Daily doings

We began private Spanish lessons with the teacher (Nancy, a native Ecuadorian) at our home.  The first day lasted almost 3 hours.  I was totally brain dead when she left.  We decided to only do one hour each time.  She will come 3 times per week and work with one of us each time.  I've learned a lot, now only if I could remember what to say at the right time.  

Went to the market, Feria Libre, again for more veggies and fruits.  Only spent 1/2 hour or so this time.  Not quite so overwhelming.

We leave on Friday the 4th of July to visit friends in Punta Carnero, on the coast'
We are staying at their B&B - looks awesome.  Check out their website:
http://www.laspalmasdelmar.com

Dinner with friends we met on the internet - Henry and Roxanne.  He is a Respiratory Therapist and she is a 'gringo' hair stylist.  I have an appointment with her on Friday.

On Thursday afternoon we hired our driver for 3 hours to take us to some places of interest and to act as interpreter, if needed.
The highlight of that trip was to the studios of Edwardo Vego.

By Dena Haines GRINGOS ABROAD

I love the work of Eduardo Vega.  He is a famous ceramic artist who lives and works in Cuenca.

His shop is right next to his house in Turi, a tourist look off location which overlooks the whole city of Cuenca.  It’s near the top of the hill, on the right hand side going up.  You can park (or get a taxi to drop you off) at the top by the look off point and walk back down the hill (about 2 minutes) and it will be the first house you come to on the left.

He makes a wide range of beautiful and useful pieces. A visit to his shop is kind of like visiting an art gallery and shopping for home decor at the same time.  So even if you don’t end up buying anything (which is not very likely) you’ll be happy you made the trip.  You can even watch the work taking place from a glass viewing window which overlooks the process.

Entrance into the Eduardo Vega gallery from the main road in Turi.

View of Cuenca from Vega’s Gallery.

My mug and coaster from the Vega Gallery.

Vegas work is very high quality.  I have a mug/coaster and a decorative wall platter (thanks mom!) that I’m very happy with.  I purchased some ceramic “look-a-like Vega” mugs, in Cuenca’s city center, which haven’t held up as well as his.  It’s worth it to pay a bit more for the real thing.

His work is inspired by the people, animals and landscape of Ecuador.  You’ll see peaces with beautiful hummingbirds, animals of the Galapagos, beach and Andean inspired landscapes, fish, owls and Ecuadorians in their traditional dress.

If you are just here on a visit, something from Vega's shop would make a wonderful souvenir, they wrap it up ready for travel.  Or if you live here, his work will add beauty and a little touch of culture to your home.  It’s also a great place to take visitors.

On Friday I had my hair and nails done in preparation for our dinner to celebrate Bob's birthday.  We enjoyed a very International cuisine with an Ecuadorian flair.  Food was outstanding as was the service.  10 small dishes of sauces and dips were brought to our table and our server explained each one and how/when to use them.  

For desert we split a cake presented on a plate decorated with fruit sauces - beautiful presentation:

Woman as she decorates plates

It was a 2 hour meal with live music - when we went to leave they asked if they could call us a cab - how nice!  I think Bob really enjoyed his birthday dinner.