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Wednesday March 26, 2014
This morning I made my way over to the new offices of hearts Of Gold on Primero de Mayo and Las Americas. I had to turn in some paperwork for government approval, etc. and got to meet briefly with the new Director, 26-year-old Johana Vaca, and the founders Richard & Sheryle Verkley. Soon I will be involved again with two upcoming events, more on that later...
I was so busy I forgot to take photos of the new offices which are extremely functional and handy for the founders, having 3 organizations under one roof, a stone's throw from their residence.
I had heard many raves about the sweets shoppe next door called Popacucha, which happens to be run by the HoG Assistant Volunteer Coordinator, Michelle, so I just had to check it out! I could not make up my mind so I had an apple strudel (to die for!) and a caramel cloud something-or-other cake (the palate loved this..) and a coffee for $6.50. A return to this place after every HoG meeting is definitely in the cards.
Crossing the Rio Yanuncay I spotted a couple of ladies doing laundry the old-fashioned way. That sure is a lovely area.
I continued on all the way to the bridge over the Rio Tomebamba, stopping at every bike store/shop on the way, trying to get a feel for availability and pricing. There are tons of Chinese-made bikes for sale, very cheap generally, but we have been warned not to bother with them, the quality is pretty poor, even though they look pretty good. A 250cc bike is available for $1,700 so it is pretty easy to be taken in. Hondas are about double the price but come with a 2-year warranty. Yamahas have a 1-year warranty. My wish list is a powerful scooter that could take me into the mountains without all the boot-toe shifting. It doesn't look promising.
The Feria Libre market is huge on fresh meat and produce Wednesdays, with the parking lot full of open booths.
On arrival at home I busied myself trying to make an optometrist appointment as well as an insurance appointment. Locals don't generally carry any house insurance but an earthquake 50 miles away has me wanting to check prices. I let my prior insurance lapse in early March because of overpricing and poor service.
Hope you enjoy the photos. That was the day's excitement, Cheers, Al  |
| Popacuchu Cafe y Pasteleria is next to hearts Of Gold |
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| I loved this swag collection |
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| I will definitely be back for apple strudel again |
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| This cloud creation tickled the taste buds |
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| Washing clothes the old-fashioned way |
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| The Yanuncay is running pretty high |
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| The big black bike right of center looks like an old wartime Harley |
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| Feria Libre parking lot is crammed with booths on Wednesdays |
