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Zeebra Designs & Destinations

~ An Artist's Eyes Never Rest

Zeebra Designs & Destinations

Tag Archives: christmas

Christmas Colors from Ecuador

25 Sunday Dec 2016

Posted by Playamart - Zeebra Designs in TRAVEL: LATIN AMERICA

≈ 15 Comments

Tags

christmas, duendes, is there a Santa Clause, Red Andean Capeps

p1070837-mindo-school-event p1070827-mindo-school-event-capes-small-file
Would you believe that Santa found my GPS location?  I tried to outsmart him and went from the coast to the cloud forest and then to Quito – all in one week!   Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus!  His elves gathered an amazing assortment of special items including new acrylic paints, REAL drawing pencils, an earthquake-relief T-shirt, chocolates — it’s a miracle,as I am still baffled to how all of those items – and more – fit in one surprise stocking!…

Thanks, Papa Noel y Elves! (— or do duendes help Papa Noel in South America?)

pc111028-duende

Merry Christmas to All!

p1070820-mindo-school-event

Z

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Wisdom 101 – Jama Ecuador

24 Saturday Dec 2016

Posted by Playamart - Zeebra Designs in INSPIRATION, PEOPLE, TRAVEL: LATIN AMERICA

≈ 40 Comments

Tags

christmas, ecuador earthquake, jama ecuador

p1060177-christmas-at-palo-santo

Christmas Tree Decorations — Entrance to Hostal Palo Santo (Jama Ecuador)

“Suffering is part of our training program for becoming wise.”  Ram Dass

(Jama Ecuador) After traveling for 5 or more hours, I recently reached Jama in the late afternoon.  Palo Santo Cafe was closed, but someone was inside – preparing for the night.  I knocked on the door and asked if I could use the internet – to send a smoke signal that I’d reached my destination for the day.   “Of course,” lovely Karen smiled as she opened the door and invited me inside.  “Stay as long as you’d like…”

Luchy's girlfriend, Karen...

Luchy’s girlfriend, Karen…

I sat at a table and quickly vanished into cyberworld while they worked in the kitchen.   Just as I was packing my things to leave, young Jesus – Luchy’s nephew, motioned for me to stay.  He pointed to three coffee cups on the counter and whispered, “Shhhhh…”     Smiling, I unpacked the computer and played my role in the coffee break surprise..   Yet ten minutes later, the cups of not-so steaming coffee were still sitting there, and I thought perhaps I misunderstood.   About that time Luchy and Karen emerged from the kitchen with hot ham and cheese sandwiches for everyone!

p1030801-luchy-palo-santo-sandwich-y-cafe-break

Jesus, Luchy's nephew, often helps (with a huge heart and grand smile) at the restaurant.

Jesus, Luchy’s nephew, often helps (with a huge heart and grand smile) at the restaurant.  He prepared the cafe con leche, garnished with an artful swirl on the surface!

These palms line the front of Palo Santo...

These palms line the front of Palo Santo…

I camped at their hostal this past trip and enjoyed more quality time not only with the family, but with many of the locals as well.   One night when I was walking from their restaurant to the hostal (2 blocks) someone called my name.  It was a friend I’d not seen in over a year.  She and her four precious children are living in one of the tent communities.  She looked great and seemed happy, and we both enjoyed the 10-pm exchange on the almost-deserted street.

From better times - before the earthquake

Photo from better times – before the earthquake

“When someone feels particularly isolated or in pain, we don’t need a great deal of information in order to come to his or her aid.”  Ram Dass

Tent Community between Jama and Playa El Matal (Ecuador)

Tent Community between Jama and Playa El Matal (Ecuador)

Another day when going to buy 'takeout' encebollado for breakfast, another person called, "Lisa!" Many times as they share their stories, they release a bit of their noble and very privte pain. It is true that tears are the escape valve for the heart.

Another day when I was buying ‘takeout’ encebollado for breakfast, someone on the street called, “Lisa!”    Many times as they share their stories, they release a bit of their noble and very private pain. It is true that tears are the escape valve for the heart.

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A friend says that he loves my stories, but it's a shame that I'm in an institution in Mississippi and making this all up!

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“Lisa Brunetti – A Journey” – Museo Portoviejo/Ecuador

"Lisa Brunetti - A Journey" - Nov. 15, 2018 - Jan. 15, 2019 - Museo Portoviejo/Ecuador

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