Banos de Agua Santa

                                          Banos de Agua Santa                           August  5-9, 2012

Our 9:40am Sunday bus left Cuenca’s Terminal Terrestre for the 7 hour pilgrimage to Ambato. Another bus would take us the last hour’s ride into Banos . Yes, the cross country buses still cost a dollar an hour. We reserved seats 3 and 4, right behind the driver to allow personal space and room for our bags and back packs. Since this was my first long distance drive through the Andes toward Quito, I enjoyed the views between snacks. The driver took a 40 minute lunch near Pallatanga, so we arrived at Ambato at nearly 5 pm.

Wanting to arrive before dark, we splurged for a $15 dollar taxi ride directly to Banos’ Chimenea  Hostel.  After a brief visit to the roof top terrace for the waterfall view and city orientation, we strolled past the park to Pappardelle Italian restaurant for a welcoming meal. Sue wanted pasta to accompany her meal, so we devoured three entres, narrowing avoiding an evening food coma.

The lava stone Cathedral at the edge of the park included a small tourist center in one corner. We studied our complementary map for our day’s plan. We must visit the Rio de Cascadas immediately in the sunshine. And nearby Puyo is the gateway to the Oriente. Treking into streamy jungles may have to wait until my back is fully recovered.

The taxista waiting at the park was our divine appointment. Adolfo spoke some English and was an excellent tour guide. We enjoyed each of the many waterfall views, feet firmly on the ground, while the more adventurous folk flew through the air on wire lifelines. The final and most impressive waterfall, Pailon de Diablo, required a couple kilometer steep hike. This reminded us of our annual retreats and favorite trails near Banner Elk/Boone, NC.

We continued to Puyo and the Oriente, passing through Shell, where missionaries Jim Elliot, Nate Saint and three others were speared into eternity by the Auca Indians in 1956. Headhunting is no longer practiced and is illegal in Ecuador. We visited a bird sacntuary and enjoyed observing the mono (monkey) skurrying among the branches overhead.

Swiss Bistro completed our day with a well presented tilapia for Sue and beef stroganoff for me.
Helado (ice cream) cones prepared us for a good nights sleep. We also recommend Hood Cafe and Pappardelle.

Early the next morning, we shocked our bodies for an hour in the cedar box-like enclosed steam bath, accentuated with breaks every ten minutes for the sweetly sadistic attendant to swamp us with ice cold water. Is that what “Agua Santa” (holy water) is about?

Banos beckoned us to further exploration, so we rented a go cart. There are sports shops on nearly every street, but we failed to get a recommendation at the hotel. So our adventure was enhanced by a cart with a faulty muffler and wobbly mirrors. Flying blind was a bit unnerving six inches off the ground.

Banos has several hot spring water parks. The municipal pool at the foot of the cascading waterfall at the edge of downtown is only two dollars, but was very crowded. Several other spas range from five dollars upward. Many include various optional massages, skin/facial treatments and assorted pamperings. Once again we opted for shock and awe with a deliciously painful reflexology and another half hour of back/neck/leg massage.

Every morning we wandered two blocks to the local enclosed Mercado for two large mixed cocktails of fruit and veggies blended before our drooling mouths. We shared orange juice/alfalfa/carrot and guayabana/coconut/mora smoothies prepared by smiling ladies. A buck each.

           Future Trip ideas:

1.       Buy your bus tickets the day before you trip to reserve seats (reserve must be within 24 hours of departure).

2.       Chat with your taxista before engaging him. English speakers will enhance your trip with local history and suggestions. And get a set price. $15-16 dollars from Ambato to Banos; nine dollars an hour for tours. Prices vary widely if you do not know the going price. Tips are optional.

3.       Obtain recommendations for restaurants, tours, rentals for hotel staff. They love to help!

4.       Visit your room and test your bed. Our first room was a walk to the fourth floor, so we opted for the second floor. Our bed was good, but too hard. There are many hotels and hostels in all price ranges in Banos.

5.       Be aware of Ecuadoran holidays. We left a day early to avoid Diez de Augusto (Independence Day).

6.       Hot water or internet may be slow during peak hours. Find out when the English speaker’s hours are.

                                       Banos de Agua Santa, we shall return.

You spoiled us, but there is more to discover in your mile high temperate climate and welcoming citizens.          

                                    Rejoicing,

                                              Gary & Sue

Enjoy the rest of the pictures:

A public nap!

Three Lovely Sisters

It was a little over two years ago, Gary and I took our adventure to this beautiful city, Cuenca.  Through a series of referrals, we met some new friends who helped us when we arrived.  One of the referrals led us to stay at Hotel Inca Real located on General Torres, two blocks from Parque de Calderon.  During our 10 night stay, we not only enjoyed the hotel’s surroundings, but quickly became friends with the hotel’s staff and general manager, Tania Sarmiento.  Little did I know we’d become lifelong friends.

So, it’s my privilege to share the story of her family – especially the 3 sisters, who all have ended up in hotel and restaurant businesses.  They were featured in a magazine published by El Tiempo.  The article tells about their father, Segundo renovating the family home 20 years ago, making it the first colonial mansion to become a hotel.

Tania, the oldest daughter of three, had already studied clinical psychology at the university.  Upon   completion of the renovation, she left her career and began to work in tourism, a foreign and completely different area for her.  Little did she know at the time, but this was her niche!  And in these past 20 years, she has indeed, blossomed in this marvelous industry.

One year later, following the opening of Hotel Inca Real, Karina, the second eldest followed in the family theme and opened her restaurant located in the Caja National Park, called “Dos Chorreras.”  Now it is not only a restaurant, but a luxurious lodge nestled in the beautiful mountains.

Priscilla, the youngest of the daughters, decided to be the caboose of this business train and went to the university, specifically to study tourism.  After her graduation 15 years ago, she began a successful catering business called “Casa Real.” 

And five years from Priscilla’s opening of her business, the sisters’ parents decided to change the family farm to an event center for wedding or conventions.  The place is “Jardines de San Joaquin” with the ability to seat 500 persons.

The latest project of the family was in November of 2011 when Priscilla opened a new, full service restaurant, “La Pergola.”

That leaves an interesting question:  “What are the husbands of these beautiful sisters doing?”  Just so happens that they have been totally involved with every family project, and the couples all work in their businesses together. 

Is that all?

No, ALL the older children of the sisters, now work in the family businesses as well.

What a story!  What a family!

In conclusion, the greatest dream though, of the Sarmiento family, is to leave a legacy of excellence in business and family to the city of Cuenca, which they dearly love.

Hotel Inca Real's Blog:  www.incareal.blogspot.com

Hotel Inca Real's Website:  www.hotelincareal.com.ec

Sue Gaither

 



God's Kid (Sue's music)

                                       God's Kid

Enjoy this engaging playful tune sung by Sue andwritten by her brother, Jim Stover.

          http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFL3e1jERoU

MRI

                                       M.R.I.

My recurring back pain called me into another excursion into the world of Ecuadoran medical practice. My lumbar discomfort found occasions to get my serious attention periodically during my adult life. Most recently, a 737 narrow body flight in the center seat followed by a 500 kilometer drive triggered a couple days in bed and temporary use of a hiking pole for support. Ouch!

My previous rayo -X (rayo equies) revealed some problems and physical therapy provided little lasting relief. A previous bone density scan did not clarify the issues. Earlier this year, two US trained chiropractors added to my temporary relief. Maybe an MRI will shed definitive light on the issue. Medical costs, at a fraction of US billing, certainly are not a deterrence, as they were in NC.

Following a friend’s referral (and my Santa Inez insurance), I scheduled a visit with Dr.Romulo Idrovo (09-808 5691). What pleasant experience! Dr Idrovo spoke excellent English, was quite friendly, and completed my visit with the common "Here is my personal phone number - call anytime."

After a couple days on a temporary prescription, I called the kind doctor. In two hours I was in his office. He walked me downstairs to schedule my MRI for the next morning.

My MRI lumbar results were available in half an hour. What was the cost? A mere $250!

Earphones buffered the loud banging, humming and screeching of the MRI tunnel. How do you pass twenty minutes unmoving in a tight conical enclosure? The gentle fan blew fresh air over me, dispelling my fear of developing claustrophobia. So, I prayed for my friends and reflected on God's faithfulness in my life's difficulties.

The differing medical perspectives of chiropractic, X-ray technology, P T, and magnetic imaging remind me of the blind men as they examine the elephant. One, holding a leg, describes a huge heavy beast; another, holding the tail, describes an unusual canine; while the third, with the trunk, considers a reptile.

The chiropractor, noting hip dislocation combined with a sciatic problem, disputed the exercises recommended by the PT. The exercises were excellent, except that they aggravated the hip dislocation. Inflammation must be reduced before any exercise regimen. The MRI will reveal problems with marrow and ligaments, adding another dimension.

My Saturday morning appointment with De Idrovo was brief and to the point: serious inflamation around bone marrow required a spinal injection of anti-imflamatory. The inflamation may have been longstanding and prevented further healing.

Within four hours I was in the operating room of Santa Inez for a 15 minute procedure, then half an hour in recovery room. What may have taken a month in the US was completed three days. Total cost for three doctors, hospital procedure, MRI and prescription was $545. My Santa Inez insurance should cover 85% of it. (See postings on health insurance)

Now, I must be vigilent for my back. All this is not a permanent cure. No more moving pianos or middle row seats. But what a relief...
                                Rejoicing,
                                                  Gary

                          

Drivers License in Ecuador

                                       Drivers' License

We may not have to take the time consuming drivers license course! Yes, the law changed last year.  This info previously appeared is SOZ several months ago, but I missed it. Maybe you did too.

Here is the latest law on Ecuadoran drivers licenses courtesy of Pro-Ecuador blog  http://blog.pro-ecuador.com/?p=3755 :

Thanks to a post on the Ecuador_expats yahoo groups bulletin board, we have the following information.   This is a good site to join, by the way, to read about real people living in Ecuador.
The new law is only for returning Ecuadorians and expats with a series 9 permanent residency visa. It is called “Canje de la licencia extranjera.”  The law states that Ecuador will recognize the validity of International documents and permissions regarding driving in conformity with norms and requisites in international instruments (drivers licenses).

The requisites are as follows:
1.  Original and copy of the original valid foreign drivers license.
2.  Original and copy of your ID documents such as cedula and censo. You receive these documents after you get your residency visa.
3.  Original certificate of authenticity.  This is an apostilled document from your home state’s secretary of state office saying that your driver’s license is valid.  It must be translated into Spanish.
4.  Original and copy of your blood type.  You can get this at the Ecuadorian Red Cross for $2.50.
5,  Two photographs, facing, ID size
6.  Pass the psychometric exam and the driving test (written, practical, and medical).  The psychometric exam is a coordination test.
7.  Fill out the special request form which you get from the Transit office in Quito, or you can download it from the www.ant.gob.ec website.  ANT stands for Agencia Nacional de Transito in Quito.

I have added the websites and its details (in Spanish).

Print this form for application for drivers license:

http://www.ant.gob.ec/index.php/internacionales/homologacion/canje-de-licencia-de-conducir-extranjera-por-licencia-de-conducir-ecuatoriana-art-10-lotttsv

Government website for Transit Authority:  http://www.ant.gob.ec/


CANJE DE LICENCIA DE CONDUCIR EXTRANJERA POR LICENCIA DE CONDUCIR ECUATORIANA     
Con el afán de dar cumplimiento a lo dispuesto en el artículo 10, de la Ley orgánica de Transporte, Tránsito y Seguridad Vial (LOTTTSV) publicado el 29 de marzo de 2011 en el Registro oficial 415; En el cual se reconoce que los ciudadanos ecuatorianos y extranjeros residentes en el país que  tengan una licencia de conducir profesional o no profesional   emitida por un Estado extranjero y que se encuentre vigente, podrán canjear la misma con su similar ecuatoriana. En todos los casos se deberán cumplir los requisitos establecido en el artículo 94 de la citada ley, sin que el documento extranjero sea retirado.
Requisitos:
Original y copia a color de licencia de conducir extranjera vigente
Original y copia de cédula de identidad o pasaporte, visa y censo
Original y copia a color del certificado de la licencia vigente emitido por una de estas instituciones:Por la Embajada o Consulado del país de origen en el Ecuador, en castellano, o
Por la Embajada o Consulado del país de origen de la licencia de conducir de la Representación Diplomática del país mas cercano, en castellano, o,
Por la entidad de Tránsito autorizada del país de origen, el mismo que en caso de no estar en castellano deberá ser traducido y notariado en el Ecuador, o
Por la entidad de Tránsito autorizada del país de origen, apostillada en el caso de que se emita en castellano.
Original y copia del carnet del tipo de sangre
Dos fotografías actualizadas a color tamaño carnet
Llenar Formulario para canje de licencia de conducir extranjera.     (downlod this form to complete)
NOTA:
Al efectuarse el proceso de canje de licencia de conducir extranjera por la licencia de conducir ecuatoriana, las Agencias de Atención al Usuario NO retendrán la licencia de conducir extranjera y SI se tomará los exámenes establecidos en el Art. 94 de LOTTTSV.
El trámite es personal

                                 Let us know how this works!

Classy Communication

Classy Communication

Do you remember how great it was to receive mail in the mailbox – say, an unexpected card or letter – personalized, just for you?  You saw your name on the envelope with a stamp in the upper right-hand corner – then you opened it excitedly, wondering what’s inside.

You appreciated the time the sender took to select the card, sit down and write their thoughts, then pen your name on the envelope.

Yet, we have gotten away from cards and handwritten notes, mailing them “snail mail.”  Why is that?

Cards are expensive. And time consuming.  I always loved to go to Hallmark!  I would stand there in the aisle, reading cards for 15 minutes or so – laughing out loud.  And sometimes I would find just what I wanted on the outside of the card, but the message inside wasn’t quite what I desired to say.  So I’d keep looking.  Sometimes I would settle for the message by marking through the words.

At the cash register, a couple of cards would cost $8.00 with tax.  So, not everyone got a Hallmark card.

We seldom had the time to visit the mall, or to the store for a good selection of cards.  So, many of our best impulses went fleeting away. When on vacation, we’d buy a handful of postcards, go back to our hotel room to hand write our messages and look up the addresses.  Afterwards, there was trying to find the local post office.

In our insurance business, we always sent out Thanksgiving cards.  We’d order the cards from a catalog (again, we may like the front, but not the message).   After receiving a box of 300, I’d make labels for our clients and friends, then put the labels on the cards.  Later, we would busily sign every card, sometimes add a message, then stuff, stamp, and seal envelopes.  Lots of work!

About four years ago, that all ended!  In Gary’s networking he met a very successful man who introduced him to the best tool on the market for classy communication.  Not only was it classy, but it was economical. It felt like having a personal assistant!

Immediately, we implemented it for our personal lives as well as our business.  The tool is Send Out Cards (SOC).  SOC was started by Cody Bateman, who believed that most people think of others and want to send them a card, but distractions cause those simple promptings and intentions to fall through the cracks. When moving from Utah to New York, he wanted to pause and say goodbye to his nearby brother, but time constraints urged him to leave. Then his brother died suddenly in an industrial accident. Cody never forgot the incident. Years later he designed SOC, starting in his garage.

SOC is all on the internet.  There is no software to download to your computer.  You can go anywhere in the world, sign on, and send a card using the internet.  However, once a card is created, the actual card itself is NOT electronic, but a real high quality card you created.

 It is printed, stuffed into an envelope with the names printed on the envelope in a classy style, then STAMPED with a REAL USA postage stamp.  Then SOC mails it within 24 hours of your creation of the card. SOC is now the largest customer of the US Postal Service.

Send Out Cards has thousands of stock cards to choose from – all categorized for easy search.  Don’t like the message?  Overwrite it.  Don’t want a stock card; create your own with pictures.  SOC also has all kinds of creative gadgets (frames, sticky notes, flowers, etc.) to add to your card. Fonts, colors work just like a word document. You can honestly say you made it!  It’s fun. You may even upload your signatures.

How much does it cost?  At wholesale (larger volume), we’ve been paying $.61 for a stock card.  When we add a photo (and you can add up to 9 photos all for $.31 more), we pay $.92.  Then the postage is added to the cost of the card. Tri-fold and oversized cards are also available for greater impact.

We have used Send Out Cards for our contact database as well.  Every day, the database automatically, pulls up the birthdays, anniversaries, or other events we want to remember for the coming month.  You can upload previous databases you have already saved on your computer.

Also, SOC has a great future to cue cards (up to a year) for upcoming birthdays, anniversaries, etc.  You can make a card to go to a number of people.  They have greeting size cards, postcards, oversized cards, calendars, etc.

Since we’ve been in Ecuador, we’ve taken our photos and made cards showing the beautiful views of Cuenca.  We are able to stay in touch with friends and family back in the USA like we always have – but the beauty of it is that the cards are mailed from the USA. So there’s no high cost of sending them from Ecuador or the chance of taking 3 weeks to get there.

Send Out Cards also has gifts you can send along with cards.  Send prepaid gift cards, cookies, kids’ treats, seasonal gifts.  The price? Less than a card from the store. 

Now, you are motivated to send more cards. Quickly act on your promptings to send them out.  You don’t have to wait to go to the store, find stamps, etc. – it’s all right there on your account. In about the time of composing an email, a real custom old fashioned card will fly to your loved ones!

For a short video, please go to this link and find out more.  We sure think it’s great and we’d like for you to see what it could do for you.  And after watching the video, there’s a link for you to send out a free card on us!  When you do, you can also upload your favorite picture (use several!) from Cuenca, the USA, or your favorite people.  Make your own special card for someone or use a stock card.

We also have samples of these high quality cards.  The cards are made with recycled paper and biodegradable ink. Your family or friends will appreciate the card’s quality.

Use the link below for the video and to send one free card. You can choose for Cody Bateman to lead you through the process.     It’s the best thing since magicJack!

www.sendoutcards.com/garyandsue

Gary & Sue

garyandsuegaither@gmail.com

Domestic Help

                                       Domestic Help

      The reddish font is a warning: it is now a felony to not pay "Social Security" taxes on domestic labor pay. Late last year the law changed and is being enforced. Household help, including maids, must be given benefits required by law.
      Like in last year's great  movie, "The Help," domestics are entitled to retirement and health insurance benefits provided by the government from payroll taxes. Now, who wants to be on the wrong side of that? Jail time and heavy fines are a possibility.
      So, to stay out of trouble, have a labor attorney draw up an employment agreement and pay the modest payroll taxes.
      Do not interpret Cuencano friendliness for more than it is.
      A friend learned the hard way. The very friendly maid went to a labor attorney after they declined to play the game of "another gringo will pay me twice what you are."  That was a shock after months of gringo gifts and generosity.  A simple severance agreement was quickly drawn up and half a month's pay was given as severance.
     The rule of vesting is that on the 15th visit to work in your home, the maid is considered your employee. This applies even she only works 3 or 4 hours a visit. Even visits for family events or holidays (when no work is done) may be considered a labor visit.  And "why didn't you pay me for coming to your birthday party?"
      There's a moral to the story then:  Have a contract paying a fair wage (not excessive so as to impact other employers), then be generous as you desire, outside the contract.
      We are still learning their way of thinking!