The first stop was the Banco Pinchincha. We've been so busy that we had not opened our account. Omar Bermeo Bravo is the person that handles the expats. Our attorney failed to tell us that we needed two forms of picture ID; the passport was not enough. Fortunately, we had both brought our driver's license. Omar had to have color copies of the passports and DL's, which they don't do. Carlos ran to a copy center to take care of it. The bank took much longer than anticipated. This is Omar.
By the time we finished with the bank, it was lunch time. We picked up Gabriella and Carlos picked the restaurant. Shopping was going to be after lunch and that included getting cleaning supplies.
We went to La Parrillada, which is the BEST restaurant that we've been to Cuenca, of course, you must be a true carnivore. The meat is brought to the table on a little charcoal grill. We indulged in picanha, chorizo, baked potatoes, and salad. You're also brought dishes of their sauces, which were great.
This is Gabriella, Mick, and Carlos, you can see the grill on the table. After dining, we went to Coral Center, which is an Ecuadorian Walmart, to purchase a multitude of cleaning supplies and a cheap set of dishes to manage until we select a pattern at either Artesa or Yancapuchi. After all that, we were on our way to look for appliances. We had already received quotes at a couple of places in El Centro. We ended up at Almacenes Chordeleg, it is Cuenca's Best Buy. Prices can be negotiated and we bought an Indurama refridgerator, and LG washer and dryer.
Our preference is a front loader washer, which they had both LG and Whirlpool. The problem is that we haven't seen HE detergents; therefore, we went with a top loader.
Below is the dryer. We're very happy with the appliances that we purchased. LG has a longer warranty on parts and labor than Whirlpool.
This is Max, who assisted with our purchases. He is also a cousin of Carlos.
Mick is signing the papers, with Max and Carlos in the background.
The next item on the agenda was a bed. Carol and George, of California Kitchen and who are also going to be our neighbors, suggested Dormizariato. We went there and dealt with the owner, Rene Baculima. The story is located at Presidente Cordova and Tomas Ordonez. He also designs furniture and has a factory. We purchased a king size orthopedic mattress for a mere fraction of what we paid last year in the Charlotte. Below is a picture of the bed that we selected. Rene is going to make night stands to go with the bed.
This is a picture of Rene. He is very willing to negotiate and likes to use English phrases. Rene also threw in 2 pillows with the deal.
We will be leaving this incredible city tomorrow, to return in September. In our absence, the apartment will be painted. Gabriella will clean it and our purchases will be delivered. Everything on our to-do list was accomplished. Wow! What a day!
Until next time,
Mick and Kathy
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