TravelMONSTRAcity

My biggest worry is the future of travel..., especially by air.  Restrictions, COVID-19 testing, masks, social distancing, quarantining, POSSIBLE forced vaccinations in the future, world shutdown (Part 2), etc.  It feels like there is a portal.  If one doesn't choose where he/she wants to live permanently in a certain amount of time, that portal will be closed until further notice and one will be forced to stay where they are situated.  Also, if one wants to visit loved ones, he/she will have to jump through COVID-19 hoops and hope nothing goes wrong.  The flight will still go both ways but one has to decide if the flights are worth it.   The trip to Japan for me and Kobe the end of September 2020 has not been canceled.  I am working with the Embassy in Quito and a Japanese Language School to get a Visa for Kobe...and maybe even for myself.   We are hopeful because Japan is partially open.  Randy, Kobe, and I are not willing to visit the US (partially open) at this time because of the restrictions on air travel and possible quarantining for fourteen days when returning to Ecuador.  This is what I am looking at when it comes to air travel:  https://www.kayak.com/travel-restrictions.  Most of the Azuay Province is Yellow, one Canton is Green, and one Canton is Red:  https://view.genial.ly/5eb073af36e64c0d8e92d892?fbclid=IwAR3xcc5jnfFRrU0_i_ZrlIRpeyx4HVW5odHdpgxZ0rnH51gjYFl3PCi-cj0.  The Paute Canton and Cuenca Canton are Yellow.  This means I can still travel to and from Cuenca without too many major problems.  

On Tuesday (June 23rd), Rodrigo Saca and I went shopping at Supermaxi Las Americas.  Uneventful to and from Cuenca.  The usual police and military.  Also, temperature check and spraying with what I believe was Industrial Strength Rubbing Alcohol.  Supermaxi was not as well-stocked as it should have been.  I was grateful that I was able to find a block of cheddar cheese.  Raisins were also in short supply.  After Supermaxi, I did go to the neighboring high-end department store, Sukasa.  What I bought was a nice hand mixer.  I will use it in the very near future.  Next to Supermaxi was a place that sells products exclusively for people who feel they need extra protection:  Hazmat suits, masks, gloves, rubbing alcohol, etc.  I think it was some type of boutique in the recent past. Cafe San Sebas Restaurant was in business but quite empty.  May this nice restaurant stays in business.  Many small businesses are suffering.  Heartbreaking.  It is always good to be home where we feel free. 

Father's Day (Sunday, June 21st) was very nice.  Randy was happy to make breakfast for me, Kobe, and himself.  We took it easy and enjoyed nature.  Kobe made chocolate cookie dough and I baked the dough like a cake and cut the cake-like cookie into squares.  Randy, Kobe, and I enjoyed the cookies immensely.  The rest of the week we stayed home most of the time and enjoyed the nature of our property and our home cooking.  Kobe made some delicious macaroni and cheese.  We enjoy home cooking much more than restaurants.  Our house and property take "Home Sweet Home" to a whole new level.  

This is the boutique that sells everything related to the Coronavirus.  Next to Supermaxi Las Americas.

Our house as seen through the trees from our driveway.  COLOR SWAP effect.

Randy is standing next to the wall that is being built on our driveway.  It is going to be awesome!

Another view of a wall being built on our driveway.  This wall will be beautiful and sturdy.

Three eggs from our chickens.  Our rooster is no more.  We had him for lunch at a friend's house.  A new rooster will be coming soon.

The Rancho Rosa Azul mural designed by Freddy Rokano of Paute.  COLOR ACCENT effect.

Peter Mercer (Paute), Randy, Andrew "Andy" Coonce (Paute).  Peter plays the drums.  Randy and Andy play the guitar.  They call themselves Los Deplorables.  

This is the Paute River as seen from a trail that is high above our house.  The cascade in the Paute River is breathtaking.  

This is our dog, Lucy (girl).  My blog isn't complete without a least one picture of one of our dogs.

This is the Father's Day breakfast that Randy made for me.  It goes well with whole milk and tea (hierba Luisa).   

This is the macaroni and cheese that Kobe made from scratch.  It has a mild flavor and it is delicious.  

Here I am enjoying life but hiding the fact that I am worried about the future of air travel.  These times are way too "interesting" for my taste.