I Need Your Help on a Couple of Things by Star

Ok ... I know the title of this post is not very creative, but I truly need help with a couple of things:

Number 1 --
Why is my mom thanking God for all the hot showers she had when we lived in the States? In my doggie mind I think that she should be thanking God for the fact that we have water, and that sometimes it's even hot. The same thing goes for the stove. Why is she thanking God for all the times when she didn't need to use a match to turn on the stove? I think she should be thanking God that we have matches, don't you?

Number 2 --
Why does my mom tell some people that my name, apparently, is also Estrella? Mom says Estrella is Star in Spanish; but I like Star. People also call me 'perro"... I don't really like that.

Before We Left Cuenca by Star

Yes, mom and I left Cuenca last November and it has been almost a year since I last wrote a post. Since then there have been many changes, many tears, many good-byes, many hellos, many joys... life with mom is never boring! Although we are no longer in Cuenca, we are going to continue writing this blog. I'll soon start telling you about our return to Asheville, but this post is still about Cuenca.

There are many things that we loved about Ecuador, and there are also many things we didn't like so much. Perhaps the worst thing for me was the constant noise of firecrackers going off. Ecuadorians love them and I hate them! Life in Cuenca stopped being fun soon after we moved to Challuabamba because of all the noise. There were too many weeks when the firecrackers started on Thursday and went on through Sunday ALL DAY AND ALL NIGHT LONG! We had chosen to be away from the city because we thought it would be quieter in the country. WRONG!!!!

Mom tried everything to calm me down when the firecrackers would start. She would dressed me up with my Thunder Shirt and put on one of her headbands over my ears. They both helped some even though I looked pretty pathetic. I just couldn't help it. I really get scared with loud noises. Whenever they would start I would go hide under mom's desk and never left her side; I panted and paced and just prayed that they would stop and so did mom. During the night, the only solution was to sleep in the laundry room since it was the only room in the house had didn't have any windows. So from Thursday to Sunday nights mom would pull out the sleeping bag and a couple of pillows from the sofa and the two of us just slept there. Trust me, that was simply no fun but it was the only place we could get some rest and I could feel somewhat safe.

Ecuador is simply a loud country. And, people there really enjoy noise. Mom and I prefer it quiet and heaven to us is to be serenaded by the sound of birds and nature, not firecrackers and loud music. It is just a matter of preferences and ours did not coincide with what most Ecuadorians like.

Just as there were things we didn't like, there were things we loved. Ecuador is a beautiful country and the expansive views and countryside are just spectacular. A few weeks before we came back to the US, we went to El Rancho de Jack. Jack is my friend and his dad is building a house twenty minutes outside of Cuenca in the beautiful countryside. That day was lots of fun. We played and ran freely and enjoyed the horses while our parents feasted in a picnic.

Of course, the day came to an end and we had to ride back to town. Jack and I were pretty tired from all the running around so we slept in the back. I even used Jack as my pillow. That day, life was good in Cuenca!

Hacienda Caballo Campana, A Little Piece of Heaven in Cuenca by Star

After we came back from Vilcabamba, our house was still not ready. We were still homeless and had to find a place to sleep. We first stayed at a horrible hostal for two nights that we will not name, but that I was so glad to leave. The people were nice, but the rooms were old and dingy. However, mom found a little piece of heaven called Hacienda Caballo Campana. This inn is located in a horse farm-horse-horse stables and riding school paradise. The owners, Lina Torres and her family, love dogs and have many living in the property.

The moment we arrived, I knew I was going to enjoy myself. We stayed there five nights and I hated to leave. The place is peaceful and beautiful. The air is clean and fresh. There is a feeling there that I just can't describe. Caballo Campana is very close to Cuenca, just about 15 minutes to El Centro. Mom and I felt we could stay there forever ... dad really liked it as well but I don't think as much as mom and I did.

I made friends with all the dogs immediately. And, of course, mom had to make friends with them as well.

I had been afraid of horses until we stayed at Caballo Campana. They are big and fast and I hadn't been around them much. But here I learned to like them and not be so afraid of them. They are very beautiful and mom and dad petted them, so I learn that they are loving as well, no need for fear.

They have six dogs at Caballo Campana and many, many horses; I can't remember all of the doggies' names, but they all, except one, came to this place after a rough life of abuse. For example: Oso (Bear) is a Chow whose head is crooked from obvious abuse. He is terrified of people, but Mom worked on him every day trying to gain his trust. I just left him alone. By the last day he was not as fearful of her and would come close enough to allow her to take a picture of him. Mom was happy. I swear the silliest things make her happy.

Then there was this dog that fell in love with my mom because she fed her. She was very bright and hid from the waiters since she was not allowed in the dinning room porch where my parents ate. As soon as the waiters left, she would come out. You see, they allow me in the porch while mom and dad had breakfast because I am a Gringo dog, but the other dogs weren't supposed to be there... of course, they didn't listen very well, especially with mom encouraging them. I've heard the other day that this dog had a bunch of puppies and mom wanted to go see them. Thank God she stopped herself, otherwise I know I would have a brother or sister by now for sure.

The one doggie that could do anything he wanted was a small black one. He and I played for hours. He is still a puppy, very cute and smart.

The other dogs maintained their distance and you could tell they had some stories to tell.

It was sad when we left. All the dogs followed our car as we drove out the property. This is wonderful place, and mom has promised me to visit again soon. Who know she may even take some horse riding lessons while I play with the dogs. We'll see.

Our Trip to Vilcabamaba, Ecuador by Star

I can't believe it has been six months since we went to Vilcabamba. We were without a house then, gypsies once more. So mom decided that we could go to Vilca, as we lovingly call it, to enjoy ourselves and see other parts of Ecuador before moving into our house.

They say Vilcamamba is an energy center. I'm not sure what that means, but I really loved there and here is why.

So, first there were the views... just because I'm a doggie doesn't mean I don't pay attention to the views. This is the view from our bedroom at Madre Tierra where we stayed. I loved just to sit on the porch looking at the magnificent surroundings. I can spend hours like that... mom says that I am like a cat in that way... hmm

Then, there was my friend Kenna, who went back to the States shortly after this fun trip. I miss her, but we just had so much fun at Madre Tierra and everywhere we went in Vilcabamba. Mom did not any pictures of our hikes; but, trust me, they were amazing and the hikes and walks are the third reason I loved Vilcabamba.

 

Even though Vilcabamaba is quite small, there are many fun things to do, if you like nature and its beauty. Another thing I really liked about this place was that every day after our long hikes or walks we went to  Cafe Sambuca where my parents had lunch. Cafe Sambuca is co-owned by a wonder guy from Mexico, Raul Hernandez and they serve real Mexican food, or so I heard.

According to my mom and dad and to everyone else that ate there, the food was outstanding. However, I didn't try the food... they didn't let me (they being my parents). But, I was always too tired from my walks, so not being able to eat was not too bad. Besides mom's Tempeh tacos simply didn't sound good to me, although she must have liked them because she had them everyday... dad's food is always tempting, but he's harder to break than mom, so I got nothing from him not even a small morsel. I wish mom would stop being a vegetarian then I could have her food. But she takes care of me and somehow I ended up eating roasted chicken many days while in Vilcabamba. Yum! That's what I love the most about traveling, roasted chickens always make it to my plate when we are away.

I can't wait to return to Vilcabamba and enjoy the peace and quiet of this place and the wonderful hikes. When are we going back, mom?

10 Rules of the Road When Driving in Cuenca, Ecuador by Star

When you move to another country, one of the most important steps in the adaptation process is to learn the rules by which the society operates. We finally got the rules of the road in Cuenca down. I suppose these rules apply not only to Cuenca, but to other cities of Ecuador as well. My mom thought we needed to share these 10 Rules with you. So here they go:

1. Speed up if you see a pedestrian or a dog crossing the street.
2. Lanes on the road are just a suggestion. Although maybe the real rule is to keep the dividing stripes between your tires.
3. In passing a car make, sure that you pull in front of them close enough to force them to brake or move to the next lane.
4. There are two driving speeds: lighting fast-way beyond the speed limit and dangerously turtle slow.
5. Illegal turns are allowed whenever you can get away with it.
6. Honk your horn a few seconds before the traffic light changes to green just in case that the driver in front of you fell asleep. As matter of fact, just honk your horn every 5 seconds in traffic or when you come to a traffic light, and you should be alright.
7. Passing on curves at high speeds is cool.
8. When the road has lots of pot holes larger than lakes, you are supposed to go as fast as you can; don't worry about your car's suspension system, that's something to deal with tomorrow.
9. U-turns and parking are permissible any time and on any road; the signs prohibiting them are just for decoration. If you want to be overly safe, turn on your emergency blinkers.
10. Be alert and ready to brake or change lanes in the highways when you see the 'danger-men working' signs which will pop up no more than 10 feet from the actual road construction or obstruction.

And, one extra rule is to never open the windows if you are behind a truck, a bus, or a school van; unless, of course, you want to choke with the exhaust fumes. Wearing oxygen masks is always an option in these situations.

Who Said I Couldn't Go to Cajas National Park? by Star

I have been dying to tell you about my adventures into the Cajas National Park....well, it has been four months since I first went there and today is the day I get to share.

Cajas is a magical place about 12 miles from Cuenca. It has many beautiful mountain ranges and lagoons. The altitude ranges from 10,000 to close to 14,000 feet high and there are many different birds and also Alpacas. Mom just recently learned what the name Cajas means. "Cajas" in Spanish means 'boxes' so she couldn't understand why the name; she learned that this "Cajas" comes from the indigenous quechua word "caxas" which means "cold"; and, cold it is, according to the humans who went with us; but with my thick coat I could never tell even though I got pretty wet.

When we first arrived in Cuenca we were told that no dogs were allowed in this incredible place; but, what do you know? Mom found a way. Well, it was really Anna who did, but the important thing was that we went to Cajas in December with my friends Chimbo and Kenna and some humans.

 
I've visited many beautiful places since we moved to Cuenca, but I have to say that Cajas is by far the best. We were free to run up and down the trails without leads. There is simply nothing better than freedom and fresh mountain air to make me happy.

My mom didn't have her hiking boots or her walking stick with her since our stuff had not arrived from the States. She said she needed them to go up to the lagoon because it was misting and the steep trail was very slippery so mom and I stayed behind while our friends went up.

 

I had to stay to keep guard and make sure mom and I were all right.

We really missed out, so as soon as the work in the house is finished, mom has promised to take me there again. This time for a real hike up to the lagoon. Although I don't know how mom is going to make it. She was huffing and puffing all throughout the hike since Cajas is much higher than Cuenca and the trails are treacherous. That's what she said, though perhaps she is not in as good shape as she wants to think she is.

Mom says that hiking Cajas is not for everyone. It's really beautiful and peaceful but the weather changes very quickly. And, that is true, I can attest. When we were there one minute it was sunny and the next it was misting, and right after that there was the rain, hard and cold with thunder and lightening and nowhere to take cover. Going down the trail is harder when it is wet, and mom fell twice and got her pants all muddy. She, of course, blamed it on me. Since when she fell it was just me and her and she had to put me in the lead, or so she felt... like I was going anywhere... pleeease! When we were all together, I knew it was safe and I ran and ran, up and down and up again, having so much fun in this incredible place.

Mom and I went down towards the car and mom was totally worn out but so was I, yet I just didn't know it until we got home and I couldn't wait to go to bed and crash.

Now that mom and dad have their hiking boots and walking sticks, they don't have much of an excuse. Cajas here we come soon!

Saying YES to Cuenca by Star

It's been a long time since I posted in this blog; getting my scribe's attention has been difficult. But, I think mom and I are now all set to share my stories on a more regular basis. This post is going to be a bit different, no pictures to share with you this time, just a story mostly about my mom. And, so, here we go.

My mom chose the name of this blog as the YES Effect. I never quite understood why she chose it... a more appropriate name would have been 'Star in Cuenca' or something similar, don’t you think? However, the last few months have helped me understand my mom's choice.

Mom always says that I teach her about this YES Effect business that she is trying to learn. She explained to me the other day that when she says YES to life she stops struggling and her pain ceases; she finds peace. However, this doesn’t come easily to my mom; and, she gathers that this is one of the main lessons she needs to learn and probably why we are in Ecuador. Of course, I always focus on the now and the positive in everything- it’s my nature. Humans just complicate things.

I don't always say YES to everything immediately; I have my preferences too, you know. Yet, when I don't have a choice and I’m forced into a situation that is not my preference, I don't like it at first, but soon I embrace it. For example, I don't like driving around in the car; my preference is to stay home; but mom sometimes decides that I must go with her and makes me get in the car. I fight it for a second or so, but once I'm in the car I start enjoying the ride and the scenery, not attached to my original preference I can enjoy myself and be content. Unfortunately, this is  not quite the way my mom usually works.

Mom has this idea that things should be done one way; and that’s ususally her way. She has always defined herself using the words: efficiency, productivity and effective communication. Now, these three qualities are not very prevalent in Ecuador, so my poor mom has been struggling… her very roots, needs and identity are constantly shaken. She had to learn the hard way (once more, mind you) that by saying “NO” to the ways of Ecuador she would gain nothing other than more heart aches. No matter how mom feels or what she does or doesn’t do, things are not going to get done any quicker; people are not going to call when they promised or answer voice messages or emails on a ‘timely’ manner; nor will they be more straightforward with her. Different cultures, different methods… that’s all. 

Mom has had to learn the rules of Ecuador and this has taken her eight challenging months! Quite the slow learner she is!!! I’m sure she is not through learning though, but she is light years ahead of where she started. 

As I tell her, it’s not that she has to like the Ecuadorian ways, she just has to accept them for what they are and learn to let go and work with them. Mom hit bottom about four weeks ago and then she saw the light. She realized her pain came from saying ‘no’ to what is, and not from what was happening or not happening. Since then I have felt her peace and I’m happy for her and, for me, and for dad, since she is no fun when she is frustrated, depressed, or angry. Now we can go back to focusing on the beauty this magnificent country has to offer us and the less painful lessons it has to teach us. 

By the way, in case you are wondering about some of these rules mom has had to learn here are some:

• Ecuadorians live in the now and they give you their full attention when they are with you; this means if you are in a meeting and it goes way over, they will never interrupt it to call their next appointment. They are with you 100%... of course, the problem is when you are the next appointment.
• For Ecuadorians afternoons start at 3 PM. Unlike Americans who hardly take lunch, professional Ecuadorians go home for lunch since this is their main meal and for many an important family time. However they will work late as well. Repair people may show up at 5:30 or 6 in the afternoon.
• “I’ll call you at X time” means “If I remember, I’ll call you, and never at the said time.” So if you need an answer, you need to call them back. If you wait for the call back, chances are you’ll never get it.
• Ecuadorians will never call you if they only have bad news to give you. If you need to know, you need to call them, always!!!
• Ecuadorians are not proactive, so you need to be and never expect them to be because you’ll just be frustrated. It's not in their nature and it has to do a lot with living in the now.
• You need to think of all the details. They are not important to most Ecuadorians so, if they are important to you, you must think of them and bring them up until they are done.
• Workers will not clean up after they repair or install something. Unless they are being supervised by their employer and sometimes even when they are, they will leave you the mess to clean.

It’s really about responsibility; here in Ecuador you need to be 100% responsible, and yet accept that things are out of your control. The illusion of control people have in the US is shattered here in Ecuador. It’s like when I’m hungry before meal time and go to see mom and nudge her, my responsibility is to help her understand that I’m hungry, but whether or not she decides she can stop what she's doing and feed me; well, that’s not under my control; so many times I may have to wait until she is ready. See, life is really simple, if you are a dog.