The President? You're Joking!

Before you make the move to retirement, you only imagine what it's like; but you never expect it to be as good as it really is. For us, it simply continues to get better. Some interesting things have been going on recently. A few weeks ago, we were contacted by a reporter or Reuters TV, Cristina Munoz, who wanted to come to Cuenca and follow us around while doing what we usually do. This was to be a follow up to an article that was written about Cuenca being a retirement hotspot. Cristina Munoz and her camera man, Daniel, arrived at our apartment the morning of March 29, for breakfast. Dale and Joan were there, as well as Lina. They went with Joan and me to Distribuidora Barrera for weaving. After weaving, they went to the Coffee Tree to interview Mick. Later they came back and interviewed me. From the hours of filming, it will be shortened to 3 minutes. Needless to say, it was an interesting day.

It had been a couple of months since we'd gone away for the weekend; since this was a holiday weekend, we decided at the last minute to go to Banos. Friday morning, Mick, Nikolas, Dale, Joan, and I left for Banos. It had been a year since our last time in that area.

Of course, the drive was beautiful. With Banos being such a tourist town, it was packed for the holiday. Dinner was at a very nice Swiss bistro. We decided that with the huge crowds, one night in Banos would be enough.

On Saturday morning, Dale and Joan were interested in going to see Tungurahua; however, the tour companies that we checked with only did tours at night. However, one of them said that we could drive up and gave us a map.

We began our drive but were unable to reach our destination that was listed on the map. We turned around and went to Sangay National Park to Mirador del Volcan. It was a bit of a walk up to the Mirador, but Joan, Dale, Nikolas and I made the trek. There were quite a few clouds, but this is the view.

The walk was difficult with the incline. I started back down. There's the car below.

It was a slippery climb up, but even more going down. Nikolas slipped, then I slipped, going down right on the toosh. I managed to get up and remain on my feet. Suddenly a voice beside me said, "Ma'am, do you need help?" I turned around and saw a very handsome, distinguished man, and told him that I was fine. He took my hand and walked with me down the hill. The gentleman, began asking questions, the usual, "where are you from, where are you from originally." I asked where he was from, to which he replied, "Guayaquil." A giant red flag went up. I then said, "you look a lot like el presidente, President Correa. Are you related to him?" He responded, "I am the president." Shocked, I said, "no you're not, you're joking!"

"No, really, I am the President!" He took his wallet from his pocket and gave me his business card. He was Rafael Correa!

President Correa was so personable. Mick was in the car, he went over to meet him; he posed for pictures. What an experience!

I must admit, however, that he was not the first Ecuadorian president that we met. In 2001, we met León Febres-Cordero Ribadeneyra, who was president from 1984-88, in Quito at the Hilton.

After the excitement of meeting President Correa, we drove to Riobamba. Where a new mall, El Paseo, has opened. In the mall is Chili's, where we had dinner. Also, opening soon is Carls' Jr.

As I always say, everything works out the way it's suppose to. Our paths were suppose to cross with that of the President of Ecuador. Great trip!

Until next time,

Mick and Kathy