So You Really Want to Know What We Do?

A friend of mine asked yesterday, "Why aren't you writing more blog posts?" After running through a number of excuses I finally admitted, "I dunno, dude, it doesn't seem like our daily life is that interesting."

"Maybe not to you because you're living it," he said, "but your readers really like to know what you're up to in Ecuador. Every post doesn't have to be awe-inspiring or inspirational--just write!"

Is he right? I guess the only way to find out is to let 'er rip and see what happens. Please give me some feedback on what you think. Here goes----


Every morning for the past few days we've been awakened by Frederico Flintstone in the back yard next door. No, that's of course not his real name, but this guy has been clink--clink--clinking away with a hammer and chisel all day long six days a week from 7:30 on. What's he doing? Seems like he's leveling a short wall that's the rim of a fountain. With a jackhammer the job could have been completed in an hour but "caveman style" is usually the way we roll in Ecuador. Can you imagine doing a mind-numbing job like that for 10 hours day after day?

After the holidays we brought back a converter to turn one of our bikes into a stationary bicycle, and I've been steadfastly pedaling away for two months. I decided I had built myself up to the point of trying a Youtube spinning class video. They usually run for an hour, but I picked a 20 minute one "just to be safe." My God! I barely lasted ten minutes before I had to stop because I felt like I was going to puke. Must be the altitude here, right?

We've been having some really volatile weather lately in Cuenca, which is saying something in a city with the slogan "If you don't like the weather, wait an hour." In the afternoon a BIG thunderstorm (with hail) came rolling in. Cynthia was talking to our daughter on Skype and the lightning was so intense it was reflecting off her face! Our apartment is awesome but the building isn't exactly constructed to North American standards. A constant breeze blows through the place even with the windows closed because of the gaps around the frames.

Rain falling straight down isn't a problem, but when it comes down at the wrong angle we grab towels because water leaks in under said windows and recently a couple of places in the ceiling. The landlord has had workers come to fix the problems numerous times over the years but obviously their efforts have been unsuccessful. We used to get upset about this but it's happened so many times we now just smile and jump into action.

Regardless of who you favor in the Presidential race, can we all agree that this year's election has been the most interesting and entertaining ever? Both parties are in such disarray. Watching the primary returns a couple of analysts were opining about adjustments Señor Trump needs to make to be a viable candidate. Huh? Didn't he just win three more states? That air time would have been better spent discussing what, if anything, the other guys can do before the clock runs out. And who could have imagined that an avowed socialist would be giving Hillary a run for her money in our capitalist country? As shown in 2008, a skilled campaigner she is not.

Trivia Night tomorrow. Stay tuned----.