Friday May 10, 2013

Friday May 10, 2013  update #448

I was off early to get to Banco Pichincha and try again with my third visit for an International Credit Card.  We had carefully filled in the new application and therefore I was hopeful things would go smoothly, but this is Ecuador, and nothing runs smoothly.  First they needed a copy of our utility bill, which we don’t receive because they are paid automatically through this very bank.  Finally they managed to print off a copy somehow.   They got Diana down from the fourth floor and I explained the strange situation about our confusing address.   The tax bill shows us on 24 De Mayo and the utility bill shows us on Popayan so they agreed to use Popayan.  Then Diana tells us that because we entered a number in a box we shouldn’t have that they needed another new application, again with both signatures.   Of course Bella is not with me so my patience is wearing a little thin with this ridiculousness that you can’t just make a correction and initial it like anywhere else in the civilized world.  Then, to top it all off, now they say they need a $2,000 CD on deposit for an International Credit Card where they will only give you 70% for a limit!   I don’t know how I held my cool but I thanked them and left.   I called Bella and we will maybe be checking out other banking options upon my return from Canada.  

Bella was off to her Weaving Store classes and charity work.  The new little baby workboots she has made are just too cute.

I then decided to go to the Carolina Bookstore and sign out a few movies.    I went through their whole supply which some poor soul took three days to put in alphabetical order.  I grabbed about 7 movies and headed downtown towards the San Francisco church. 

The area of the flower market was very busy and the flowers intoxicating.   There was a mass going on in Santuario Mauriano.   The interior of that church is so photogenic.

I wandered through the big Immaculate Conception Cathedral trying to get some better shots of the interior and was heading out the far door when I noted a sort of security person hanging about, very unusual, then I noticed a small door open on the right leading to a brick circular staircase upwards.  Then I happily spotted a notice on the wall stating that this was now open to the public to access the cupolas of the cathedral!  The security fellow came over and said it was $1 so up began the long walk upwards.  I knew there was nothing in the twin towers because the openings are large and empty although it appears that there may be some construction starting.  Getting up to the level of the statue of Mary and Jesus is uplifting and the views spectacular.   I was hoping to be able to walk at the base of the blue domes but that was entirely wishful thinking.  I hope you enjoy the photos.

Passing by the Old Cathedral the harpist had taken a break so I got a shot of the top of his beautiful harp.  Then I went to the next corner and peered into the Justice Building.   I can hardly pass this building without stopping in, that fabulous courtyard is such a magnet to me.   They have made a beautiful shrine to Mary on the opposite side so that has added another dimension to it.

I caught the #3 to Monay and walked down the hill deciding that I was too tired to make lunch so I stopped in to the restaurant 2 doors from us that we have never tried before.  It was a delightful lunch for $2.50.   Hanging on the wall above me was this gorgeous painting of a mother and her son.   They have such wonderful artists here.

Bella is anxious to watch a movie so I have to run.

That was the day's excitement,   Cheers, Al   Please see all new photos at http://souvenircuenca.blogspot.com/