Tuesday September 25,2012

Tuesday September 25/12 update

I had every photographer complete a checklist which states any allergies, medications, as well as emergency and doctor contacts.  I figured I would just copy that to a memory stick and carry it with me in case of emergency.  I think there was only one who mentioned any medications.

I also got another addition today so now we have 18 photographers plus myself.

I have Bella diligently working to try to get the AAC an AAXA M2 Micro Projector so she can bring it back with her.   There are many available online but most won’t ship outside the USA.  The difference that can make to our activities at the AAC is immeasurable.

Our supper at La Vina was awesome and got great compliments.  There were minor screwups in the orders but it worked out for the best that there was an extra pizza lying around for latecomers from out-of-town.  We picked up an extra person but had one no-show due to stomach flu.

The bus arrived on Juan Jaramillo on time and we were off to Turi.  I felt like a schoolmaster counting heads at every turn but everyone was really great.   I had had a brainstorm during the night that I should use my timer for each shot to avoid any vibration from pushing the shutter button, because my tripod is a pretty flimsy one.   I checked with Paul Wolf and he concurred that it is a proper method, so I tried it all night.

Then we came down to go to Todos Santos and the Broken Bridge.  There was no place to park on the south side so the bus came in the skinny new road on the north side, dropped us off under the bridge and went to turn around somewhere.  Apparently he ran over a new tree lining the road three blocks down and got stuck in the surrounding dirt.  

Underway again we went to El Vergel and the Inca ruins for some nice shots.   Then Jorge the driver suggested going to the statue of the ironworker exploding out of the volcano so we went there.  Even though it wasn’t lit very well it did make for some interesting photographs.

Then we went up the hill to San Blas and got some beautiful rear and front shots before heading to San Francisco church.  Then we all walked to Parque Calderon and got shots of both cathedrals, however the old cathedral is 10 times more impressive at night.   The driver didn’t park where we told him and we had to wait on him again.

Then we headed up to San Sebastian which was poorly lit so we only managed one shot there.  Some of our tour people took cabs from there and we were down to about 9 photographers.   That is where the driver said the office was always calling to see where we were because our contract ended at 9pm and they wanted more money.  I reminded him, in no uncertain terms, that HE was the one who first quoted me for 5 hours and that was later confirmed by his office.   6:15 plus 5 hours meant 11:15, and it was only 10pm!!  Some of the group were willing to pack it in but others agreed with me that we paid for a tour and there were still 2 stops to go.  

So off we went to the north hill then the Catholic University for our last shots.   We walked one lady home who lived in that area then we returned to La Vina where the rest of them lived in the area.  As everyone left they kept giving me rave reviews about the restaurant and the tour.   They certainly got their $10 worth on the tour.   I told the driver that I would be speaking to the office tomorrow to sort out this mess.   Then Paul and I caught a cab home, I got out at Monay and was home by 11pm.

I located the confirming email I had sent to the bus company when we had made our telephone contract where I clearly stated the 5 hours.   I packaged that with some stern language about the embarrassment they caused me in front of everyone and demanded an apology.

I am very upset over this, mainly because our every intention was to use this bus and driver again.  The bus was luxurious and the driver was careful and the ride was so very comfortable.  I hope it sorts itself out.

That was today’s excitement.   Please see all photos at souvenircuenca.blogspot.com when I get them posted.  Hugs to all.