Friday, July 1, 2011

Ken & Tami, friends from Huntsville, should be in Salinas by now; we wish them safety and enjoyment while there for the next week.

We ate a good breakfast here at Travellers Inn then, after breakfast settled, we went to one of the Curves.  We won't walk again because it was uphill most of the way, about half of it stairs!  Had to stop a few times to catch our breath; must be the altitude (not getting old!).  We'll get a taxi and I think Jenny will even venture up there by herself.  The owner and employees were very friendly and helpful.  One of the circuit trainers (a guy) turned 27 today so they had a birthday celebration for him; they invited us to participate in singing Happy Birthday and eating snacks.  They were delighted to have Jenny as a guest; they and we took group pictures.  By far, the nicest and friendliest group at all the Curves.  They were excited that Jenny will be back.

Back to the room, then to the South American Explorers Club.  On the way, we went through Gringolandia, a group of restaurants that cater to non-Ecuadorians, mostly Americans.  We ate a small lunch at Juan Valdez coffee shop and cafe.  Prices were higher than usual fare.  Returning from the SAEC, we went to Supermaxi for a few items.  We also met a guy who had lived in Huntsville and worked for RE/MAX.  He spotted my Alabama baseball cap and asked if we were from Alabama; I told him we are from Huntsville so he introduced himself.  He is Ecuadorian and had returned to marry; didn't say if he intended to go back.  There are RE/MAXs here and he works for one.

When we got back, the co-owner (Daniel) took us to his dentist, who speaks good English (certainly a requirement when telling me what work I needed!).  Jenny only needed a cleaning but also got laser whitening and a sealent on her teeth.  I needed six fillings and two teeth reconditioned (they were broken).  They also took impressions for two crowns and a tooth replacement (it has been missing for many, many years). Not sure what type of replacement it will be; either a bridge or implant.  We both go back on Tuesday - Jenny for a followup; I for the crowns fitting and, I suppose, the other tooth.  I will probably have to go back at least a third time but Dr. Paredes assured me the work would be completed before we leave (that's comforting!).

Since Jenny can't eat anything but "white" until tomorrow morning, we went looking for a seafood restaurant that Daniel recommended.  We found it but they only had a couple of seafoods on the menu, and they were very expensive!  We passed them up and went to Gringolandia; Jenny got grilled chicken; I got pulled BBQ pork.  I had to be careful because the dentist didn't tell me of any limitations but I'm sure there are, with temporary caps on two teeth.  Both entrees were very good; prices were comparable to Stateside.

It's early to bed (Jenny is already there and asleep) because we must get up early tomorrow morning for our excursion North - second time this trip we've had to set an alarm!  I hope I find a great quality & low priced leather sports jacket and perhaps a new pair of cowboy boots (or two).  May as well get another suitcase while there; we're gonna need it!  We'll tell you all about it tomorrow night.