It was Sabbath so off to Church we went. After the service, we decided to walk around the area to get some idea about it as the house we are considering was located somewhere nearby. As no restaurant was located, we boarded a bus and returned to the old town and found a wonderful Italian Restaurant called "Salumeria Veccllia Modena" run by Massimo Palazzi, a delightful, genuine Italian. The food was superb.
After the wonderful meal, we decided to stroll to the main square, Parque Calderon and perhaps enjoy an ice cream. We sat down in this cute little ice cream shop and ordered our dessert.. I felt qualified enough to order, in Spanish, what we wanted, a hot chocolate sundae. I thought I said vanilla ice cream with hot chocolate and whipped cream. What arrived at the table was a cup of hot chocolate. OK, a miss communication. Although we were disappointed, drinking the hot chocolate would have to satisfy our graving for ice cream. As we began to consume our hot chocolate, the waiter brought to the table, a cup of vanilla ice cream with whipped cream on top. Ok so now I had what I ordered, just not in the manner in which I had expected it and wished to have my hot chocolate sundae.We both got however, a very good chuckle.The waiter wondered why, and again I explained our wishes. OK he said and soon returned with a cream pitcher filled with melted chocolate, not fudge, to pour on our ice cream.
Just another joy of living in an other land and another language.
Saturday, November 29, 2014
Oh My ----CUENCA
Went to the symphony last evening What a joyous experience, and it was FREE. I can hardly believe that this concert put on by the Cuenca Symphony consisting last night of over 50 members was FREE. There was a clarinet soloist who was terrific and we heard Beethoven's 5th. I have been in Cuenca a total of two weeks and have been to two ,just outstanding free concerts already..
Taking the local buses is another special experience. I purchased an " Old Mans Card", put $20 on it, wave it in front of a special box on the bus and it pays the fare of $.12,and tells me how much remains on my card. I have taken several buses to the end of the line and returned. What a cheap way to see the city.
I am having another time of my life , experiencing another culture first hand, and the best part, there is no deadline-no " I only have x days left and must return home" feeling.
Sharyl still having difficulty with the altitude. Tires easily and is not able to join me all the time. This is sad for both of us, but more so for her as she wants to enjoy being here and does make a valiant effort to do so.
Looking for a permanent home has been trying, as we must keep at it until we do. Several times the homes are rented before we get to see them. We are negotiating for a home right now that may work out. It is a large house, but very dark inside. It has 4 bedrooms, three bathrooms, plain un-attractive kitchen, large living and dinning rooms and an office space , The darkness is created by corrugated panels running from the roof line to a patio wall . We are hoping to replace a few of these panels with a clear material to allow more light to shine in.
A house will be found in time and we will be able to " nest" and find more time to explore and experience this beautiful city of CUENCA
Taking the local buses is another special experience. I purchased an " Old Mans Card", put $20 on it, wave it in front of a special box on the bus and it pays the fare of $.12,and tells me how much remains on my card. I have taken several buses to the end of the line and returned. What a cheap way to see the city.
I am having another time of my life , experiencing another culture first hand, and the best part, there is no deadline-no " I only have x days left and must return home" feeling.
Sharyl still having difficulty with the altitude. Tires easily and is not able to join me all the time. This is sad for both of us, but more so for her as she wants to enjoy being here and does make a valiant effort to do so.
Looking for a permanent home has been trying, as we must keep at it until we do. Several times the homes are rented before we get to see them. We are negotiating for a home right now that may work out. It is a large house, but very dark inside. It has 4 bedrooms, three bathrooms, plain un-attractive kitchen, large living and dinning rooms and an office space , The darkness is created by corrugated panels running from the roof line to a patio wall . We are hoping to replace a few of these panels with a clear material to allow more light to shine in.
A house will be found in time and we will be able to " nest" and find more time to explore and experience this beautiful city of CUENCA
Thursday, November 27, 2014
WE MADE IT
We did it . We arrived in Cuenca Ecuador on my birthday. I have to say we had a lot of help along the way. First, I must thank Sabrina with out whose help we would not have been able to accomplish this move and begin our adventure. We tried to pack and store and eliminate during the heat of the summer. It just was not possible to make much headway with temperatures running over 100 degrees and our home did not have any air conditioning.As the departure date moved closer, Sabrina stepped right in as it was very clear there was just too much left to do.She stayed with Sharyl and oranized the packing until it was done.
This
Became This
This
Became This
I was really afraid that we would not make it
BUT WE DID
We then began to pack the items we wanted to take with us. The airline will allow 5 pieces of luggage each. The boxes must be a certain size and weight. We packed to the max. Our two cats counted a a piece of luggage each so Sharyl and I were now limited to only 4 each. We would pack, weigh, unpack substitute weigh again until we felt we had what we wanted and really needed and headed for the airport in Phoenix. We left from Phoenix as the airline had another restriction we had to consider. They will only allow animals to fly a total of 12 hours. The only flight permitting that time frame was from Phoenix to Guayaquil 11.5 hours. So off we went. The next hurdle was to be customs in Ecuador. Much to my surprise and great relief, they did not look in ANY box. We sailed right thru to meet our driver Patricio,who was to take us to Cuenca 3 hours away.
Arriving in Ecuador
with
Our worldly goods
And our two precious kitties
They were not happy cooped up for 15 hours
We are now ensconced in our temporary apartment while we look for more permanent accommodations.
I was really afraid that we would not make it
BUT WE DID
We then began to pack the items we wanted to take with us. The airline will allow 5 pieces of luggage each. The boxes must be a certain size and weight. We packed to the max. Our two cats counted a a piece of luggage each so Sharyl and I were now limited to only 4 each. We would pack, weigh, unpack substitute weigh again until we felt we had what we wanted and really needed and headed for the airport in Phoenix. We left from Phoenix as the airline had another restriction we had to consider. They will only allow animals to fly a total of 12 hours. The only flight permitting that time frame was from Phoenix to Guayaquil 11.5 hours. So off we went. The next hurdle was to be customs in Ecuador. Much to my surprise and great relief, they did not look in ANY box. We sailed right thru to meet our driver Patricio,who was to take us to Cuenca 3 hours away.
with
Our worldly goods
They were not happy cooped up for 15 hours
We are now ensconced in our temporary apartment while we look for more permanent accommodations.
Thursday, October 16, 2014
No Turning Back
We have our tickets. We leave from Phoenix on my birthday. November 20 2014. A special present to my self. We are taking Silk and China. Can not leave them behind. We have arranged an almost direct flight to Guayaquil so that they will have the least amount of time in their kennel's. The plane will arrive at the unfortunate hour of 4am . A driver has been arranged to transport two people, two cats, two suitcases, and 6 boxes of our worldly possessions to Cuenca where we have an apartment to live while we find a place to call our own.
Here in Tucson, it hardly looks as though we will be able to accomplish this moving task. Boxes everywhere in total disarray.. We have a plan, but one would hardly know it to look around at what looks like a hopeless situation. 5 weeks to go with 4 week-ends for garage sales. Just the two of us working our butts of to make our adventure happen. Not smooth going. I hope the end result will be worth it.
We continue to watch the real estate market in Cuenca, and see very nice places to rent at very reasonable prices. So they do exist. We just do not know the area at all, so will have to wait until we arrive to discover our place. It will come together.
Here in Tucson, it hardly looks as though we will be able to accomplish this moving task. Boxes everywhere in total disarray.. We have a plan, but one would hardly know it to look around at what looks like a hopeless situation. 5 weeks to go with 4 week-ends for garage sales. Just the two of us working our butts of to make our adventure happen. Not smooth going. I hope the end result will be worth it.
We continue to watch the real estate market in Cuenca, and see very nice places to rent at very reasonable prices. So they do exist. We just do not know the area at all, so will have to wait until we arrive to discover our place. It will come together.
Sunday, October 5, 2014
SILK & CHINA------A DILEMMA
Sharyl and I knew that we would replace our precious illegal immigrant " Scare-D" whom we lost very tragically to kidney failure. We would however have to give our lose some time to heal.Three months passed, when I was moved to visit a pet store advertising rescued cats available. Unable to resist, I entered and was immediately smitten by a beautiful, mostly white calico kitten. I immediately called Sharyl, explained what I had found and suggested she come right over. As I awaited her arrival, I spotted another calico. This one darker,mostly black mixed with a beautiful pattern of tan and white. Sharyl and I took them both home right away.
CHINA ROSE
SILK
China seemed so sweet and delicate,we named her China Rose ( China for short). The brown one had such a soft fur, her name was Silk. These kittens entertained us every minute.They would run around and play, chase each other, groom each other and sleep together. We purchased a climbing apparatus for them to climb on and frolic up and down, competing for the top spot. They provided hours of entertainment for us.
China was the more affectionate one, having this charming way of nodding her head and falling on her back, to invite some attention. Silk became very attached to me. She could always be found not far away from where I was.She will jump on my lap whenever I sit down. She has her special corner of the bed where she will sleep at my feet. She always met me at the front door as I returned home.
I have grown very fond of Silky.
THE DILEMMA
Can I move to Ecuador and NOT take my beloved friends? Can I really leave them behind with someone else. They are, after all, only cats. This is a very emotional issue, that I did not think through. It is also a very economical issue as we will spend almost $2000 just to take them. Silk will be looking for me everyday. ( And I for her). Call me sentimental, call me irrational, call me what ever, but don't tell me that it will be easy.
THE DILEMMA
Can I move to Ecuador and NOT take my beloved friends? Can I really leave them behind with someone else. They are, after all, only cats. This is a very emotional issue, that I did not think through. It is also a very economical issue as we will spend almost $2000 just to take them. Silk will be looking for me everyday. ( And I for her). Call me sentimental, call me irrational, call me what ever, but don't tell me that it will be easy.
Friday, October 3, 2014
" New Wrinkle"
"New Wrinkle" A direct e-mail quote from "My Man" in Cuenca. My plan all along was to have my resident visa completely approved by the Ecuadorian Government BEFORE I traveled to the country to live. The idea being, that if any additional papers or corrections were needed, I would still be here to make sure I could have them properly prepared. I would also have some extra time to be sure all was in order in Tucson before I actually departed.
So guess what!! The "New Wrinkle" is a form that must be prepared IN Ecuador by Sharyl and I before the visa papers are even submitted. The problem of the day is that some of the papers I have sent to Cuenca have dates that will expire. Once papers are submitted the dates no longer matter, however since we have not and can not now submit our papers unless we are actually in Ecuador. we are suddenly faced with a deadline of November 15 2014. That will allow us time to prepare the " New Wrinkle" form before our papers expire. If They do expire, we would then have to start the process all over again. OMG
Recall that " My Man" in Cuenca had misplaced our papers and therefore had only submitted them several weeks ago not several months ago as I had thought, I have been working under the impression that we had plenty of time. Now I learn that he has still not submitted them and we have this " New Wrinkle " form to complete. We have been packing and thinking about leaving around the end of October or maybe later. Plenty of time still to make arrangements. NOW A DEADLINE.This seems to add a level of concern,no actually PANIC. Can we do it? There are so many things that have yet to be done. Can we do it?
I have been sort of laid back about getting ready. Many times I would look around knowing that we have been packing and we have been putting things in storage and we have been making departure arrangements, and think it does not look like we have done anything at all. How are we going to get out of this house in just 5 more weeks. Seems overwhelming still.
Botton line however we will get it done and we will move to Ecuador-PERIOD.
So guess what!! The "New Wrinkle" is a form that must be prepared IN Ecuador by Sharyl and I before the visa papers are even submitted. The problem of the day is that some of the papers I have sent to Cuenca have dates that will expire. Once papers are submitted the dates no longer matter, however since we have not and can not now submit our papers unless we are actually in Ecuador. we are suddenly faced with a deadline of November 15 2014. That will allow us time to prepare the " New Wrinkle" form before our papers expire. If They do expire, we would then have to start the process all over again. OMG
Recall that " My Man" in Cuenca had misplaced our papers and therefore had only submitted them several weeks ago not several months ago as I had thought, I have been working under the impression that we had plenty of time. Now I learn that he has still not submitted them and we have this " New Wrinkle " form to complete. We have been packing and thinking about leaving around the end of October or maybe later. Plenty of time still to make arrangements. NOW A DEADLINE.This seems to add a level of concern,no actually PANIC. Can we do it? There are so many things that have yet to be done. Can we do it?
I have been sort of laid back about getting ready. Many times I would look around knowing that we have been packing and we have been putting things in storage and we have been making departure arrangements, and think it does not look like we have done anything at all. How are we going to get out of this house in just 5 more weeks. Seems overwhelming still.
Botton line however we will get it done and we will move to Ecuador-PERIOD.
Friday, September 5, 2014
Perfect Storm
I have a dream. But dreams do not just happen. One must not lose sight of the dream. One must perservere. One must never give up.One must be flexible, willing to accept setbacks as part of the journey to reach the goal. To see the dream to fruition.
A number of issues,some expected, some not, have arisen to cause me to place my application for my Ecuadorian Visa on hold.
Sharyl has developed some health issues that are worrisome. We are trying to treat them or at least trying to find a way to deal with them while still here in the US. Getting as many answers from our doctors here before we go to Ecuador seems like a good idea.
Then there is Desert Villa. Our occupancy rate does not seem to improve. We get a resident and then lose a resident soon after. This has been the story for at least the past 5 years. Not enough residents to make the operation worth continuing.We have decided to sell.
Sabrina needs my managers license to continue operating until we are able to sell Desert Villa. She is also trying to get her own managers license so she can support herself in a smaller facility. New regulations require her to attend classes for about 6 weeks. This will require Sharyl and/or I to be at the facility during those class times.
Joshua is having difficulty adjusting to being a 15 year old. This occupy's a big portion of Sabrina's time and concerns Sharyl to the point of having a very hard time leaving Sabrina to deal with this "Perfect Storm" of events.
Placing our application on hold will allow us about 4 months to solve these issues and be able to enjoy our adventure in Ecuador. This seems to be to best and most logical way to proceed. And so it will be. We can reopen the process at anytime. The hope is sooner rather than later.
A number of issues,some expected, some not, have arisen to cause me to place my application for my Ecuadorian Visa on hold.
Sharyl has developed some health issues that are worrisome. We are trying to treat them or at least trying to find a way to deal with them while still here in the US. Getting as many answers from our doctors here before we go to Ecuador seems like a good idea.
Then there is Desert Villa. Our occupancy rate does not seem to improve. We get a resident and then lose a resident soon after. This has been the story for at least the past 5 years. Not enough residents to make the operation worth continuing.We have decided to sell.
Sabrina needs my managers license to continue operating until we are able to sell Desert Villa. She is also trying to get her own managers license so she can support herself in a smaller facility. New regulations require her to attend classes for about 6 weeks. This will require Sharyl and/or I to be at the facility during those class times.
Joshua is having difficulty adjusting to being a 15 year old. This occupy's a big portion of Sabrina's time and concerns Sharyl to the point of having a very hard time leaving Sabrina to deal with this "Perfect Storm" of events.
Placing our application on hold will allow us about 4 months to solve these issues and be able to enjoy our adventure in Ecuador. This seems to be to best and most logical way to proceed. And so it will be. We can reopen the process at anytime. The hope is sooner rather than later.
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