There is a doctor who comes to town every couple of months who has an excellent reputation for helping people with fibromyalgia and other fun and interesting ailments. I decided I'd give him a try. To give you just about as much background as I have, Dr. Cedeno is an M.D. who also has extensive training in Eastern medicine. He tends to use the acupressure-style of treatments.
After they took did my intake and got all kinds of info from me, his assistant did a little blood stick and put the slide in a microscope that puts the results on a computer screen. It turns out I had a bunch of parasites in my blood--ooh, not fun. I decided I would definitely go with a parasite treatment and got a fun hour of intravenous drip and I was on my way for the day. Actually, none of this is at all relevant to the story except as background information but if you know me even a little bit, you know how much I love a story, with all its minute details, right?
When I'd gone to the place where Dr. Cedeno practices when he's in town, I needed to take a taxi because it was a couple of miles out of town. The first day my taxi driver knew exactly where I wanted to go when I told him I was going to Lueva. It's apparently well-known locally.
The following day I needed to get a few things from the department store, go to the bank, stop back by my place to drop stuff off, and then go to Lueva. I caught a cab right outside the store and asked to go to the bank first of all. There's only one in town so that shouldn't have been much of a challenge--even I knew he was driving around the general neighborhood until he found it. If they used meters rather than flat rates I would have thought he was trying to get extra money out of me. After that, I asked him to take me home to drop off ,my groceries (and money) and he actually didn't know where my street was--it's the main street going through town. Finally, when I told him I wanted to go to Lueva he was totally blank. We were already driving away from my house so when we saw a couple of taxis by the side of the road waiting for fares I had my driver stop and I asked one of them if he knew where Lueva was. Of course he did. He had to tell my driver how to get there. I guess clueless cab drivers abound, even is little bitty Cotacachi.
Once I got there and was getting ready for the Dr. to come in, I happened to notice a bathroom scale. I figured, what the heck? I'd check it out. After all, it might not even be anywhere near accurate. I'm going to hope it is because according to that, I've lost about 20 pounds! How in the world did I do that? No doubt part of it is that I haven't eaten anything processed since I got here and walking all over the place can't be hurting either. When I was done seeing the Dr. I asked the woman who owns the place if she had any idea if the scale is accurate or not and she was of the opinion that it is. I think I'll choose to believe that, too.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Friday, March 30, 2012
The Tale of the Telephone
Lat week I finally got around to buying a cell phone. I haven't really needed one until now so it wasn't high on my priority list. Then, in two days, I needed one twice. OK, I'll get one.
I was told to just go to any store that had a "Claro" sign and I could pruchase my phone and the minutes to put on it. The day after I realized it would have been very nice to have one I passed a store with the Claro sign and went in. It appeared to be just another tienda (little store) with fruits and vegetables, and an odd mix of assorted other little sundries. I didn't see a phone display, either, but I asked if she had phones for sale. She didn't speak more than a few words in English and I may be learning but it's not quite enough to manage a conversation. Nonetheless, I managed to get my needs across to her.
From under the counter she pulls out what appears to be a new phone and from her purse she brings out one that has definitely had some use. The new one was $80 and the used one was $20. If you know me at all, you know which one I chose. We covered the fact that it didn't have a charger but that I could get one from one of the electronics shops for $3.50. I pulled out my money and handed her two $10 bills.
When I got home and emptied out my pockets I realized I had given her two $20s not $10s. Crap! I'd just spent $40 on a $20 phone. I walked back up there and the store was closed. I took that as a not great sign. It's important to remember that stores frequently open and close based on a schedule that defies explanation. None of the stores I've seen have hours posted and there's a very good reason for that. They're open when they want to be.
The following day I was outside with my landlord and I told him about it. His response was, "Not to worry. This is Ecuador. She will give you your money." That still sounded a bit like Pollyanna but the following day I went back and she was open. She was just as charming as the day before when I had purchesed the phone (why shouldn't she be--she made an extra $20 the day before).
Through my limited Spanish and a fair amount of charades, I got it across that I have her two $20s instead of two $10s. She smiled and nodded her head and went to her little cash box and handed me a $20 bill.
OK, I'm now officially living in the South American version of Mayberry--and I like it.
I was told to just go to any store that had a "Claro" sign and I could pruchase my phone and the minutes to put on it. The day after I realized it would have been very nice to have one I passed a store with the Claro sign and went in. It appeared to be just another tienda (little store) with fruits and vegetables, and an odd mix of assorted other little sundries. I didn't see a phone display, either, but I asked if she had phones for sale. She didn't speak more than a few words in English and I may be learning but it's not quite enough to manage a conversation. Nonetheless, I managed to get my needs across to her.
From under the counter she pulls out what appears to be a new phone and from her purse she brings out one that has definitely had some use. The new one was $80 and the used one was $20. If you know me at all, you know which one I chose. We covered the fact that it didn't have a charger but that I could get one from one of the electronics shops for $3.50. I pulled out my money and handed her two $10 bills.
When I got home and emptied out my pockets I realized I had given her two $20s not $10s. Crap! I'd just spent $40 on a $20 phone. I walked back up there and the store was closed. I took that as a not great sign. It's important to remember that stores frequently open and close based on a schedule that defies explanation. None of the stores I've seen have hours posted and there's a very good reason for that. They're open when they want to be.
The following day I was outside with my landlord and I told him about it. His response was, "Not to worry. This is Ecuador. She will give you your money." That still sounded a bit like Pollyanna but the following day I went back and she was open. She was just as charming as the day before when I had purchesed the phone (why shouldn't she be--she made an extra $20 the day before).
Through my limited Spanish and a fair amount of charades, I got it across that I have her two $20s instead of two $10s. She smiled and nodded her head and went to her little cash box and handed me a $20 bill.
OK, I'm now officially living in the South American version of Mayberry--and I like it.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Spanish Lessons Continue
My Spanish lessons seem to be going a lot more slowly for me than the English lessons for Sebastian. I chalked it up to age and ability to retain that many words. Today I found out Sebastian took "Basic" English in grade school and then another six years in high school. I have to tell you, I felt a whole lot better after that.
I figure that in a year or two I might even be able to have a conversation with someone. OK, that might be a bit pessimistic but that's OK. As long as I can ask how much something costs and be able to understand what they say back to me, I'm happy for the time being.
I figure that in a year or two I might even be able to have a conversation with someone. OK, that might be a bit pessimistic but that's OK. As long as I can ask how much something costs and be able to understand what they say back to me, I'm happy for the time being.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Shopping Day
Today is market day in Cotacachi. There are always a few vendors at the big market every day but Sunday is the big shopping day. If I was ever in doubt about the cost of food here, I'm not anymore. Here's what I got for under $20:
Now I think it's siesta time.
- 2 handmade baskets (1 fits perfectly in my market cart and the other is about 3/4 that size. I'm going to use it as my bathroom waste basket.)
- 3 smallish pineapples
- Just under a pound of stewed figs (my treat for the day)
- 2 pounds of short ribs
- 1 pound of hamburger (more like ground round)
- 4 chubby sausages that I haven't tried yet but they smell great
- 10 eggs
- 5 lbs. of carrots
- 3 onions
- 10 medium tomatoes (picked when they were red)
- 1 turnip
- the equivalent of a smallish bottle of cinnamon
- a head of garlic
- a pound of butter
- 2 pounds of a soft, mild, local chees
- and to top it all off, 2 huge bouquets of alstremeria (my current favorite in-season flower)
- Oh, there was one more splurge (now that I look at my list, I did a fair amount of splurging). I needed to go to the bank to get some money for my upcoming rent and after walking 7 blocks there and wandering the market for about an hour, I took a taxi to the bank and then home. That's also included in the total.
Now I think it's siesta time.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Thunderstorms and Hummingbirds
Last night I had my first experience with a thunderstorm in the Andes. It was nothing short of magnificent. The lightening bolts were spectacular but the real star of the show was the thunder. Cotacachi is in a valley between two mountain ranges and when the thunder would start, it would bounce from one side to the other and the effect was fabulous. If you've never lived near mountains you won't really know what I'm talking about--the rest of you, I'm sorry you can't experience it with me.
After the storm, I opened my window as wide as it would go. There's nothing quite like the smell of freshly washed air. It freshened up the whole apartment.
This morning, while sitting at my desk and staring out at nothing in particular when I saw a tiny bit of very fast movement. It was a hummingbird feeding on the flowers of the tree next door. I love hummingbirds and there just aren't any in Minneapolis so this was a special treat. I'm going to see if there's a way I can hang a feeder on the outside of my window and see if I get any action. They truly are my favorite bird.
One more tidbit--I finally got my computer working on wireless. All this time I've been tethered to the modem (?) router (?) whatever, with a cord, so I've only been able to use it while sitting on my couch. Now I can sit at my desk (after noon--the sun is too bright in the morning) and in bed whenever I feel like it.
It's definitely a beautiful day in the neighborhood.
After the storm, I opened my window as wide as it would go. There's nothing quite like the smell of freshly washed air. It freshened up the whole apartment.
This morning, while sitting at my desk and staring out at nothing in particular when I saw a tiny bit of very fast movement. It was a hummingbird feeding on the flowers of the tree next door. I love hummingbirds and there just aren't any in Minneapolis so this was a special treat. I'm going to see if there's a way I can hang a feeder on the outside of my window and see if I get any action. They truly are my favorite bird.
One more tidbit--I finally got my computer working on wireless. All this time I've been tethered to the modem (?) router (?) whatever, with a cord, so I've only been able to use it while sitting on my couch. Now I can sit at my desk (after noon--the sun is too bright in the morning) and in bed whenever I feel like it.
It's definitely a beautiful day in the neighborhood.
Friday, March 23, 2012
Diet Pepsi
I almost forgot a very important discovery today. I think I may have found the only Diet Coke in town. I see plenty of Coke and Pepsi but no diet of any kind. As I was doing my "big" shopping today (that means a whole bag of stuff) I saw a bottle of Coke Lite. It's Diet Coke and it was the only one they had on the shelves. I am now sipping my 16 oz. bottle (actually it's probably a half a liter) and savoring every swallow. I really don't miss it but it sure is good when I have one.
First Week Flew By
Oh my gracious! It's been an entire week since I last updated you on how things are going here.
I've had a week to settle into my new little apartment and I'm loving it. I've discovered bits and pieces of things that don't really surprise me but that I wasn't necessarily expecting. For instance, there is at least one bakery per block--OK, maybe not quite that many but within one block from my front door there are two of them. The one closest to me is very nice and it's where I generally go to buy my bread for the next day or two. The bakeries don't sell loaves of bread, just rolls and such. The make amazing puff pastry dough. I'm fairly certain it's purchased rather than made on site because it's so consistent from one bakery to another.
They eat a lot less sugar than people in the US. They have sweets but they are more like a sweet dough rather than a sweet dough with something sweeter inside. It's very interesting. I find myself craving far less sugar than I did in the States--that can't be a bad thing.
On a different front, my cast came off today--well, last night but we don't have to tell the doctors do we? Now starts the physical therapy. I imagine it's going to take a while but at least I can now type with both hands on the keyboard rather than hunt & peck.
I've been trading Spanish lessons for English lessons with the building owner's son. Sebastian is a lovely young man and he is very patient with me. He's had a few years of English in school but it isn't very practical. I feel like I'm learning a lot while we're working but then he leaves and I'm back to knowing a couple of dozen words. Ah, well, it will come with time.
I've decided to treat myself once a week to lunch at Solid Rock, the restaurant where almost everyone is a Gringo. I don't need to live where there are only English speakers but I do like to hear English every once in a while so that's going to be how I do that. I went today, after my lesson, and met a very interesting woman. She's lived here for 18 years and is now getting ready to move on to somewhere else. She isn't sure where yet but wherever it is, she'll have fun there--I can tell.
I'm sure I'm leaving lots out of what's going on but my wrist is telling me I might have overdone the activity today. Enjoy your weekend!
I've had a week to settle into my new little apartment and I'm loving it. I've discovered bits and pieces of things that don't really surprise me but that I wasn't necessarily expecting. For instance, there is at least one bakery per block--OK, maybe not quite that many but within one block from my front door there are two of them. The one closest to me is very nice and it's where I generally go to buy my bread for the next day or two. The bakeries don't sell loaves of bread, just rolls and such. The make amazing puff pastry dough. I'm fairly certain it's purchased rather than made on site because it's so consistent from one bakery to another.
They eat a lot less sugar than people in the US. They have sweets but they are more like a sweet dough rather than a sweet dough with something sweeter inside. It's very interesting. I find myself craving far less sugar than I did in the States--that can't be a bad thing.
On a different front, my cast came off today--well, last night but we don't have to tell the doctors do we? Now starts the physical therapy. I imagine it's going to take a while but at least I can now type with both hands on the keyboard rather than hunt & peck.
I've been trading Spanish lessons for English lessons with the building owner's son. Sebastian is a lovely young man and he is very patient with me. He's had a few years of English in school but it isn't very practical. I feel like I'm learning a lot while we're working but then he leaves and I'm back to knowing a couple of dozen words. Ah, well, it will come with time.
I've decided to treat myself once a week to lunch at Solid Rock, the restaurant where almost everyone is a Gringo. I don't need to live where there are only English speakers but I do like to hear English every once in a while so that's going to be how I do that. I went today, after my lesson, and met a very interesting woman. She's lived here for 18 years and is now getting ready to move on to somewhere else. She isn't sure where yet but wherever it is, she'll have fun there--I can tell.
I'm sure I'm leaving lots out of what's going on but my wrist is telling me I might have overdone the activity today. Enjoy your weekend!
Friday, March 16, 2012
I'm Home
Well, I moved into my apartment yesterday afternoon and I love it. Now that I've not only seen it but am living here, I'm quite certain I want a day bed. The have amazing woodworkers in a town nearby so I'll figure out exactly what I want and see how much it would cost to have one made. The main criteria is that it have drawers underneath. They also make upholstered furniture there so I'll see about getting "couch" back cushions and arm cushions as well. It will make the room look a ton bigger and it will look more like a living room instead of a bedroom with a loveseat in it. Don't get me wrong--I love it--I'm just thinking towards the future.
There are a few song birds who serenade me and that's quite nice. I also have neighbors--literally next door--with chickens and a minimum of one rooster. It sounds like two or three but that may just be because I'm not used to them, yet. I truly hope that will happen soon.
As I organize my kitchen stuff into this kitchen, I can see how canisters and baskets will be a big help. Sheila left her microwave, toaster oven, and blender on the counters and that's great except I don't use them. I was still using the microwave at home every once in a while but it wasn't something I needed. That will free up lots of space for other things.
If Fernando gets here soon enough, I'll go get my cell phone today and stop at the bakery for fresh rolls for dinner. I'm not quite sure what I'll have. I have a couple pieces of chicken I was going to use for chicken & dumplings but the celery was so sickly looking at the "big" store where I got my start-up staples that I decided to wait until I go to the market. The big one is on Sunday so I think I'll go then. In the meantime, frying up one of the pieces sounds pretty darned good. When I go to the bakery, I'll stop at a little store and see what vegetables they have that look good. Mmm, mmm good.
A couple of you have expressed an interest in my address. Um, I don't really have one. There's a number that goes with the building but most people say "it's on Modesto Penaherra, between Sucre and (whatever the other cross street is). It's the yellow one right across from the church. Even if I gave people my proper address, mail doesn't get delivered here. One day soon I need to go to the post office and rent a box. It's just another one of those things that makes living here an adventure.
There are a few song birds who serenade me and that's quite nice. I also have neighbors--literally next door--with chickens and a minimum of one rooster. It sounds like two or three but that may just be because I'm not used to them, yet. I truly hope that will happen soon.
As I organize my kitchen stuff into this kitchen, I can see how canisters and baskets will be a big help. Sheila left her microwave, toaster oven, and blender on the counters and that's great except I don't use them. I was still using the microwave at home every once in a while but it wasn't something I needed. That will free up lots of space for other things.
If Fernando gets here soon enough, I'll go get my cell phone today and stop at the bakery for fresh rolls for dinner. I'm not quite sure what I'll have. I have a couple pieces of chicken I was going to use for chicken & dumplings but the celery was so sickly looking at the "big" store where I got my start-up staples that I decided to wait until I go to the market. The big one is on Sunday so I think I'll go then. In the meantime, frying up one of the pieces sounds pretty darned good. When I go to the bakery, I'll stop at a little store and see what vegetables they have that look good. Mmm, mmm good.
A couple of you have expressed an interest in my address. Um, I don't really have one. There's a number that goes with the building but most people say "it's on Modesto Penaherra, between Sucre and (whatever the other cross street is). It's the yellow one right across from the church. Even if I gave people my proper address, mail doesn't get delivered here. One day soon I need to go to the post office and rent a box. It's just another one of those things that makes living here an adventure.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Spanish Lessons
I've been offered the most wonderful opportunity. Julio, the owner of my building, has a son who speaks very little English and I definitely speak very little Spanish! He and I are going to have the opportunity to learn from one another. I'll help him with his English while he helps me with my Spanish. Our first "class" will be at my apartment at 11:00 Monday morning and we'll meet for an hour a day. I'm really looking forward to this. I'll definitely keep you posted on how this progresses.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Horses and Other Tidbits
I saw something this afternoon that I can't recall outside of a parade. A man rode by on his horse--directly through the center of town.
If I had to describe Cotacachi in just a few words, I would say it's a town that currently lives in the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries. The indigenous tribal people may still be living part of their lives even earlier than that. On the drive here from Quito, I saw two houses with thatched roofs. Then I turn around and see a young man with his hair spiked and his jeans in danger of falling off. I will say, though, that he's the first young man I've seen dressed that way.
Another thing I noticed just last night was how few people I see smoking. In fact, last night was the first time I smelled cigarette smoke, which then brought the absence of it to mind.
Sheila and I went grocery shopping for me today. Some of the prices were pleasantly low while others seemed very high. I couldn't even find pickles. They had olives so I might see how they work in a tuna salad. I did find vinegar, so I might just have to see if I can find some zucchini and rectify that problem. Sheila says I might find some in Ibarra or Otavalo but I can wait for a while to go there. I was clever enough to bring turmeric with me but not mustard seed. I'm sure I can find it somewhere.
Tomorrow is moving day! By noon I'll be totally out of the hotel and into my apt. Another step in my adventure.
If I had to describe Cotacachi in just a few words, I would say it's a town that currently lives in the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries. The indigenous tribal people may still be living part of their lives even earlier than that. On the drive here from Quito, I saw two houses with thatched roofs. Then I turn around and see a young man with his hair spiked and his jeans in danger of falling off. I will say, though, that he's the first young man I've seen dressed that way.
Another thing I noticed just last night was how few people I see smoking. In fact, last night was the first time I smelled cigarette smoke, which then brought the absence of it to mind.
Sheila and I went grocery shopping for me today. Some of the prices were pleasantly low while others seemed very high. I couldn't even find pickles. They had olives so I might see how they work in a tuna salad. I did find vinegar, so I might just have to see if I can find some zucchini and rectify that problem. Sheila says I might find some in Ibarra or Otavalo but I can wait for a while to go there. I was clever enough to bring turmeric with me but not mustard seed. I'm sure I can find it somewhere.
Tomorrow is moving day! By noon I'll be totally out of the hotel and into my apt. Another step in my adventure.
Another Moving Day Approaches
Tomorrow afternoon I mover from the hotel to my cute little apartment. It's only 2 blocks away so it's not far physically but the change will be huge.
I will have a kitchen, a bathroom I don't have to close the door to use, a desk, and a sofa. Pure heaven. Don't get me wrong, I love the place I've been staying--the people couldn't possibly be nicer and there's a "living room and kitchen" shared by everyone. I've taken advantage of the kitchen to store my butter in the fridge--then I get a fresh roll from one of the half dozen bakeries within a couple of blocks from me and that's dinner.
The other night I bought a piece of chicken from a shop down the street--it's Cotacachi's version of KFC--for $1.20. I thought I had picked out a thigh but it turned out to be a breast. It also came with fries and cole slaw (KFC?). I prefer dark meat to white because it's so much juicier. Breast meat tends to be very dry. This was definitely not the case with this one. It was every bit as tender as I would expected a thigh to be. Since it was a kind of messy meal, I decided to have it at the dining room table upstairs. One of the owners of the building lives up there and she has tiny kitten who has definitely not been taught any manners. No matter how many times I put her down, she thought it was great fun to climb up my leg and attack my chicken. I have to admit, it was as entertaining as it was annoying.
My chicken had come in a very crinkly plastic bag and she thought that was great fun. While she played in there, I had a chance to eat my sandwich. Then I discovered what it was that she needed--a toy! I had wiped my hands on my napkin and crumpled it up and tossed it, in the hopes I might get to finish lunch. She left me in peace for the rest of my meal. I had a little chicken left over when I was finished so I put it in a little plastic bag and put it in the fridge and told Kathy that it was for Patience. I love cats but not enough to let her eat off my plate.
I went to a dentist yesterday just to have a little filing done on my dental work. He was wonderful! Not only did he speak almost fluent English, he was efficient and paid close attention to how I was feeling. He wrote me a prescription for a pain reliever for my gums where they had gotten inflamed from the rough edge and the total bill was $10.
I'm going to miss having Sheila to show me around town and translate for me. She's a wonderful woman and she and I seem to have bonded in just this short a time.
I will have a kitchen, a bathroom I don't have to close the door to use, a desk, and a sofa. Pure heaven. Don't get me wrong, I love the place I've been staying--the people couldn't possibly be nicer and there's a "living room and kitchen" shared by everyone. I've taken advantage of the kitchen to store my butter in the fridge--then I get a fresh roll from one of the half dozen bakeries within a couple of blocks from me and that's dinner.
The other night I bought a piece of chicken from a shop down the street--it's Cotacachi's version of KFC--for $1.20. I thought I had picked out a thigh but it turned out to be a breast. It also came with fries and cole slaw (KFC?). I prefer dark meat to white because it's so much juicier. Breast meat tends to be very dry. This was definitely not the case with this one. It was every bit as tender as I would expected a thigh to be. Since it was a kind of messy meal, I decided to have it at the dining room table upstairs. One of the owners of the building lives up there and she has tiny kitten who has definitely not been taught any manners. No matter how many times I put her down, she thought it was great fun to climb up my leg and attack my chicken. I have to admit, it was as entertaining as it was annoying.
My chicken had come in a very crinkly plastic bag and she thought that was great fun. While she played in there, I had a chance to eat my sandwich. Then I discovered what it was that she needed--a toy! I had wiped my hands on my napkin and crumpled it up and tossed it, in the hopes I might get to finish lunch. She left me in peace for the rest of my meal. I had a little chicken left over when I was finished so I put it in a little plastic bag and put it in the fridge and told Kathy that it was for Patience. I love cats but not enough to let her eat off my plate.
I went to a dentist yesterday just to have a little filing done on my dental work. He was wonderful! Not only did he speak almost fluent English, he was efficient and paid close attention to how I was feeling. He wrote me a prescription for a pain reliever for my gums where they had gotten inflamed from the rough edge and the total bill was $10.
I'm going to miss having Sheila to show me around town and translate for me. She's a wonderful woman and she and I seem to have bonded in just this short a time.
Monday, March 12, 2012
It's the Little Things
Before I get so accustomed to the differences between here and there, I thought I'd give you a brief look at the things I noticed most since I arrived.
That's about all I can think of right now. I'm sure more will come to me as the days pass.
- Pedestrians do not have the right of way!
- The shops are tiny. Other than the "big" department store, I haven't seen any that are as large as a gas station convenience store.
- The police wear army-style camouflage uniforms (gray/brown/black) with a school crossing guard reflective vest that has "Policia" on the back. They're easy to spot.
- No Passing zones are merely a suggestion (unless you get caught).
- There is only one parking lot that I've seen here. People who drive park on the streets. Most people seem to walk everywhere.
- There are no laundromats. If you don't have your own washer, you do it by hand or hire someone to do it for you.
- Everyone goes out and cleans the front walks every morning. If it's just dusty they sweep--if it's a little dirtier than that, they wash it. I think this may be the cleanest town I've ever seen.
- There are little "convenience" stores everywhere, some right next to one another. I'm guessing people shop at certain stores based on who they like better.
- Bakeries abound. I know of three within two blocks of my hotel. They all seem to make the same things. None of it includes loaves of bread. The sweets (cookies and pastries) aren't very sweet at all.
- In restaurants salt is, served in salt cellars with tiny spoons. Sheila says the salt they have here doesn't work well in salt shakers.
- All the shops have metal doors they close when they're closed. I thought this was odd in a town where there was so little crime until it dawned on me that the little shops don't really have doors and windows. Either they're open to the air or they're closed. This is due to a combination of tradition, weather, and the cost of glass. It's been done for so long, it's just what they do.
- Bathroom sinks only have cold water.
That's about all I can think of right now. I'm sure more will come to me as the days pass.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Time For A Day Off
Life in Cotacachi is going swimmingly! The longer I'm here, the better I like it. My only long-term frustration is my lack of Spanish. I know that the longer I'm here, the more I'll learn, but as with most things, I want to know it NOW!
I'm also very anxious to move into my new home. I'm ready to cook a meal, sit in a chair instead of on my bed, but mostly I want to unpack. Instead, I'm just taking a day off from all my explorations with Sheila and resting. Yesterday I stopped at the market and got beautiful globe grapes and what I thought were black cherries. They weren't cherries. They may have been coffee berries--I learned that the coffee bean is the seed inside the coffee berry. I also got a couple of rolls and a chunk of butter, so that's what I'm eating today.
Yesterday Sheila showed me more of the sites of the city, including something I can only describe as a food court. It's adjacent to the market and there's a huge variety of choices. I definitely enjoyed my lunch. After that we went to the meat market. It's definitely not your local grocery store. There were things there I had no clue as to their animal of origin or what part of the animal they came from. I'd better start learning how to speak "butcher shop Spanish" in a hurry. I definitely recognized the chickens, though. They're sold whole, with or without the feet. I think I'll opt for the the footless variety. They sell the feet separately and I've heard they make a good chicken broth, so depending on the cost, I may get some to try that out.
We also checked out a few other shops. I bought a juicer at one of them. It's the "petite" model so I'm not sure how it will work but I'm hopeful it will serve my purposes perfectly.
On my way back to the hotel from Sheila's, I saw a funeral procession on their way from the church to the cemetery. I don't know how far away it is but I hope it's not far because everyone was walking. The people at the front of the procession carried the floral arrangements. They loosely surrounded the priest, the coffin, and the family of the deceased. The streets were informally closed as the procession passed, a little like what happens in the States except there were no police escorts and it takes a bit longer to walk down a street than to drive. I would estimate somewhere between 200 and 300 people.
Tomorrow I'm going to go to the local dentist and see if I can make an appointment to come in for some minor adjustments that I didn't have time to get done before I moved here. I'm also going to see if the cultural center has a map of the city. I've been finding all these wonderful things and have almost no idea how to find them again. Sheila drew a little map and it's very helpful but I'm hoping for one just a wee bit bigger. I'm sure I won't even need one in a few weeks but it would be nice in the meantime.
So much to see all at once. It's exhilarating and exhausting. Mostly, it's a great adventure.
I'm also very anxious to move into my new home. I'm ready to cook a meal, sit in a chair instead of on my bed, but mostly I want to unpack. Instead, I'm just taking a day off from all my explorations with Sheila and resting. Yesterday I stopped at the market and got beautiful globe grapes and what I thought were black cherries. They weren't cherries. They may have been coffee berries--I learned that the coffee bean is the seed inside the coffee berry. I also got a couple of rolls and a chunk of butter, so that's what I'm eating today.
Yesterday Sheila showed me more of the sites of the city, including something I can only describe as a food court. It's adjacent to the market and there's a huge variety of choices. I definitely enjoyed my lunch. After that we went to the meat market. It's definitely not your local grocery store. There were things there I had no clue as to their animal of origin or what part of the animal they came from. I'd better start learning how to speak "butcher shop Spanish" in a hurry. I definitely recognized the chickens, though. They're sold whole, with or without the feet. I think I'll opt for the the footless variety. They sell the feet separately and I've heard they make a good chicken broth, so depending on the cost, I may get some to try that out.
We also checked out a few other shops. I bought a juicer at one of them. It's the "petite" model so I'm not sure how it will work but I'm hopeful it will serve my purposes perfectly.
On my way back to the hotel from Sheila's, I saw a funeral procession on their way from the church to the cemetery. I don't know how far away it is but I hope it's not far because everyone was walking. The people at the front of the procession carried the floral arrangements. They loosely surrounded the priest, the coffin, and the family of the deceased. The streets were informally closed as the procession passed, a little like what happens in the States except there were no police escorts and it takes a bit longer to walk down a street than to drive. I would estimate somewhere between 200 and 300 people.
Tomorrow I'm going to go to the local dentist and see if I can make an appointment to come in for some minor adjustments that I didn't have time to get done before I moved here. I'm also going to see if the cultural center has a map of the city. I've been finding all these wonderful things and have almost no idea how to find them again. Sheila drew a little map and it's very helpful but I'm hoping for one just a wee bit bigger. I'm sure I won't even need one in a few weeks but it would be nice in the meantime.
So much to see all at once. It's exhilarating and exhausting. Mostly, it's a great adventure.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Cotacachi
I'm here. This is my second day and so far I feel I've made the right choice for me. Of course two days isn't much of a sampling but so far, so good.
The woman whose apartment I'm subletting, Sheila, is fabulous. She's been showing me the most important places to know about and that's been a huge help. She's taken me to the two restaurants where the gringos tend to gather and tomorrow we may try one of the less costly, more local-oriented. I'm looking forward to that. Today I had a burger, fries, a side of guacamole, and a Coke for $5.75. While that's not a huge price, it's pretty American and more than other places.
My legs are pretty wobbly and that's apparently from getting used to the altitude. Today we walked about a mile and I'm absolutely beat to a frazzle. It's better than yesterday, though, so I'm hoping it will get better each day. Yesterday I came here from Quito--I think I got here about 12:30 or so. Sheila and I went out almost immediately and we got back to my hotel around 3:30. I laid down for a little rest and woke up 3 hours later. I ate the meatloaf sandwich I had ordered to go from the place we had lunch and was back in bed around 9:30. The next thing I heard was a rooster at 3:00--I rolled over and slept until 8:00--I didn't even hear the church bells.
My daughter was right--Sheila's seen a place that carries juicers. We'll go there tomorrow or Monday. Sunday we'll go to the market and I'll have fresh fruit to eat for breakfast and maybe a bedtime snack.
Siesta is from 1-3 and at least half the small stores close down during that time. Today we didn't head back here until just a bit past 1:00 and fully half the shops were closed.
Right now I think I'm going to have a bit of a siesta.
The woman whose apartment I'm subletting, Sheila, is fabulous. She's been showing me the most important places to know about and that's been a huge help. She's taken me to the two restaurants where the gringos tend to gather and tomorrow we may try one of the less costly, more local-oriented. I'm looking forward to that. Today I had a burger, fries, a side of guacamole, and a Coke for $5.75. While that's not a huge price, it's pretty American and more than other places.
My legs are pretty wobbly and that's apparently from getting used to the altitude. Today we walked about a mile and I'm absolutely beat to a frazzle. It's better than yesterday, though, so I'm hoping it will get better each day. Yesterday I came here from Quito--I think I got here about 12:30 or so. Sheila and I went out almost immediately and we got back to my hotel around 3:30. I laid down for a little rest and woke up 3 hours later. I ate the meatloaf sandwich I had ordered to go from the place we had lunch and was back in bed around 9:30. The next thing I heard was a rooster at 3:00--I rolled over and slept until 8:00--I didn't even hear the church bells.
My daughter was right--Sheila's seen a place that carries juicers. We'll go there tomorrow or Monday. Sunday we'll go to the market and I'll have fresh fruit to eat for breakfast and maybe a bedtime snack.
Siesta is from 1-3 and at least half the small stores close down during that time. Today we didn't head back here until just a bit past 1:00 and fully half the shops were closed.
Right now I think I'm going to have a bit of a siesta.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
I'm Here!
I don't have much time to write right now but I wanted to be sure everyone knew I got here all safe and sound--with my baggage. Customs was a piece of cake. Someone helped me get my bags to a taxi (large van) and when I got to my hotel three very strong-looking young men carried them up to my room. It's a good thing my plane from Minneapolis to Atlanta got in early because I just barely made my connection. The gate was a very long ways down endless corridors. They were calling my name over the PA system before I arrived. They were very nice about it, though.
The traffic here is not to be believed. They drive like crazy people, especially taxis and I saw taxis everywhere. Honestly, there may have been more taxis than privately owned vehicles.
My room is pretty basic--OK, VERY basic but it's clean and has what I need. Oh, when I was taking a shower this morning, the shower head fell off but I was able to finish my shower without it.
With what little Spanish I know and some charades, I've been understood everywhere so far.
I'm leaving here in half an hour to go to Cotacachi so I'd better make sure I'm all packed and ready to go.
More later as I have time energy, and an internet connection.
The traffic here is not to be believed. They drive like crazy people, especially taxis and I saw taxis everywhere. Honestly, there may have been more taxis than privately owned vehicles.
My room is pretty basic--OK, VERY basic but it's clean and has what I need. Oh, when I was taking a shower this morning, the shower head fell off but I was able to finish my shower without it.
With what little Spanish I know and some charades, I've been understood everywhere so far.
I'm leaving here in half an hour to go to Cotacachi so I'd better make sure I'm all packed and ready to go.
More later as I have time energy, and an internet connection.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
It's Almost Time
The last few days have bee a whirl of packing activity. There is absolutely no way I could have done this without my daughter. She has worked her fingers yo the bone packing my bags.
Last night we brought all the bags down to her house and today I get to be a woman of leisure without having to look at disaster area that was once my apartment. It also means I get to spend some time with my youngest sister. It's been so wonderful to see Dad, Mom, both sisters, and friends before I go. The only sad part is that I won't get to see my youngest grandchild. She's coming for spring break but she arrives two days after my departure. Timing sucks.i guess that just means she'll have to come visit me in Ecuador.
Tomorrow I'll arrive at the airport 3 hours before my flight just in case security has an issue with something--oh,and also to move things from one bag to another (or leave something behind) if one of my bags is a little overweight. My daughter weighed all of them on a digital scale but one never knows if it's precisely calibrated to the one at the airport and a couple of them were within a pound of the maximum weight.
So, tomorrow I fly out and arrive in Quito at 11:00 pm. I will spend the night in a lovely little hotel (where they feed me breakfast the following morning. My private car and driver will pick me up there that same day around noon. I'll be in another adorable hotel there until the 15th when I move in to my cute little apartment, The woman from whom I am renting the apartment is going to introduce me to the city, the best stalls at the market, people she knows,etc. That is such a generous thing for her to do.
I'll need to find a doctor fairly soon--preferably one who speaks English-- to X-ray my arm when it's time for the cast to come off. If there is no English-speaking doctor available in Cotacachi, I'll just need to get a translator whe specializes in medical terminology.
This is the last you'll hear from me while I'm still in the States. I won't be able to post again until I've had a little time to rest up and have a good internet connection. It shouldn't be more than a few days.
The adventure contines!
Last night we brought all the bags down to her house and today I get to be a woman of leisure without having to look at disaster area that was once my apartment. It also means I get to spend some time with my youngest sister. It's been so wonderful to see Dad, Mom, both sisters, and friends before I go. The only sad part is that I won't get to see my youngest grandchild. She's coming for spring break but she arrives two days after my departure. Timing sucks.i guess that just means she'll have to come visit me in Ecuador.
Tomorrow I'll arrive at the airport 3 hours before my flight just in case security has an issue with something--oh,and also to move things from one bag to another (or leave something behind) if one of my bags is a little overweight. My daughter weighed all of them on a digital scale but one never knows if it's precisely calibrated to the one at the airport and a couple of them were within a pound of the maximum weight.
So, tomorrow I fly out and arrive in Quito at 11:00 pm. I will spend the night in a lovely little hotel (where they feed me breakfast the following morning. My private car and driver will pick me up there that same day around noon. I'll be in another adorable hotel there until the 15th when I move in to my cute little apartment, The woman from whom I am renting the apartment is going to introduce me to the city, the best stalls at the market, people she knows,etc. That is such a generous thing for her to do.
I'll need to find a doctor fairly soon--preferably one who speaks English-- to X-ray my arm when it's time for the cast to come off. If there is no English-speaking doctor available in Cotacachi, I'll just need to get a translator whe specializes in medical terminology.
This is the last you'll hear from me while I'm still in the States. I won't be able to post again until I've had a little time to rest up and have a good internet connection. It shouldn't be more than a few days.
The adventure contines!
Friday, March 2, 2012
Packing and More Packing
Yesterday was a major milestone in my trip prep. My daughter came over in the afternoon and didn't leave until 9:00. She kicked major butt getting everything I am definitely taking and the stuff I'm either taking now or that people will bring to me in little batches when they come visit all piled (neatly in bins) in my dining room. That was a huge relief!
All the boxes I couldn't get down from shelves have been gone through and sorted into take, want-to-take, sell, or trash. That is such a huge relief!
My dad and younger (as opposed to youngest) sister are coming to visit today. They will not only visit here--they'll take me on errands I need to run. This afternoon my granddaughter is coming over for a little while and tonight my daughter is coming back to pack what I'm taking and put the rest in bins for storage for another day. I'm tired already.
This is feeling so good.
All the boxes I couldn't get down from shelves have been gone through and sorted into take, want-to-take, sell, or trash. That is such a huge relief!
My dad and younger (as opposed to youngest) sister are coming to visit today. They will not only visit here--they'll take me on errands I need to run. This afternoon my granddaughter is coming over for a little while and tonight my daughter is coming back to pack what I'm taking and put the rest in bins for storage for another day. I'm tired already.
This is feeling so good.
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