Drizzle, Drizzle. It is the rainy season after all. Sprinkles last only for about an hour, no downpours.
Resolving communication issues once again delay the morning walk.
“Jackson, did you see that the pedestal sinks are made in Ecuador?”
“I noticed that earlier. You know Nilla, Ecuador has been slower to develop its manufacturing sector when compared to other Latin American nations. Ecuador for the past twenty to thirty years has been dominated by primary and extractive industries. The Minister of Industry and Productivity has redirected Ecuador’s effort toward value-added manufacturing, industrial and high technology development. Significant incentives are available for those int in expanding any one of these sectors, especially in areas of higher unemployment.”
“I wonder if they export?”
Franz Viegener was established in 1899 in Attendorn, Germany, initially manufacturing brass beer taps. It has expanded to create luxury bathroom fixtures and has a presence not only in Germany but in Argentina, Brazil, and the United States. It has become one of South America’s largest faucet companies.”
“They certainly are contemporary.”
The early afternoon stroll is intriguing. A very large jellyfish lies flattened on the sand in death, the serrated margin of its hood spread outward appearing sunburst-like, its diameter greater than twenty inches. Continuing on toward the pier and the marina, both severely damaged in the tidal surge, are Bonapart and Swallow-tail gulls clustered together near the collection of fishing boats. Three pelicans stand watch. Great frigatebirds swarm overhead, while some fishermen repair the bottom of their boats positioning them on the side. The repairs consist of fiberglass and resin covered with blue paint.
The long tables along the beach embankment, protected by a thatched roof, are empty waiting for the next catch. Further down, just beyond the tides reach, two small squid are picked apart by the gulls.
The mystery of how the fishing boats are pulled in and out of the water is solved. A tractor pulls the boat to or from the water’s edge and a winch turns them into position. The tide is essential in ‘launching’ the boat from the beach with brute force and an oar until in deep enough water to start the outboard motor.
The damage to the pier and marina unmistakable. Cranes are replacing and re-positioning boulders and blocks.
Off the beach and up a side “road’ (more like a wide path) to a main thoroughfare, 25 de diciembre. Homeopathic center, pharmacy, several fruit and vegetable stands and a bakery.
The aroma of fresh, hot rolls is irresistible. It is trash day along the ‘veinticinco’ and the white sanitation truck makes its way weaving through traffic and around parked cars. Taking a right at the intersection at the traffic light leads back toward the beachfront malecon.
The odor of fresh fish fills the air. Vendors here will clean the fish and advise the best way to prepare it.
A short distance away from the fish vendor is the gym, closed for the holidays. The equipment is antiquated but should be just fine. Membership $1.00 a day.
The evening walk in the opposite direction. Genoa/Le Nostre Pizza has a good reputation.
Meanwhile the cleaning crews are still scraping up sand.
The firefighters are coordinating efforts and stop for pizza as well. Apparently the hope is that the malecon will be completely cleaned up in time for the weekend.
The viuda and her mourners, along with the monstrous father time creature, again walk up and down the malecon asking for alms.
Time to head back to Las Dunas.
“What a great day Nilla!”
“It certainly was!”
Adventures of Nilla and Jackson 