Voting and Mother's Day!

Mark and I voted for the first time in Ecuador after a lot of confusion and discussion. When we entered our Cedula numbers into the official voting website, we were directed to show up on Saturday at Remigio Crespo Elementary School (San Sebastian voting precinct) and bring our Cedula cards with us.

Just like in the States, voting takes place in public buildings; ours was Remigio Crespo Elementary School. There was a long line that formed outside of the school and wrapped around the block, so we had no trouble locating where we should present our Cedulas.

After looking up our numbers in the computer system, we were directed to a station. This is where it got interesting: “hombres” were separated from the “mujeres.” Can you believe that? Mark went upstairs and I had to stay downstairs!

After about a 15-minute wait, I wiggled myself to the front of the line and presented my Cedula card once again. The volunteer checked off my name and presented me with a ballot, while I scooted on over to the voter’s “booth.” After making my selections (pen to paper), I folded my ballot into fourths and dropped it in the box. After that, I was given my “voter registration card.”

There were several booths set up on the grounds of the school that offered to laminate our cards for 30 cents, so we took the plunge! It’s official: we’re registered voters and we participated in our first election in Ecuador.

So what did we vote on? The 7th Popular Vote of Ecuador included—among other things—making bullfighting illegal and freedom of speech in the press (constitutional reforms).

During the period leading up to the popular vote and until 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, alcohol was not allowed to be sold in stores or served in restaurants. Ecuador likes sober voters!

Since we were already at “al centro,” we decided to celebrate the occasion with “Mother’s Day” almuerzo at Hotel Santa Lucia. Since Mother’s Day is quite a busy day for restaurants in Cuenca, we took advantage of the calm before the storm and enjoyed "Santa Lucia" to ourselves! Our total bill came to $18.99 (tax and gratuity!).

Afterwards, Mark asked, “Do you want to go for some ice cream at Tutto Freddo?” Now, what kind of question is that? We hopped on over to Parque Calderon and enjoyed “Oreo Cookie” ice cream and took our cup to go while we checked out all the gorgeous flower arrangements for sale at the open market.

Voting is taken seriously in Ecuador and many friends called to make sure we were at the polls. If you do not vote when your Cedula number pops up on the computer screen, you can be fined up to $30.

Mother’s Day and voting will forever be linked to my Ecuadorian experience!

Feliz Dia de la Madre!





Tags: Holidays Mother's D ay Voting Living and Retiring in Ecuador

Reflections...

Holidays in Cuenca take on a different tone—especially during Easter. As I reflected back on the Easters we spent in various parts of the world, I have to say that Cuenca is much more subdued. Instead of Happy Easter, it’s “feliz semana santa” (happy holy week)!

Two years ago, I spent the Easter holiday in Switzerland and Italy with a good friend. Europe celebrates Easter in much the same way as we do in the States: chocolate bunnies, Easter baskets, huge chocolate eggs filled with toys and treats, and colorful window displays enticing little ones to ask mommy for just one more thing.

You will be delighted to know that there’s none of that in Cuenca: no marshmallow peeps, no Reese’s peanut butter "cups" and no Jelly Belly beans. So if you're planning a trip to Cuenca during Easter and you need one of those three major food groups, then be sure to bring them with you!

It was delightfully refreshing not to have this holiday exploited by commercialism which so many countries have done. Although I enjoyed the pageantry in Europe all the years that we lived there, I must say that Cuenca has restored the true meaning of Easter.

We spent the day at church, Verbo Iglesia, with some friends, out to lunch, then a walk to San Blas for “gelato” at Mixx Gourmet Ice Cream, and a pleasant ride home on the bus (meaning we actually got a seat!). Parque Calderon was bustling with activity: families were having dinner out and sharing in the gorgeous day without a drop of rain.

It was our first Easter without family and I would be lying if I didn’t say it was just a “teensy-bit” difficult. Our family has built in some strong traditions at Easter—starting with the menu (green bean casserole, ham-turkey and yams with marshmallows on top). We called both of our boys and our oldest son ended up having an Easter egg hunt by himself—throwing up the eggs and catching them! I had to chuckle at that one, but he said he was keeping the Pombo tradition alive.

Holidays always make me reflect on our decision to come to Cuenca and at the end of the day, I realize we made the right decision for us, albeit a little painful at times.

Until next time…hasta luego!






living in ecuador retiring in ecuador holidays in ecuador

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Carnaval in Cuenca!

I know I promised to take a break and not blog while I'm finishing up the book: 101 Questions Answered, but it's Carnaval and it's party time! 

Actually, this blog is for you "Jackie" who asked about Carnaval and what happens in Cuenca. All, I know for sure is I've been hit by five water ballons this week and one was inside a bus, so I know it has something to do with water!

Since I've been flogged with ballons, I thought it was significant enough to add it to the 101 Questions, and I also did a little research on the subject.

Carnaval actually comes from the Italian word, "carn-aval" which means "absence of meat." It all started coming back to me...(our days in Italy): the period that precedes Lent (according to the Catholic calendar). In order to compensate for the following 40 days of "abstention and penitence," popular festivals were held throughout the country, including: masks, water, jokes, music and dancing. We experienced all of the above today!

We realized it was a big deal when we couldn't make reservations at Tiesto's Restaurant (one of the popular places in town). Mark's birthday falls on the beginning of Carnaval and when I called the restaurant yesterday, the woman who answered the phone said, "We're booked until next Wednesday, but we can accommodate you 'mediodia.'"

 In the middle of the day?

Birthday candles don't look the same at high noon and as our good friend "Chelsey" said, "It's not birthday-esque!" But we did find another wonderful place (pictures to follow) which is our second choice and is what we call "Little Tiesto's."

While we were roaming the streets today in search of the famous "See's Candies of Cuenca," we wandered right into a parade.

One minute it was calm and the next minute it was chaos. Instead of water balloons it was "silly string" that resembles large chunks of dandruff when it doesn't get combed out of your hair. Mine is pink, so it's all good and I sort of like the new look!

We stood on the corner of Santa Domingo Plaza and watched as the music played and the fesitvities of Carnaval began. What a great day of sunshine, friends, and silly string. I almost miss the water balloons!

Carnaval is happening all around the area: Cuenca, Paute, Sigsig, Sevilla de Oro, Chordeleg, El Pan, and Guachapala (say all of that in one breath!). We will be in Gualaceo with our friends, Miguel and Carmen, on Sunday to share in the festivities there (Artesan show, folklore music and food).

I'll have a full report when we return and a special thanks to all of you who e-mailed me with questions--the book is now being renamed:  192 Questions on Cuenca.

Until next time...hasta luego!

 
See's Candies of Cuenca:
ChocoLatino
Gran Colombia 12-22 y Tarqui
Cuenca, Ecuador
juanchovintimilla@hotmail.com
 
Note: Carnival is spelled "Carnaval" in espanol -- that's your Spanish lesson for the week!

Feliz Dia Del Padre

We have successfully survived our first important holiday without our boys!

Father's Day (Dia Del Padre) is celebrated in much the same way as it is in the States (with family!). To say it was easy (without family) would be lying, so I will tell the truth...the whole truth!

It definitely was not easy, but it was made easier by planning ahead. Knowing in advance that holidays -- both big and small -- would conjure up notions that somehow we were depriving our "children" of their parents, we were proactive in our solution.

Snuggled amongst six suitcases (mas/menos) were carefully chosen memorabilia that would ease the transition into our new life in Ecuador. For Father's Day, I saved the best of the best cards given by our sons to their father, a coffee mug with their picture, and a "tribute to Dad" written by our oldest son when he was just 14 years old.

Last night, I wrapped up all the cards, letters, and memorabilia and set them on the dining room table and closed the light. At 7:30 a.m., I awoke to my husband's loud sobbing. Oh no, I've really done it this time! I thought.

After about 20 minutes, my husband emerged from the bathroom with tear-stained cheeks and the hint of a smile. I sighed with relief and said, "Are you going to be okay?"

Mark wrapped his arms around me and whispered in my ear, "That was -- by far -- the best gift I have ever received."

Who knew that "leftover" cards could be so healing?

Thankfully, there's more where that came from (I have enough cards to survive all the holidays). Trust me, it was worth an extra suitcase. And if I were to do it all over again, I would do it exactly the same way. Those little scraps of paper, the handmade cards, and "yes" even their baby teeth will come in handy someday to soothe the separation anxiety we might feel.

We love Cuenca and will never regret our decision to move here, but we also know that there will be days -- like today -- (Dia Del Padre) when separation anxiety will be felt.


We called our boys, talked to our own Dads, and enjoyed a day of celebration, culminating in a dinner for two at one of Cuenca's finest hotels -- Oro Verde. It was an easy "walk" as we live right across the street from five-star dining. Most Cuecanos celebrate with family in the afternoon; however, we choose a quiet dinner for two in the evening (it took us that long to call everyone!).

We have survived our first major obstacle -- a holiday without family -- and look look forward to our second one tomorrow...the beginning of language school. I sure hope our teacher enjoys our Spanish with an Italian accent!

Until next time...we hope you have a great "Feliz Dia Del Padre"!




Connie and Mark