Thursday August 23, 2012

Thursday August 23/12 update

Today is a day of rest, so I didn’t rest of course.   I caught the #15 to the end of the route in El Valle, south of here, over the mountain.    El Valle is aptly named because it has tremendous views of two valleys and it is so quiet, I just love it up there.

There are many indigenous people in the area and there are many homes without fences, gates or grates.  They feel very safe and secure up there.

I met with a fellow named Mike Pena who has a small house at the top.  He speaks good English and he hires himself out as a cabbie.   He also has a buddy with a pickup if necessary.

I walked all the way home, about 5 miles, and I was glad to reach there.  My legs felt like rubber.

Part of the reason I went up there was to see if the two homes I like up there are still for sale.  The other part was to try to do my videos in HD to see how they would work.   I think that succeeded.

http://youtu.be/-bTvK_A6osU

The furthest home is just a block above the Los Olivas Garden convention center.  While it only has a view of one valley, I like the yard and the quiet of this property.  Its only drawback is the neighbors are a little close in the rear, but I have yet to see them.  Of course I would have to buy an Ecuadorian lawnmower that Bella would have to learn to milk.

The second house is not much farther down the hill and it needs a lot of work yet.  I had a closer look after I took the video and it is much larger than it appears.  Its main drawback is the sports field to the rear.  I have no idea who would use this, but it would be cause for concern. 

Both places have bus stops right near the properties so basic daytime travel would be very easy.   I love our present house, but I could sure use the quiet of El Valle.

I was actually surprised to see a tractor tilling a large garden.  Farm machinery is such a rarity in this country. 

There are a few industries on the lower part of the hill, a couple of concrete block makers, a paving company, some ferreterias, bus repair, a lumber yard, internet cafes, and lots of little tiendas, to name a few.

That huge townhouse complex in lower El Valle appears to be gaining a rec plex of sorts, with lots of steelwork in progress.  It is funny that the #15 bus goes by the lower entrance while the #14, I think it is, ends up at the top side.

I was nearly home when this funeral procession crawled by me with lots of pickups packed with mourners.   That was totally unexpected as I didn’t see any services anywhere on my long walk.

The house on the corner across our street is finally progressing on the interior.  It appeared that an electrician was adding some conduit to the ceilings while other workmen were completing some interior walls..

The boys are really enjoying the returning heat in the lavanderia and the rooftop terrace.  There has been a definite warming trend with the return of steady sunshine, which is most welcome.  In about 5 weeks we wuill have the sun directly overhead.  http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/sunearth.html

I am really impressed with the progress of our lemon and lime trees.  We really have fruit growing, so soon we can make our own juice.

That was today’s excitement.   Please see all photos at souvenircuenca.blogspot.com.  Hugs to all.