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Wednesday April 16, 2014
Two main things on the agenda today.
Firstly I joined 4 other Hearts Of Gold volunteers and we went out to scout a couple of facilities for our proposed Barn Dance & Barbeque on July 5/14. Mark your calendars if you plan to be in the area on that date because it should be a rip-roaring good time.
The first venue we looked at was Caballo Campana, on the southwest edge of Cuenca, almost at Banos. I think we were all mightily impressed with this venue, the size, the amenities, and the wide-open possibilities. Since we are planning a family event, the wide open spaces here give us so many options, including our own fireworks. Heck, even horseback riding would be included! This place can hold 900 people so we wouldn't have to restrict our ticket sales.
Trying to keep our focus on restricting expenses to maximize the money raised for charity is always difficult. Many things sound like fun but they won't necessarily translate into dollars for the Foundation.
The next place we saw was Estancia El Rosario behind the Hospital Del Rio which has better access by local buses but minimal parking. It is easy walking distance from my home too. But the main downsides here are that it would struggle to hold 300 people and we would have to expend mucho dinero to tent an open area to contain activities for children. Hopefully we will get to see another venue or two before making out final decision and hopefully can negotiate a mutually beneficial deal.
The heavens opened on us upon arrival at this second location so we got pretty soaked in the process. Due to the proposed early evening timing for this event we must consider options for rainy weather.
I then had to make it downtown for a 6pm meeting of Coopera investors again with the Assembleista Oswaldo Larriva who is chairing a Government committee tasked with investigating the botched Liquidation. There was a tense moment when one of the lawyers threatened to walk out with most of his supporters just because he wasn't granted a seat at the small head table on the dais. Somehow they soothed his enormous ego and he got ample opportunity to speak as well.
It is always boring for us to listen to the entire proceedings in Spanish and only catch the gist of maybe 20% of it but we continue to provide an Expat presence anyway. There were about 6 of us this time at least. Everyone seemed very excited that Mr Larriva indicated that he would be opening a commission to investigate our documented allegations into all the wrongdoings. This is a big step that could speed up the Government's willingness to pay everyone so that much of their skulduggery can remain hidden. Time will tell.
Hope you enjoy the photos. That was the day's excitement, Cheers, Al
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| This place was a very pleasant surprise |
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| It is just on the mountain before you reach Banos |
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| There are many buildings on this 78 acre parcel |
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| Well kept grounds and pleasant surroundings |
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| And you can ride horses here |
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| Lots of space and greenery |
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| This is the horse arena converted to a convention center |
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| This is the view from the terrace with areas we can use |
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| The place is huge, rustic, and more than adequate |
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| Loads of room for a big crowd and a Barn Dance |
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| The Estancia El Rosario was much more cramped |
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| It has possibilities for other events though |
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| The rain caught us. The Hospital Del Rio is to the left rear. |
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| Another Coopera meeting with 2 new faces on the dais |
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| A good crowd came to find out what is happening |
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| Tense moments as a lawyer has a snit |
