I was so happy to be here for one of Luis's nephew's secondary school graduation. I just love Juan Pablo, he is made of stuff that parents dream of. Kind, clever, considerate, helpful, just such a nice person. He graduated from the British School Quito with a scholarship to a University in Spain. It was a special night.
Sebastian is the luckiest summer baby ever. He got a pre summer birthday with his buddies, an Ecuador birthday and next and lastly his real birthday in England. Also, a birthday is a great reason for Luis to get all his family and friends together in one spot. Sebastian wanted a SpongeBob theme this time. Much to my dismay Sebastian loves SpongeBob. As requested he had a SpongeBob piñata and cake. I was so sad to see the piñata ruined this time, I came quit attached and felt he could be a member of our family. It was a lovely party and it was great to get the extended family together.
After a weekend away we returned to Cumbaya (valley outside of Quito and Luis's sisters home). We have had a couple of relaxing days playing and yesterday went to a family friends for the day. Sebastian just loves Ecuador. He loves seeing his family, all the space and especially the houses. I think he believes everyone here is so lucky to live in these beautiful huge houses. I guess it is better that he does not quite know at the age of 6 the poverty that lives outside of the gated community bubbles he sees. I just hope that when he is old enough that I can explain the gated communities and poverty outside as best I can, or anyone can. At the very least he understands how much better it is to build a society based around equity. Anyways.
I don’t think I have been back to Otavalo since I lived in Ecuador. It is the biggest indigenous market in South America. I don’t usually make the trip as they have a decent market in Quito. But it was really nice to go again as they do have such lovely stuff. We are short on space this holiday otherwise I would spent way too much money. We then went for a late lunch at Cabanas de Lago. I had thought of taking my sister and Freda there last year and so glad I didn’t. Although beautiful and lots for kids to do, I could never have hacked the cold. Luckily Sebastian cousins played mini golf with him and no one wanted to go in the lake. I couldn’t believe people went in, not only cold but windy. Thankfully, I just stayed in the beautiful restaurant the entire time! Then back to the hacienda for more games.
