Our area of Cuenca, which is called Tres Puentes, is usually very quite. The busy time for Av. Primero de Mayo is very early in the morning and then it spaces out during the day, with a little extra in the early evening. As I write this, the traffic is a bit heavy, probably due to the fact that the police, supported by the air force are on strike. Mick and Henry are out and about and called to tell me not to go walking with Nick. Some of the streets are blocked downtown and another friend called to say that the stores were closing in El Centro.
It seems that President Correa signed a new law that cuts the benefits of police. Therefore, they have gone on strike, creating havoc. The strike is taking place in Quito, Guayaquil, and Cuenca. Mick ran into the Cerwins, who were suppose to leave today; however, the airport has been closed so their plans are uncertain. Life goes on; nothing is perfect. We were stranded in Sao Paulo a few years ago because Varig went bankrupt during our stay there. I know how they feel.
Last night, the Rosses, Carlos, Henry, Mick, and I went to Tiestos. Of course the food was wonderful, the company was even better. Below is the group: Henry, Kathy, Mick, Rod, Shelly, Dory, and Carlos. They finally have a competent architect for their project.
This week, we finally took the plunge and began Spanish lessons. It seems that some expats arrive and think that Spanish is something that you can learn instantly. They take hours and hours of classes immediately upon arriving. This is followed by hours of homework. Burn out occurs quickly. We are retired and not attempting to earn another degree. Mick and I are using the slow method. Together, we take 2 lessons each week for one and a half hours. We don't do grueling homework; however, we talk about it and practice with each other. The classes have actually been fun. We are retired. The language will come. Mick's goal is to speak with the competency of a 5 year old after living here for 5 years. This is doable. Below is our teacher, Fernando Quito, who comes to our home to instruct two sharp minds.
As stated earlier, we have encountered gliches as well as perfection since arriving. We have heard tales of being put off for deliveries, etc. All of our deliveries have been timely, probably more so than any we had in Charlotte. In Charlotte, you were given a window for delivery or for a service call. Here, you're given a specific time and our deliveries have been on time within a few minutes.A couple of weeks ago, we ordered curtains. The fabric selection at Artex was unbelievable. I ordered drapes for the office and drapes and sheers for our bedroom. They were to be installed on September 16, which they were. The sewing skill was of high quality; however, the only fabric that was correct was the sheers. I went completely berserk, embarrassed Mick, myself, and probably even Nikolas, who didn't even know what was going on. The ladies doing the installation spoke only Spanish and mine is limited. They completed the installation and the representative who speaks English said by phone that they would take care of it. The office drapes below were suppose to be green stripe, not hideous gold. Gina called on Monday morning to remind us to come by and select fabric. We went in on Monday afternoon and the new drapes should be installed on Friday. Hopefully, they will be the correct color.
Mick had been anxiously awaiting the barstools that he had ordered from Renee at Dormizariato. This company did a wonderful job with our bedroom furniture. We brought the swivels and the fabric from the States. The chairs were delivered yesterday and are very sturdy and BIG. There was a slight breakdown in communication with the diminsions. The measurements that Mick had given as the finished size, Renee took as the height at the base, resulting in a barstool that is too tall. Here is the finished product.
Because of the height, Mick preferred the plastic chairs at breakfast. Gabriella chose to sit on one of the barstools. The barstools are so heavy, I can barely pick one up. They were picked up this afternoon to be reworked.
Also delivered with the barstools was the long awaited chest for the end of our bed. The chest is beautiful, very well made; however, with the amount of stuffing in the upholstery, it is too tall for Nick. We're using instead of a chair at the window. Don't ask Renee for stuffing unless you REALLY want it.
I was working on this post and Mick called and said to meet them downstairs because we were going to Tarqui. Actually, we went to Giron. Henry's grandparents live in Giron. There is a wealth of vegetation. They had beautiful collards, or colchouchoa.
This is a babaco tree.
They also grow coffee. The beans were much larger than those I've picked in Brasil.
These are still ripening.
The courtyard is covered with all kinds of plants.
There is a container for an open fire. Beans were cooking over the flame.
Henry and Mick with fresh cups of coffee.
This helper is roasting coffee.
Henry's grandfather, shelling corn for the chickens.
Henry's grandmother
More coffe roasting.
One of the balconies
After roasting, the coffee must be ground.
The drive to Giron was magnificent. There are many dairy farms. There is a visible change in soil. About half way from Cuenca to Giron, the soil changes from the black volcanic soil so prevalent here to a sandy soil, indicative of having been underwater at some point in history. We felt so honored to have shared Henry's grandparents with him. All the unrest in Quito seemed a million miles away. When we returned to Cuenca, Bob and Elaine, who were unable to leave this morning, came over for dinner. Everyone left early due to an 8 o'clock curfew. With the events of the day, coups, strikes, riots and the like, even this fabulous country is not perfect; but, afternoons in Giron almost are.
Until next time,
Mick and Kathy
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