Cuenca

Wow, I´m finally getting into the rhythm of life in Cuenca and it is time to leave. I can see the advantages of staying longer. I went to the grocery store this weekend and even though it was on the other side of town and I took a taxi to get there, I met 3 teachers from the elementary school that I´ve been visiting at the grocery store. After greeting each of them in different aisles of the store, I began to feel like a local. And invariably as I walk through the streets going to or from class, I meet someone that I know from the town. Americans have quite a community here. But I´ve enjoyed meeting the local Ecuadorians also. On Friday I was invited to my Spanish teacher´s house for breakfast. That was super. She cooked waffles in my honor; I guess she thinks that is a typical American breakfast. She remarked that it was the first time that she had made them. And the real fun was that we decided that for this meeting, we should speak English only. It was fun to watch her struggle as I have done through most of our classes. She is really wonderful and welcomed me back to stay at her house any time. Now all I have to do is convince Jeff to come with me.

On Saturday, I spent the morning with Francisco, Anne´s artist friend. She said his paintings were great but I had no idea that they would be so wonderful. (and I´m picky!!) He is so talented. I was excited to see his work but also disheartened to learn how he struggles to sell his work. I´m hoping that Anne and I can figure out a way to help him get a showing in the US. Maybe I´ll open a gallery in Berlin and show the arts from Ecuador. At any rate, my suitcase is packed with two of his paintings. Hopefully they will survive the trip home....

Then on Sunday night, I went to dinner with the family that Anne lived with when she was in Ecuador. I took my Nano and was able to sit with Mamita about a half hour showing her pictures. It is true that a picture is worth a thousand words, especially when they are in Spanish.

So now that I´ve made so many friends, I must leave and go back to my other life all the while making plans to return soon.