A Day in the Country


My plan for the day was to focus on Christmas shopping while Maya had a playdate with her friend from school, but I learned that Analia lived an hour away from us in the countryside, and I was uncomfortable leaving her with a family I did not know. Eric and I had the truck again, so we drove Maya to the home of Karina, Pedro, Analia and Federico. Our destination was almost as far as 'Mitad del Mundo', on a ten acre estate bordering a mountain along one side. Once we entered through the gates, we left Quito entirely behind. It was a peaceful oasis, and after we arrived, we simply stayed for the rest of the day.




The children swam in the pool while Pedro talked about his fears about Ecuador and its move to the left politically. I tried to defend socialism as is practiced in Europe and Canada, but his version of socialism was exemplified by Cuba, which I saw as a totalitarian state. Our conversation started with a question about my impressions about Ecuador. I am rather embarrassed that my time here is defined by recurrent robberies. When I expressed my frustration, Pedro's response was that stealing a cellphone could provide enough food for a family for a week, that with a huge percentage of the population living in poverty, without work, without education, hardly surviving, taking from those who have the luxuries of life (cellphones, computers, cameras) and selling the items for basic needs makes sense. I was told that it is my responsibility to adapt and learn how to avoid places and circumstances where I might be robbed. I realize that my learning curve has been an extended one.




We hiked through prickly pear and century plants. With the drought of the past year, the land is dry and desert-like and many of the plants reminded me of the desert around Tuscon. Apparently it rains during a usual winter and grass and flowers and plants grow well. There was a lemon grove and Maya and Analia picked lemons while driving an ATV.







We spent all day with Analia and her family, appreciating the peace and quiet, and watching Maya enjoy herself with her friend. Perhaps yesterday was too intense and we needed a day of repose.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Conspiracy Theories

Image
I met with Kenneth and Anne, our friends from Wyoming, at 'Ocho y Medio', my favourite movie house, showing all sorts of Ecuadorian, foreign and unusual films. There is a restaurant/coffee shop on the premises as well, so we can sit and eat while we wait to see the film which was advertised to start at 7, but actually started around 7:30. We saw a collection of 'Ibero-American' mountain films, which were shown at the Banff Film Festival. I was excited to be reminded of Banff, where I had spent alot of time as a young adult, and had wonderful memories of the place. The movies were not as compelling as I had expected, but it was fun to commiserate about our interesting energy issues. Conspiracy theories abound. The 'official' version is that the hydroelectric power plant in Paute, near Cuenca, is out of water due to the lack of rain, and that with rain filling up the dam, power will follow. So we all watch the heavens for rain, and feel relieved when we hear that ...
Read more

Change

Pippi died today. It was time, or at least that is what I am told. It felt like an execution. My daughter was home, so she was able to say good-bye and to hold him as he passed. It is late in the day and I have been avoiding feeling the loss, but now that I am sitting and not moving, I have no choice but to think about it. I miss him; he was a big presence in our lives and the house feels empty without him.  I came back from New York and found my home transformed. Eric has made significant progress in emptying several of the rooms on the first floor. It looks cleaner and emptier and devoid of character; apparently this is the best way to sell a house. It is looking less like my house and more generic.  Change is happening, and much faster than I am ready for. The house is less my house, my dog is dead, my practice is shrinking, we are firming up our plans for moving. I am learning that although I have always seen myself as brave and bold and ready for anything, that I like to hold on t...
Read more

Final Fiesta Day

Image
Quito was quieter today. After the all night party, the streets were swept, the garbage picked up, the evidence of last nights' celebration erased. Quiteños were out playing sports in La Carolina. Eric and Maya tried out the basketball in the park, and later visited the Christmas market to buy a tree and silver and red balls. Most of the trees for sale are artificial, and the live trees (or only half dead) are quite different from what I am accustomed to, but evergreen nevertheless. I wandered through the Centro Historico again. The streets are closed off to car traffic on Sundays, which makes it even more of a pleasant experience. There were masses of people. Street theatre draws crowds at the Teatro Sucre and the Plaza Grande, and all the shops were open, hawkers were on the street were in full force. It felt like a usual Sunday except for the larger crowds. I wanted to visit an exhibit in La Ronda on Afroecuadorian sculpture and photographs, and another show at the Museo de la C...
Read more