Saturday Jan 14th

Quick post for today...sitting at an internet cafe, can't use my computer anymore...blasted viruses!

Here's a hint for those of you considering coming to South America (and I just KNOW many of you WILL once you have a place to stay! ) Make sure you get your vaccinations and make sure you carry medication to treat a condition called "altitude sickness." My own physician in Halifax is a well travelled woman, and made sure I brought what she calls a "Z-Pack" with me...thank GOD!! This thing hit me a couple of days ago, and OOOHHH MY, just imagine the worst flu you've ever had, coupled with constant headache and coughing, and shortness of breath just walking from your bedroom to the bathroom. I knew what it was as soon as it hit, as she'd prepared me well to recognize the symptoms, so I started the meds right away, and within about 48 hours or so, I was feeling better. This affliction occurs most commonly in folks who live at low altitudes...and since Halifax is right AT sea level, I suppose I was a prime candidate...lucky 'eh? Oh well, it's all part of the experience!

This afternoon I'm making my way downtown, hopefully to catch a glimpse of el presidente, but with the number of police about today, I doubt I'll get anywhere near. Oh well, have to try at least.

I've moved into my new apartment from the hostel, and just LOVE it. It's actually not the one I'd originally booked, which was a 2 br condo in a huge building. Lots of ex-pats I've met suggested I might feel a bit isolated, travelling and living alone. So I took their advice, and found a beautiful huge 1 bedroom apartment in a private home in an upscale neighbourhood... completely private... nicely furnished, all modern conveniences...right across the street from the Tarqui River. The family consists of a Cuencana Mom, an American Dad, and two delightful perfectly bilingual children, who help me immeasurably trying to figure things out...like, f'rinstance, shopping for groceries and not having a CLUE what I'm buying! If they hadn't been with me, who KNOWS what I'd be eating! The children derive great amusement from my pathetic attempts to speak Spanish, but have promised to help me when my lessons start next week.

More adventures to come as I head out next week for a three-community tour...one to visit an orchid farm, one to visit a crafts cooperative in another town, and one to visit a village that's apparently the centre of silver jewelry making in the area. Visiting the orchid farm brings me back to a memory when a friend and I were travelling in France, and I HAD to visit Monet's gardens. He was, shall we say, LESS than impressed.."Yep, this is just what I want to do, look at flowers in the rain when we're in Paris!" Fun memory though .

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my favourite son-in-law, Michael, who'll celebrate tomorrow! I am SO looking forward to spending a couple of weeks with him, my daughter, and my four busy grand-boys in March!

Hope all's well in your little corner of the world. Please leave me a HELLO if you stop by...English words from friends...such a treat!