Thursday, January 20, 2011
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Will is On the Go Again
Will saw the doctor last night to have his stint removed. It was done with success but with much pain to Will, which he had no warning of. Lindsay and I got to see it all on TV again and although we really liked the doctor we are very happy that we won't have to return to that office again. Lindsay had the prescription filled and the pharmacist didn't even keep the actual prescription. Yes, things are different here.
Will woke up today feeling good and left to continue his travels. He flew to Quito and will hook up with Kevin tomorrow. They have plans to go rafting and to go to the jungle. I am not sure what else he'll be doing but I do know he is happy to be out and about again!
TV Star?!?!?!
Fausto, my professor, and I went on another outing the other day. I love going on outings because Fausto is so knowledgable, I learn so much about the city and its history and it is a time that we really practice Spanish as it really pushes me to communicate. Thursday (1/13) we went to the Catedral Vieja, located on the main square, very close to my school. It began as a mud and straw chapel after the city was founded, and then expanded in 1567 using the stones of the destroyed Incan city of Tomebamba. As we were touring the church, a man from a TV station asked Fausto if he could interview me. YIKES, I had only had eight days of Spanish lessons at that point! Fausto said that would be fine and he assured me that he would help out as needed. We were placed next to a beautiful wooden replica of the Catedral Nueva for the interview. Before I knew it, the filming began and I was asked what I liked about Cuenca and of the replica of the church. I was able to say that I liked the climate and the people and beyond that, I can't really remember what else I said. Fausto never had to help me out during the interview and afterward he told me I did so well that I wouldn't need a test, as that was enough to know I passed! Today, I learned from Conchita that it actually was on TV that night. She said it showed me walking through the church and our interview. She thought I did a great job and said I said "la catredal" perfectly.
Friday, January 14, 2011
More Celebrations
The day I arrived, we happened upon a parade and never knew what it was for. It didn't matter to me as it was lovely and was a great way to begin my stay in Cuenca. Little did I know that I would see many parades while in Cuenca.
CHRISTMAS
It was both delightful and interesting to experience Christmas in a country other than the United States. There were similarities and differences. There were some decorations throughout the town, but not near the quantitiy as in the US. The main square had a huge decorated tree and some lights strung over the streets. Some houses had Christmas trees inside and some had small adornments outside. In my mind it was just enough and not overdone.
A few days before Christmas we watched a live nativity. There was a lot of singing and narration in Spanish, so I was glad I knew the story!
On Christmas Eve day there was a parade that wove all through the town for most of the entire day. Conchita told us that she normally watches some of it, then goes for coffee and then watches some more because it goes on for so long. We took her advice and took a coffee break which was great for our feet. Because of the parade's length, there were lots and lots of everything : big floats with lots of people, individual floats with just one kid in a cart, bike or in a stroller, animals, bands, dancers in their native dress, and people riding horses. There were tons of angels dressed in white satin, with wings and halos holding baby Jesus. There were Santas of all ages, but mostly young ones. Those that didn´t wear the whole Santa outfit wore Santa hats incscirbed with Feliz Navidad. There were kings and others dressed in beautiful dresses and gowns. I found out that anyone could be in the parade which I think is lovely.
On Christmas Eve were invited to join Conchita and Alejandro at their house. We went next door around 9:30 and met their lovely family. We were introduced to everyone and every introduction included kisses. After that we sat, drank wine and talked. Actually, I just did a lot of smiling and listening while trying to figure out the conversations. Dinner was served much like the way we do it. There was a table of food (turkey, pork, salad bread, a variety of vegetables and some desserts). Everyone spread out throughout the house to find a place to eat, but Kevin, Lindsay, Will and I were seated at a table with a couple of relatives. Afterward we talked with lots of different people as they made their way to our table. They mostly spoke in Spanish but some spoke in English which I certainly enjoyed. At midnight no one really said anything about it being Christmas. I found it interesting that many people came late, like after dinner and some came right before it turned Christmas. It is customary that couples eat with the wives' families on Christmas Eve and I assume some of the late arrivers had been with those families. We finally left at 1:30 AM as we were very tired. Conchita and Alejandro went to bed at 4:30 AM. It was definitely a night to remember as it was such a different experience and because Conchita and Alejandro were so kind and gracious to include us on this very special occasion.
Best of all this celebration was great for me because I spent it with my kids (and Kevin) !
CHRISTMAS
It was both delightful and interesting to experience Christmas in a country other than the United States. There were similarities and differences. There were some decorations throughout the town, but not near the quantitiy as in the US. The main square had a huge decorated tree and some lights strung over the streets. Some houses had Christmas trees inside and some had small adornments outside. In my mind it was just enough and not overdone.
A few days before Christmas we watched a live nativity. There was a lot of singing and narration in Spanish, so I was glad I knew the story!
Fireworks are a huge thing in Cuenca. You actually hear them every day at all hours of the day. The loud noises often set off car alarms because they set the fireworks off so close to cars, people and everything. At first it sounded like some kind of war in the distance, but now I know it is just more fireworks. When they put on an actual fireworks show, it is incredible. Before Christmas they had a show that went on for hours. It went on so late into the night that Lindsay and I were unable to stay for its entirety. But we highly entertained before that. They make these firework castles that are structures made of wooden frames. They are made in three huge parts and are put together just before they set them off. Once assembled, they are too tall to be moved, so they have to wait until the last minute to finish the construction. There were three humongous castles and they lit them one at a time, with dancing,singing and smaller firework performances in the streets in between. There was one in which two people held huge papier mache people on top of them. They danced around with them for a long time, with loud music playing, and eventually they lit them! There were fireworks attached on strings, so the fireworks would go off and on for quite a while. It was definitely something I had never seen. As for the firework castles, they were colorful, magnificent, beautiful and unique and so lovely with the beautiful city of Cuenca in the background. They lit them right next to the crowd with nothing in the way to protect the nearby people or cars. It was a night to remember, for sure.
On Christmas Eve day there was a parade that wove all through the town for most of the entire day. Conchita told us that she normally watches some of it, then goes for coffee and then watches some more because it goes on for so long. We took her advice and took a coffee break which was great for our feet. Because of the parade's length, there were lots and lots of everything : big floats with lots of people, individual floats with just one kid in a cart, bike or in a stroller, animals, bands, dancers in their native dress, and people riding horses. There were tons of angels dressed in white satin, with wings and halos holding baby Jesus. There were Santas of all ages, but mostly young ones. Those that didn´t wear the whole Santa outfit wore Santa hats incscirbed with Feliz Navidad. There were kings and others dressed in beautiful dresses and gowns. I found out that anyone could be in the parade which I think is lovely.
On Christmas Eve were invited to join Conchita and Alejandro at their house. We went next door around 9:30 and met their lovely family. We were introduced to everyone and every introduction included kisses. After that we sat, drank wine and talked. Actually, I just did a lot of smiling and listening while trying to figure out the conversations. Dinner was served much like the way we do it. There was a table of food (turkey, pork, salad bread, a variety of vegetables and some desserts). Everyone spread out throughout the house to find a place to eat, but Kevin, Lindsay, Will and I were seated at a table with a couple of relatives. Afterward we talked with lots of different people as they made their way to our table. They mostly spoke in Spanish but some spoke in English which I certainly enjoyed. At midnight no one really said anything about it being Christmas. I found it interesting that many people came late, like after dinner and some came right before it turned Christmas. It is customary that couples eat with the wives' families on Christmas Eve and I assume some of the late arrivers had been with those families. We finally left at 1:30 AM as we were very tired. Conchita and Alejandro went to bed at 4:30 AM. It was definitely a night to remember as it was such a different experience and because Conchita and Alejandro were so kind and gracious to include us on this very special occasion.
The four of us had a wonderful and quiet Christmas. We opened presents and later fixed our Christmas feast. Because Lindsay's apartment has no stove or refrigerator, we bought things at the market the day before. We enjoyed freshly made guacamole, chips, fruit, bread and chocolate. Although it was not a traditional Christmas meal, it was perfect!
Best of all this celebration was great for me because I spent it with my kids (and Kevin) !
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
The Epiphany
They do a lot of celebrating in Cuenca. There are parades, music, dancing and fireworks all the time, or so it seems! Today (1/9/11) I was enjoying a cup of cafe pintado at my favorite coffee spot, Cafe Austria, when I heard music coming my way. You often hear loud music coming and going, so I stepped outside the door to see what was happening. It was a colorful, small, but sweet parade with a variety of floats made with vehicles, horses and carriages. The floats that are made with trucks or cars are amazing because they all cover the windshield with cloth leaving just a tiny hole in which to see to drive! There were dancers adorned in their beautiful native dress, several bands and a few animals. In parades, you often see beautiful little girls riding horses, with parents walking along the side. They are dressed in ornate, fabulous gowns and headdresses while the horses have candy, fruit and a wine bottle or two cascading down its sides. I was told that this parade was just one of many parades throughout the city celebrating the Epiphany.
With over 90% of the population in Ecuador being Roman Catholic, the Epiphany (or Three King's Day) is a humongous event. After a big parade, hundreds of people congregated in the streets to party on January 6th, the day of the major celebration of the Epiphany! Will, Lindsay and I participated briefly, as it was a bit too crowded for us.
With over 90% of the population in Ecuador being Roman Catholic, the Epiphany (or Three King's Day) is a humongous event. After a big parade, hundreds of people congregated in the streets to party on January 6th, the day of the major celebration of the Epiphany! Will, Lindsay and I participated briefly, as it was a bit too crowded for us.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Cleansing in the Market
My professor, Fausto, took me on a field trip to the market today. We watched as he told me all about their cleansing tradition. I found it so interesting that Lindsay and I went back to check it out. This ancient ceremony is performed to heal or cleanse your body and mind. It heals or clears a person from bad spirits using chanting, herbs, flowers and eggs. Fausto said it also helps those with asthma. You might not hear in the video but the woman is chanting all the time. After smelling what is in the bottle, it is a normal practice that the woman then drinks some and then spits/sprays it on the body being healed. Lindsay said she didn't want that done so she didn't offer it to me (I was glad to miss that part). This morning when I watched with Fausto, there were many, many children and babies having this ceremony done. I don't know, but I AM feeling pretty good now...Thursday, January 6, 2011
Enfermo en Ecuador!
Getting sick in a foreign country is not good but it happens! On Monday night (1/3/11), after a nightmare of a day, Will had kidney stone surgery. He was in excruciating pain for most of the day and afternoon, which eventually led us to visit an Urologist. We were fortunate to get the recommendation of a great doctor from Lindsay's landlords, which offered some comfort. After traipsing from office, to hospital, to a clinic, we discovered Will would have to have the stones broken up due to their size. The doctor said he could do the procedure in the early evening. It was not anything any of us wanted, but Will, Lindsay and I felt there was no choice because of Will’s intense pain. We felt good about the doctor, but it was still frightening being in Ecuador and not at home. An hour and a half after the "scheduled" time, with only a wall between us the procedure began. Lindsay and I watched the surgery on TV in the waiting room, as did Will and the doctor on their side, something that sure wouldn't happen in the U.S. The procedure took less than 20 minutes, Will stayed overnight and is currently recovering in Lindsay's apartment. His travel plans have changed, as he has to see the doctor again. Hopefully he will be able to explore some more of Ecuador before he has to head home. We are thankful that Will is feeling okay, that I was here, that Lindsay was here to communicate (she says she really extended her vocabulary through all this), that Will was in Cuenca and not on a bus or in a tiny town or in the jungle, that friends gave us the name of a good doctor, and that it is over. There were many differences between the procedures that occurred here than those that probably would have occurred in the US: we were in the examination room with Will when he was examined, we needed no appointments for anything, there was no extensive paperwork, only short, handwritten notes on pieces of paper for all orders, the only thing done when people passed from the waiting room to the operating and resting room was that booties were put over shoes, we got to see Will right after surgery as he was moved into another room and we saw the doctor in less than five minutes after the surgery. But all seems well! Getting sick in a foreign country is sure not good, just ask Will about it!
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