I sleep in until 10 am.

I complete some work.

I prepare packages of chocolate for shipping to Galina, Kaya and Irina.

I enjoy some of the fresh veggies I bought at Kitzia’s market yesterday.

First day of rain since I’ve come back from Canada.

I get a tour of the garden at Kitzia’s market.

I walk the loop.

Pat, Maggie and I eat pizza’s at Shanta’s.

The three of us hang out at Pura Vida until it’s time to go home.

Trina messages me that she received her chocolate.

I make a batch of almond chocolate.

I program.

Juno messages me and let’s me know her chocolate has arrived. That only took 9 days. That’s a record.

Renata, Lee and I eat breakfast at Banana’s.

I complete my paperwork and catch a van back to Loja. From there I take a taxi directly to my house.

A beautiful sunset to finish of the day.

Breakfast at a restaurant called Bananas.

Taking care of Government paperwork for most of the day except for a lunch at Nectar with Renata and Lee.

Renata, Lee and I dine at Tiestos. The bring out all these antipasto like dishes to put on bread. This is followed by the main dishes which are complimented by a bunch of side dishes. Even though I had a light lunch there is no room left to order dessert.

We all take a short walk after dinner.

Lee, Renata and I take a taxi to Loja. By 8 am we are the road in the Elite Tours van bound for Cuenca.

At a washroom break halfway to Cuenca we walk into the restaurant and find Bo and Frank sitting at one of the tables. We say hello and are on our way a few minutes later.

I make my way to my room near the square.

With my shoes freshly polished I head over to Nectar. Once again there is Bo and Frank. I join them and Renata and Lee arrive a few minutes later.

Renata, Lee and I walk around Cuenca for a while and wind up at the Thai restaurant after discovering Govinda is closed on Tuesdays. For the thrid time there are Bo and Frank. We all eat dinner together before heading our separate ways.

Full Moon.

Music from across the way wakes me up during the night. Then a distant car alarm. I fall asleep each time. I wake up and stay up at 5 am or so.

No electricity until 11 am. I finish reading Gavin’s Horse Tales book.

I tackle a complex programming task. Takes me all day.

Laundry.

I complete some banking.

Lunch at the Chinese restaurant.

Maggie gives me a tour of the Avalon B & B.

Maggie and I walk to my place and back.

I walk to Kitzia’s market and get a few treats.

Pat and I take a look at a 3 bedroom + 2 baths + 5 hectares rental up behind Madre Tierra. It’s rustic with a fantastic view. $400.

Pat and I take a look at an new apartment near the square. 3 bedrooom + 3 baths. Wonderful space but not yet ready to be occupied. Price unknown.

It’s good to know what the rental market has to offer without being motivated to move.

Pat and I hang out at Pura Vida. Anne joins us for a while and then Maggie.

I play a little bit of table tennis.

Pat and I walk the loop.

I make a batch of almond chocolate as well as a single bar of peppermint chocolate.

Jerri comes over and gives me a great haircut.

Jerri and I continue our conversation with a pizza at Mama Silvia’s.

Marc comes over for a delightful visit.

Renata, Pat and I dine at Cafe Cultura. The food is delicious and the conversation stimulating. A good night out.

Up at 5 am with ideas for my PuraVidaCacao.com website.

Work on website until lunch time.

Mail a block of chocolate to Juno for her birthday and one to Trina.

I eat lunch with Pat at Friends restaurant.

Pat and I hang out at Pura Vida. Gavin sells me his latest book Horse Tales and autographs it for me.

I program for a while.

More programming and investigating.

I pick up a new supply of chia seeds at the Juice Factory along with chocolate covered coffee beans (NEW). Both products are superior and delicious from LongevOrganica.

More programming.

I walk into the Village. I do banking and eat lunch at the Chinese restaurant.

I pick up 20 pounds of cacao butter.

A sleep in morning until 9 am.

I receive a loving email for Father’s Day from my Sarah.

I make a batch of almond chocolate.

I do some programming.

A colorful sunset over Vilcabamba and Mondango.

Pat and I go to Kitzia’s market.

Heather and I attend the first flea market.

Heather and I enjoy lunch with Galina, Clif, Janine and Bruce at the mexican restaurant.

Galina and Clif come up to Heather’s for tea and interesting conversation.

Heather and I make dinner and watch an animated movie.

First full day back.

Pat and I enjoy two pizza’s at Mama Silvia’s.

Pat, Renata and I enjoy a conversation over tea and coffee at Pura Vida.

I take an afternoon nap.

Pat and I walk the loop. It’s great to spend the day with Pat.

The new traffic light in Vilcabamba.

I am awake at 4 am.

The owner of the Hosteria drives me to the airport.

The 8:15 am flight to Loja leaves on time and lands in Loja (Catamayo) 55 minutes later. It’s satisfyingly warm when I step onto the tarmac. Almikar is there to pick me up.

I arrive in Vilcabamba at Heathers place 1 1/2 hours later. I feels great to be back and with Heather.

I eat a crepe at the Creperia.

Heather makes dinner and I am back at my place by 6:30 pm.

I am up at 5 am. I have tea with Celeste in the backyard.

Sterling picks me up at 6:30 am and he drives me to the airport. Farewell and thanks!

My flight to Panama goes smoothly. Same for my flight from there to Ecuador.

I check into my hosteria as the sky is lit with a beautiful sunset. The hosteria is called San Carlos in the village of Tababela. 593 98 701 1484.

The kitchen staff make me dinner and I go to sleep at 8 pm.

It’s good to be back.

I drive out to Mississauga to meet with my client.

I meet up with Steve and we have lunch at the new Glen Oven Tea Room. It’s great to have farewell visit.