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Thursday May 14, 2015
This was an interesting day beginning with the second installment of Spanish classes, sponsored by the City of Cuenca and Hearts Of Gold. It is supposed to be a beginner-style class in several areas of the city and this one is within walking distance of my home so, as long as I wasn't taking up a spot from someone more needy, I thought that I would go along and see what happens.
The program is run by warm local volunteers, without a curriculum or serious plan of any kind. The attrition rate from the first class is already 50%. Literally there are 6 gringos left, being helped by 3 Ecuadorians. 2 of us have some language skills and we seem to be facilitators, even more than the Ecuadorians. The other 4 seem to be beginner level with only an inkling of even how to pronounce the alphabet in Spanish. One of the facilitators sells Herbalife and her whole purpose seemed to be to want to drag everyone to her place to sample her wares. I brought a bunch of material to help out the folks that really need help with Spanish, and plan to bring more next Tuesday. We did a little walk to the local church and then went to the Herbalife lady's place.
Then in the early afternoon there was an editorial meeting for the new Zero magazine started by Sara Coppler. I had been invited to attend a few days before and did not decide until yesterday that I would go. Curiosity got the best of me as to whether this would actually be a potential source of income or just another avenue for exposure with probably a lot more unheralded work. They are preparing for their third issue scheduled to hit newsstands in late June. Since I am leaving for Canada in 10 days I probably won't be much help for them at this stage.
Sara has a neat apartment just behind the Immaculate Conception cathedral and a spectacular view from the terrace. She also has had some interesting mural work painted up there.
I hope you enjoy the photos. That was the day's excitement, Cheers, Al
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| Santa Teresa De Jesus is under renovation |
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| The main crucifix is the best feature |
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| Our Spanish class on a field trip |
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| Our Spanish class is greatly reduced |
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| Great painting on someone's gate |
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| Walking toward the Hospital IESS |
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| Ursula returning a ball to kindergarten kids |
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| The magnificent view from Sarah's terrace |
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| This is a view anyone would enjoy every day |
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| A little mural work on the terrace |
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| and more in another corner |
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| Franny giving some thoughts about Zero Magazine |
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| Sara is watching |
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| Sara is giving some of her dreams on the purpose and content |
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| Many talented writers in attendance |
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| A poster of the first edition |
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| The cover of the second edition |
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| A girl being a monkey in the Glorieta at Parque Calderon |
