Norwegian Olympians - A Success Story

Most people are probably tired of the Olympics, of the politics involved (or avoided) and the whole nationalist thing that is the competition, but I love them. Especially since Vancouver hosted the Winter Olympics in 2010. The whole vibe of the city was amazing and it felt so good to be part of something positive and exciting. 

The PyeongChang games have been challenging for our country. Our hockey crown was knocked off and our curling dominance erased. It's a tough pill, but necessary for us to rise to the occasion and come back stronger and, maybe, a bit more humbly. (I know, Canadians aren't roundly criticized for our lack of humbleness, but when it comes to hockey and curling, we're a bit puffed up sometimes. We have to be good at something, right? Besides being nice, of course.) It's been hard for us, as the Games weren't broadcast here in Ecuador and we've had to try to keep up with online Ecuadorian commentary and sporadic coverage.

The games though, for me, were about a tiny country in northern Europe. Little Norway. Population of just over 5 million people. They're always a power house in the cross country fields; things like biathlon, long distance skiing and perform well in downhill categories, but this year, they blew the competition out of the water. They led the medal standings from the get-go and never looked back. Not only that, but they did it with grace, humility and quiet pride. I'm impressed. I hope that their countrymen are proud and that they go home with heads held high. (Maybe the world will appreciate this little piece of sporting achievement more.) 

Not only do their curling teams sport some pretty fancy pants, 

 (and occasionally, none),

If these aren't Norwegians, I do apologise.

but they excelled in almost every field of competition. Norway isn't just the home of a popular cruise line; with 109 athletes (Canada had 226, to compare), they've won an impressive 38 medals (Canada - 28, so far) and I don't think they're quite done. They must have an amazing athletics program. (Side note: they're a constitutional monarchy, like Canada. Side/Side note: they have a coalition called "Red Green"...I wonder where they stand on duct tape.) I do find myself asking "how did they manage it?" (such Olympic dominance), but they might say that's just jealousy.

Forever proud of our team #iamcanadian!

To our Canadian Olympic team: well done. I will always be proud of your accomplishments as long as they are achieved with a sense of fair play, good sportsmanship and, hopefully, good Canadian self-deprecating humour.  You've represented us well. See some of you in 2020. Thanks for the amazing ride, you're always gold in my heart.

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..