Banking in Ecuador

Today I went to the bank to open an account. Sounds easy and almost was, if there weren't the tricks software sometimes has in charge for us. The application was easy because I had a local person's reference - which foreigners need to open bank accounts. I had to sign about 10 documents for all sorts of things (check book, bank card, identity proof, general terms and conditions and so on). Once the lady at the bank wanted to enter all that into her laptop, a message popped up stating that head office in Guayaquil needs to approve, as I am a foreigner. A phone call couldn't solve this and no-one really knew what has to happen. So, tomorrow I will return and shall find all in order. We will see... :)

Apart from the hour in the bank this was a relaxed day. We dropped the car off at a local garage to have it tuned (it didn't burn it's diesel properly). It's great to see how real mechanics to their work. They don't just swap parts and connect their laptops to the vehicles but actually approach the issues like in the old days (after they are done with their laptops).

May I introduce Fredo and Lulu to you?

Fredo is an English Pointer and deeply in love with Jim. Lulu is only 6 months old and obviously a Golden Retriever. Both are fun to be with and only pretend to be guard dogs. Once the gate opens, they are full of joy about the visitor. Please don't tell any local thieves. But - as a taxi driver told me today - Cuenca hardly has any of that sort. After all, Cuenca is the best place to live. It's safe, most people have work and the weather is great. True, today we only had a few drops of rain and a really nice sunset.