Aloha Everyone,
Juana truly was a blessing for us. She helped us gain confidence in conversing in Spanish. Over the last 2 weeks, the three of us covered a very wide range of topics including local and international politics, educational systems, geo-political relationship between the United States and the Latin American countries, health care, social security programs and taxes. We also talked about our personal interests in music, art, and YES travels and food.
Juana gave us a copy of her illustration portfolio which she produced as a part of her university graduation requirements in Fine Arts. With her permission, here are some of Juana's work:
Teemu is from Hämeenlinnan, Finland. His first international travel was a year ago to Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Thailand. This year he'd begun his travel in Spain and came to South America. His 2015 travel will be for 9 - 10 months. After he returns to Finland, Teemu will find work, save enough money for his next travel. J.J. and I saw ourselves in Teemu when we were his age.
We stumbled into a small bistro called "Black Olive." Rebecca stepped in front of us announcing, "Just for tonight, every diner receives a "fantastic" free dessert", it was an offer difficult to pass.
Black Olive is owned by a friend of Rebecca, a chef from Canada. Our quiche dishes were exceptional.
For dessert, J.J. had a slice of Lemon Pie and I had bread-budding. They were sumptuous. Our total bill came out to $16 including taxes, service plus additional tip.
Seated at the next table were Mia and Max. Both are jubilados (retired) in Cuenca. With a kind smile, Mia gave me her email to contact her if we have any questions about Cuenca.
Aloha -- Cathi