in quito

On a Sunday a few weeks ago I went to the Coffee Bean located at Av. Shyris y Naciones Unidas, Edf. Shyris Park, across from Park Carolina in Quito, Ecuador. It’s a place  where a delicious cup of coffee is guaranteed.

That visit to the Coffee Bean turned into a trip to a part of La Ronda, one of Quito’s oldest neighborhoods. Alexander is the owner of the Coffee Bean, and he suggested that his wife Ekaterina and daughter Maria show me this old section. 

Ekaterina, Maria, Alexander from Moscow

Off we went by taxi. Then, the driver said we’d have to get off (something about a tunnel). Okay, no questions asked. We walked a little, and soon were in front of the beautiful Basilica del Voto Nacional (Basilica of the National Vow). We climbed and climbed and climbed the steps leading to the top of the Basilica. I suspected as we went higher and higher, and as I listened to their conversation, that of all the buildings, the Basilica is the favorite of mother and daughter.

Then ekaterina and Maria pointed to a statute of the Virgin Mary. She is dipicted with the wings of an angel. Can you see it in the distance on that hill? It’s as close as I got. 

Sunday in Quito having breakfast made by Cesar at the Coffee Bean, and then to the top of the Basilica, nice!

With Cesar on the right. He is from Venezuela.

walking, always walking 👞👢👠👟👡

Today I decided to walk back from Cale de Queso which is located on Baltazara de Calderon 3 – 76 y Gran Colombia where I bought a few of their delicious rolls and some cookies. It’s not easy to leave with just that skimpy bag, when (see below) scream to be bought . . . but, I did it . . . this time around.

It’s always nice walking along Simon Bolivar passing interesting places along the way. Hostal Posada del Angel on Estevez de Toral 8 – 91 y Bolivar, and its restaurant, Mangiare Benne, is one of those delightful places where a few of us (remember Emi and Minesh?) had a delicious Thanksgiving dinner last year (minus the turkey). www.hostalposadadelangel.com

Still walking, I reached Hermano Miguel where I turned right and came to Calle Larga. Then down the 88 steps to Tres de Noviembre where halfway over the bridge I noticed this lovely rainbow –

IMG_1913.JPG Grant you, I could have taken a fuller picture, but I could also have fallen into the Rio Tomebamba while holding an umbrella, two heavy bags of fruit, and a phone on a rainy evening.

When I looked up after taking the picture, I noticed a large group of bicyclists at one end of the bridge traveling along Tres de Noviembre, and at the other end across 12 de Abril at Parque de la Madre, adjacent to the Planetarium, there was lively entertainment. I love when Cuenca is busy having fun.

Whew! It’s been a long walk . . . forging ahead on 12 de Abril I finally reach my friendly neighborhood restaurant, Common Grounds at Paucarbamba 2 – 75. This is where crossing four lanes of highway gets tricky. Cars were in full force . . . but . . . tonight apparently gracious drivers were, too. Thank you!

Then along came a foot race on 12 de Abril – I had lots of company on the last leg of the walk.

 

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Wherever you are, be totally there. – Eckhart Tolle

a walk in cuenca

IMG_1911.JPG I’m on the most everyone loves walking in Cuenca list. So today I walked from the area of Santa Ines Hospital along Solano, and then crossed over 12 de Abril Avenue to the bridge and saw the lovely Rio Tomebamba flowing by . . .

IMG_1912.JPG and . . . up those many stairs that are sandwiched in between two buildings – such a dark setting – to Calle Larga . . . left on Hermano Miguel to Carolina Bookstore where I had every intention of signing up for Spanish classes, but instead a Robin Sharma book caught my eye, and I conveniently forgot about Spanish. Another night with Duolingo – glad I have it.
www.robinsharma.com
www.duolingo.com

And how was your day?

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There was nowhere to go but everywhere, so just keep on rolling under the stars. – Jack Kerouac

When you know that you’re capable of dealing with whatever comes, you have the only security the world has to offer. – Harry Browne

88 steps

IMG_1871-1.JPG These 88 steps lead up to Hermano Miguel and Calle Larga to the beautiful old historic El Centro, and down to the Rio Tomebamba and over to Parque de la Madre where you’ll find the new part of Cuenca.

When walking up or down the steps you’ll often see young people proudly selling the nicely-displayed jewelry they’ve made. And at times there are musicians playing, and when they play certain music, they’ll have you feeling the beat as you walk up or down those 88 steps.

These steps have seen a lot of history – they’re worn; they have lots of character; and somehow they impart good energy. There are other stairs leading from the old to the new Cuenca; these though seem somehow different.

Also, tucked away at the half way point is Wunderbar Café. It’s easy to miss, but you don’t want to by-pass it because there you’ll find a charming garden and an equally charming waitstaff, along with good coffee and chocolate cake.

Okay, I’m heading for those stairs now . . . away I go.

Are you having a good day?

 

It’s just an experience

I’ve been in Ecuador for almost six months; so much has happened in that time, though . . . one incident set the pace for the next few months. Four days after arriving in Cuenca, Toshi, my very nice and very helpful son-in-law who came with me for five days, and I were at the Rotary Plaza. He was ahead of me; I was standing still, we were looking around, trying to decide where to have lunch. Suddenly, I was flat on my face. Oh, what a sight! I’ll spare the details. People thought I had tripped because gringoes here seem to be good at that . . . the sidewalks are decorated with fairly large holes (just the right size for the ball of a foot), or protrusions, and when looking up at the beautiful architecture, or at shops while walking, or in conversation and not noticing a 14″ high curb . . . a fall might be the order of the day.

So, there I was bleeding, holding a piece of my front tooth, and absolutely dumbfounded as to what had just happened. Do you remember Christopher Reeves as Superman? He’s wearing his big S outfit and ready for action, then in a flash, SWOOSH! he’s in the air, arms straight ahead. Me, too! -though, in a flash, SWOOSH! I was flat on the ground, arms straight in back of me.

“Were you pushed? Did you trip? Do you have altitude sickness?” – “No. No. And No.” Then “What happened?” – That was the question that gnawed at me. “What the heck happened?” – I asked myself as I sat on the curb, dazed.

Then Toshi and I took a waiting taxi to the apartment where I’d been living for three days in El Centro. When we arrived, we saw Jorge, my landlord, in front of his store. He looked at me, and soon Toshi and I were in his car going to Bolivar Clinic where the inside of my lip was stitched! It was an ouch! hour. Jorge slipped out of the Clinic once and returned with an English-speaking friend from Loja. After stitching was completed, we drove to the old Military hospital across from the Rio Tomebamba for X-rays. I spoke no Spanish; therefore, was not part of the conversation with the doctors. Shortly after we returned to my apartment, a few quarts of tapioca soup prepared by Jorge’s lovely wife, Susana, were brought to me. Since I could barely open my mouth, it was perfect. And, in case you’re wondering, tapioca soup is ever so comforting. Jorge’s son, Steven, who speaks English, said that Susana prepares tapioca soup whenever anyone is sick. A few days later, another few quarts of soup came my way.

And two days later Toshi left for the States with a promise to not tell family about my temporary new look. In the weeks to come, Steven accompanied me to doctor appointments – always saying, with a smile, “No worries.”

It was a time to heal and read, and while I was doing that, a sentence made me stop: “Treat everything that happens to you as an experience. Don’t judge it as good or bad. It’s just an experience.” Those words grabbed my attention, and made me snap out of thinking, “What the heck happened?” And to stop reliving, and wanting to figure out, that accident- so important because those thoughts take energy away from healing.

Then I began remembering the kindness and help that came my way after that “experience.” Before I arrived in Ecuador, I’d read that Ecuadorian people are friendly and helpful; experience tells me that that would be an understatement. They really do “go the extra mile” if that’s what’s needed. Jorge, Susana, Steven, and the Casa Britanica Cuenca staff, I thank you!

20140126-144710.jpg the neighborhood where I lived and learned and healed. Oh, yes!

It’s a gorgeous day in Cuenca. Where you are, too?

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“Eventually you will come to understand that love heals everything,and love is all there is.” – Gary Zukav

“Worrying will never change the outcome.” Gregg Braden

“Life is an adventure. Dare it.” – Soulseeds

Peas

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A wide bucket of peas, once overflowing, for un dolar y cincuenta centanos. When I asked for half a bucket, the woman at Mercado 10 de Agosto shook her head. I decided to not pursue the matter. I do that a lot since it’s tricky to discuss anything when at the level of using only the simplest of words in the language. That’s okay, peas are great for snacks, in sauces, soups, salads, and they won’t spoil quickly. Especially these because they’re so fresh. The one drawback was lugging them around El Centro. That’s not a complaint though, only a fact; a bucketful of peas tend to be heavy. Am I going to complain about anything after just watching the trailer from A Place At The Table with Jeff Bridges at www.UPWORTHY.com? I think not. I’m grateful for that bucketful of peas for $1.50.(^_^)

I’m wishing you all the loveliest of evenings.

cafe, tinto, por favor. Gracias.

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Nescafe is usually served in many restaurants in Cuenca. I can’t help but wonder how that ever happened. Thankfully, there are two places a few busy blocks from where I live, the El Centro area, that have coffee from Loja, the southern part of Ecuador. And that is something to get really excited about.

20130827-164846.jpg walking down the block the smell of coffee attacks. I like that.

20130827-165230.jpg It was necessary to substitute my wonderful French Press for what is seen in the pitcher in the photo. That’s when I discovered that as long as quality coffee is put into that little white (well, it used to be white) bag, along with the right coffee to water measurement, the end result is as good as making it in a French Press – a little more work, but worth it.

20130827-165844.jpg My Spanish is non-existent at the moment, which means I go along the streets and enter shops unable to ask the simplest of questions.

20130827-170911.jpgThe young person in the photo next to the coffee grinder works at the cafe where people happily purchase a cup, or a pound. She’s very good at pantomiming, and for now that is our form of communication.

I’m still waiting for the sun to stay long enough to warm an apartment made of stone and cement. It’s chilly in Cuenca, Ecuador. Should you decide to vacation here, bring a few warm clothes, oh, yes, and an umbrella.

Let’s wish each other the loveliest of evenings.

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“Not all who wander are lost.” J.R.R. Tolkien

“Ever since happiness heard your name, it has been running through the streets trying to find you.” – Hafiz

“Emancipate yourself from mental slavery; none but ourselves can free our minds.” – Bob Marley

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the mutter museum, di bruno, dandelion restaurant/pub, parc restaurant, la colombe

Did I hear you say you’re coming to Philly? Well then, let’s plan a lovely day of maybe a museum and a few places to eat and people watch at the same time.

There’s the Mutter Museum of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia. I haven’t been there yet, but whenever I walk by on my way to Trader Joe’s, there are usually people entering and leaving. The grounds around the museum are lovely, and that includes the Benjamin Rush Medicinal Plant Garden with benches for relaxing in a delightful and peaceful setting.
www.muttermuseum.org

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Is there a question about going to the Mutter Museum, or eating before going? All right, let’s think about where to eat — perhaps at Di Bruno at 1730 Chestnut Street. There is an upstairs cafe and “weekend brunch is from10:30am to 3:pm and lunch daily from11am to 3pm, to go or to enjoy in our casual cafe.” There’s plenty of space upstairs for sitting, relaxing, and eating. Downstairs has a wonderful selection of prepared foods, including soups and sandwiches. I’ve become addicted to the Di Bruno caprese sandwich. Top-notch ingredients of tomato, basil, and mozzarella cheese on panini bread is simple and delicious. The website shows that that’s not all there is at Di Bruno:
www.dibruno.com

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Another place is Dandelion Restaurant Pub, at 124 South Street. It can be seen from the door nearest the Di Bruno meat section; it’s on a corner across the street. Here a hearty English breakfast is served. Have you had one of these? After consuming there’s usually no need to eat until evening. Dandelion offers an excellent selection of beer, a menu that will appeal to different palates, and afternoon tea which is from 3:00 to 5:00. And the person at the desk said, with a lot of pride, that “they serve the 2nd best hamburger in town.” It’s a charming restaurant/pub. Just is case you’re interested, they know how to make a really good campari and soda with a twist of lemon. Indeed!
www.thedandelionpub.com
www.campari.com

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Another eating establishment is Parc Restaurant Bistro & Cafe at 227 South 18th Street. It’s two blocks south of Dandelion, and is across from lovely Rittenhouse Square Park. On a warm, sunny day it’s a fight to the finish:-) to get an outside table facing the park – to people watch, enjoy the greenery, and soak up the sun. If no outside seating is available, you’re still a winner because eating inside and enjoying the decor and ambiance is a pleasure, too.
www.parcrestaurant.me

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The coffee at Parc is good, however, if you want to go elsewhere for an equally good cup of coffee there’s la Colombe at 130 South 19th Street. It’s opened till 7pm. Sometimes the dessert is sold out, but there’s always the coffee and the friendly staff. La Colombe is a walk along Rittenhouse Square Park (on the side of Barnes & Noble Bookshop) to 19th Street – cross the street and turn right. Order your cuppa coffee, take a seat, relax, and enjoy.
www.lacolombe.com

Rittenhouse Square Park

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Is it time to see the Mutter Museum after a delicious lunch? — it’s a  short walk if you stayed in the above neighborhood.

Enjoy! Enjoy!

Let’s all have a wonderful day today.

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“A hundred times every day I remind myself that my inner and outer life depend on the labors of other men living and dead, and that I must exert myself in order to give in the same measure as I have received and am still receiving.” – Albert Einstein, 20th Century Nobel Prize winning physicist
(As heard on the CD, The Power by Rhonda Byrne)

pickles anyone?

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This is Shamus Jones. My daughter Sumi took this picture when we were meandering around Park Slope one lovely summer day in 2012, and happened upon a blackboard in front of a factory. After reading it, Sumi and I glanced at each other, and eagerly entered Brooklyn Brine Co., and saw fragrant, spicy, and beautifully scented pickles. Now there are many, many excellent small specialty shops in Park Slope, and somehow there’s always great interest when another one appears. I say appears because that’s the way it seems. You walk down a street and suddenly there’s a new shop – pies, dumplings, the best cheeses, cafes, bistros, coffee you’ll go out of your way to sip, pizzas having the best ingredients and made with love, small ethnic restaurants, etc. that weren’t there a short time ago, and the mind thinks of great eating possibilities – as with Shamus’ pickle factory. Watch the videos at www.brooklynbrineco.com and you’ll see what I mean; listen to Shamus talk about, well, pickles, and that it all began out of necessity when he was laid off from a job. Watch how the “pickle nerds” work, learn how to make homemade dill pickles. Ordinarily one doesn’t get so excited when talking about pickles, though when you check it out, you’ll see that Brooklyn Brine is no ordinary pickle factory. And to boot, the “pickle nerds” seem to enjoy what they do.

Shamus shows us what can happen when necessity is the driving force.

philadelphia at south street between 10th and 22nd streets

Have you been to Philly? If not, come. A lot of changes have and are taking place. In the four years I’ve been here there are new restaurants, shops, the Barnes Museum Foundation is now in Philadelphia on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, more people are moving here, and though it’s a city, it’s small and not overwhelming. Travelers say that they actually enjoy flying into the Philly airport whether to visit, or to transfer to another flight, because it’s easy to get around. I agree; it has the easiness of being able to get one’s bearings which is not always the case at airports, and yet it’s well-organized.

With all that’s developing there’s a good feeling in the air. When I first moved to Philly, South Street between 10th and 23rd Streets was in the throes of, well, I don’t quite know of what. Truthfully, except for a few stores, it was uninspiring. Not anymore; it’s alive now. Here we can find an array of restaurants preparing delicious ethnic foods, and plenty of small speciality shops. People who are moving into this area and opening shops are excited about being a part of the neighborhood. When walking along and passing restaurants, I hear a whole lot of laughter.

What I’m saying is that when you’ve been to all the tourist sites don’t stop there cause you ain’t seen nothing yet. Uh-oh, maybe I shouldn’t write that. Well, I did. Philly is small, walk over to South Street and meander over to 10th Street where Whole Foods can be your landmark, then head west. I’m only going to name a few places, as you’ll easily discover the rest. Remember, Philly is the city of Brotherly Love so don’t hesitate to ask to be pointed in the right direction.

The Philly Magic Gardens at 1020 South Street will be waiting for you. If you have flowers and plants in mind, instead think mosaic. There are events, tours, workshops with Isaiah Zagar, celebration of special occasions, and more, more. Check it out: 215-733-0390 – www.phillymagicgardens.org

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Next let’s go to Harry’s Occult Shop at 1238 South Street. Harry’s Occult Shop was started by Harry Seligman a pharmacist in 1917. He was a registered pharmacist and the business started as a pharmacy, most of his clients were people who had just arrived from the south and would ask him for occult powders and oils. His interest was aroused and he began researching the occult (Occult means hidden, unseen, unheard). Occult products are used to create positive energies to help bring about changes according to the intention. The upstairs rooms are used for treatments and readings. Harry’s Occult Shop: 215-735-8262 – www.harrysoccultshop.net

You were hungry and perhaps stopped at a restaurant. if not, you’re hungry now. Don’t be concerned as there are a lot of restaurants along the way to 22nd Street. First though I’d like to tell you about Mushmina at 1540 South Street, or because they can do it so much better than I can – you’ll feel their passion – I’ll let the first paragraph of their website do the telling:

“The story started with two sisters who wanted to make a difference in the developing world. One joined Peace Corps Morocco to help rural women develop business skills and the other traveled to Mali to research traditional weaving and metal-smithing techniques. Six years later, Mushmina was born. Our name Mushmina, is an endearing nickname that to us means ‘little sister’.

“Artisans we love
In Morocco we work with over 9 different regional artisan groups, employing over 75 artisans, both men and women. While we are a cottage industry business (where many women work in their homes) the Mushmina Workshop and atelier is coming soon!”

Katie O’Neill is one of the sisters, and you’ll find her at the Mushmina shop. Her face nicely expresses that she loves what she does, and is well-able to talk about any item in the store, and tell its story. I was there and I’ll be back to buy a birthday gift. Pictures also tell a story, and the website can show you the beautiful selection of bags, scarves, clothes, jewelry, shoes, slippers, etc., and of the interesting ways the sisters are growing their business. Check it out: 215-732-5500 – www.mushmina.com

 

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It wasn’t easy choosing only three shops to write about. From here I hope you continue onward, and, if you’re so inclined, send a comment about an interesting shop you happened upon, or a restaurant, yoga place, bar, cafe, a great story you heard on South Street, etc. What caught your attention?

It looks like a lovely summer day. Let’s thoroughly enjoy.