Maya was invited to a birthday party today, and told me she wanted to go just as I was picking her up from the schoolbus and we were on our way to her ballet class. I wasn't sure I was comfortable with the concept; two and a half hours on a 'chiva' bus with a classroom of 12 and 13 year olds. I was so distressed I called Eric in Baltimore to ask his opinion, and he suggested that I go with Maya. I thought that was a good idea, so I rushed home and changed into presentable attire and rushed back through the rush hour crowds to get back to her ballet class. I did take the time to visit Isabel to ask her opinion, but she was not home and neither was Erika. I asked Isabel's exhusband what he thought, and he reassured me that with children and parents on board, and no alcohol of course, things would be fine.
I pulled Maya out of her ballet class later than I wanted to, and almost hoped we would not get to our destination on time. But we did, and when we saw no one in the Fybeca parking lot at Plaza de las Americas, I was almost relieved. But then of course, her classmates were there and very excited to see Maya. I asked Cathy, the mother of Maria Paula, if I could come along, that I was worried, but she insisted that there were enough adults and introduced me to her mother who was going along too. I could not then NOT allow Maya to go. So with trepidation, I said good bye.
And then I began shaking. A 'chiva' is a party bus, often with a live band and dancing to traditional Ecuadorian music. Drinking is a must on a chiva, but I am sure that children will not be drinking. However, one can easily fall off the bus, which has open sides and booms through town, inviting all to join in the party. What did I just do?
Plaza de las Americas is a mall with dozens of restaurants and a movie theater. It was packed with teenagers, and I remember that the first time I met Isabel, we drove to the mall to pick up her teenage son, many years ago. I could not stomach staying for two and a half hours at the mall, so I took a bus in the dark back to the apartment (NOT a good idea) and rushed up to my room, thinking I would eat something and go back to get Maya. Except that I am not supposed to go out in the night after dark, and I may not find a taxi, and I may get robbed, and Maya could be in danger.
She just seemed embarrassed by me. I pretended that I spoke no Spanish, and was worried about her and wanted to go with her. And now I am scared about going back. Not a good evening for me. Lots of anxiety. Eric won't approve. I just have to pray and hope that all goes well and that we are home safe and sound by 9.
My day was otherwise easy and comfortable. I waited much of the morning for a workman who was supposed to come by at 8:30 to fix the kitchen cabinets which had either fallen off or would not close
(I had to tie some shut to prevent the cat from having an extra feast). Of course, the workman never showed up. I am horrified at how much time I can devote to the news and the internet. I did manage to wash the floors, balance my checkbook, talk to Tara at length, and to touch base with Eric a few times. He is in Baltimore taking care of the house so we can rent it by the end of the month.
Finally, I could stay in no longer, but when I was ready to leave the apartment, the elevator was not working. I contemplated leaving by the stairs, but took care of more business details until the elevator was again functional. I was going to walk all the way to Casa de la Cultura again, but it was late, and I wanted to give myself enough time to visit the 'Casa de Alabada' near Plaza San Francisco. The museum has an exquisite collection of pre columbian artifacts (all from private collections, stolen no doubt, but now available to the public). I am entranced in the museum and the hours fly by. Before I was ready, it was time to take the Ecovia back to pick up Maya. My schedule is determined by dropping and picking her up.
It was a lovely entertaining day, until faced with the dilemma of the party bus.
I pulled Maya out of her ballet class later than I wanted to, and almost hoped we would not get to our destination on time. But we did, and when we saw no one in the Fybeca parking lot at Plaza de las Americas, I was almost relieved. But then of course, her classmates were there and very excited to see Maya. I asked Cathy, the mother of Maria Paula, if I could come along, that I was worried, but she insisted that there were enough adults and introduced me to her mother who was going along too. I could not then NOT allow Maya to go. So with trepidation, I said good bye.
And then I began shaking. A 'chiva' is a party bus, often with a live band and dancing to traditional Ecuadorian music. Drinking is a must on a chiva, but I am sure that children will not be drinking. However, one can easily fall off the bus, which has open sides and booms through town, inviting all to join in the party. What did I just do?
Plaza de las Americas is a mall with dozens of restaurants and a movie theater. It was packed with teenagers, and I remember that the first time I met Isabel, we drove to the mall to pick up her teenage son, many years ago. I could not stomach staying for two and a half hours at the mall, so I took a bus in the dark back to the apartment (NOT a good idea) and rushed up to my room, thinking I would eat something and go back to get Maya. Except that I am not supposed to go out in the night after dark, and I may not find a taxi, and I may get robbed, and Maya could be in danger.
She just seemed embarrassed by me. I pretended that I spoke no Spanish, and was worried about her and wanted to go with her. And now I am scared about going back. Not a good evening for me. Lots of anxiety. Eric won't approve. I just have to pray and hope that all goes well and that we are home safe and sound by 9.
My day was otherwise easy and comfortable. I waited much of the morning for a workman who was supposed to come by at 8:30 to fix the kitchen cabinets which had either fallen off or would not close
(I had to tie some shut to prevent the cat from having an extra feast). Of course, the workman never showed up. I am horrified at how much time I can devote to the news and the internet. I did manage to wash the floors, balance my checkbook, talk to Tara at length, and to touch base with Eric a few times. He is in Baltimore taking care of the house so we can rent it by the end of the month.
Finally, I could stay in no longer, but when I was ready to leave the apartment, the elevator was not working. I contemplated leaving by the stairs, but took care of more business details until the elevator was again functional. I was going to walk all the way to Casa de la Cultura again, but it was late, and I wanted to give myself enough time to visit the 'Casa de Alabada' near Plaza San Francisco. The museum has an exquisite collection of pre columbian artifacts (all from private collections, stolen no doubt, but now available to the public). I am entranced in the museum and the hours fly by. Before I was ready, it was time to take the Ecovia back to pick up Maya. My schedule is determined by dropping and picking her up.
It was a lovely entertaining day, until faced with the dilemma of the party bus.
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