAURANT WAS ACTUALLY STARTED ABOUT FIVE FEET BEHIND AN AUTOMOBILE PARKED ALONG THE CURB.  I WAS WAITING FOR A REALLY HOT TIME IN THE OLD TOWN TONIGHT EXPLOSION, BUT MUCH TO THE CREDIT OF THE INSTIGATORS THE FIRE WAS CONTAINED.

I DID NOT WANT TO TAKE MY GOOD CAMERA WITH ME AS I WASN'T SURE IF I COULD PROCURE A TAXI FOR THE EVENING.  I USED MY NEW NOKIA PHONE CAMERA FOR THE FIRST TIME.  THE QUALITY OF THE PHOTOS LEAVE A GREAT DEAL TO BE DESIRED, BUT I GUESS SOME PHOTOS ARE BETTER THAN NONE, OR MAYBE NOT:

 https://plus.google.com/photos/111741036841400152108/albums/5858281719478641313?authkey=CMiYqtnyjOjB_gE

TO ALL OF YOU, I WISH YOU A JOYOUS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!