And Life Goes On

Sunday in Cuenca, as in the States, is a day for relaxing. A good place to relax is Parque Calderon. The park is always filled with families and tourists and is a good place to just sit and people watch. This was Nikki's first Sunday in the park and he was fine. He saw his new friend Fredi. Below is a Shelley, Brian, Fredi, and Mick. Nikolas missed the picture because he was helping me take it. After the park, we took Nikolas home and Mick and I went to Supermaxi on Los Americas. We had a late lunch of pizza at La Fornace. We were almost finished with our shopping, when we heard something on the roof of the store. There was an absolute downpour. We continued shopping and checked out. The little guy that bagged our groceries, then pushed them out as usual; however, since we needed a cab, he went out to the street and hailed a cab for us. He and the driver proceeded to put things in the trunk and we were on our way. Mick and I were fairly dry; however, the bag boy was soaked to the bone. He definitely earned his tip.

Monday was hectic. It was the first day of school in Cuenca; therefore, Gabriella had said that she would be late. Chuck and Nancy came for lunch, which was very pleasant; they're good company. Gabriella called, apologizing because it had taken so long at school with Leidy. Things are going much better; she is working out nicely.

Later in the afternoon, Hank and Sherry Pangborn came over. We met through the blog and this is their first trip to Cuenca. They shared their haphazard arrival in Cuenca. We later had dinner at La Parrillada; which was good, but not as good as I remembered it being. They were a lot of fun and we look forward to spending time with them as they visit Cuenca. Currently, they're planning their move in January.

The rain returned on Tuesday. Lately, it has been difficult to get two consecutive sunny days; however, the temperature takes precedence over the rain. Nick dons his rain gear without a battle. Mick had errands to run; a trip to Kywy and searching for plants. He had a list of items that we needed. One that he came home with was not on the list, a vacuum. We have a new one in the crate but that isn't looking promising for anytime soon. He also picked a palm for the terrace, $4.

The palm joined another plant, which was a gift from Brian and Shelley.

I had planned on cooking dinner, again. There's definitely more cooking transpiring now than in the last few months in Charlotte. Henry and his girlfriend, Myra, came over for dinner. Currently, the kitchen is minimally stocked. We purchased the bare essentials because we have everything in the crate.

When experimenting, there should only be one variable; however, I've been thrown two variables, simultaneously, a gas oven and the altitude. I've had a problem getting the oven to stay on. The technician came out today and checked it, made some adjustments and said it was OK. The chicken on the chicken-rice casserole was quite blond. However, the taste was OK. I've got to learn to adjust liquids, the evaporation is quite different. As a result of the baking issues, the dessert of choice for the past week has been banana pudding. It is quite easy and inexpensive to make in this fruit haven. Henry and Myra had never had it and loved it. Additionally, Henry stopped at Dulce Compania and picked up a sampling of cheesecakes and ice cream, which was all luscious. We all had a sugar rush by the end of the evening.

Today, Mick and I had planned to meet the Grimms for lunch. Once again, as a result of the blog, we had corresponded and Mick had spoken with Mike months ago. Lunch was at Raymipampa's. The food was good and the company enjoyable.

Mick and I left Mike and Pat to pick up a few things. Mick needed a screwdriver to put together a shoe rack. He prepared a toolbox of everything that he would possibly need here; however, it's in the crate. We found a ferreteria and bought the screwdriver.

For years we have used only Brasilian coffee, Pilao. Before our trip in Cuenca in June, we were concerned about the coffee because we had read that it was difficult to find good coffee in Ecuador. We discovered that to be a falsehood. Cafe de Loja from the supermarket is quite good. The coffee from the purveyor on Calle Sucre is excellent. Grown and roasted in Lojas, it is a dark roast, ground fine, with a bold, rich taste. It rivals Brasilian coffee. The cost at the shop on Calle Sucre is $2.50 per pound.

Of course we stopped at the flower market. These were $2.
Now, as if we were in Charlotte, life does go on. We continue doing our daily chores, with the addition of new ones, all needed in order to make this our new home. Everyday we're reminded of how fortunate we are to have the opportunity to make this marvelous city our home.

Until next time,

Mick and Kathy