All about flexibility

After several power outages and a faulty wireless router I am back online again! Life in Ecuador is all about flexibility.

Once the power is off water is off too. Of course drinking water is only from the 5 gallon bottles, but tap water relies on an electric pump connected to an outdoor cistern. Every few days a tanker truck pulls up to fill the cistern. This water should never be consumed, however I am surprised how many people don't realize that brushing your teeth with tap water is still consuming it. These new visitors learn a quick, hard lesson.

Yesterday we talked to a man who arrived a few days ago from Las Vegas and is looking for a beach front house. We mentioned the need for flexibility in all dealings here and he replied he was aware of that necessity. He ranted on the power being off, then explained his expertise in Las Vegas real estate and how much it would help him here. I anticipate a future windfall in some Ecuadorian bank accounts. At least we set him straight on taxi fares. He paid $30 for the ride from Manta to the beach. The fare is an $8 ride.

Flexibility is needed at the downtown market too. I went shopping with Linda. We visited several stalls. At the fish stall she bought 5 pounds of fish. The sign on the wall clearly stated $2.50 per pound. Through rapid mental calulation that would be $12.50 total. He asked for $15. Linda pointed to the sign and protested. He looked at his own sign, turned back around and said "Fifteen dollars". Linda said no and reached out to hand the fish back. He smiled and and said "OH.... $12.50". Next stop was the cheese vendor. She bought 3 pounds for $2.20 per pound. Her change was $5 short. After a short but emotionally charged exchange complete with some of my fiercest looks backing up Linda he suddenly realized his "mistake", gave her the $5 and grins and giggles were exchanged all around.

All of this is part of the fun and adventure of being in Ecuador. Of course there is always the peace and quiet of a beach all to ourselves. The picture below is wide distant shot of De Anne that you may have to click and enlage to find her. I tried to convey just how big and remote our beach is.