September 18, 2009 Friday PARTY TIME

My mornings are usually routine, as the sun comes up early and the neighbors, who are only a couple of arm lengths away are also early risers. They are very vocal from early morning to late at night. I am sure I could learn a lot about them if I understood more Spanish. The lady of the house is on the phone most of the day. When she gets off the the phone, the dogs bark continuously, makes for a very noisy atmosphere.
I spent the morning doing some more research for Partners and for Missions for Visions. Have some great new contacts and resources.
When Patricia came home for lunch we ate and then got into our party clothes as we had been invited to a Birthday Party for one of her seniors.
If I hadn't mentioned it, Patricia runs senior program at the University and has 125-150 participants. I met most of them last year. I hadn't met this gentleman however.
We took a taxi, which was an experience in itself. I would describe it as the ride from “hell”. The driver thought he was Mario Andretti and in the race of his life. Coming close to cars is an under statement. Maybe there was 4 inches of clearance between us and the car he “had” to weave in and out to get in front of, just to turn left from the right hand lane. I haven't decided whether these drivers are brave or just plain reckless, maybe a combination.
Anyway, God had us in his hands as we arrived a little rattled, but safe and the main thing in one piece.
I had my first experience at an Ecuadorian Birthday party. The house was what is referred to as “upper class” accommodations. It was gorgeous. Very simply decorated but elegant. The house is owned by his daughter and son-in-law. His son in law in a well known Plastic Surgeon here in Guayaquil. I told Patricia I wanted his card as I could use his services. I didn't get one. I did talk to him as he is very fluent in English.
The guest list included 20 single senior ladies, 2 single senior men, and 1 married couple.
On to the party: If you haven't listened to senior women who have just learned to play the guitar and have a difficult time carrying a tune, even in a bucket, you haven't lived. But it was fun listening to them try and well I can't say it mattered as the music they were playing were old songs and it really didn't matter if you were on key or not. That is the great part about Spanish music.
The birthday boy served the snacks and wine and made sure everyone was having a good time. After about 3 hours of singing and and hour of visiting, in Spanish of course, hot chocolate and what we would call tea cakes were served. The small cakes were made of various ingredients, mostly Yucca. Nothing sweet. We finished that, cleared the table and had Birthday Cake. It was an Ecuadorian cake that if baked and then three kinds of milk put over it and it absorbs that and then frosted with a meringue frosting. It really melts in your mouth. We cannot duplicate it as the milks used are not used in the US, darn.
After a little more talk we got a ride home with one of the ladies there. That ride was great, needless to say. Had a cup of Lemon Grass Tea and crashed. Dogs and people were quiet, YEAH!!!!