The Zen of Living on South American Time

I was talking with some new arrivals recently, and they seemed impressed with the level of subsistence here. (To clarify, not truly subsistence, but decent lifestyle.). We really don't lack much of anything that we had in Canada, except some minor items like specialty foods.

Classic siesta mode - both human and canid

That doesn't mean that life here is just like life in North America. No, not at all. I remember my sister describing "island time" when she visited the Bahamas. The entire country was able to downshift into a relaxed "it's all good, mon" vibe that, upon arrival, was vexing for her fast paced North American lifestyles. She and her hubbie eventually made the switch, as well, and had a very relaxing holiday. This concept is also prevalent in Ecuador; not called "island time", but "mañana". Yes, mañana literally means tomorrow, but it's not used (usually) in the literal sense, no. It's used more in the "sometime in the future" sense. (Tomorrow never comes, right?)

Family pickup match of football (downtime!)

This is a major change from how things run up north. For example: our building operates off two large water pumps that distribute water pressure throughout the building. One of the pumps is short circuiting. We found this out nearly 3 weeks ago. The technician is supposed to come on Friday. This is a perfect of example of "mañana". Now, water, for us, is essential to our well being and happiness. Water pressure is also essential for our tankless water heater (calefon/on demand water heater, as you like.) No pressure, no hot water. This, we've discovered, is a first world problem.  The job of correcting the electrical issue was deemed "small" and therefore, not a priority. Hence a (hopeful) repair tomorrow.

Interesting enough for onlookers

This also applied to our sofa cushions (see the "Epic of the Sofa Cushions") for another example of "mañana" in action. It is a process, adjusting to this slower pace. It happens in restaurants, too. (No, you don't have to wait for weeks to get your order, but an hour isn't completely unheard of, to be sure.)

Then I noticed one goalie...(their side lost)

We're seeing it on a grander scale with the light rail system that is being constructed in Cuenca. (Granted it's been riddled with budgetary and labour issues, as well.) It's now two years past due and looking like it might be delayed again. This is to be expected, when has a municipal project ever completed on time? However, when your cable/internet provider says they'll send out a technician in three days, this is when things start getting challenging.

Full on traditional dress! We might be relaxing,
but we can still dress nicely.

There are places where the concept of "mañana" don't apply is on the road. (I've discussed this before as well.) The sweet nature of most Ecuadorians goes out the window as soon as they sit behind the wheel of a vehicle.  This is a mystery to me.

Even tortoises get in on the napping action

So, if you're thinking of hanging out down here for a while, pack your sunscreen and heaps of patience. Time is one of the few things we actually have in abundance as retirees, so we need to spend it gratefully..