Metamorphosis: Changing to Retirement in Ecuador: And Life Goes On

It has been almost a month since the previous post. Although I don't won't to give the impression that life is mundane or repetitious, but we continue to do the things that we enjoy. Mick enjoys reading and is one of Amazon's best customers; also, his day is incomplete without a visit to the coffee tree. We continue to have people over for dinner, but find it unnecessary to comment on every meal that is prepared. Over the last few weeks, we have met some lovely folks visiting Cuenca, have seen several of our friends leave for vacation to various countries and others return to their new home. Life goes on, regardless of where you live. We are continuing our lives as retirees.

Last week, Mick and I went to Quito to apply for his social security benefits. Pat and Sue graciously agreed to stay at our apartment with Nikolas. He was well cared for and even more spoiled when we returned. A BIG thank you to both of them; we were completely at ease. Daniel Arroyo is the benefits liason for Ecuador and accepts phone calls between 8 and 10AM, Monday-Thursday. He has window hours on Tuesday and Wednesday from 1:30-3:30.

We took an early flight to Quito, checked in the Hilton and then checked out Mr. Bagel. Mick has missed bagels and delighted in going to the bagel shop located on Av. Portugal y 6 de Dicembre.

The embassy in Quito was a bit different than other embassies we've visited. Everyone we encountered was Ecuadorian. Instead of showing our US passports and entering, we had to stand in line with everyone else. It was first come, first served. Everything was taken care of quickly. Upon finishing, I reclaimed my cell phone and camera. Upon reaching the street to hail a taxi, I turned around and took a picture. I was then descended upon by three guards who seized my camera and erased the picture of the embassy, along with some that were already on the camera. What a great place! After we drove off, Mick stuck the camera out of the window and took these not so impressive shots, but I'm posting them, just because.

We had fun shopping and picking up some things that are unavailable in Cuenca. Jim and Angie had returned the day before from Canada. We met them at the airport. Welcome back, guys.

On Friday night, we attended the symphony, which is an excellent organization, although the musical selection, was less than appealing, contemporary Russian. There was a small following in attendance.

Nikolas became ill on Saturday. After calling our groomer's husband, who is a large animal vet, on Sunday, he began meds. On Monday, we were off to Clinica Mora. Dr. Mora deals only with cats and dogs, was educated at Ohio State and speaks perfect English. He was so gentle with our baby and spent about 45 minutes with us. It took a couple more days, but he is normal again, but still taking the meds; he had gastritis. Dr. Mora has called twice since his visit. We highly recommend him.

Tuesday was Angie's birthday. For her 39th birthday, the four of us celebrated at Fogo. In addition to the circulating hat, they supplied their version.