Surprise Visitors at our Gate

Yesterday afternoon about 15 riders surprised Joe and I at our gate. There was a parade in San Jacinto the next town down from us and our dear friend Patricia and another long time friend Pablo, decided to bring their crew to our home for a visit.  After a short welcome, we brought out the beer for our dusty travelers and shared a laugh or two.

The most amazing thing besides the beautiful horses and some pretty fancy silver harness sets were the wooden saddles.  In my life, I have never seen a wood saddle and it was amazing how many were form fitted for what looked to be a very comfortable ride.  Our friend Pablo was riding bareback, he is such a wonderful horseman I guess he can do that. I am sad that the photo of him was just too blurry for me to post, I am sure they will be by to visit the next time they are coming by our home. The great thighs are Patricia’s by the way.

Enjoy, just another glimpse of the beauty of Ecuador and our own Manabita people.

Parade in Bahia Today

Early this morning our neighbors Gina and Jorge (Too too ta) daughter was out dressed like you see in the picture below:

I asked where the desfile (parade) was and she told me Bahia. So for all of you folks in the Bahia area you are having a parade today. I asked if she was part of the band and she stated that she is a bailarin (dancer), we sure do grow them pretty in San Clemente.

Artisanal Fishing Boats

These are the small boats that the fishermen in this area use. They go out in teams of two around 3:30 in the afternoon.

During festival week one of the activities on the program was a boat parade with the Virgin. It was not exactly a boat parade, it was more a procession of people carrying the Virgin statue to each fleet location on the beach.

 

After the procession up the beach the fisherman started taking folks out on their boats. Here are a few short videos to let you see how these guys make it over the incoming waves, it actually makes my stomach feel like it is flipping and in the boat with them.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_vvSoIwIQ4&list=UUW-XQTzYv-K81ktFEClS8Jg&index=1&feature=plcp

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xT-r_LQeLiY&list=UUW-XQTzYv-K81ktFEClS8Jg&index=1&feature=plcp

Clear skies, blue water and a soft breeze made for the perfect day for watching the boats and of course the people!

San Clemente Parade

Friday was the parade for the festival in San Clemente. Here are a ton of pictures and a few videos of what we saw:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oR7S_LFZRUQ&feature=youtu.be

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhdlORm2u-U&feature=youtu.be

This is our neighborhood fisherman from Norte.

This is the handsome young man who lives directly across the street from us. What a sweet young man!

This is our neighbor from down at the tienda at the end of our block.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dppzDB_2O4&feature=youtu.be

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7LUdkkL4FI&feature=youtu.be

Festival of San Clemente

During this week and through the weekend the Festival of San Clemente is going on. Every evening during the week until Thursday night starting at 8pm Mass will be offered next to the Virgin statue in centro. Different neighborhoods sponsor these Masses and refreshments  supplied by the neighborhood will follow the service.

Thursday night is a cultural event with local talent supplying the entertainment starting at 8pm.

Friday there are several activities planned including a parade at 2:30pm, with a dance starting at 10pm

Saturday finds the community participating in a boat parade at 9am starting at Vivianas Restaurant with a procession through the town Saturday morning at 10am carrying the Virgin to the church. At 11am a free gastronomic festival sponsored by the Godparents with various stands supplying food. 8pm Grand Mass Saturday evening in the Church of San Clemente where baptisms and weddings will be performed. A parade returning the Virgin from the church to the main street shrine will process after Mass with a dance at 10 pm with a free orchestra. 11pm is the spectacular fireworks display.

Sunday at 2pm games will be offered and dancing starting at 10pm.

This is an annual festival packed with fun for everyone.

Parade

In all my days I have never seen a place that has more parades than Salinas.  Yesterday the following group paraded down the malecon to the music of the small band following them. I took a quick video so you can hear the music as well. Okay now, everybody get up and dance!