Friday, July 15, 2011

We’re sitting in the Houston Intercontinental Airport waiting for our connecting flight to Huntsville so, now that I have access to a wall plug for our laptop, I can begin on our final blog entry.  I hope those of you who have followed us have enjoyed reading about our adventure; I know you haven’t enjoyed the adventure as much as we have!  Oh, our last taxi ride confirmed what expats have said over and over and taught us a lesson about dealing with people.  When I talked to the folks at the Travellers Inn last night about scheduling a taxi to pick us up, I was told that the fee would be $5.00.  So, I did not mention the cost before getting into the taxi.  When we got to the airport, I gave the driver $5.00; he said that was not enough, the cost was $8.00!  Since we were there, I had to pay so a lesson learned – always know what you’re paying before you ride!  It does not dampen my spirit about the Ecuadorian people, it’s just the way to do business.  Of course, had I taken the total advice of expats, I would have gotten a cab with a meter and probably paid around or less than $4.00, but what would be the fun in that??  J

We left Quito as scheduled.  I had no problem getting our extra bag on the flight so I’m going to write the president of Continental when I get home and question their website that states NO excess or overweight baggage allowed to/from Ecuador, and why their customer service deemed it unnecessary to respond to my emails.  Since their merger with United, Continental has steadily declined; if I have a choice, I’d prefer another airline.  Of course, all of them are probably going downhill due to loss of revenue – they don’t get it that the loss of revenue is due to the unpleasantness of flying! 

After checking in at Quito airport and going through security, we reported to the Continental gate.  On the way, we stopped for a snack so while there, Jenny got a bottle of water.  When we got to the gate, Continental had their own security check; opening luggage and making everyone dispose of any water in their possession!  Jenny had some books on South America and Ecuador; the guy fanned through it – I don’t have a clue why!  One would have thought that one security checkpoint would have been sufficient.  I know it’s a minor irritant but the water thing really is stupid, since we would have already had to discard liquids at the first checkpoint.  Oh well, welcome to the ‘American’ way of doing things.

The flight from Quito to Houston was okay; they actually served us breakfast – on the way to Ecuador, we got nothing!  Of course, no music or movies, unless we paid – another sign of declining customer satisfaction goals.

When we arrived in Houston, we went through immigration without a problem and, even though we had not left the secured area, we had to go through the whole thing again.  This time, it made some sort of sense because we did have access to our checked luggage and could have, theoretically, taken something prohibited from them and placed it in a carry on bag.  Okay, I’ll buy that.  Jenny was afraid she’d have to go through one of their full body scanners but we were cleared and only went through the standard detector. 

After arriving at our departure gate, I called my brother, who works at the airport and had visited us on our way to EC.  He is off today so we weren’t able to hook up.  Also called two of my sisters and was able to talk to a third – she was at the second sister’s house.  Wanda (sister) said she really liked our blog but was afraid, after reading some of the negative entries that we may not want to retire there any longer.  If we do retire there, she’ll probably be the first to visit!  I explained to her that our consideration to retire that has not changed; if anything, only grown stronger – that made her happy! ;-)

Bill & Betty Pyne will be picking us up in Huntsville; we’ll get something to eat, then to the house.   Not looking forward to the heat, after being in Ecuador (the land of eternal spring!)  We’ll also pick up the dogs tomorrow; we’ll spend almost as much on their boarding that ours!

Now that Jenny is back in the States, she’s wearing earrings; a pair she bought at the Indian Market on Thursday.

It’s Saturday morning; we’ve been busy unpacking – that’s more difficult than packing!  We had surprise visitors at the airport when we arrived – Charlie & Kathy Belcher!  We enjoyed seeing them, even if Kathy was there to make sure Jenny  was okay and ready to go back to work! LOL! We stopped at Cracker Barrel on the way home from the airport last night and had a nice meal with Bill & Betty. 

We received about four inches of rain while we were gone and things around here are still fairly green (surprising, at least to me, for this time of year).   The lawn isn’t as bad as I thought it would be but I’ll cut it this afternoon.  Jenny will cut my hair in the morning, since it grew twice as long as it usually does!

For those of you who have followed our blog, we hope you’ve found it informative and at least somewhat interesting.  To those expats and others we met, you made our trip more positive than you know!  Special thanks to Gerard Tretton, Diane & Juan Moreno, Jeff & Deanne Davoll (and their children), Mike Bullock and Abby, and Patrick Bullock and his family.  I may have discussed some negatives about our trip and experiences but they were just to balance the awesome positives!  There are valleys in our lives but most are mountain top experiences, certainly so true about our trip to Ecuador.  We were encouraged by the beauty of God’s creation in Ecuador and by the people.   Do we still plan to pursue retirement in Ecuador?  Yes, depending upon God for His direction.  Do we plan to return on another fact finding and vacation trip?  Yes!

If any of you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask.  We certainly cannot express all of our feelings or emotions by writing.  I have hundreds of pictures (maybe over a thousand!) and a few videos, but it will take some time to get them downloaded and available.  When available, I will post a message on facebook or via personal emails.

God bless each and every one of you!

Larry and Jenny

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Where has the month gone?  As slow paced as Ecuador is supposed to be, compared to the United States, our time here seems to have flown by!  We traveled to many different locales, met so many wonderful people, including Americans and Ecuadorians, ate so much great food, saw so much beauty, and we walked for miles!

This will be our final blog from Ecuador; our plane leaves at 6:35, or thereabouts in the a.m.  The airport doesn’t open until 4 so a taxi will be here at about 4:15 to pick us up; we’re about 10-15 minutes away.  I have an extra suitcase to check!  I checked in online this morning, informed them of the extra checked luggage, they charged me for it so it had better go!

Jenny worked out at Curves for the final time; Shirley and the rest were sad to see her go!  Shirley must be our friend now because she gave us her facebook address and we gave her ours, as well as email addresses.  I think Jenny was a little sad as well; she has enjoyed going there.

We got the extra suitcase in the ‘Centro Historico’, aka old town, even a better deal than the Chinese store near us – the one we got was made in China as well though!  We walked around the markets there for about a couple of hours; all we found was the suitcase.  I tried to find Jenny a pair of leather boots, but she’s too picky J - that’s why I can’t shop for her!  We rode the public bus there and back, with no problems!

After that ‘shopping spree’, we brought the suitcase back, but not before stopping at La Union for an ice cream cone, then went on another, to get a few more souvenirs, since we now have more space!  We returned to the small indigenous market, where we bargained and got some good deals.  We’re gonna miss the ice cream here; it is sooooooo yummy!  I wanted to try the Macadamia but we only saw it one place – I should have gotten it then! 

It started raining after we got to the market and did so until we got back to the Inn.  We stopped on the way and got a couple of cheeseburgers; thought we’d try on “American” meal before we leave!

We’re now packed and ready to go to bed early. I’m sure Jenny will have no problem going to sleep; I hope I can.

I’ll report in tomorrow night, especially to let everyone know about the continuing luggage saga, then reporting of this experience in our lives will end.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

The best part of our morning was after we checked out of our hostelaria.  Before I get there, we did get a decent breakfast then walked for awhile along the beach.  We saw hundreds of tiny crabs; when we got close, they disappeared into their holes.  There were a lot of boats out this morning, some from the small fishing village we visited last evening; some for a village North of our location.  When we walked north, we saw a lighthouse.  We said goodbye to the guy (Pedro) from New York and his family; they were headed up towards Bahia and further north. 

We arranged for a taxi to pick us up around 11 a.m.  Before he left, Pedro did some translating for us and explained to the hostelaria employee (could have been the owner?) that we wanted a tour of Manta before going to the airport.  The kid who picked us up at the airport yesterday picked us up again.  He took us on an excellent tour of Manta; we saw what we missed if we had stayed in Manta!  It’s much bigger than we thought with lots of hostalerias, and a Howard Johnson’s Hotel.  He took us along the beaches and waterfront where cargo ships were docked, as well as the shopping and tourist areas.  The next time we come to Manta, we’ll know where to stay and what to do; we’ll need another day or two though.  The guy (he told us his name, but I forgot – again!) then took us to a small town East, perhaps North  (I think – I’ll find out when I look at a map!) of Manta called Monte Christi.

The trip from Manta to Quito was quick (35 minutes) but we still got a snack - we traveled on Continental to Quito (5 hours) and didn't get that!

Diego picked up at the airport and brought us back to the hostal.  It started to rain when we got here.  Because we checked out yesterday before we left so someone else is in the room we were in.  So, now we're upstairs in a double room - one with a double bed and single; the other with a single.  We think it must have been a library for the family who lived here before it became a hostal because our room has bookcases all around the walls and what probably used to be a book storage area that is now a walk in closet.  We also have double doors leading to a balcony!  Nicer than our other room!  We got the rest of our luggage, unpacked a little then went to Dr. Peredes in the pouring rain.  Funny, the first taxi we hailed didn't have his glasses with him so he couldn't see the address on Dr. Peredes' card so we waved him on and stopped another taxi.  He wanted three dollars for a $1.70 ride so we walked a block and caught a bus (25 cents each).  When we got close, the bus made the standard left turn so we got off and hailed another cab; this time, for $1.00, for a total of $1.50 - I'm getting good at this! 

I told the dental tech that my new crowns needed grinding a little so she put me in a chair and went to work.  While doing that and checking my mouth closer, she found three very small cavaties so I told her to fix them - why not at $10.00 a filling!  I think all of the girls enjoyed having me in the chair; when one had no patient, they would come to the cubicle where I was then start talking, giggling, etc.!  The dental tech told me she'd been learning English for about a year but said it's difficult with no one to practice with; I told her that is my biggest problem with learning Spanish!  We tried teaching each other some words; one time she asked me, "how do you say 'spit' in English?"  I said, "spit".  The other girls (three of them) got a big kick out of that.  I can assure you, dental staff in the U.S. are not allowed to have so much fun!  I'll have to call or email Dr. Peredes and ask him the dental tech's name; she was very sweet and excellent at her job.  Jenny was downstairs waiting for me.  She said she got a little concerned because she thought I'd only gone in to get the crowns adjusted; with the fillings it took almost 1 1/2 hours.  They have not worked on me that long since I've been going but they had to finish today.

From the dentist, we caught a taxi and went directly to Curves. Oh, by the way, when in Manta, Jenny saw a Curves!  The ladies there were thrilled to see her and wanted to know all about her trip.  Welllllllll, since I had the camera and Jenny needed to workout, I told Shirley and her friend (Arriana) about our trip in pictures!  Arriana spoke very good English so we enjoyed speaking to each other.  Shirley's picture viewing was interrupted by a new client - she had to do the paperwork, measuring, etc., so Arriana and I looked at the rest of the pics.  When Jenny and the last group of women finished, Shirley closed the store and we walked part way down Av. Gonzales with Arriana.  At a circle just past the Quito Hotel and Casino, we parted company and caught a taxi back here - at least that was our intent.  On the way, we went by La Union so when we stopped close to our corner, we walked back to our favorite eatery for dessert and capuchino.  We had one of the guys take a picture of us with Marco, our favorite (and only) waiter and told him we may not see him again so adios!

We reweighed all of our stuff and think we would be okay weight wise, but will probably go ahead and get one of those at the Chinese store.  First thing in the morning, I'll check in @ Continental.com and report and pay for another bag.  If it's accepted, we'll go get the bag so the bigger ones won't be so heavy (right at 50 pounds each).

Jenny and I agree - a beautiful place to retire and enjoy ourselves in an inexpensive place to live, as well as a much slower pace!  We plan to return in three years. 

And, buenos noches to all.

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Well, one somewhat bad day out of three weeks isn’t bad!  There have been some positives for today but some disappointments as well.

Jenny actually went to Curves by herself this morning!  We flagged down a cab outside of our hostal, showed the driver where to go, and she was on her way!  Not, however, before telling the driver, who wanted $3.00, that I’d only give him two – he “reluctantly” said ok.  While Jenny was working out, I started packing all of our belongings.  When she returned (she hailed a cab all by herself – I’m proud of her!) we finished packing and took everything, except one carry-on, to the office for storage until tomorrow, when we return to Quito.  We weighed everything and it looks like we’ll  be okay on our weight for the flight home, but I’ll check again Thursday; if we need to, we’ll get another suitcase.

Daniel took us to the airport for our flight to Manta.  The ticket agent would not allow us to take our carry-on with us, which, at the time, surprised us.  However, when we saw the plane, we knew why  - it was a turbo prop!  We also wondered how Jenny and I were seated together when she was in seat 8D, I was in 8F.  When we got on, we figured it out – seat A was a single on one side of the aisle, seats D & F were on the other side of the aisle; I still don’t know what happened to B, C, and E!

Things changed when we got to Manta!  After we got our bag, we went outside to catch a cab.  When we made the reservations thru Hostalworld.com, they sent me a message that said the best way to get to our hostal was to catch a cab for $6.00 or a bus for $2.00.  However, after getting information on the hostal where we were gonna stay, their website said they would provide transportation to/from the airport for free.  When I verified that, the guy who responded to my email said that service was not currently available but would have us picked up for $16.00.  I responded and told him no thanks, we’d get a cab.  Oh, the hostalworld data said our hostal was  few minutes outside of Manta right on the beach.  When  we asked the cabbie outside the airport how much it would cost (something always done before getting into a cab here), he said $20.00!  I said no way; give me my luggage (he’d already put it in the trunk) and we’d catch the bus.  About that time, a young man came up and asked If my name was Larry; I said yes and he told me he was from the hostal.  So, we came here with him.  It was, however, a lot more than “a few minutes out of Manta – more like 25 minutes and waaaaay away from Manta.  We went through the outskirts of the town then kept going and going until we reached a small fishing village on the beach.  We checked in, went our room and turned the air conditioner on.  We do have a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean, just about 100 yards from our window and small patio.

Next, I went downstairs to get a modem because I had been told, after my inquiry, that the hostal did not have wifi but does have a modem I can borrow to have internet connection.   The guy at the combination desk and snack bar, could not speak a lick of English  so he did not know what I was asking for.  A guy standing at the bar, whom we later found out is Ecuadorian but has lived in New York for the past 27 years,  interpreted for me; the employee said no modem!  So, that disappointed me because I had specifically been told we’d have internet. 

We “took a deep breath” and kept going!  We went down to the beach, Jenny took her shoes off , rolled up her pants legs, then waded out into the ocean.  I had her turn around so I could take a picture.  About that time, a huge wave came ashore and, before I could warn her, it got her wet from her legs down! I got a little wet, but not like her!  We both dried out though.   We walked the beach to the north for awhile and took some pics, then we went south to a small fishing village.  While there, we saw some boats coming ashore so we watched.  They had caught some large, what appeared to be sword fish but didn’t have the head of a swordfish so we don’t know what kind they were; I got some up close pictures.  We then came back to the hostal, ate supper (had fresh fish!), then came to our room.  We had hoped to see a beautiful sunset from our window but the clouds prevented that.  At least they have DirecTV in our room so we can watch shows in English!

I now hope that we’ll get the free breakfast that we’re supposed to get.  Perhaps we can get away early enough tomorrow to sightsee around Manta before we leave.

Jenny is feeling better; thanks for your prayers.

Monday, July 11, 2011

A less than exciting day unless you consider going to the dentist twice as exciting!

Doctor Peredes wanted me in this morning to fit my crowns.  We caught a bus that we thought would take us there but it turned left seveal blocks before the cross street to get to his office.  So, we walked further than expected, which wasn't a good thing because Jenny's tummy still isn't up to par.  After the "appointment" we caught a bus right outside the dentist office.

We came back to the hostal; I left Jenny in the room and I went walking and shopping.  Was specifically looking for inexpensive suitcases and leather boots for Jenny; I found both (I'm such a good shopper!)  Thanks to one of the ex-pats who told me to check for luggage at some of the Chineese stores on Av. Christobal Colon between Av 6 de Diciembre y Av 10 de Agosto.  I found several sizes at a place for only around $40.00 - hey, the ones in America are made by the Chinese anyway so why not eliminate the middle man!  I was gone for a couple of hours so when I got back, Jenny felt like eating so we ate at the Tex-Mex restaurant on Victoria Ave; it was yummy!

On the way back, we stopped in a book store to look for some elementary grade language textbooks; they only had 3rd & 4th grade so we passed them up - needed 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.  Jenny did find a book on pronunciation and syllables so we got that one.

Jenny didn't like the boots I found.  Well, not exactly "didn't like", she thought the inside soles were hard.  My solution - put in insoles.  She's thinking about them.  Also showed her the suitcases but we're gonna wait until Thursday so we can go to the market in 'old town'.  I kinda doubt we'll find anything better/cheaper there but it gives us a reason to go.  I did buy a pair of sunglasses for $3.00 at the Chinese store; one of the street salesmen near Gringolandia tried to sell me an identical pair for $10.00!

Back to the dentist for what I thought was the final 'appointment'.  He did put my crowns in but wants to see me when we get back on Wednesday so he can check and put sealent on them. Dr. Peredes also wants to know about our trip to Manta; I accused him (in humor) of only wanting me back so I could report on our trip!   I can't eat anything for two hours so no trip to La Union for desert; :-( Jenny ordered a pizza from the kitchen @ our hostal and we're in for the night, watching the Argentina & Costa Rica soccer game.

Tomorrow to Manta, but first to Curves so Jenny can work out.

Sunday, July 10,2011

This will probably be our shortest blog yet (unless I get wound up!), but not of least importance.

We went to church at La Iglesia Bautista La Conexion a La Esperanza again - that's Brother Jeff and Sister Deanne's church in Cumbaya, just beyond the circle, near where the new shopping mall is going in.  We enjoyed, and participated in the song service (didn't understand all the words but can read and somewhat pronounce them); I gave my personal salvation testimony (in English, of course - Jeff translated!); prayer requests were given and I was asked to pray first, then others followed - mine was in English, theirs in Spanish.  One great thing - even though they didn't understand mine (well, some did because some do understand English) and I didn't understand theirs, God understands both languages, as well as all others.

Oh, when we caught the bus near the coliseum, we were greeted by Carlos, a young man we met last Sunday - a small world, huh!  He was on his way to church as well. Carlos is a boxer and has done well in his weight class.

After church, we ate lunch at Luiggi's, a restaurant near the same circle as the church, while Jeff and Deanne went home to let their dog out before going to Quito to see their children.  Some young people are here from the States to help the church with vacation bible school next week in Quito so Amanda and Lucas were with them, showing them around and just generally taking care of their needs - a couple of Godly teenagers!

Jeff & Deanne brought us back to The Travellers Inn; we said our goodbyes to our newfound friends and laborers together in God's work.

Jenny still isn't feeling well so Deanne suggested she get some ginger ale and soda crackers for her stomach.  So, after the Davolls dropped us off, we walked to Supermaxi at Le Jardin mall. She has drank some of the ginger ale and ate some crackers; she's feeling a little better so perhaps a night of rest will work wonders for her.  I hope so; otherwise, I'll have to go to the dentist by myself in the morning.  She'd better get much better by Tuesday or I'll have to drag her onto the plane for Manta.  She wasn't feeling well when we went to Cotopaxi but said she'd have to be on her death bed before she'd miss that trip!  Pray for her recovery, please.  We still have a busy week ahead before we leave on Friday (wow, it's almost here!)  We are now considering a three month stay in three to four years.

Jenny says, "that about covers it" so I guess that about covers it!  She's actually awake, and not tired tonight so won't have to read this blog entry tomorrow morning! :-)

I guess Ken and Tami are heading back or already home by now.  We hope you guys had a great trip and look forward to getting together with you when we get back.

Saturday, July 9, 2011

We slept in this morning!  After breakfast, we took one of the blue busses to the " TeleferiQo (cable car) on the western side of Quito - well, almost there; we got off at the base of the road leading up to it.  Just so you'll know -we didn't- there's a little bus stop at the base of the road where one can catch a free shuttle to the cable car.  We started walking up the steep hill; Jenny probably would not have made it when the driver asked us if we were going to the cable car - we said yes so he told us the bus goes there! 

When we bought our tickets for the cable car, we noticed there were two types - general and express; both were the same price.  We just asked the ticket seller for dos adulto; she gave us express (because of my age?)  There were two lines getting on so we were routed to the express line.  Going up, it didn't matter much because both lines were short.  However, coming down, there were probably 60-70 people in the regular line but no one in the express; we went through the express (a guy was at the entrance and he checked our tickets!) line and got right on the cable car!  Age makes a difference in Ecuador, older folks go to the front of most lines, or even to a special line!  I enjoy the special dinners at our church in Huntsville because we old folks get to go first; Jenny gets to go also, not because she's old, but because she's married to me!

We had some more fantastic views of the Quito valley.  Being at the top (4100 meters -13,451 feet) was cold, slightly windy, and rainy but I got some pictures and video.  At least it wasn't as cold as being at the top of Cotopaxi! We stayed for about an hour or so.

Back to the hostal then, since we had not eaten lunch, we dropped off our backpack and cameras then went to dinner at the Magic Bean, a nice "gringo" restaurant in gringolandia.  Jenny had a mushroom tenderloin; I had Milaneba chicken; both were good. Jenny was too full for desert so I had a piece of Engadina (pie).  We could not find a translation for it but the crust is very hard with some sort of filling w/walnuts.

For Gerard - they have Spaguetti al pesto. :-)

After dinner, we looked for a bookstore near gringolandi; we want to get some 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade Spanish readers to help in learning Spanish.  We did find it but it was closed; kinda expected it as late as we got there but now we know where to go on Monday.

It's a small world - when we got on the bus @ Colon and Amazanos, we saw the guy who is a circuit trainer at the Curves where Jenny is going while here!  He was on his way home after work (Curves closes @ 11:30 a.m. on Saturdays.

Ecuador lost to Venezeula; no one here was happy about that.  We watched most of the game at the Magic Bean.  I like their sports shirts; I gotta get one.  While walking around gringolandia, a guy tried to sell me one but even the largest looked too small. Perhaps not though, they may stretch!

Tomorrow, church services at the Davolls' church in Cumbaya. If we get an early enough start, we may brave the city bus to the coliseo then get the express bus to Cumbaya.

Still haven't heard from Continental, so I guess I'll need to write the president of the company when we get back - not from here because postage is so high ($2.00 for a postcard).

Until tomorrow, we wish all of our friends and family (if any are reading this!) a good night's rest and a great day tomorrow.