Is it July already?

Time is passing quickly here in Ecuador and we find it hard to believe that July is upon us. We've been keeping really busy and each day seems to bring a new adventure. We are learning more and more about the city of Cuenca everyday and are getting the bus routes down pat.

Since our last blog, we have moved. We no longer live near El Centro; we have moved to Gringoland. Our new abode is larger and much more comfortable. It is a furnished 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath condo with living room, dining room, good-size kitchen, a laundry room and tv room. Before moving on June 30th, we kept busy shopping for some of the basics like bedding and dishes. Here in Cuenca, quality household goods are at a premium--both in price and in quantity. We look forward to bringing some of our stored kitchen supplies and linens back down with us after our next trip to the U.S.

It's been raining, raining and raining here in Cuenca. It's getting old! They said it was like springtime weather here all year round but we didn't realize that meant rain everyday. We look forward to seeing some blue skies and sunshine prior to our trip back to Colorado. We live in fleece, sweatshirts, jackets and thank God we packed our long pants!

We just finished celebrating the festival of Corpus Christi. Wow--do the Cuencans know how to fiesta! This celebration lasted 10 days. It started with a 7 p.m. processional down the street and into the new cathedral. The procession included drummers, about 12+ priests (we think there was a bishop in the mix), an incense swinger, a processional cross carrier and at least 12 flag bearers. It was impressive. The church was packed--standing room only. The service was quite beautiful and included trumpets, solos, choirs, readings, sermon (which we didn't understand) and communion. Afterwards, everyone proceeded outside to party and enjoy the fireworks. It began with the lighting and releasing of paper lanterns. They float up into the sky and shine like stars. It's quite a beautiful sight--looks almost like the milkyway--almost. Then, they set up these bamboo towers and string them up with fireworks. There are 3-4 levels of explosives along with rotating wheels and various symbols hanging from it. They ignite each level one by one and it gets grander with each level (with a message at the top)...then...the actual fireworks begin. It's the most amazing thing we have ever seen. Sparks and ashes are flying into the unconcerned crowd and the festivities continue. Also, the women set up booths selling "sweets" all around the new cathedral and down the street. It's a sight to behold. We've never seen so much sugar in one place. Street vendors are selling all kinds of food including $1.25 meat on a stick and $.50 meal in a bag (potatoes, corn, meat and plaintain). And...this all goes on for ten days and nights. It's a real kick!

We joined the Cuenca Chamber of Commerce. They have a program for expats and provide free Spanish classes (which we started) and host various tours. We went on a tour of LaItaliana sausage factory--very interesting and fun. We now have confidence in their products and can buy bologna with a clear conscience! The next tour is to an orchid farm this week.

Father's Day was pretty quiet. Bob had a craving for nachos so we walked to the market to get our toppings. We managed to get there right when they closed so we bought our tomatoes, onions and avocado from the indigenous ladies selling on the sidewalk. Come to find out, their prices were better than the market--Bonus!! We came back home and watched videos and ate nachos. Life is good!

While talking to Michael, our son, he made a comment about how you can't seem to buy anything for $.15 and under today. Well, we have started a list of things in Cuenca that you CAN buy for $.15 or less. It includes: $.12 bus fare for seniors; 4-5 bananas for $.25 or $.05 per banana; 10 tangerines for $1.00 or $.10 each; 24 long-stem roses for $4.00 or $.16/each (close enough!); crescent rolls for $.12 each; cookies for $.10 each; and 20 huevos de codorniz (quail eggs) for $1.59 or $.08 each! To be continued...

We celebrated the 4th of July at the Uzhupud Resort. We met at the Chamber of Commerce and caught a tour bus to Uzhupud. It was a gorgeous ride up through the mountains and valleys. The 19th century resort is owned by a Cuencan family and is quite impressive. It includes a main house with restaurant, bar and beautiful terrace, 55 guest rooms, spa, a convention center, good size swimming pool with slides, volleyball court, horseback riding, a chapel along with wedding/banquet facilities, an organic garden, arcade area, huge playground and best of all....outdoor pingpong on cement tables! We enjoyed socializing with other gringos, a lovely BBQ and fireworks afterwards. It was wonderful except for the part where Bob spanked Diane in pingpong!

We continue to enjoy and treasure all the emails, skyping sessions and phone calls from family and friends. Please keep in touch!