Pase Del Ninos 12-24-10 Cuenca Ecuador

Here is a youtube link for a slide show video of the Pase Del Ninos parade and procession that is held on Christmas Eve.  It was started in 1961 and is the largest procession of its kind in Ecuador.  The floats which vary in size from just a car to big flat bed trucks are done by mostly local citizens with whatever that have and can afford to do.  But the children all dressed up in their clothes (as we used to say going to church clothes) and costumes is what it is all about.  It starts about 10 AM and goes all day until early evening.  It normally doesnt rain this time of year but it has every day this December,  but Mother Nature held off and the rain did not start until the procession was almost over.

Here is the link.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qoOfNph2m7c

BTW the music is one of my original compositions

Enjoy!!!

Christmas at The Delorace Flores Flores School Near Cuenca Ecuador

Giving to others especially those less fortunate then most of us any time, always brings a warm feeling to your heart.  Giving at Christmas is especially rewarding.  However sometimes one has an experience that transcends all of this and is something that you will always remember for your whole life. I had such an experience yesterday.

It all began about 6 weeks ago when some friends of ours became aware of a school near Cuenca way up in the mountains accessible only by dirt roads,  that was having problems with their water supply.  Upon investigating our friends found that the outflow pipe from their cistern which is high on a hill that supplied water for cooking and for toilets was blocked so no water flowed.  So they decided to see what could be done to repair the blocked pipe. A plumber was found who upon inspecting the problem said he could fix it for $480.  At a Thanksgiving dinner at the California Kitchen a local restaurant run by Americans over $700 was raised mostly by "gringos" as we are called.  When a question was raised about what to do with the extra money, we found out that neither the parents of the children of the school or the school (about 120 kids in grades up to 7th) did not have any funds to give them any kind of Christmas party.  So a plan was conceived to give each child a sack of candy and also some school supplies likes pencils etc and some jump ropes and a soccer ball at a Christmas party. So a date was set was set to get the plumbing fixed and then take the candy etc to the school and give it to the children.  We did not expect it to be any big deal but we were in for a surprise.

Since yesterday was the last Sunday before Christmas many churches big and small have colorful processions celebrating the birth of Jesus on this Sunday.

So early yesterday morning we went by bus and a truck called a mixto which is used for hauling things to a town called El Valle.  There we met some people associated with the school and we rented another truck and proceeded up a one lane pot hole filled road to the school.  The sky was blue the air was fresh as we climbed about 1500 feet above Cuenca to almost 10,000 feet.  The scenery along the way was breath taking and reminded us of being in the Swiss Alps.

After about 20 minutes we came upon a group of people who as it turned out were from the school and had walked over 2 miles to meet us and escort us back to the school.  Many people were in costume especially the children and we found out that this was to be the Christmas procession to the church which was also on the school grounds and they wanted us to be a part of it. We were not in the least expecting such a warm reception and felt honored and humbled that they wanted us to be a part of their cultural tradition.

So the procession got organized which included Mary on a horse a truck leading it with Christmas music playing, and we walked behind it down the hill stopping occasionally for other vehicles to pass.  A man occasionally would set off fireworks to announce our journey.  It was a joyous, heart warming and humbling experience to walk with these simple people through the beautiful land they lived in and lived on.  We saw crops they cultivated, animals the raised and fed and many very humble dwellings which they called home.  Since it rains a lot this time of year a sudden down pour would have surely put a damper on this procession but they sky remained blue with only a few clouds.

Upon arriving at the school which was set upon a hill nothing fancy just classrooms, a cocina (kitchen) and big plaza which served as a gathering place and also for volley ball and soccer.  At one end of the plaza was a small church higher upon a hill.

We went first to see the repaired cistern which the people proudly showed us and also how the water was flowing to the cocina and the bathrooms.

Then it was announced that before we handed out the candy and school supplies the children wanted to perform for us.  Over the next 20 minutes they had sack races and and two musical chair races one boys and one girls.  We laughed and cheered with all the parents and others watching the ninos.  There was music provided by some young men who brought in sound equipment and played all kinds of upbeat music including some rap and hip hop as well as traditional western Christmas music and Latin music like Feliz Navidad.

Then the children were all gathered hand in hand in a circle and they began to dance and go around and around, and to the delight of those watching and those of us who had quickly become children again ourselves, we joined in and has more fun then we probable have had for years.

Then we passed out the treats.  We did not have the children come to us.  We went to each one and gave them their sacks.  Each one sometimes shyly would thank us and give us those sweet smiles with those big black eyes that melted our hearts.

Then it was time for them to feed us.  We sat at the tables the children eat at and were served  a traditional Ecuadorian fare of chicken rice potatoes lettuce and surprise! roast guinea pig.  For drink we had good ole Coca Cola.

Of course the whole scene was some what unorganized and chaotic but it didnt matter.  What mattered was the love fellowship kindness and caring that we were surrounded with.

We wished we could stay and be kids again forever but we had to become adults again and do adult things, but for a few short hours we had an incredible experience which we will never forget.

Pictures of Our New Digs in Cuenca

This is the name of the street we have moved to.  It is centrally located one block south of the Tomebamba Rio.  This tile is on the wall of our compound.

The tile featured in the above photo is at the upper right corner of our wall.  The is the front view off the street.

This is the front yard, which Bill has big plans for.  He will make it bloom!

                                                        The front door.  Still have some moving items in the portico.

Looking straight in the front door.  You can see the little Christmas tree and part of the Angel Choir I do every Christmas.

This is the living room.  Notice the ornate ceiling.  It looks like the old 20th century tin ceiling, but it is made of plaster.  They still produce them today and use them liberally.

                                           Another view of the Living Room.

                                           Back of the living room looking toward the kitchen.

Staircase to the second floor, we have not hung any art in the staircase yet, it will require a ladder which we will have to borrow or acquire.   Below left is a view to the left of the staircase into the half bath on the first floor.

Just inside the kitchen at the back of the living room, looking into the dining room.

Galley kitchen which is my favorite, since the Adlon kitchen.  Some of you will remember that kitchen.

                                              Looking into the dining room from the kitchen. 

                          Dining Room looking toward the front of the house and the portico.  As
you can see my sewing machine is up and doing duty.  Thankful that I brought it.  I was doing curtains for the bedrooms.  Actually cutting some down that hung at Kennett Place, fabric I had bought in Paris.

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  On the left is the  Ella Mae Krozt Memorial Buffet, as we call it.   Ella Mae was a friend of Bill's mom  Catherine.  When she passed to her next adventure she left the buffet to us.     

Section of the rear terrace, we are completely compounded.  No back gate.

Another view of the back terrace.  The doorway leads to a separate servants quarters that I have appropriated for my art studio.

Reverse end of the terrace, just off the kitchen.

Ditto

Back door into kitchen.

Some of Bill's plants.

See Facebook for video clips of events we have enjoyed recently in Cuenca

It has been awhile since we blogged.  We have begun to post video clips on Facebook.  So you can check us out there.  Bill Keyes is the account to go to .  A couple of clips are from our recent Independence Day, November 3.  It was the celebration of 190 years of Independence from Spain.  Lots of music, fireworks, ice cream and fun.  There are two things that Ecuadorians love as much as their mothers:  Fireworks and Ice Cream.  Now you know we are still alive, well, having fun and enjoying retirement in Ecuador.  Ciao, Dean Keyes

Status of what we know is happening nationally in Ecuador

September 30, 2010  11:40 p.m.

As you may be aware a state of emergency was declared in Ecuador today due to a general strike by the police.  Most of the action occurred in Quito, the capital.  The police took over a barracks.  President Correa went to the barracks in an attempt to address their concerns about a new law that was just passed yesterday.  It quickly deteriorated and got out of hand.  President Correa got overcome by tear gas and retreated to a nearby hospital.  The police then stormed the hospital and held him hostage for approxiamately 12 hours.  He was rescued by an elite Army unit, unharmed.  

We learned midday today of the events going on in Quito.  Cuenca, our city has seen some businesses close early.  Many workers leaving to go home early.  The second shift of school was canceled and school tomorrow is canceled also.  We have not been affected.  We went to the supermarket late day today and to the home of some friends for dinner.  We walked about 10 minutes between our house and their house home.  We rode the bus to their house earlier.  So the airports in the major cities, which we are one of, remain closed.  But, we are fine and have food and water and plan to go to dinner with friends tomorrow night.  We will see what the day looks like tomorrow.  Thanks to many of you who have emailed personal messages of concern.  We are fine and will attempt to add to the news as we get it here.  





 

We are GREAT!! Just busy having FUN!!!!

I know it has been too long.  I am getting reminders from all of you in the States and even neighbors here in Cuenca.  We have been so busy.  Finally, four days before Stef, Deb and Carol arrived we got our container.  So we had to work like whirling dervishes to get the place pulled together with beds made and towels located.  But, that was good, so that the guests did not have to sleep on the floor.  A few days after their arrival we went with a group of 9 of us to the west coast of Ecuador to a ecolodge called Azuluna.  Check it out on their site.  We were near Puerto Lopez a small fishing village that is the jumping off location for seeing whales, blue footed boobie birds and generally eating some excellent seafood. After a very successful whale watch Dean and Will Lacy decided no more trips in small boats.  It was the sea sickness curse acting on them.  So they stayed behind while the rest of the group went to Isla de la Plata, which is considered the "poor man's Galapagos".  The whole trip was very fun and everyone enjoyed a good time.  We were gone for five days.  While Stef, et al were here we did lots of day trips, Banos for the bathes, museums, shopping, eating and generally enjoying one another.  They departed Ecuador at the end of July.  Since then we have finished getting unpacked and are starting to order furniture to replace the dining room set and the living sofa and chairs that were overage in the container.  So they got left on the "dock of the bay" in  San Diego.  We donated them to a thrift store.  Someone will get some good stuff.  This morning we are on the way to a "seconds" sale at the retail store of the Vega Pottery Factory.  So we are off.  I just wanted everyone to know we are well, happy, healthy and enjoying being retired.  Hugs to all.  Bill will publish some photos later so check back for pics.

Festival of Corpus Cristi and Fundacion Arenal

This week in Cuenca we are celebrating the festival of Corpus Cristi, which started on Thursday, June 3.   This varies each year depending on when Easter is.  The centro around the Cathedral is lined with white canopy tents that are filled with sweets, candies, cookies, lollipops and roses. We visited today and took lots of pictures, bought some goodies and have been sitting cross legged in bed drinking tea and enjoying the sweets while we edit the photos that we are going to share with you.  While we were downtown we also invested in a shoe shine, and we always have the children do our shines, you will see their photos, too. 

Another of our exploits is volunteering at an after school program that iscalled Fundacion Arenal.  The children 7-14 are from families whose parents work in a nearby market:  Fiere Libre.  The families are very poor and the students do not get a lot of help with homework from their parents.  So that is what the Fundacion provides.  So I am starting to teach sewing and Bill is taking photos for them.  They did not have any pictures of any of there students or the activities.  Other expats are helping students complete homework.  We work 1-2 days each week during the after school hours.  I am also being asked to teach the mothers how to use a sewing machine.  This is not a throw away society like the U.S.  So they mend clothes by hand.  The director is very excited that we might be able to teach the Moms how to mend on the sewing machine.  Bill is also going to do some building that needs to be taken care of in the building where the Latch Key type program is held.  So we have photos of the children and the school facility also.  

This is the sign outside the school facility.  This is walking distance from where we live.

Marlen is a charm girl.  The volunteer in the pink shirt is a teacher from Seattle on a sabbatical, she teaches Spanish in America.  She has been teaching at the University here and she and her husband and two daughters have just completed their year here.  After some travel in Ecuador they will return to Seattle.

One of the teachers at Fundacion Arenal

This young woman is a volunteer from Germany.  The Fundacion is originally funded by German volunteers wheo lived in Cuenca. This young woman is my translator for teaching the sewing classes.

One of the students. Children here are very happy and rarely pouty for a new toy.

Let's call him "old brown eyes".

The students get lots of one on one attention that they seem to thrive on.

Talk about a cutey pie

This young man's name is Jaime

A game of hoops in the courtyard.  You will see she is wearing a uniform sweater from her day school.

This is in the courtyard where the hoops are played.

The Ecuadorian children have beautiful smiles.

Hoops Continued!

She is setting with a tutor who is helping her do her homework.

Another beautiful smile!

This is Marlen the charm girl I mentioned earlier, check out the cutie behind her. The girl on the right is one of the teachers.

Is this one having fun????

They seemed to love getting their picture taken.  We will be taking these to the school this week when we go and putting them on a computer slide show so all the kids can see themselves.

Another charming smile!

Two friends enjoying themselves.

A happy child, check out the neat old ceiling above his head.

The amount of sweets is mind boggling.  Cookies, candies, lollipops in stall after stall.  When we asked when the Festival would end, the response was, when the candy is all gone.

The variety is not great, from stall to stall, it appears that each lady has baked and made things.  As you can see there is variety within each stall.

These pics are from the flower market near the Cathedral

Any elderly lady and probably her daughter selling candles outside the Cathedral

Carnation and roses in the flower market.

This lady sells plants, we bought a wonderful one from her yesterday.  She kept it for us, until we were ready to collect it and ride the bus home.

One of a pair of sisters who were enjoying the Festival with their mother.

One of the vendors selling goodies.

A trio of Univ of Oregon students who were here in Cuenca visiting.  We visited and asked what goodies they had bought, so we would know what we wanted to buy. It worked!

Milton Bradly has been here, too!

This young man was helping his mother sell goodies that she had made.

A mother daughter duo in one of the stalls selling goodies.

Talk about a charming smile!

This was momma, we had to work at making her smile, but as you can see it was worth it.

Children choosing goodies.

He is surrounded by goodies in his mothers stall.

She knows how to play for the camera.

The arcade in front of the Cathedral was packed with stalls of goodies.

Lollipops the Roses are around the corner in the flower market.

This lady works in the panederia that we frequent.  She knows us so it is easier to make her smile.  Yesterday she had Empanadas Pollo which is one of our favorites, we had them for dinner last night.

This is me coming out of the panederia with my empanadas pollo.

The street where the panederia is located, one block north of the cathedral, you can see it in the background.

These kiddos were not camera shy.

Puppy in Parque Calderon where we had our shoes shined.

This little guy is a big time entrepreneur, does a great shoe shine. His name is Carlos, we always look for him downtown when we want to have our shoes shined.  He does a great job.

We think this might be his sister.  She shined my red leather sandals yesterday for .30, but I gave her a .10 tip.

He is making change for her here, since I gave her a dollar coin.  He had made change for a five dollar bill earlier for Bill. They counted it out in English for us.  They were very proud of themselves.  We applauded loudly.

Parque Calderon the heart of the city. Beautiful park.

She was having too much FUN!

Lots of fun being had at the Festival of Corpus Christi

Goodbye for NOW!!!