Tis The Season

December 10, 2013

Little neighbor boy playing
"peek a boo" with candy wrappers after
I gave him a "carmelo"



In the last couple of weeks the weather has finally turned the corner, and we’re welcoming back sunny days after months of mostly overcast and drizzly conditions.  While the weather is always mild (ranging from 65-75 degrees from June through November, to 75-80 degrees of brilliant sunshine the rest of the year), it’s wonderful to bask in the steady sun rays once again.
Starting around Christmas, the “high” season begins in our area and lasts through March/April.  Tourists flock here for New Year’s Eve, Carnavale, surf tournaments, Semana Santa and other festivals, especially to Montanita (international travelers and Ecuadorians alike).  It’s a lot of fun, but exhausting after a while.

This makes us grateful that we live in Olón, the next town north of Montanita, since we’re close enough to enjoy the “party” there, but can escape back to Olón for a more tranquil environment.
However, Olón has become more and more of a tourist destination in the last few years (especially for families and retirees). I suppose we personally view this with mixed emotions.

 

Many of you who have visited Olón will recognize
the "Old Man by the Park Who Sells Beer"
Wonderful gentleman, second from right
This group of friends plays cards most everyday
 outside his house.

 





 

It’s “good” in the sense that as a consequence, the local economy has thrived.  It’s unwelcome at times because no one I know in town (locals or expats) wants to see Olón turned into another Montanita (hey – Montanita friends, don’t bite my head off…we love you!...and no one can do it better than you all).

Local elections for communa leaders (gringos, think “city councils”) being elected later this month, and we hope for officials elected that have long-term vision for these Ecuador beach communities.

Local fishing boats heading out at dusk

Refreshment break

 

Don't be fooled.
These trains are anything but tame.
Drivers push pedal to metal and purposely swerve.
Olón version of roller coasters.

One tradition that always kicks off the Olón season is the annual beauty pageant, which was held last Saturday night on our park stage.  I got a few pics this year, but didn’t stay for the whole show.  Typically, it is very similar to any beauty pageant (coordinated dance routines (s), native costume, “esportivo” clothing, and fancy dress competition…as well as the “interview” portion).
I am still scratching my head a little about the “belly dancing” routine preformed this year.

Beauty Pageant
Belly Dancing Segment (???)
I have YouTube video that I will post eventually

Later this week is the annual “St. Lucia” 3-day party, which coincides with Olón’s birthday. This is the town’s biggest party, and is always fun, boisterous, and loud. It includes music and dancing until the wee hours of the morning, carnival rides, food & gift booths, and fireworks (our dog Daisy hates that part, and cowers inside during most of the festival).



Last year, a girlfriend (Elizabeth LaFortune) and I braved riding the Ferris wheel. I’ve never had the nerve before, because the wheel spins so fast, I’m always waiting to see bodies flung from their seats as it wildly rotates – and I’m pretty sure there are no stringent safety inspections for these.  We hung on for dear life and laughed ourselves silly.

Preparations are now underway for this year’s festival.

 

School band students practicing for
Christmas program and parade
Also have another video to be posted on YouTube

(See the post “I Love Lucia” for more details about our annual town party).

Wishing all of you a very blessed and special holiday season.

And welcoming my newest granddaughter…

Photo courtesy of Kacie

 

Chloe Annabel Diniz

Born December 9, 2013 at 1:56PM (in Germany)

  6 lbs 8 oz and 19 inches long
Congratulations to proud parents Kacie and Pedro Diniz, and big sister Clara!

 

Also, a very happy, happy birthday today, to my oldest daughter, Elizabeth!