Cuenca Chronicles: This is my last post here, at least for now.
I h...: This is my last post here, at least for now. I have greatly enjoyed recording my experiences and observations during my first year of ...
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
This is my last post here, at least for now.
I have greatly enjoyed recording my experiences and observations during my first year of life in Cuenca, Ecuador. That other people read my posts is very gratifying and always a little surprising to me. I thank you for your interest. I am grateful I have had bits of information to share with people hoping to visit or move to Cuenca, Ecuador.
I plan to dedicate the time I've used to blog to get back to writing fiction. My fiction may never be published or read by others (or maybe it will!) but it makes me happy to write which seems reason enough.
Luscious fruits and vegetables abound.
Today, a few thoughts and observations about my first year here.
The majority of people who are from Cuenca, thus Cuencanos, are delightful, kind and gentle people. I recommend that you do NOT move here if you do NOT want to get to know this wonderful culture and its people. Ecuadorianos are a delightful lot! Don't miss out.
The Flower Market near Parque Calderon
Ecuador is indeed a gem. However, Cuenca is not for everyone. We live high in the Andes - it is not a tropical climate. Cuenca is such a multi-faceted delight in its own right. I always had a secret dream to live in Central or South America, to learn first hand about the people, the art, the plants, the music, the history, the animals, the dances, etc. I had a mental picture years ago of water tumbling down from the Andes, of sun reflecting off tile roofs to warm the day, of fresh citrus fruit just outside your window, of the haunting melody of the Andean flute and alpacas wandering across a hillside. Our daily life is different from that but it has the fresh charm of that long ago dream. I am a very fortunate woman. I get to share this incredible journey with my husband. We enjoy our life every single day.
Len enjoying shopping at the November 1 festival
I miss grandchildren, other family and dear friends. I sometimes miss hopping in a car to run to the store. I miss US vanilla bean ice cream and, God help me, I even miss the convenience of Target. But I am gently challenged to find new products and pathways here.
I am pleased to find that the ex-pat community in Cuenca is vibrant, supportive and varied. There is a distinct love of the US among ex-pats but also a weariness often surfaces of the myriad problems that have gone unanswered.
I have not once felt "there is nothing to do". But I may have never felt that in my life. There is too much world to explore to feel that way.
.jpg)
I had hoped to become friends with some natives of Cuenca. That happened so easily and with such joy. This is a true gift.
Fiera Libre Market
I know after a year of study that Espanol will take me 2-5 years to get...well... from barely beginning to...better. I also know the Spanish would come faster if I did more practice each day. Being surrounded by people who are only speaking Espanol is disorienting and also my best learning time. I understand and read more than I can speak. (this is common) I sometimes marvel at a three year old conjugating verbs effortlessly in normal conversation.
A New Friend
There is a true joy of life in Ecuador. A more pure form of joy that I suspect is related to a lack of owning tons of objects and credit cards. Family is all important. Multiple generations are involved in the raising of each child, in many cases. Cousins count in Ecuador, even second and third cousins.
An unusual angle of Nuevo Catedral
There is less fear here. People talk about the weather, El Presidente, food prices, traffic.... but there is a much lower sense of fear. I know I am generalizing but...there is much less fear here, in general, than living for the past generation in the US has shown me.
Near University of Cuenca
There is so much for me to learn in Ecuador!
I have not begun to learn about the plants this country has to offer.
I have not had much experience spotting birds yet. Although there are zillions of birds all over the country, many are shy and remain invisible in the trees and brush.
The view from Turi
I have only scratched the barest surface to understand the neighborhoods in Cuenca. I understand now that neighborhoods are comprised of about 10 block squares that have been self-sufficient. A church, a grocery, many tiendas frequented by locals...no one needs to market their store because neighbors shop there daily. No need to drive across town.
Yum!
I get my directions turned around as I go into the old part of the city.This is disorienting for a person with a good sense of direction, used to knowing her way around.
A quick look at a few of the 51 beautiful churches of Cuenca:
Cuenca's oldest: Todos Santos (All Saints) circa 1500s
Nuevo Catedral -"new" cathedral circa 1874
.jpg)
Looks like a scene from Butch Cassidy toward the end of the movie but it's San Joaquin
San Francisco Catedral
San Blas
Santo Domingo
I still become shy when I walk into a tienda and cannot think of the words I was just practicing out in the street to ask for a product or service. Deer in the headlights! Even though I KNOW that most people of Cuenca are pleased if you try to speak their language and will help you along.
So, with some sadness, I put this blog on hold, and say goodbye for now. I'll write again if something moves me to do so. In the meantime, best wishes to you in whatever you pursue.
Have a terrific, peaceful summer. Tranquilo!
Hasta luego,
Sharon
Gracias mi carino Len for the great photos.
I have greatly enjoyed recording my experiences and observations during my first year of life in Cuenca, Ecuador. That other people read my posts is very gratifying and always a little surprising to me. I thank you for your interest. I am grateful I have had bits of information to share with people hoping to visit or move to Cuenca, Ecuador.
I plan to dedicate the time I've used to blog to get back to writing fiction. My fiction may never be published or read by others (or maybe it will!) but it makes me happy to write which seems reason enough.
Today, a few thoughts and observations about my first year here.
The majority of people who are from Cuenca, thus Cuencanos, are delightful, kind and gentle people. I recommend that you do NOT move here if you do NOT want to get to know this wonderful culture and its people. Ecuadorianos are a delightful lot! Don't miss out.
Ecuador is indeed a gem. However, Cuenca is not for everyone. We live high in the Andes - it is not a tropical climate. Cuenca is such a multi-faceted delight in its own right. I always had a secret dream to live in Central or South America, to learn first hand about the people, the art, the plants, the music, the history, the animals, the dances, etc. I had a mental picture years ago of water tumbling down from the Andes, of sun reflecting off tile roofs to warm the day, of fresh citrus fruit just outside your window, of the haunting melody of the Andean flute and alpacas wandering across a hillside. Our daily life is different from that but it has the fresh charm of that long ago dream. I am a very fortunate woman. I get to share this incredible journey with my husband. We enjoy our life every single day.
I miss grandchildren, other family and dear friends. I sometimes miss hopping in a car to run to the store. I miss US vanilla bean ice cream and, God help me, I even miss the convenience of Target. But I am gently challenged to find new products and pathways here.
I am pleased to find that the ex-pat community in Cuenca is vibrant, supportive and varied. There is a distinct love of the US among ex-pats but also a weariness often surfaces of the myriad problems that have gone unanswered.
I have not once felt "there is nothing to do". But I may have never felt that in my life. There is too much world to explore to feel that way.
.jpg)
I had hoped to become friends with some natives of Cuenca. That happened so easily and with such joy. This is a true gift.
I know after a year of study that Espanol will take me 2-5 years to get...well... from barely beginning to...better. I also know the Spanish would come faster if I did more practice each day. Being surrounded by people who are only speaking Espanol is disorienting and also my best learning time. I understand and read more than I can speak. (this is common) I sometimes marvel at a three year old conjugating verbs effortlessly in normal conversation.
There is a true joy of life in Ecuador. A more pure form of joy that I suspect is related to a lack of owning tons of objects and credit cards. Family is all important. Multiple generations are involved in the raising of each child, in many cases. Cousins count in Ecuador, even second and third cousins.
There is less fear here. People talk about the weather, El Presidente, food prices, traffic.... but there is a much lower sense of fear. I know I am generalizing but...there is much less fear here, in general, than living for the past generation in the US has shown me.
There is so much for me to learn in Ecuador!
I have not begun to learn about the plants this country has to offer.
I have not had much experience spotting birds yet. Although there are zillions of birds all over the country, many are shy and remain invisible in the trees and brush.
I have only scratched the barest surface to understand the neighborhoods in Cuenca. I understand now that neighborhoods are comprised of about 10 block squares that have been self-sufficient. A church, a grocery, many tiendas frequented by locals...no one needs to market their store because neighbors shop there daily. No need to drive across town.
I get my directions turned around as I go into the old part of the city.This is disorienting for a person with a good sense of direction, used to knowing her way around.
A quick look at a few of the 51 beautiful churches of Cuenca:
.jpg)
I still become shy when I walk into a tienda and cannot think of the words I was just practicing out in the street to ask for a product or service. Deer in the headlights! Even though I KNOW that most people of Cuenca are pleased if you try to speak their language and will help you along.
So, with some sadness, I put this blog on hold, and say goodbye for now. I'll write again if something moves me to do so. In the meantime, best wishes to you in whatever you pursue.
Have a terrific, peaceful summer. Tranquilo!
Hasta luego,
Sharon
Gracias mi carino Len for the great photos.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Cuenca Gluten-Free User's Group planned
If you are eating wheat free: no rye, barley or wheat, also known as gluten-free, please contact me by email in July (at email given below).
I plan to host a monthly "Gluten-Free Users Group" . I will provide the space, coffee and tea. There will be no charge for a person's initial visit to the group. There will be a $5 charge. It will be 90 min long. It may start out small but I have heard from several people who are gf and are new to Cuenca, as well as some "longer time here" people who would like the supportive sharing that this could provide. Some of the goals are
- to share resources
- to discuss ordering gf products through the shipping service Correos
- to provide some social connection, as desired
- to see if there is interest and enough support for talking with the buyers for Super Maxi to ask if they would import/carry some gf products. More voices carry more weight.
- other ideas from attendees
We can discuss wishes at the first couple of meetings. There are more people trying to eat gluten free in Cuenca than you would expect!
I am thinking to have this first meeting around the first half of July, 2012 if things work out. Let me know if you are interested and I will email you with more info.
my email for this purpose: sharonm517@yahoo.com
Friday, May 4, 2012
A beautiful week in Cuenca, Ec concludes
Friday night, another wonderful week coming to a close. I worked on a quilt all week and loved that project, the quilt top will be done soon to show.
On May 1, out cat Feisty turned 17. She is a great amount of company to me. The picture above shows her natural green eyes. The photo is not juiced - that is her real eye color.
Lenny is not as enamored with Feisty as I but they have a "can't we all just get along" truce. And he buys nearly all of her cat food. Primiro de mayo...Feisty had a great birthday, celebrating with a little tuna and a nap by me.
I really enjoyed my art classes this week. Made good progress on a small painting - it is close to completion.
I also tried something new this week to see if it would help with general well being - reflexology. Had several visits with a gentle reflexologist and feel quite a bit of energy and less pain. All cool and part of my ongoing search for the best possible health.
Here is a quilt project I'm working off and on - new blocks each month.
Here is some of the fabric I plan to use to make a baby quilt for the new grandchild if she is a girl. The fabric for a boy is also wonderful. Only a few more weeks until we will hear if it is a boy or a girl on the way. It is all very exciting. The baby is due in Nov, on election day.
I watched the growing moon a lot this week. It seems odd that we all look up at the same moon. Each with different wishes and hopes, each with different and very personal beliefs. But the moon is the same, shining down, gently lighting our night-time way. Tomorrow night is supposed to be the closest the moon has come to earth in many many years. It will be brightest. But it may be cloudy here. So seeing the moon's brightness last night and maybe tonight is a special treat. If it is clear in Cuenca on Sat night, just more to experience in watching that moon hover close to planet earth.
Hope each of you can find something you treasure and enjoy this week end. Seek out some opportunity, it does not always knock.
Sharon
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)