The "Dirt"

February 26, 2014


An example of one of
the campaigning trucks

Local and provincial elections were held this weekend (Sunday was voting day).
Actually, Ecuador offers some very sensible election time rules.  Candidates are only allowed to campaign for two months (a BLESSED relief from the non-stop politics in the USA) and there have been parades and honking-horn caravans going through our little local beach towns, representing the various parties and contenders for the last couple of months.
Starting on the Friday before elections, an “electoral silence” period begins.  All disseminating of political advertising, opinions, news articles is prohibited (these restrictions are in place 48 hours before the elections and extends until around 5PM, at least, on Sunday).
There is also a ban on booze for three days.  Needless to say, I think most people stocked up for the duration, and it’s been a very quiet weekend around here.


The traveling clothes/blankets/towel vendors are set up again in our park now for a few weeks. They come through once or twice a year, and I always look forward to their visits - much of my wardrobe is stocked with cute and comfortable sun dresses and cover-ups purchased for $6-8.

 

Last week was a busy one.  We flew into Quito for a quick trip last Sunday, and then flew on to Cuenca on Tuesday afternoon (just in time to throw luggage in the room, make it to several afternoon appointments that lasted until 7:30PM – and out on an early shuttle from Cuenca on Wednesday morning).



Iglesia de
Santa Teresita in
Quito

Overhead (partial) view of lot
facing west

On Thursday morning, dirt trucks and machinery were scheduled to begin filling in the lot (it is a 500 square meter lot, which faces north). The lot needed to be raised by a meter (takes a bunch of dirt to fill an approximately 16 meter wide/29 meter long lot, and it needs to be the "right" dirt - "casajo").
I’m thrilled with the results!
It took only a day or so, and the project came in under budget.  Now I just need decent design/architectural plans that are more exciting than I’ve been presented with so far.  Calling all designers!!!!




Here is another view of the property.
Taken several years ago from
 our across-the-street neighbor's balcony
 (facing south).Our old house on the left - the lot is on the right.



A compressor was used to pack it down.
Nevertheless, bring on the rains for awhile!

Whew! I was exhausted (especially from the traveling).  I tucked into the tabloids (delivered to my Kindle every Friday), ocean sunsets, and “Top Chef” episodes for the remainder of the weekend.