Finished the first week of guitar finger torture (lessons). I think if the CIA really wanted to get bad guys to talk, they would use guitar lessons. Speaking of the CIA, we walked past an Incan lady a few days ago who was wearing the traditional clothing. This includes the large skirts, pancho, knee high stockings., etc. She had a baseball cap on. It had the letters CIA on it. It would really be interesting to know the story of how that happened. Probably something very mundane.
I now know Hotel California and Sounds of Silence with a slight Latin influence. I am not sure why we didn't start with some easier material. My fingers are very cranky, but getting stronger. Bridge work is a killer on acoustic guitars when you are starting out. Maestro Pablo didn't show on Thursday. Boris filled in. No explanation on Pablo's whereabouts. Friday Pablo is back. Seems his wife had a baby (C-section). I told him, in my lousy Spanish, that he didn't need to do our lesson. But he had other lessons and didn't want to miss any more work. This is his second, his first boy. He wants to start expanding the lessons to more complicated chords (he pronounces the ch in chords - like chores). He asked me to get a pick so that I can do some melodies. He has a lot more confidence than I do.
The walk to guitar lessons is interesting. I pass a a nice pananderia on the way. I stop and buy a bottle of water and sometimes a cookie and newspaper. All three cost 80 cents. The vendadora likes to talk. I have no idea what she is saying half the time. Makes me realize we are just learning very proper Spanish and not what is used at the street level. Next door is the ferretaria (hardware store). We bought some glue from the owner many days ago. Now when we go by, he and his family, all say hi and ask how classes are going, etc. In the morning, he usually has his little dog with him. I play with the dog while we talk. A few blocks down is an old guy all dressed up in a brown suit. He is unshaven. He is out smoking a cigarette. I think he gets up, needs his smoke, but won't go outside without dressing up. We have started exchanging some brief greetings.
We went into town to buy a pick at a very nice music store. I bought two picks. Becky bought me a guitar. It is a beautiful guitar from San Bartolome. It was made by one of the famous guitar makers there. It is very beautiful and has an amazing sound. Have to figure out how to get it home. But that is a good problem to have. Now, no excuse to not practice.
During the trip to town, we ran into a man soliciting donations for two orphanages. We think he was legit. I gave him a dollar. He spoke some English. he asked what we were doing. We told him we were looking for someplace for almuerzo (lunch). He told us about a Columbiano restaurante. He lived in Calli for 10 years. We went there. It was on a side street. We would never have found it if he hadn't told us about it. It is a small delightful place run by a young Columbian couple, the Molienda Cafe. Botero pictures cover one wall. The husband greeted us very warmly and we had a nice discussion about Columbia. We had the menu del dia. It was sopa de patatas with a small meatball, cerdo con arroz y ensalada y jugo de guava for $2.50 per person. The menu had many traditional dishes. They have a whole page of dishes served on top of arepas. After lunch, we purchased a bag of arepas. Had them for dinner last night with juevos. Eat your heart out Valen (no pun intended). When you leave the restaurant, you ring a bell if you enjoyed your experience. We rang the bell.
We have met with our travel agency people. We are going to Loja/Vilcabamba next week. This will be a nature outing. If I survive the drive through the mountains, it should be fun. They are, also, going to put together some last minute Galapagos proposals. Also, some ideas and quotes for our last two weeks on the coast. All this will be presented on Monday.
Today, a trip to a famous potters' studio. More guitar torture/practice.
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