Wednesday, Aug 17, 2016
Today Heidi and I were going to meet Pam and Eddy, along with Scott and Colleen, at the IESS office. Since Pam speaks Spanish, and her and Eddy know the ropes, they offered to help us. IESS is basically the social security government office of Ecuador, and where extrajernos with cedulas can sign up for the “voluntary members” program of medical coverage.
Heidi wasn’t feeling well so I went solo today to get us signed up. Surprisingly, signing up was relatively easy. It will be two weeks before I am in the system, then Heidi can be signed up after that since she is a dependent on my visa.
We both have a 3 month waiting period before any scheduled exams or services can be made, but we are covered for any emergencies until then, and there are no pre-existing exclusions. It’s not a bad deal and medical services and facilities in Cuenca are probably the best in the country. Easton, since he is over 18, will have to have his own independent coverage, even though he is also a dependent on my visa.
Cost for the primary member is $65 per month and a dependent is $13. So for about $80 Heidi and I can cover ourselves. I’m not expecting to use it, but like any insurance, when you need it is when you are happy to have it.
Before we all went our separate ways after IESS, we stopped for lunch at Mastranto. This is a restaurant Scott and Colleen really enjoy eating at when they can. Since they told us it is closing operations soon, we decided to go there and have some great food. I wasn’t disappointed.
Not only was the food great but the presentation was incredible. We all had the pumpkin cream soup, and each bowl arrived at our table looking like coffee art. Each bowl had a different design. It was another great lunch with good peeps. 
I want to go back to yesterday and share one of my experiences. On our way back from Ingapirca we stopped in a town called Bilían. I though it looked interesting because from the highway I could see a huge church built on the side of the mountain. Our driver told us not only was the church built on the side of the mountain, but parts of the back wall of the church was the actual mountain itself.
Virgen del Rocio (Virgin of the Dew)
The church isn’t very old. It was built in 1941, but it was unique so we decided to stop and take a look. And here are some pics for you to take a look too!
Church Views
Stairs Around Church
Church Interior
Ledges of Church
Roof of Church
Enjoy the rest of your week!
Chau.
The church looks absolutely magical! (The food looks pretty good too!) I don’t comment much but I’ve come to look forward your posts in my inbox. Thanks! Love you all!
Thanks for reading Brandon. Love you too.
So sad to hear the restaurant is closing…it was one of our favourites!
I know right? Marco has a great opportunity as a civil engineer in the states. He decided to take it. The restaurant biz is tough here from what I can see. Thanks for reading Cheryl.
Todd
Love to get a few more details about the IESS application,. Is this the place to ask questions?
I’m not an expert, but I can try to answer your questions Roy. I’ll email you. Thanks for reading.
Todd