Souvenir Photo Studio is now
re-opened. Book your
session now.
© All my work is COPYRIGHT protected and may not
be used in any way without purchase, or without my permission.
Welcome….. Please note that you may SUBSCRIBE
below to this Blog.
NOTE that you may click on any photo for
an ENLARGED VIEW.
Wednesday December 2, 2015
While going through the usual morning notices on GringoTree and GringoPost and Cuenca Highlife, there were reminders of 2 events that I thought would be interesting to attend, so I went to El Centro.
The first event was "Cuencanizate" put on by the City at Parque Calderon, asking expats to "Cuencanasize ourselves". As usual, we waited around for Mayor Cabrera to arrive. We could see that they were going to feed us "chancho" (roast pig) at the conclusion but we were unsure who would be speaking, other than the Mayor of course. Once the event finally got rolling, there were several speakers including the Chilean Consul, someone from the French Association, and the gringo Director of CEDEI (an organization that teaches languages).
Now I may be a silly old curmudgeon, but why would they have an event specifically for expats, 98% English-speaking, and then have the whole damn event in Spanish, without any translations???? Most of the expats that I saw in attendance certainly couldn't understand 30% of what was said.... They seem to think that food, balloons, pretty hostesses, and speeches are what we want to see..
They also handed out a Dictionary of Cuencano slang, also all in Spanish of course...
I doubt that any of today's efforts are going to have the desired effect,.. They just don't get it.
On a bright note, the lovely Christine Collins was in attendance, and she wrote a great book 2 years ago entitled "A Golden Girl's Guide To Retirement In Cuenca" that she got to present to the Mayor during today's ceremony.
The next event, a block away on Benigno Malo and Gran Colombia was for the opening of another iTur (Tourist information) office. I asked the iTur office on the opposite side of Parque Calderon if they were moving...?? They said "no, we are opening an additional office...". Again, we shake our heads at the obvious waste of money and effort in opening a second office just 2 short blocks away..
The good thing about this event is that some of the musical and visual entertainment was being provided by former St. Paul, Alberta residents Peter Dudar and Sally Marr. Peter is a sought-after classical musician. Both Peter and Sally are terrific photographers and accomplished artists. It was uncanny that I have some of the very same shots in my own portfolio.
Again, everybody was sitting around, waiting for the Mayor to arrive. The event finally started but I couldn't see the mayor in attendance so I just left.
We finally got the email notice that Cristina's new Visa has been approved and we have to show up at the Azogues Immigration office in 2 weeks to complete more paperwork and pay more money.
I hope you enjoy the photos. That was the day's
excitement, Cheers,
Al
 |
| Pretty girls with balloons... "Cuencanizate" |
 |
| A disappointing number of people showed up |
 |
| We knew that we were going to get fed roast pig later.. |
 |
| Catchy slogan... |
 |
| News people in attendance |
 |
| Even the pig was waiting for Mayor Cabrera |
 |
| The police band was playing loud music |
 |
| Couldn't resist the reflection shot in the shiny brass |
 |
| Trying to keep the food warm |
 |
| Chilean Consul + Mayor Cabrera |
 |
| The dignitaries in the front row |
 |
| Christine waiting to present her book |
 |
| Mayor Cabrera coming to the stage |
 |
| Christine presents her book, off-mic |
 |
| Mayor Cabrera seems fascinated with the book |
 |
| Time for the Mayoral address |
 |
| Construction did not stop for the event.... |
 |
| A balloon release |
 |
| Followed by blown confetti |
 |
| The giveaway dictionary of Cuencano slang |
 |
| I think that I will find good use for that second word... |
 |
| This photo is out of sequence |
 |
| Peter Dudar plays at the iTur office opening |
 |
| Some of Peter and Sally's photography on display |
 |
| Sally and Peter with one each of their works |
 |
| I spotted this couple practicing in a side room |
 |
| A captured candid moment |
 |
| The speeches begin, without the Mayor |
 |
| This sculpture used to be at City Hall... |
