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.

Come to the Edge

February 12, 2014

This poster hangs on the wall in our office, directly across from my computer, so that I frequently look at it every day.  It’s chock full of pithy and worthy sayings, but the one that always catches my eye is the quote that says “DO ONE THING A DAY THAT SCARES YOU”.
And I’ve really tried to take that phrase to heart in the last few months.  I think it’s a truism that applies to all of us – but in particular – I think it is especially apropos for those living as expats.
Moving to a strange land is not without its challenges. Living in a new country – any new country – which is not your homeland can be, at times, very isolating. Generally, the language is new to most, the customs and culture of your new “país” can take years to learn. Often, the simplest tasks, such as grocery shopping, paying the bills, catching a bus, etc., can be intimidating for quite some time after the re-location.  For those considering the move to Ecuador, it is a wonderful country(!), but be sure and pack “tenacity”, “resilience” and “perseverance” when you make the leap.
And weight your luggage with a broad sense of humor too.
On the other hand, it can be very rewarding when certain “obstacles” are overcome.

A few weeks ago, I was talking with my expat friend Michele.  Michele started, (and does a wonderful job moderating) a monthly book club that has been meeting for about six months now. All of us that participate in those get-togethers have enjoyed them very much.
Michele made a comment along the lines of “boy, it sure can be daunting to feel like such an idiot at times” doing very simple and ordinary tasks. We were laughing because we consider ourselves generally intelligent and articulate in English, and feel reduced – on a regular basis – of having the vocabulary and succinctness of jello-shots while going about our daily activities here.

For me, by far and away the most difficult aspect as an expat is being so far away from my kids, family and friends, and I sometimes still second-guess the decision to move so far away from them. Then again, we’re already scattered all over the world, and somewhat accustomed to the distance.
So it’s been fun to hook up with an old high school friend of mine recently (Susan Illig). I don’t think either of us recall being really close friends during our school years, but we have struck up a wonderful friendship during the last few months.

She said this to me recently:
“Life is full of surprises and communicating with you has been one of the better ones. Sometimes we get what we need in unexpected ways. I'm grateful too - and enjoying it as well. We both have "unconventional" lives. I think we're risk takers. I wouldn't be different (not sure I could be), but the cost is occasionally high. The rewards are too. It's hard to find people who get that. That can sound a bit snotty - but it truly isn't what I mean. I'm not making a judgment about what other people choose for their lives - only an observation that living more at the edge brings different challenges."

Apt words for me at an apt moment.

Construction has begun on the lot. Retaining walls are in place in preparation for a fill, and now shopping for dirt guys.  We are grateful for our friend Scott Creasy, who is helping with this project.  He has building experience, speaks great español, especially regarding construction conversations and nuanced negotiations.
(And yes - that is one of our wild beach horses grazing on the lot in the top right background of this pic).


Frankly, I don’t think a day will go by that I don’t remind myself to “DO ONE THING A DAY THAT SCARES YOU” during this project.

“A teacher says to his student, “Come to the edge.”

The student says, “No, I will fall.”

The teacher says, “Come to the edge.”

The student nears the edge and the teacher pushes him…

…And he flew…”

Angels Sing on High

December 24, 2013

(For whatever reason I am no longer able to upload videos onto this page, so please check out the YouTube links to see videos of the events  - in particular, the special videos of the Olón Orphanage 2013 Christmas Party)

 

 

The winter solstice was a couple of days ago.
It’s the shortest day of sunlight during the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
It’s the longest day of sunlight in South America, and means diddly-squat in Ecuador, because we have twelve hours each of day and night, with little variation year-round.
Our weather is heating up, and Christmas has a way of sneaking up on some of us.

Since Thanksgiving, many houses are brightly lit, and a lot of locals display their trees outside too.  The lights are blinking from our house as well, and our fake Christmas tree is up…which was easy, since we have nowhere else to store it, the tree is a permanent fixture in our living room.
We’ve been listening to lots of Christmas music to get in the holiday spirit. The other night, Todd and I were fixing “breakfast for dinner” and listening to Bing Crosby, and couldn’t help but think that it was “beginning to smell a lot like bacon” in our case.

 

 

 

 

 

The holiday season in Olón is marked with raucous town parties, parades, and nativity pageants – punctuated with frequent and loud fireworks (which terrify Daisy, and she has spent most of it cowering at home, in the far reaches of our office).
Below, I have posted pictures and videos of some of the recent festivities here in Olón.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parades are a big deal here, especially this annual one:

Please see this link for a video of it
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TE4u4_TiYsE&feature=youtu.be

  

 

 

 

 

 

One of my favorite pictures I took that day

 

 

As are Nativity scenes and pageants:
The "reason for the season" is celebrated here in Ecuador.





The scene is set for the Nativity Pageant later in the evening.

 

 

 

 Other town events that mark this season:

Baptisms on the beach

 

New soda pop machines being delivered to the
beach cabanas (in readiness for our "high" season)

 





 

 

The aluminum turkey pan needed some
"flexibility" (squishing) to fit in here



It is Christmas Eve, which is traditionally the day that Ecuadorians  close up shop early, and celebrate together as families.  It is a festive day, but on the somber side.
Todd and I are fixing our turkey dinner for tonight, so we can eat left overs and do movie marathons tomorrow.
One of the challenges of fixing holiday meals in Ecuador is that many of our traditional ingredients aren’t available, so improvisations are required in the kitchen (not to mention that whole turkeys cost as much as a used car).  Over the course of three and half years of living here, we have both become more adept regarding substitutions, but Todd definitely reigns as the chef in our household.

 

My lack of interest in cooking - along with my poor sense of smell – renders me a mediocre cook (though as a Kansas City gal, I do come with a pretty decent repertoire of casseroles).

 

Given that insight, it strikes both Todd and me – as hilarious - that I am a HUGE, HUGE fan of “Top Chef”.

I never miss an episode, read many of the “Top Chef” blogs, and talk French while warming up canned lentils on our itsy-bitsy propane stove.

I can define a “mise en place”, “amuse-bouche”, but still trying to figure out what the hell might be a “chawanmushi”.

I’m thinking our kitchen might make a fun place for a Quickfire Challenge, given the teesny, weensy, baby stove/oven, and equipment and ingredients available. 
Because I think most expats who have lived here long enough can take on those "Top Chef" guys any day, in this situation.
Gauntlet thrown.

 

 

 

 



"Santa" (Woot) and

"Mamita" Isabel the.
director of the orphanage in Olón

But most special today (Christmas Eve) was the annual Christmas party at the Olón Orphanage. Many expats and locals contribute to make this a special day for the kids (providing a holiday meal and gifts that these children don’t normally have).
Traditionally, these special children put on a Christmas program to celebrate the day. Not to be missed, and never a dry eye in the house afterwards.
I will let the photos and videos links from that presentation say the rest`

 

Angel from the Lord speaks to Mary
"Do not be afraid"
“For Nothing is impossible with God”
The angel went to her and said,
 “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”


 

Please click on this YouTube link below. Not a dry eye in the house afterwards.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RELlUtv5T60&feature=youtu.be

 

  Joseph and Mary seeking shelter for the birth of their child.

Mary & Joseph
seeking shelter

  



A child is born

  

"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby,
 keeping watch over their flocks at night.
 An angel of the Lord appeared to them,
 and the glory of the Lord shone around them.
 and they were terrified.
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid.
I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people".

 

 



The shepherds said to one another,

“Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing

 that has happened,

which the Lord has told us about.”

 

 Click here to see the shepherds pay their respects:

 

  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O56jvrlbZS8&feature=youtu.be

And the angels sang on high

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

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!