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Saturday December 24, 2016
Cristina's son, Christian, made it here by bus at about 4:30am on Friday. Then the two of them needed to be in Guayaquil around 7pm to pick up her niece, Ana, from the plane. Rather than them fighting for buses and taxis, I decided at the last minute to get them a driver for door-to-door service. It was fortunate that Peter was able to hook us up with Eddy. Cristina was furious at me for spending the extra money but she was pretty happy to be back home by 11:30pm, with her family, in style.
I managed to contact my son and all my brothers and sisters by NetTalk to wish them all the best. I am amazed at all the medical problems that have cropped up for many of them as well. It was also very tough to realize that, for the first time, I would be unable to call our dear Mother for Christmas. Many tears over the many calls.
Today is one of my favourite days of the year because it is the day of the huge Pase Del Nino parade, which runs usually from 10am to 6pm, with a parade of non-stop children interspersed with dancers, bands, animals, floats, etc. It was extremely tough for me to have to sit this one out. There is just no way I could have lasted on my feet for any length of time trying to handle the big camera.
Cristina, Christian and Ana went in my stead with the Lumix and the photos below are untouched jpeg's direct from the camera, just resized. Thank you to them for doing this for me. I will work on the RAW photos at a later time.
Christian also took a short video of some dancers for us:
https://youtu.be/6uMP3F0k6Rg
By the time they left home it was almost 3pm so that did not leave them much time at the parade because they had another errand to run for me by 5pm. I had contracted with Melissa to make me 2 tourtieres, French-Canadian meat pies that are a big tradition with our family. And Melissa did not disappoint. The pies were large and meaty and absolutely delicious. Over my wife's objections, but keeping with tradition, I slathered mine copiously with butter and salt and pepper. Delicious!!!
So, again, MERRY CHRISTMAS, and all the best wishes for health and prosperity for 2017 and beyond, from all of us to all of you. Huge hugs.
I hope you enjoy the photos. That was the day's excitement. Cheers, Al
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