Author: randy

Well if the last few posts seem like there a lot of celebrations in December you would be right. After Elena’s 50th celebration the next day is David’s birthday. Edwin took us all to Quito for all you can eat Sushi. Yes I was a little piggy, correction a big piggy. What can I say but you want to get your monies worth.

Daniela successfully organized a surprise birthday party for her mother. The Family showed up in force for the occasion. Daniela took her mom to town and everyone was waiting to greet her upon her return. I think she truly was not expecting the fiesta.

Hats of to all the party goers for putting on such a fine spread.

Happy mother and daughter!

Some of the family showed off their talent.

The local senior center had their annual Christmas lunch the other day. The Pallo Hidalgo family donated the food for all. Elena was also asked to come and give the prayer to start of the festivities. Some of the ladies presented me with a wonderful tree that they had crafted. It is made out of wire and beads with two indigenous figurines relaxing under the branches. Very beautiful, a wonderful gift. I was also given the honor of giving out the candy gifts to everyone. A good time was had by all. Lots of smiles and a great start to get that Christmas mood in gear.

Elena and two of her classmates gave a presentation by serving a holiday meal. Daniela, Mateo and I were invited along with their professors. Borigar watched and eventually made it inside with everyone. I don’t think he was given any of the delicious food but not sure for he is spoiled.

Friends of Elena who have a small company decided to have their company Christmas party at the Casa Kirei. All the decorations except for the Christmas tree were made by the family. Last year was really the first time the family decorated for Christmas.

They served a traditional Ecuadorian meal. It was a great success, so much so that the friends brought their group back for lunch the next day.

Well I haven’t been up to very much the last couple of weeks. Just hanging around the house. Now waiting to see how everyone reacts to the new covid stuff. I hope it doesn’t get crazy. Still hoping Peru is a go in March but I am not holding my breath.

Last Sunday the family celebrated Kalel’s 6th birthday. It was a nice afternoon. I took the young ones for a little motorcycle ride. Actually twice, after we got back the first time they wanted to go again.

Below is Rosario and her children. Ricardo, Pablo, Patricia and Elena.

Thanksgiving of course is a US holiday. This year we smoked some salmon and fried some up for the feast. First time for most having the smoked salmon. All seemed to enjoy it. Came out pretty good.

I have been lazy on the bike but am going to jump back into it. Daniela and I went around Ilalo the other day and up hill kicked my butt. Pablo took us for a little road trip in his new car and dinner on a Sunday afternoon. It was a nice drive with good company and a beautiful sunset.

Here is a funny little story. A while back when we were in Moras I agreed to buy a nativity scene from a family friend for 150 dollars. He had carved it and just needed to do the finish. Well he said it was done so we headed up to get it. It is 3 hours one way. When we arrived he said that his daughter told him he wasn’t asking enough and now wanted 400 dollars. By the time we left it was down to 200 dollars but by then I had lost interest. So the following week I made my own as a gift to the family for Christmas. And here it is. I have to admit it makes me smile and I saved $148.50 .

I hope everyone is doing well and looking forward to Christmas!

Ya’all take care now.

We all celebrated Mateo’s 22nd birthday Saturday night. Good food, good music, good people, equals good time! Feliz Cumpleanos!!!

After the hike around the crater we were pleasantly surprised that Rosario (Daniela’s Grandmother) and Rodrigo decided to take a drive and met us in Quilotoa. We had lunch then headed for the Turkish bath. Later we had a wonderful supper. On Tuesday we headed home on a road they had not been on before. It was the same route as Daniela and I took Saturday but it was dark and foggy then so it was new to us also. Very nice country and nice ending to a great weekend.

Quilotoa is a small village that is popular with foreign tourists and Ecuadorians alike. It costs Two dollars per person to enter the village. There are many restaurants and vendors selling souvenirs. You can check out the lake from the viewpoint. There is a trail down to the lake where you can rent a kayak or take a boat ride. We hiked the trail around the rim of the volcano gazing at the scenery. It’s a four to six hour hike depending on how fast you want to go. Beautiful!

Ecuador does not celebrate Halloween in the way the United States does. The Indigenous population goes to the cemetery and spend the day with their family and relatives honoring the deceased. This year it worked out to be a five day weekend. There had been protests the week prior but the protests were put on hold until the holiday was over.

Daniela had a long weekend and asked if I wanted to go to the mountains for a couple of days. Off we went to a lodge in the village of Chugchilan. We arrived Saturday evening and Sunday morning headed off on a bike ride. Two local chaps let us tag along which was great for Daniela learned much about the local area. The very start of the ride was a long steep hill that kicked my behind right off the bat.

After reaching the top we entered into a cloud forest then had a long decent to the highway. It was steep and long so you had to manage your brakes not to over heat them. I mistakenly thought that we would be near the lodge when we hit the highway but it was another 12k up hill. In total the ride was almost 31k. The weather was perfect. That afternoon the Turkish bath at the lodge felt wonderful.