Finalmente ... de Sharon (Finally ... from Sharon)

 

Hola amigos!

Finally, you will hear from me. I admit I have been neglectful with our blog, relying on Ken to keep you all up to date.

 For awhile I was feeling odd and almost a little fearful about getting back to activities like going to the gym, hiking, exploring Loja streets, enjoying cafes, going to concerts and getting together with people. It felt almost surreal, unnatural and my trepidation was so uncharacteristically strange that I truly was 'beside myself'. I was quite content to stay indoors. I was timid to get out and be the Sharon who I knew. The person who always 'Just Did It '. I have learned a lot about myself over these many months of being isolated in a foreign country.  I have learned to be more patient with myself. I accept my fears, inabilities and even more importantly, I no longer feel I must accomplish things and complete goals all the time. Embracing the emotions and traits that I used to push aside has become a good thing for me. Learning about oneself during these tumultuous times has been fascinating, yes? verdad? 

So, all of those activities I listed above are being done safely, with masks and mostly outdoors. Booster shots are now being administered in Ecuador. Ken got his awhile ago, I get mine tomorrow! And even though social distancing and masks remain mandatory, life here feels almost normal. Yes, our normal has changed and will continue to change. I have finally accepted this. I am embracing it.

On to what I have been doing... Finalmente...

                                                

            Certainly our new family additions, Nora and Nicolas, have been great distractions. Nora was prepared to join me on a 3 day hike to Cerro de Arcos in the province of El Oro, west of Loja. I left at 4 in the morning with 5 other hikers to catch a bus to a pueblito, a little town, called Manu. We began our 7 hour assent to 3,700 meters to what could be described as Ecuador's Stonehenge:  natural rock formations that stood tall with caves and vistas that filled one with awe.            

    I was glad it was not a hot sunny day when we set out from Manu. My pack was just too heavy and I suffered for it. I learned a lot of lessons on this hike. Specifically, ask more questions so you receive all the necessary details. The communications were all in Spanish though, so I struggled. But, you all know, I'm a trooper and I managed to keep up (somewhat) with the 20 and 30 year olds I was with. One of the fellows took pity and carried my sleeping bag for the three days.

 

After all sorts of weather conditions, this lovely lodge loomed in the distance where we stopped to have the best cup of hot chocolate ever! This is Refugio Cerro de Arcos, an hours hike from Cerro de Arcos where we were to camp. The interior was spectacular, built around natural rock formations. 

     It was built over 4 years with volunteers that led to helping support local youth and families in poverty. There are small cabins on the property as well as this lodge with warm, inviting rooms and an Italian restaurant. I found myself thinking, "Let's stay here!" rather than sleeping in a tent. At this point I was  wondering why I had so quickly agreed to this hike since I couldn't remember the last time I had slept in a tent!  But I did have a good time....

This was one of the spectacular views from our tent. The top photo on this page is a morning view as the sun rose. We actually set up our tent in a cave. Yes, it was cold. Did we sleep? No. I learned that my camping days are in the past no matter how much I like the people I am sharing a tent with.

The people I was sharing a tent with. Young, full of energy but truly supportive and caring. I am lucky to have met them. They have become good friends and great hiking partners. Their plan is to hike Cotopaxi this April, the best known volcano in Ecuador, at 5897 meters at the peak, and they want me to join them. Hmm. I'm still pondering. 

We ended our adventure in a city called Zaruma. Pictured above with the mayor of the city. We arrived just as the city was celebrating Independence Day. This city is southwest of Machala and I simple loved it! It is an old gold mining town and is known as the 'magical town' with all it's hilly streets and old architecture. It had been chosen as a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage Site. I tasted the famous tigrillo, a common dish in Ecuador that had first been created in this city. It is a filling plate of mashed green bananas, scrambled eggs and local cheeses. Yum! In this photo we are sampling a special drink that is quite potent with a local liquor that was perfect to end our final day of hiking. Sadly, however, this December, 2 weeks ago, a horrific, deadly sinkhole occurred in the center of this beautiful city killing and injuring many people and forcing 300 to evacuate. Roads were damaged, two heritage homes destroyed, and all of this destruction was a consequence of illegal mining. 

One of my other hiking partners, Marion, from France and two of her dogs. Marion became one of my first friends in Loja. She has been living in Ecuador for a few years teaching French. We were exploring an area just outside of Loja city. 

Here are a few of the Vilcabamba hikers. I hike with this group most Thursdays. We explore the trails and mountains in the Vilcabamba area which is a 45 minute drive south of Loja.

One of the many attractive moths that we see on route while hiking. This area is full of moths and butterflies of all sizes and colours. This particular one (which actually had many shades of blue) had chosen to rest on a fellow hikers' leg while we had stopped for our lunch break.

Another vista of the spectacular mountains and a private property hidden below.

So, my favourite outdoor activity in this glorious country is hiking. I finally found a hike I can do by myself, safely, in Loja, that is similar to the famous Grouse Grind in North Vancouver. But, it has many different routes throughout the 90 hectare reserve and it never closes due to snow!

 I also amuse myself with fitness. I am currently teaching a basic yoga class at the gym I belong to. It is a small class, thank goodness, as I do teach it in Spanish. What?! I crazily volunteered to teach it, (what?!) I don't know what I was thinking, my Spanish is not fluid. I have to pause and think a lot. But I persevere and I am no longer nervous beforehand. In fact, the students are enjoying hearing some English directions interspersed with my Spanish... Espanglish! 

I teach indoor cycling, strength training and yoga online too! If any of you want to try a class, let me know. This is a wonderful way for me to keep in touch with former clients and friends from Canada and the USA. The other day, I was caught complaining about how I continuously had to put on sunscreen everyday. My fitness client, who is living in Richmond, B.C., quickly informed me of the weather conditions many Canadians are experiencing these days. I apologized with an, "Ups" which is "oops" in espanol. 

Other faux pas: I was at the vets awhile back and taking advantage of speaking Spanish to those in the waiting room, when I asked a woman, "How many assholes does your dog have?" My friend, who was with me, burst out laughing (which didn't help my ego) and translated to the woman in correct Spanish. What I really had meant to ask was, "Cuantos anos tiene su perro?" There is only a tiny difference in pronunciation with the words 'year' and 'ass'. I wanted to know how old her dog was. I have not made that mistake since, I actually avoid the word anos all together.

The other day, Ken asked a blind man, who was waiting to cross the road, "Necesito ayudar?" translated:  "Do I need help?" The blind man politely answered "si". And, the blind man helped Ken cross the road. 

              Indoor Cycling classes anyone? Customized to your level and pace!

                   Until next time, take care of yourself and your loved ones.

 Cuidate y Feliz (Ano) Nuevo!

                                                                                                                                              

Tough Times

It has been a rough few weeks for our household lately but I thought it would be cathartic to get to work on the Blog after a long absence. I am sure most of you know that Dylan, our beloved companion of eleven years, passed away just over a month ago. We have now lost both of the pets that we brought with us to Ecuador nearly two years ago. I am at a loss to express just how much this has affected me.

I have to admit I was not prepared, and I should have been. But these things creep up on us while we are making other plans. Just another lesson that life tries to teach us and which we too often ignore. To live in the moment as much as possible. The past is gone, the future is unknowable, the present is all that is real. If we pay attention today, tomorrow we will have memories to sustain us. Every day and in every way I am reminded of how much Dylan made life better for us, and for me in particular. I can only regret the number of days I forgot to take note, and now am poorer for it.

So for those of you who have pets, take a moment to reflect on how they live life. For them there is no future, just now. And no person more important than you. I promise myself to do better if there is a next time. But for now I am left thinking I have lost the best.

   Luckily for us we have been very busy and, thankfully, able to somewhat distract ourselves from our sad news. The annual Loja Arts Festival was up and running once again this year so we were able to lift our spirits a bit by going to numerous plays, concerts, and dance recitals over a twelve day span.

   

   There were acts from all over South America and thanks to the people of Loja being diligent with masking etc. there are very few Covid cases here, so all of the events were very well attended  and received.

A number of colorful new murals livened up building walls in the El Centro area and the streets were alive with street performers and children's entertainment. All in all a very successful festival. I am already looking forward to next year which will be even more enjoyable because my Spanish will be better. It will be, I promise!

  In addition to all that, I began to have some eye problems and spent sometime investigating what the problem was. That entailed a trip to Cuenca to visit a specialist. Once again I was impressed with the speed at which things got done and the quality of the health care at a  relatively minor cost. At any rate it turns out I have age-related macular degeneration and need to be more careful about a lot of things in the future. My mother was stricken with this back in the day when there was no treatment. Thankfully now, if I continue to eat better, maintain my every day walking routine, take some specialized vitamins, and protect my eyes from the sun at all times I should be able to avoid the worst aspects of this condition. The last means, I am about to be the Roy Orbison of Loja from now on. Sunglasses at all times. And no apologies for being cool!

   So, even amidst what has been a bad time, we continue to enjoy Loja, Ecuador and everything our gracious hosts do for us every day. Despite the real world crashing our party occasionally, we continue to learn our lessons and try to enjoy what life offers us. Hope you all are doing the same. Pay attention to today. Tomorrow will never be what you expect. And remember, there are no do-overs!