I haven't entered anything new for a couple of days because I couldn't upload photos. I have finally figured out (after standing on one foot and spinning around three times) that what finally works is pausing the Hotspot Shield. Who knew?! It's taking a while to figure out what works when and how, and then it may be temporary. So, I just wanted to post a few photos.
This is culantro. I think they called it that because the flavor is as hard to describe as that of cilantro. It is very strong and is used (I have heard) mainly in soups and stews. I used it in stir fry and rice dishes. This week I'm going to try it in fasolada (Greek bean soup).
Here are a few photos from the Saturday market. I was expecting to see a lot more activity because there is apparently a feria (fair) taking place, but it looked like a normal Saturday to me. Then later, in speaking with Ted and Pam, I discovered that I was in the wrong place. La feria apparently is around the corner from these flower vendors. I thought I was in the right place because I heard it was about flowers and coffee but I didn't see the coffee. So maybe Pam and I will give it a try on Tuesday.
I also made a stop at Global Bank to pay our rent. When I arrived, there was a line out the door. I went to the end of the line, and could only think about how badly I had to pee and thinking I was never going to make it. I was toying with the idea of leaving to find a bathroom and coming back, and at the same time I was enviously eyeing the empty roped-off line for jubilados (retired people) and thinking how great it would be to have that status right now. Just as I was thinking it, a young teller walked up to me and asked if I was there to make a deposit. I said yes, that I wanted to deposit my rent money into someone's account, and she told me to use the jubilados line. When I got to the teller window, he told me I had to fill out a deposit slip. As I was going to the table to do that, a woman called me from her office (having overheard the conversation). She told me that I could just fill it out at her desk and go back to the front of the jubilado line. I told her that I felt a little uncomfortable doing that because there were so many people waiting (about 20), and she assured me that I shouldn't feel bad, that this was my right. Okay, so, all things considered... I accepted, even though part of me - the much younger part that didn't have to pee like crazy and also refused to believe that I LOOK like a retired person, wanted to say, "Oh, my no, I know that you're just being kind because I'm white and obviously a foreigner, but I'm really not a jubilado, I'm just a tourist who should really wait my turn." So, this is the way I have decided to deal with these situations (not just here but anywhere - like on the golf course): You want to tell me I look old? Fine, I'll be old. Thanks.
We've decided to exchange dinner once a week with Pam & Ted. So I cook on Saturdays, and they pick a day during the week. Last night I made chicken parmesan. Another beautiful evening. We've also decided to take a trip to Volcan, which is another popular retirement site about an hour from here. Dan and I spent some days there last time we were here, and I really liked it, mostly because I met Jeannie and Georgia while I was there, but it's also a beautiful area, especially Guadalupe, which is a major agricultural area and offers beautiful landscapes. So, we're going to travel over some Saturday, spend the night and drive back on Sunday. We'll probably stay at Los Quetzales, which is where Dan and I stayed last time.
Today (Sunday) was mostly a quiet study day for me. Dan went to mass, got a haircut (wow!! #1 - now that's confidence), and then worked for the rest of the day.
So... let's see what's on Netflix tonight. At Mary Pat McGuirk's recommendation we started watching Top of the Lake last night. I described it to her as grizzly and beautiful: a disturbing plot and band of characters against a magnificent New Zealand backdrop, but alas too much for Dan's sensibilities just before bedtime. So, we're looking for comedy. Too bad Derek ran out so quickly. That definitely filled the bill. Can't believe our time here is half over already. Time flies. Tomorrow I'm going into David with Pam & Ted to do some shopping.
We've decided to exchange dinner once a week with Pam & Ted. So I cook on Saturdays, and they pick a day during the week. Last night I made chicken parmesan. Another beautiful evening. We've also decided to take a trip to Volcan, which is another popular retirement site about an hour from here. Dan and I spent some days there last time we were here, and I really liked it, mostly because I met Jeannie and Georgia while I was there, but it's also a beautiful area, especially Guadalupe, which is a major agricultural area and offers beautiful landscapes. So, we're going to travel over some Saturday, spend the night and drive back on Sunday. We'll probably stay at Los Quetzales, which is where Dan and I stayed last time.
Today (Sunday) was mostly a quiet study day for me. Dan went to mass, got a haircut (wow!! #1 - now that's confidence), and then worked for the rest of the day.
So... let's see what's on Netflix tonight. At Mary Pat McGuirk's recommendation we started watching Top of the Lake last night. I described it to her as grizzly and beautiful: a disturbing plot and band of characters against a magnificent New Zealand backdrop, but alas too much for Dan's sensibilities just before bedtime. So, we're looking for comedy. Too bad Derek ran out so quickly. That definitely filled the bill. Can't believe our time here is half over already. Time flies. Tomorrow I'm going into David with Pam & Ted to do some shopping.