Capt'n Crunch Has Landed

August 31, 3013

A couple of days ago, I took a serene, impromptu hike up a nearby dirt road on the east side of the Ruta del Sol (Spondylus). *
There are a number of these roads that lead back into the jungle, and one does not need to go very far to get into a more “jungly” environment (less than a quarter mile, becoming more dense and isolated further down the roads).

The change in vegetation and birdlife is vivid in such a short distance between the beach side and hill side of the Ruta del Sol.

Of course, the plants are more lush and the birds more colorful and diverse on the hill side.

 

I was in pursuit of a particular arbusto de ají which I heard might ripe now, for some pico de gallo that I was making for dinner that night.  I love the ají peppers here, but only the larger ones are sold in the markets now, and they're not hot enough for me.  I was looking for the little tiny ones that have a wicked bite, and a variety of ají bushes grow wild.  We used to have one ají bush in the yard of our old house until it died – I think because I flat out picked it bare using the peppers.



The aji bush that used to be in my front yard
Before I killed it

 

It was a beautiful walk.  I had to ford the Rio Olón at one point (which, as you can see from the picture wasn’t deep at the crossing).  About one hundred yards up-river was a family washing their clothes in the water and I took the above shot using the telephoto function on the Canon PowerShot A2500 I’m driving now.

 

These are some of the pictures I got on that hike.

Alas, I didn’t find the elusive ají plants that I was looking for, but really enjoyed the afternoon walk, met some really nice local people along the way, and think I’m going to have to do this more often.

In fact, I’ve been walking a lot lately.  Earlier in the week, I headed to new friend Denise Morris’s house to pick up a box of Capt’n Crunch that Karen Kimbler (“Kimbler’s Exit to Ecuador”) brought down for me on her last trip to the States (a couple of months ago).  This box of cereal has been around, to get it into my hands here on the coast. It may have more stamps on its passport than I do.
Anyway, I had a great time getting to know Denise, and then I decided to walk 10 minutes on down the highway to Manglaralto to pay some bills.
I discovered that the roadside speed detectors are sensitive enough to pick up a pedestrian walking, which I thought was pretty cool…

Trying to capture that picture showing my speed was a little trickier. If I took it while walking, the pictures were blurry. If I paused, the display disappeared.  I repeatedly backed up 12 feet trying to get a picture, finally getting this one – I believe – by taking a running start and leaping in mid-air to snap.
I’m sure if any of the kids at the school across the street saw that, they must have thought I was one crazy gringa.

Our dog Daisy is in “pseudo” heat again. We had her fixed shortly after we adopted her 3 years ago**, but the vet didn’t take everything out. For the last couple of seasons (twice a year) Daisy now gets an injection to prevent her from being receptive to eager suitors as soon as we notice the signs. That’s worked pretty well (the hope being that after a few times, her “girl parts” will eventually shrivel up before we need to put her through surgery).  But it still doesn’t stop the fellas from trying, and all the commotion that involves.  We try and keep her inside as much as possible during the love season.

And we seem to have acquired a new wannabe family member. Our Ecuadorian next door neighbor’s dog, “Keen” has taken a real shine to us, and tags along with Todd, Daisy, and me wherever we go.
He’s such a scroungy mutt, but very lovable, though we don’t encourage him, since he belongs to someone else.   Still, he sooo wants to be part of our family and proudly follows us around town all the time now, with that shaggy tail waving happily.

 

Fortunately, birth control was not a factor regarding the next picture.
I have two new grandchildren I’d like to welcome to the world!
Levi Brian and Isobel Katherine, born August 12 in England – and congratulations to proud parents Katherine and Clive Wright!


 





Just a few other shots that I’ve taken this week testing out my new camera (thanks, Scott Creasey for muling that one back from the States for me):

Nearby "Mr. Grumpy's" vegetable stand.
"Mr. Grumpy" not pictured - that's another guy in photo.
Actually, Mr. Grumpy is a really nice guy, but he
intimidated a few of us gringos initially because
he's not a very smiley kind of person

A mural in Olón

* See the post "You Say Spondylus" for more about the Ruta del Sol/Spondylus highway's name.
** See "And Dog Makes Three"

Making A Difference

August 13, 2013
 

 

I’ve mentioned before that one of the wonderful things about living here on the coast of Ecuador is the great people we get to meet that travel through this area.

One of them came through a few months ago (Jill Andreychak) from South Jersey.

 

All pictures and verbiage included with this post are courtesy of Jill, with the exception of the top photo, which was taken of the three of us (and Daisy) by a local friend.

    

Dear Leigh,

I finally have returned to the US and have been thrust back in to my “American Reality.”  Amazing how much of an impact two weeks away can have on a person!
I am so happy to have met you during my adventures in Ecuador!  I am going to continue to write this email in letter form, but feel free to take any parts and use them for your blog.  I have several stories to share so I will continue to write to you.  As for now, I would like to do a short background on how I discovered my love for the Ruta del Sol and also tell my story of doing the fundraiser for the primary school in Montanita.  

Long story short.  I have a Masters Degree in Communicative Disorders and I am a speech-language pathologist for a public school in Southern New Jersey.  I also have been employed as a flight attendant for US Airways for over 13 years.  This chaotic combination of professions and my love of living with sand in my toes brought me to South America.

Two years ago I was looking for a place to vacation that would provide hot weather and good surfing in February.  I also wanted to take classes and learn Spanish.  While searching the internet for Spanish Language Schools, I discovered the Montanita Spanish School.  Voila! 

In 2012, I attended a week of classes at the Montanita Spanish School.  I quickly fell in love with Montanita and the Spanish School.  I discovered that the students who attended over two weeks of Spanish classes were eligible to participate in volunteer programs aiding local children.

Unfortunately, I am unable to be away from my jobs and my two children for longer than a week at a time.  Volunteering in a local school would not be a possibility for me.  When I returned home to the states, Montanita was firmly planted in my heart but I knew that I could not return for at least a year.  I began looking for any information I could find about this tiny town. 

That is when I stumbled upon your blog.  During the months that I was back in NJ, I researched the communities that surrounded Montanita and tried to learn as much as possible about the coast of Ecuador; its culture and its people.  I used Google to find any tidbit of information that Leigh included in her blog.  Reading about the ex-pats that have transplanted to Olón and the incredible lifestyle that they lead had my wheels turning.  My dream began to blossom...

Discovering Volunteerism


Primary School in Montanita

Years ago, while on an overnight in Madrid, I discovered a charming Peruvian that was living in Spain.  (Yes, the stories you hear of flight attendants are TRUE, lol!)  He was returning to Peru to visit his family and I decided that he would be the perfect tour guide for my first visit to South America.
 
In October of 2008 I sat on a flight to Lima, Peru.  This little lady from South Jersey had visions of being tied to a tree in the jungle and surrounded by drug lords.  I’m not gonna lie.  I grew up in suburbia, and although I was a flight attendant, I had only travelled to European cities.  I admit, my knowledge of South America was... well... limited. 

I quickly discovered that Peru was an incredibly, beautiful country with delicious food, intriguing culture and fantastic people.  As I was returning to the airport in Lima, I passed a wrought iron fence that surrounded a group of lovely buildings.  I asked the taxi driver if the compound was a college or university.  He told me that it was not a university, but an orphanage.  I was shocked.  Somewhere in my middle-class, Americana brain I knew that orphanages existed, but to actually SEE one was somehow surreal. 

Fast forward to 2012...still having the vision of the Peruvian orphanage firmly imprinted in my memory and having found my new paradise on the Ruta del Sol; things started to blend and swirl around in my mind.   I wanted to do something for the local people in Montanita.  Although my funds were limited, my resources were overflowing! 

I contacted the Montanita Spanish School where I had taken Spanish classes the year before and asked the interns working there to help me make arrangements to make a donation to the primary school in Montanita.  Next, it was party time...or shall I say, fiesta?

I planned a “Not-So-Fancy Cocktail Party” for my friends, family, co-workers and neighbors.  I “charged”  guests $10 per ticket to my party which included some drinks and appetizers.  Several people were not able to attend but generously contributed to my fundraiser. My friends and family were so supportive that many graciously donated much more than the suggested amount of ten dollars.

I was able to purchase a laptop computer, printer, 10 additional ink cartridges and an entire shopping cart full of school supplies, such as, construction paper, writing paper, crayons, markers, dry-erase boards, workbooks, scissors, etc.

Since I was a flight attendant, flying standby to Guayaquil, I was permitted to carry my baggage on board and I didn’t have to worry about excess baggage fees or checking my luggage.  Although dragging the donated items through three airports and into the taxi was a hassle, it was FREE!
 

On Thursday, February 21, 2013 I presented the donated items to the primary school in Montanita
.  

One of the “locals” from town had mentioned to me that the primary school was a very good school and that maybe I should have made a donation to one of the less fortunate schools in a surrounding community.  Having never seen the inside of the school, I became nervous.  I was thinking that maybe the children here had enough supplies and computers.  I was worried that I would be providing the school with something they really didn’t need.  When I entered the building and was introduced to the director, I quickly discovered that although the students received a good education, they absolutely did not have any computers! 

 

The primary school in Montanita is a cheerful, bright and charming learning environment but they have an extremely limited amount of school supplies.  As you can see from the expressions on the faces of the children in the picture, a computer was a BIG surprise!
 

 

When making a donation to a school in Montanita, a formal letter must be signed by the party donating the item and the party receiving the item.  It was explained to me that the reason for this is not only for tax purposes, but to prove that the items belong to the school and were not stolen property. 

 

This picture is so special to me.  I was completely overwhelmed by how thankful the children, teachers and director of the school were.  In this photo, the director is thanking me for donating to the school.  I am explaining, through my tears and broken Spanish that the donation is from my family, friends, co-workers and neighbors.  I told Genevieva, the director, that this was all possible because of the support from my family and friends.  My family and friends showed their love and support of me by contributing to something that they know was close to my heart.  This day was made purely from generosity and love.

 

 

A special thanks to the interns from the Montanita Spanish School who helped with transporting me and the donations to the school, as well as assisted in making arrangements to meet the director of the school and students. 

 


From left to right,

Meike, (intern from the Montanita Spanish School)

Jill, Ronny (from the Montanita Spanish School) and  Genevieva, (the director of the Primary School)

I loved meeting the children from the school!  For the remainder of my stay in Montanita they would recognize me in town and I would here them saying, “Senora!  Computadora!”

 

 

 

 

 

On a tour with school girls

 



 

Gone Home

July 17, 2012


Ed and Linda
October 2012 

On Monday night, Todd and I attended the funeral of expat and friend, Ed Blizzard.  Ed died early Sunday morning after a brief and brave battle with cancer.

Ed and his wife Linda are expats from Minnesota who have lived here for several years.  Loving and kind and generous – both the nicest people you could hope to meet.  Ed was well respected around here; he had a great sense of humor and was a man of enormous faith.  He was a beloved family man, and a friend to all.




 

Courtesy of Colleen Geis

Ed’s celebration of life ceremony started at 5PM, graciously hosted in the home of expats Myron and Susan McCumber.  There was a large turn-out – at least half were Ecuadorians.  It was a special evening, and a telling testimony to Ed’s life to observe the camaraderie between all in honor of Ed as we gathered and chatted.

Eventually, there was a lovely procession to the nearby picturesque San Jose cemetery (which overlooks the ocean) and moving eulogy given by Shel Spivey, with Erika Klein interpreting.  Several others spoke as well.  It was a ceremony that incorporated both gringo and Ecuadorian traditions, and at the very end, we sang “Amazing Grace” around Ed’s burial site. I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house.

Courtesy of Colleen Geis

 

Courtesy of Colleen Geis

Afterwards, we returned to the house, where we shared a pot-luck and fond remembrances of Ed.
His grandchildren had compiled a sweet and poignant picture presentation playing on several computers, which included music, personal memories, and inspirational Bible verses from each.

It was an extraordinary evening for an extraordinary man.
Welcome home, Ed.

“In my Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to myself; that where I am, there you may be also.

And you know the way where I am going”

John 14: 2-4

* My thanks to Colleen Geis (Baker) who provided most all the pictures for this post.
The top/first photo of Ed and Linda was taken in October of last year.
Others also got some special photos, and I may be posting more as received.

Year of the Build

June 28, 2013

Courtesy of Internet

I have spent most of June in Cuenca. After my last post, I was in Cuenca for another ten days or so to get the cataract removed from my other eye as well (I was down to 20% vision in my left eye and 50% in my right).  I had the eyes done a week apart.
The surgery for both my eyes went very well, and I am thrilled with the results. I CAN SEE AGAIN!
I returned a week later on a quick two-day trip for a final check up on the second eye * and I have a lot of confidence in my eye doctor in Cuenca (Dr. Juan Diego Carpio). **

There was very little discomfort during the procedures (gowned and on operating table with light drip of something to relax me each time) nor much inconvenience aterwards, other than wearing eye patch over each eye for 24 hours afterwards.
That being said, I ended up spending most of the time “holing up” in my hotel room at the Inca Real being a hermit.
In other words, I downloaded several movies and books, and the first season of “Modern Family”, and thoroughly enjoyed my time pigging out on “para llevar” 8-piece buckets of “Rossty Brosty” chicken (across the street from hotel) and overdosing on bags of candy each day, purchased at the booths around Parque Caldron during the week-long Corpus Christi “how many sweets can you consume???” marathon.

 

 

 
 

I enjoy going to Cuenca. It is a lovely city, with lots to do and I did spend time with a few friends…Had lunch one day with Victoria McGinnis (who turned me onto the health store located at Nectar Café), and had a wonderful dinner at the Jardín Restaurant (located in the Victoria Hotel) with Mary and Steve Beckman (of "South of Zero" fame).

 

It is virtually impossible to go to Cuenca without bumping into someone you know, and ran into Karen and Randy Kimbler ("Kimbler’s Exit to Ecuador") several times, and Mary and Tod Freeman ("Expats Helping Kids in Ecuador") one night while getting a bite to eat at Mangiare’s.

But I was damn happy to finally get back home to the coast after being away for almost 3 weeks because now that the eye issues and other medical and dental issues have been resolved, we have a big project we are starting this year.

 

According to the Chinese Zodiac, this is the “Year of the Snake”.
According to us, this is the “Year of the Build”.

Six years ago, we bought a 3 bedroom/3 bath house on the coast of Ecuador, in Olón (and the lot next door to it).  I wrote about that in  “A House-and-a-Lot”.  We were the first to buy a lot in Jardínes de Olón (and all others have been sold since), but we are the last to build. Currently three other construction projects are underway on the other lots.

We sold the Olón house over a year ago to fund the new construction on our lot.
In the meantime, we’ve been living in a wonderful Ecuadorian-owned rental, in a friendly barrio about 4 blocks from our soon to be construction site.  
 
 

We’ve procrastinated – mostly because we’ve spent the last year taking care of dental and medical issues in Cuenca first, and we’ve never built a house before now.  We wanted to observe and study the other construction projects underway, and have learned more about which questions to ask, and more importantly – which local maestros and crew (s) we want to hire.

And we’ve dallied, because virtually every couple we’ve ever talked to that has been through this process (wherever) says it takes a toll on the relationship.  We are hoping not to kill each other before our project gets done.

 

One view of the lot (facing south)
Ocean to your right

 

Another view of the lot, taken several years ago
from the balcony of our former place

 

Some of the other construction going on
in Jardines de Olón
Facing northeast from balcony of our former house.

 

Like most couples I know, we are complete opposites… He is methodical; I am impulsive. He likes to cook; I don’t.  I could go on….
ONE OF US has good architectural ideas and taste, and SOMEONE ELSE doesn’t.
(Because left to his own devices, I’m concerned that Todd would erect a purple-painted yurt with bamboo and thatch accents, and call it a day)….Just kidding, honey (!)…sorta.

But we have been working with a 3-D modeler to come up with some ideas we can play with, and expect to have those plans in our hands in the next week or so.
We’re both extremely excited to get started – and scared – to begin construction, now that the Cuenca medical stuff is done.

One of the new hotels in Olon

 

Additionally, there is a lot of other new constructions going on all over Olón, and our little town has been getting a new spit and polish, with new paved or cobbled streets being done.  There was a big town party last Saturday night to celebrate the road improvements (at least I think that was the purpose – they don’t need much of a reason to throw a party here, and they are always fun).

 

 

 



One of our streets being cobbled a few months back.
The workers were having fun with the bricks.



Another hotel under construction

 

Bamboo scaffolding is commonly used here for projects

 

I do have a sweet story:

 

Shortly after I got back to Olón, I went into Montanita one night to get a pizza to go.

I lost my Kindle that night. I took it so I could read while waiting for the pizza and I was just sick when I discovered it lost.

My only hope was that I left it in the taxi I took to Montanita. I used a very nice driver, but I didn’t know him.
The next day, several other taxi drivers helped me locate the driver (who was off duty and at home) and he had it safe and sound for me. I was beyond relieved, and eternally grateful for the wonderful people here.

 

 

 

 

 



For all the controversy about Ecuador in the news these days because of the Snowden issue, we still love living in this country, and the people who live here.
God bless Ecuadorians!

 

 

 

*  The cost for each eye was $1200, in my case. Complicating my cataract surgery was Lasik surgery, which I had done 10 years ago, astigmatism (s), and a tear in my left retina 8 months ago that was caught in time (and repaired via laser - $250). That’s when the cataracts were diagnosed by my eye doc. At the time, he actually encouraged me to wait as long as possible (for several reasons, which I won’t bore you with here) before having them removed.

**  Dr. Juan Diego Carpio speaks English,(my preferred language when dealing with medical issues, especially regarding anyone getting near my eyeballs with surgical instruments) and he is in practice with his Dad (Dr. Juan) and another doctor.

Dr. Juan Diego's phone number is 07-268-9249 and he works out of the Clinica OftalmoLASER.
I had referred him to another coastal friend of ours after my laser retina repair, and he also used him several months ago for cataract removal. This friend is also very happy with the results.