Monday, June 27, 2016
We all started Spanish class today. There are 18 people in our class. They also had a few people on a waiting list so they decided to start a second class and invited any of us who would like to, move to that class. The times are not as good for us so we are staying put. The class went well, people in it are nice, and the teacher seems well informed and able to teach. Hopefully this will get our language learning back on track.
Heidi finished making the bread she started yesterday. Her oven trick worked for making it rise, and the bread is delicious. If the sun would stay out long enough she probably could set the dough out on the terrace to rise, but at least lately that can’t be counted upon.
I am still learning to enjoy Cuenca. It is funny how people are different. There are so many expats here that can’t imagine being anywhere else. The architecture of the churches, cathedrals, and buildings of El Centro, the free symphonies and concerts, the many, many different restaurants and food here make them happy. I can see it in their eyes.
I feel off a half-beat living here. I like all those things too but that wouldn’t have been enough to get me to leave everything behind and move to South America. My soul is not being fed here like it was on the coast. I’m sure it has to do with my affinity for the ocean, the beach, the sun, and tranquility found in the still of the morning there.
Still, I believe there is something here for me to discover or do or become. Right now it feels vague as to exactly what it is. When I think of picking up and going back to the coast though, it doesn’t feel like that is the right move, even as much as I would love being back there.
Currently I’m still in an unsettled state of mind and being living here, and I just need to figure out what that is all about. It is going to take some time.
Chau.
Todd, why are you living in Cuenca? Why didn’t you find another place on the beach?
Fair questions Scott. The agreement my wife and I had when moving to Ecuador was to live on the coast for a year or so, then move to Cuenca and experience it. After the earthquake, our place was damaged, the town was without power, water, and internet, and we wanted to be away from the coast until the aftershocks settled down. So we moved the timetable up and came to Cuenca. I’m still here because there is more opportunity for me in my Life Coaching practice and available writing opportunities. I am glad I am experiencing Cuenca, I just don’t see it as a long term option for me. Thanks for your question Scott and thanks for reading, I appreciate it. Todd
OK. This is not a deep thoughtful comment. You know me Todd. I like to share resources with my friends. Has Heidi heard of the website Craftsy.com? This website has many on line classes with international teachers. One of my favorite free classes is the pizza making class. The instructor is a good chef from the Philadelphia area. He also has a paid class on bread making. When I saw Heidi’s bread, I though of his Craftsy class. I have learned a lot from the two baking classes that I have taken on Craftsy. And yes, I am cooking and baking again since we moved back East. I know now that my heart wasn’t singing in St. George.
Thanks Sheila. Heidi read your comment and is going to check it out. Your thought is deep…”I know that my heart wasn’t singing in St George”. I believe one of the greatest opportunities we have while on earth is to find out what, where, and how our heart sings. When we can do that, when I can do that, I know the music that’s made really adds to our collective experience in the very best way.
I take by your comment that your heart has begun to sing again, and that is beautiful! Thanks for your comment Sheila.