Friday, Nov 10th, 2017
Honor a Veteran Today
Happy Veteran’s Day (tomorrow)! Do you think a veteran gets the thanks he or she deserves by our nation? Do you know a veteran? Have you said to them “Thank you for your service”? I’m 55 years old, at the tail end of the Baby Boomer generation, and my life, personally, has not had to endure direct conflict, war, or threat. Why is that?
Remember the Veteran
I believe it is because of men and women who choose to serve and protect our way of life. I admit this is something I can take for granted. It is something I can go to sleep around because my days happen, pretty much one after the other, not having to worry about a foreign nation coming onto US soil and destroying what I am blessed to enjoy. I am able to enjoy this off the backs of others who protect it. So to those men and women who serve and have served, I gratefully say, “Thank You!”.
Even in the midst of the extremists and the fanatics, you, the veteran of our US military, continue to put your life on the line to keep other’s, like mine, safe. You all are owed a great deal of thanks for your service to our country.
For those who have not served, have you thanked a veteran today?
Spanish Lessons
Easton and I started Spanish lessons again, about two weeks ago now. I am being a total slug. Our lessons are on Mondays and Thursdays. There is plenty of time to study between classes each week and I just can’t seem to make myself do it. This is a problem, and I have to figure it out. I thoroughly enjoy class when I am in it. It is challenging, engaging, and I feel like I can understand what is said and how to say it…in class. Of course, put me out in public with the locals and my mind becomes a steel trap…nothing aint’ gettin’ out. 😛
Killasisa’s Coffee
Coffee Time at Killasisa’s in Montanita
In Love with Cappuccino at Killasisa’s
Speaking of getting out, Heidi and I have been making an almost daily run to Killasisa’s in Montanita for the best cappuccino on the coast. Soraya, the owner, also serves breakfast and lunch. By the way, her desserts are also the best along the coast. (Yes even better than Benito’s in La Entrada.)
I love the coffee. Heidi made a great Blue Footed Booby rock for people just like me…and maybe you too? Check him out at Killasisa’s when you are there.
What’s Your Spirit Animal?
Play with Knives in Ecuador!
When Heidi and I got off the bus in Montanita this week, we walked past these two boys. I was intrigued watching them sharpen knives on this homemade machine. I also thought how cool their moms let them “play” with knives. 😉 When I was done capturing the video below I looked around and didn’t see Heidi. I found her around the corner. The first thing she said to me was, “Those kids shouldn’t be so close to people with those knives!” Yes, said only as a mother can. 🙂
Here are some more pics and video I took this week on my “out and about” days.
Abuela and her nieto
On my way to Spanish class I found myself behind this boy being walked around with bare feet by his grandmother. Who needs shoes anyway?
Small Fishing Boat Just Off the Beach at Our House
Watching this boat off my deck had a relaxing feel to it. Of course not everyone gets to relax all afternoon. The video below shows men getting their nets ready for the nights fishing work.
And the last thing I leave you with is a picture of four teenage boys untangling their net to hand cast out into the ocean from the beach. Good luck lads!
Boys Gone Fishin’ Ecuador Style
Chau.
Hi Todd, in honor of Veterans Day here is a song written and performed by my son’s father, Tim Garon. https://youtu.be/Nonn4GRbg2c
Wow! What a beautiful song and tribute Tim created Laura. Thanks for sharing it. I met Lennon last night at Spondylus. He did a great job singing and playing for all of us. Looks like he is doing just fine here. 🙂
Hi Todd,
Thank you for remembering the Veterans. I’m one and so was my Dad and Grandpa and many other of my relatives. So many folks just think of it as a day off so we appreciate you thinking of all of us.
Have a great week !
Laree
Hey Laree, thank you for your service! Sounds like a long history of service in your family. Very cool. You have a great week as well. 🙂
Hi Todd
I hear you on the Spanish lessons. When we were doing the 4 hours a day of tutoring in Guatemala I would be studying every morning before class. Now that we are out, travelling, so theoretically way more free time. I’m having a hard time remembering to do DuoLingo everyday. If I’m going to approach a local I practice the whole statement in my head then when I go to talk to them it’s like my brain disconnects itself from my mouth. Very weird. Don’t even get me started on the paralysis and fear if I have to try and call someone on the phone.
Lol…the phone! Ha! Been there…lots of sweating. They usually hang up on me and I have to call back and try again. Thanks for reading Ian. 🙂
Hey. Thanks for the shout out to Vets! I grew up as a military “brat” and although I never fought I knew many who did and did not come home. I have some questions if you would not mind replying. Do American cell phones work down there (roaming)? Can one use their American based ATM cards? How secure is the Internet if one did some banking business via it? Thanks Todd
Hi Catherine, good questions! American cell phones work here if you get an international plan on your phone before you leave the states. We used to have Verizon. Called them before we left and told them when we wanted it active. Cancelled it when we returned. Easy peazy. On a short term deal it works. As a long term solution I think it would get expensive, plus most people have local numbers here and wouldn’t be able to call you.
My ATM cards work great. Make sure your card has a chip in it (most of them do by now I believe). Some machines here won’t work for you without it. I do all my banking online and have not had any issue. In general, the bank can tell if you are coming in suspicious and won’t let you in if you are. However, VPNs do mix up your IP address if there are lurkers where you are accessing the net. I haven’t had any problems not using a VPN.
Thanks for reading Catherine!
Thanks for the advice. I will have to check with my bank to see if my ATM card has a chip. My credit cards do. We plan to spend 3 months in Ecuador starting next month – I am excited.
The weather should be great no matter what part of the country you will be in Catherine. I am so looking forward to the sun returning to the coast! Let me know if you are in my neck of the woods. 🙂
Will do.