Metamorphosis: Changing to Retirement in Ecuador: At the Movies

Mick and I have always loved going to the movies; living in Cuenca has not changed that. Periodically, depending on what's playing, we go to the movies at Millenium Plaza. In addition to Millenium Plaza, there is a Multicines complex at Mall del Rio.

Going to the movies here can be done for a fraction of the cost of the US. The normal price of a ticket is $4.60. If you are 65 or older, the cost is $2.30. With the use of a Multicines card, which costs $7 ($3.50 if you pay for it with you Pichincha card) and lasts 2 years, the price is less. Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, the price is $2.99 each. On Wednesday, it's 2 for $2.99. The schedule changes for Friday and you can check the schedule on-line at www.multicines.com.ec. The site gives the schedule, synopsis, and if the movie is in Spanish or subtitled; if subtitled, the speaking is in English or another foreign language and subtitled in Spanish.

You can get refreshments without taking out a home loan. The big combo is 2 footlongs, grande popcorn, 2 medium sodas for $10. Leave off the dogs and it's $6. The popcorn is scrumptious!

We decided to treat Lena and her children to a movie. With school vacation in process, there are lots of kiddie flicks out. The kid's movies are always in Spanish. Transformers 3 has been playing, which seemed like the kind of movie little boys would enjoy.

The only showings on Saturday were at 11:15 AM and 8:20 PM. We told Lena that we would meet at 10AM, have something to eat and send them off to the movie. It was actually about 10:15, although early for lunch, the boys wanted KFC. I headed to BK for Lena's and mine, and Mick headed to KFC. This is Juan and Jonathon looking like kings, dining on KFC.

Jose

Lena and Leandro

Not exactly Mick's idea of breakfast, but he's flexible.

After a spectacular meal, we headed off to Multicines. However, there was a problem. It seems that in Ecuador, because Transformers is an action movie (too much violence) you must be 12 in order to see it. It makes no difference that the child is accompanied by a parent. Well, if you're 11 and 7, there's not much to see. You're too young for Harry Potter, as well. The only other option was a Jim Carey movie, rated R; go figure. So, we got tickets for Los Pinguinos de Poppi. We got them popcorn, drinks, candy, a small popcorn for us for the road and we were off. As we left everyone was smiling, waiting for the penquins.