Cuenca Updates: Thursday February 9, 2012

Thursday Feb 9/12 update

I was supposed to go with Bella at 11 to another update from the immigration people put on by the Chamber of Commerce but there is no way the glass guy would be done in time. His name is Mario and he came by at 8:45 to only take more measurements saying he would be back at 11. At 12 I called and Enrique said they would arrive shortly, which they did.

Mario completed the silicone on the roof. And had to re-do part of the repaired window because the worker at the glass shop had done a sloppy job. Then he installed the screen for the window, I paid them off and they were finally gone. It has a smoked glass roof. and a large window at the front, half of which slides open and is screened. The sides, and above the front glass, are all screened. What a relief to be done with contractors for a while. We originally had visions of curved roofs, matching ovals, etc but financial realities forced us to be practical but achieve the same general end result. We are certainly happy with the terrace as a functional, useful room that will be a treat for us and the boys.

Bella came home with lots of horror stories from the immigration meeting. Apparently the nice lady who helped us out in Quito was there to explain that the rules had not changed except they now need a police check notarized for any applications after August. They also pointed out that courtesy is expected as they are doing their best given all the changes to their department. Apparently a few Americans didn’t get the hint and were unbelievably rude so they can expect their applications to be turned down. Nobody wants them here, even other Americans.

I slipped out to Coral to get a new shower system like mine for Bella’s shower $21, a handle for the new window $0.94, a riveter and 100 rivets $4. I ran into young Jorge the grocery clerk who has been dying to see our house. He is off tomorrow so may come by in the morning with his wife.

I installed the new handle on the window and fashioned my own locking system to keep the window and screen from moving and rattling. Bella had woven a beautifully soft narrow acrylic runner for the boys to lounge on, on the window ledge, so we put that up too. We got the boys up there and let them have the run of the new terrace and we know that is where they will now spend 75% of their time. We are just thrilled with the finished product.

We went to the Big Kabuda burger place for supper and had a long chat with the owner who gave us a few hints about the upcoming Carnival. It is almost as though people are warning us to stay away. The big thing here is to get soaked, by water balloons, supersoakers, whatever, water everywhere…. I would certainly like to get some shots of the action but have no interest in getting my person or my camera all wet.

I don’t know what it is, but after 6pm we have no luck catching any bus going our way. Our bus drove right past without stopping so we had to grab a cab home, again.

We stopped near home and went to a place selling soft ice cream. I had the usual vanilla and Bella her chocolate. The fellow puts it into a sundae cup, sprays some strong cherry juice on it, adds a spoon, then jams a cone upside down into it. The cost for both was $1. We almost fell over. This place is a block and ½ from home so he can expect to see a lot of us in the coming months.

When we got home Pancho had still not moved from the terrace to come down for his supper. That little sun-worshiper will live in that room from now on. We plan to get some tables to hold their baskets near the front so they can enjoy the action below.

That was today’s excitement. Enjoy the pics. Hugs to all.