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Showing posts from February, 2015

An evening out....

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We were invited out to celebrate the birthday of a good friend and last night was the event. We had never been to the restaurant, Goda, but had been told it was good. Well, it was better than that! Food, service, ambiance, great price - our new spot to take out of town visitors (if they ever come visit us). It's affiliated with the El Dorado Hotel. The address is Gran Colombia 7-87 y Luis Cordero, Cuenca, Ecuador.  [warning - photo intensive blog] Here are some photos of our celebration - HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Pat! THE PEOPLE: THE FOOD: THE DESSERTS: THE RESTAURANT: THE MAGAZINE: Even our waiter got his photo taken with Zero Latitude magazine! We just left our review on TripAdvisor ...we will be back! Ciao for now!

The rest of February....

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I know, late again. But really, it's been an extraordinarily BUSY month. Honest! Here is a bit of a photo journey to prove it... Stu went to Florida for his retired Firefighter reunion. Stu stopped in to see my brother & his wife before heading to Key Largo for some scuba diving. While he was gone, I got sick but was finally well enough to attend a Newcomer luncheon at Don Colon's Restaurant. I had to visit Mall del Rio to pay our Internet, Telephone & Health Insurance. While there I finally got a good photo of this tag on a sweatshirt. Valentine's Day brought flowers to almost every street corner. Stu arrived home on Valentine's Day with this beautiful bouquet. We met up with some motorcycle friends as well as a local, great lunch at Don Colon's. Our favorite 2-story artisan shop is closed for renovations so many of them have set up shop alongside the cathedral, opposite Don Colon's. More artisans.... Another meet

Feliz Fiestas (Carnaval & Valentine's Day)

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Not that Ecuador ever needs a reason for celebration, but today, Feb 14th, we have two! First is the one most Americans know, Valentine's Day. They do celebrate it here in Ecuador as well, it's called Feliz día de San Valentín. And since the country is known for its flowers, well, you can just imagine. I walked to our local grocery store and there were several folks set up to sell flowers by the bouquet or a more formal arrangement. But at the same time the locals are celebrating Carnaval and the same folks selling flowers are probably selling cans of spray foam. Water balloons, water soaker sprayers and cans of foam are the weapons and anyone out on the streets (especially in El Centro) is at their mercy. So what can you do? Simple. Stay home or join in as my good friends, mother & daughter Pat & Dale did. Banks and government offices are closed until Wednesday and many other local businesses will close on Monday and Tuesday, although many workers ha

Spices in Spanish

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morguefile.com A friend here in Ecuador recently published a link to a page that listed the names of common spices in English and Spanish. I remember our first shopping trip when I was trying to find just salt and pepper, then some cinnamon and cloves. So here it is for anyone who can use it! Allspice / Pimienta Gorda Anise / Anís Basil / Albahaca Bay Leaves / Laurel Black pepper / Pimienta Negra Capers / Alcaparra Caraway / Alcaravea Chamomile / Manzanilla Chervil / Cerafolio Chives / Cebolleta Cinnamon / Canela Cardamom / Cardamomo Cloves / Clavo Comfrey / Confrey Coriander / Cilantro Cumin / Comino Dill / Eneldo Fennel / Hinojo Garlic / Ajo Ginger / Jengibre Marjoram / Mejorano Mustard / Mostaza Nutmeg / Nuez Moscada Onion / Cebolla Oregano / Orégano Paprika / Pimentón Parsley / Perejil Peppermint / Menta Poppyseed / Adormidera Rosemary / Romero Saffron / Azafrán Sage / Salvia Savory / Saturega Sesame Seed / Ajonjolí Spearmint / Yerba Buena

Where in the world is...?

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I know, I should have blogged before now but it's been a bit hectic. Stu headed to the states on Feb 2nd and I've been swamped with meet 'n greets! Oh, and of course the day to day stuff - doing laundry, paying bills, answering emails, starting a writers group, getting a haircut, trying to get a mani-pedi. Hey, I even started a short story for another benefit anthology. Still another 8k or so words but at least I'm writing! Stu did have a great time at his annual Florida Retired Firefighter reunion, then spent some time with my brother and his wife and is now in Key Largo scuba diving. Life is tough...LOL! Here are a few photos of the past two weeks.... Selfie taken in taxicab of new haircut Stu snapped a great shot of our big hummingbird visitor My brother, Kendall, Stu and Kendall's wife, Marie Enjoying drinks and burgers at Burp's in Florida Selfie taken in taxicab while trying to get a photo of tiendas selling foam and stuff for Carna