“Ugly Americans”
I never understood the term Ugly American until my experience in Ecuador. So you might think to live in Ecuador you might worry about the Ecuadorians, Columbians or Venezuelans. So far the only folks we have had to worry with are the Ugly Americans that are rude and bring their US attitude of entitlement packed in their luggage. We moved to Ecuador primarily because it is a county where we could actually live well on our retirement plus the wonderful weather and Andean’s Mountain beauty. What we did not count on was that other folks did the same but from a different class of people. Now that sounds snobby doesn’t it but I think people have a civic responsibility to treat others with kindness, respect and pay their bills. I am no longer the President of San Miguel Homes & Gardens simply because I could not take the abuse from the terrible emails sent to me by my neighbors. Society has lost the art of verbal communication and only can respond to others in a one-sided email devoid of body language and tone. I worked too many years in healthcare with bosses from “hell” to put up hateful nonsense. We are simply guests in this beautiful county. Enough said since I make an effort to keep my blogs upbeat so thank you for indulging me in this simple rant about my fellow American’s.
Consequently, my blog has not been updated since January and now we are in the middle of June! We sailed through Easter, Paseo del Chagra and now in the midst of Inti Raymi. Every night the hills are alive with music, whistles, chants and the sound of horns trumpeting. I think the Ecuadorians are generally happy while working hard but they know how to party enthusiastically on the weekends. We are not here to complain but to learn and embrace their culture. Below is a slide show to catch up what we have been up to click on youtube.
In May our sweet I LOVE LUCY had to be put to sleep due to cancer. Lucy traveled with us from Texas along with QE and Winky. Yesterday Lucy’s journey ended after 14 years. She was the pup that always found a way to get into the chocolate and required emergency vet visits both in Texas and in Cotacachi. In Texas, she escaped an attack of 3 pit bulls she really knew how to run licky split. We are so blessed to have Amici Cannis Dr. Marcela and her Vet Tech. Lucy was struggling to breathe as the cancerous tumors were growing and crushing her trachea. The team from Amici Cannis came to our house. Bill held Lucy in his arms and I gave her some nice chocolate. Dr. Marcela administered an IV general anesthetic and when she was asleep administer the medication to stop her heart. She died surrounded by love. I know we would have not received this type of loving care in Texas. The house feels strangely empty even through Winky and Shadow Cat are still here. The hardest gift is knowing when to let go. Run Lucy run!
Hugs to family and friends!
