Thursday October 23
When the workers came, I had one guy go and buy a wheel barrel as the dirt and rocks that were dug up has to be dumped. This cost me $50 which included the tax.
There is a canal along the wall that is shared with a neighbour where the dirt and rocks will be dumped. It will be out of view and it will fill in the area – so it will be put to good use.
I went to the mall to get more money from the bank, while Jayne stayed at home.
The workers will have to be paid tomorrow. If the other guy comes, I’ll have to pay for the materials for that. And shortly, I expect our lawyer, Maria, to tell me what I owe her for the work that she’s done for the past couple of months.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
New Worker Looks at the House
Wednesday October 22
The worker that Roberto told me about yesterday came today. Actually, it’s his father. Galo came about 2pm and I showed him around the property. He told me that he’s a contractor and build some homes in the United States and Ecuador.
His father speaks English, so that is good.
He seems to be a very nice guy and knows what he’s talking about. Though Jayne said that he didn’t mention some things that he should have, such as having a floating foundation when something is build in an area that has a lot of rain.
His solution the problem is to have a canal build around the house and have a pipe with holes in to drain the water. Well, we had already thought of that and decided to not do it (though it was done on one side of the house already – minus the pipe). We just don’t want to put that much money into it if we are going to sell it, as it will not increase the value of the house.
I also showed Galo the area where a lot of water builds up against the house. I suggested that a raised patio be build and he agreed. So I said I would like him to do that. He said he’ll get back to me by phone or email with the price.
We chatted about an hour and I told him about my friend, Richard, who bought a hotel that needs remodelling. He hopes to get work from him, too. This will help Richard as it’s hard to find good workers and someone who is honest. When Richard gets back from his business trip I’ll give him a call.
The other workers were here painting the house.
The worker, Gonzales, told me that no one will take the dirt away. He talked to several hardware stores that have trucks for delivery. He was told that it’s against the law to take dirt away.
Strange!?
I understand that they will have to take it to the country and dump it but not being able to take it at all strikes me as strange.
The worker that Roberto told me about yesterday came today. Actually, it’s his father. Galo came about 2pm and I showed him around the property. He told me that he’s a contractor and build some homes in the United States and Ecuador.
His father speaks English, so that is good.
He seems to be a very nice guy and knows what he’s talking about. Though Jayne said that he didn’t mention some things that he should have, such as having a floating foundation when something is build in an area that has a lot of rain.
His solution the problem is to have a canal build around the house and have a pipe with holes in to drain the water. Well, we had already thought of that and decided to not do it (though it was done on one side of the house already – minus the pipe). We just don’t want to put that much money into it if we are going to sell it, as it will not increase the value of the house.
I also showed Galo the area where a lot of water builds up against the house. I suggested that a raised patio be build and he agreed. So I said I would like him to do that. He said he’ll get back to me by phone or email with the price.
We chatted about an hour and I told him about my friend, Richard, who bought a hotel that needs remodelling. He hopes to get work from him, too. This will help Richard as it’s hard to find good workers and someone who is honest. When Richard gets back from his business trip I’ll give him a call.
The other workers were here painting the house.
The worker, Gonzales, told me that no one will take the dirt away. He talked to several hardware stores that have trucks for delivery. He was told that it’s against the law to take dirt away.
Strange!?
I understand that they will have to take it to the country and dump it but not being able to take it at all strikes me as strange.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Important Contact
Tuesday October 21
Both workers showed up today.
I went to the mall to do some shopping and to go on the internet. When I was in the supermarket I saw Katherine. She was at our wedding. We had a nice chat. She was with one worker. Normally she’s there with her family. I briefly told her what had happened in the past two months – including how we were ripped off by the government and the workers.
The internet was real slow – about as slow as my internet at home. I couldn’t even download one audio file.
When I was about to leave a guy who was sitting at the bar chatted with me. I found out that he is from the States, but his father is Ecuadorian and his mother an American. He’s doing business here for awhile.
The subject came up of my house and I told him that I have a water problem with dampness coming in the walls. His father is in construction here and has good workers.
He offered to send someone around my house to take a look at it. He claims that my problem would be easy and cheap to fix. I was glad that I met him Roberto!
We exchanged phone numbers and email addresses. I also told him of a friend of mine who is looking to remodel a hotel might need workers, too. Roberto said that if his father’s company gets some work he’ll give me a commission. That’s nice of him.
Anyhow, he agreed that it is a problem of getting good workers here and that a lot of construction here is bad. We also agreed on the many problems they have in Ecuador.
In the evening I got a call from the worker that Roberto sent. This guy speaks English, so it will make things easier. He said he’ll be here tomorrow at 2pm.
I think what he might do to take care of the dampness in the walls is to inject resin in holes that will be drilled around the house. This is the only thing that I can think of to take care of the problem where it will be easy and cheap. This is fine with me. We’ll see what he says tomorrow.
Both workers showed up today.
I went to the mall to do some shopping and to go on the internet. When I was in the supermarket I saw Katherine. She was at our wedding. We had a nice chat. She was with one worker. Normally she’s there with her family. I briefly told her what had happened in the past two months – including how we were ripped off by the government and the workers.
The internet was real slow – about as slow as my internet at home. I couldn’t even download one audio file.
When I was about to leave a guy who was sitting at the bar chatted with me. I found out that he is from the States, but his father is Ecuadorian and his mother an American. He’s doing business here for awhile.
The subject came up of my house and I told him that I have a water problem with dampness coming in the walls. His father is in construction here and has good workers.
He offered to send someone around my house to take a look at it. He claims that my problem would be easy and cheap to fix. I was glad that I met him Roberto!
We exchanged phone numbers and email addresses. I also told him of a friend of mine who is looking to remodel a hotel might need workers, too. Roberto said that if his father’s company gets some work he’ll give me a commission. That’s nice of him.
Anyhow, he agreed that it is a problem of getting good workers here and that a lot of construction here is bad. We also agreed on the many problems they have in Ecuador.
In the evening I got a call from the worker that Roberto sent. This guy speaks English, so it will make things easier. He said he’ll be here tomorrow at 2pm.
I think what he might do to take care of the dampness in the walls is to inject resin in holes that will be drilled around the house. This is the only thing that I can think of to take care of the problem where it will be easy and cheap. This is fine with me. We’ll see what he says tomorrow.
Another $100 Paid
Sunday October 19
We just went food shopping at the local market.
Monday October 20
One worker showed up today.
I went to Quito while Jayne stayed home. I went to our lawyer’s office to take the paperwork for Jayne’s visa. On the way to the office I passed the American Embassy, which looked like it was closed as there was no one at the entrance and there was no barracks up on the street in front of it.
The reason for this is that another embassy was build and it must be fully operational now. I haven’t been to the new one but I heard that it’s huge! There is no reason to build a huge embassy in a small country like Ecuador so I think that there must be some secret anterior motive - perhaps to get a stronger foot-hold in South America.
I stopped in to have a color copy made of the Censos of Jayne then I went to the office.
As I came to the office I noticed that the front door was opened. The two workers that were there were about to leave. If I had come two minutes later I would have missed them – though Maria said it was ok to stop by at this time.
I dropped off the paperwork and paid $100, which I was told to bring. I’m sure I’ll have to pay more later. It just goes to show how much it costs to legally live in this country.
Then I got something to eat. I also went to the bank to draw more money out. Then I took a taxi home.
We just went food shopping at the local market.
Monday October 20
One worker showed up today.
I went to Quito while Jayne stayed home. I went to our lawyer’s office to take the paperwork for Jayne’s visa. On the way to the office I passed the American Embassy, which looked like it was closed as there was no one at the entrance and there was no barracks up on the street in front of it.
The reason for this is that another embassy was build and it must be fully operational now. I haven’t been to the new one but I heard that it’s huge! There is no reason to build a huge embassy in a small country like Ecuador so I think that there must be some secret anterior motive - perhaps to get a stronger foot-hold in South America.
I stopped in to have a color copy made of the Censos of Jayne then I went to the office.
As I came to the office I noticed that the front door was opened. The two workers that were there were about to leave. If I had come two minutes later I would have missed them – though Maria said it was ok to stop by at this time.
I dropped off the paperwork and paid $100, which I was told to bring. I’m sure I’ll have to pay more later. It just goes to show how much it costs to legally live in this country.
Then I got something to eat. I also went to the bank to draw more money out. Then I took a taxi home.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Dog Poop in Our Yard!
Saturday October 18
We stayed home all day. When Jayne was in the yard she found a bag that had dog shit in it thrown by the neighbor! She threw it over their top balcony. She said the bag broke open and went over the wall.
We just can’t believe the mentality of these people. We haven’t done them any wrong at any time.
Sunday October 19
We just went food shopping at the local market.
We stayed home all day. When Jayne was in the yard she found a bag that had dog shit in it thrown by the neighbor! She threw it over their top balcony. She said the bag broke open and went over the wall.
We just can’t believe the mentality of these people. We haven’t done them any wrong at any time.
Sunday October 19
We just went food shopping at the local market.
Our Crazy Neighbor
Thursday October 16
I had the gardener here.
The workers were also here today. They have been doing a good job.
Friday October 17
Today I went to put out the trash. This time I put it at the end of my property. I did this as people are always putting trash about in the center of my property. These are the way people are here – they don’t want it in front of their house so they put it in front of mine. The trash that I put out today had dog shit in it from what the gardener cleaned up yesterday and this comes from the neighbor who lives on the side of the house where I put the trash.
I heard a guy from across the street yell some but I ignored him.
Later when I went out I found that he put the trash right in front of my door!
The people here just don’t think like normal people. Where I put the trash was still on my property – about 6 feet from the property line – yet that would seem it’s too close to their down. Everyone else that has a small property puts trash out in front of their homes. But come to think about it I bet those who live with small street frontage puts their trash in front on a neighbor who had a large property. Then again, it could be that we’re White.
Anyhow, I put it back down the end of my property this time further away from the neighbor.
When I got home I notice that one of the two bags was placed near the garage entrance.
These neighbors are really sick!
I got a call from my lawyer (after she got my email). Maria said that we can come in on Monday with the forms she said she sent to my email.
I had the gardener here.
The workers were also here today. They have been doing a good job.
Friday October 17
Today I went to put out the trash. This time I put it at the end of my property. I did this as people are always putting trash about in the center of my property. These are the way people are here – they don’t want it in front of their house so they put it in front of mine. The trash that I put out today had dog shit in it from what the gardener cleaned up yesterday and this comes from the neighbor who lives on the side of the house where I put the trash.
I heard a guy from across the street yell some but I ignored him.
Later when I went out I found that he put the trash right in front of my door!
The people here just don’t think like normal people. Where I put the trash was still on my property – about 6 feet from the property line – yet that would seem it’s too close to their down. Everyone else that has a small property puts trash out in front of their homes. But come to think about it I bet those who live with small street frontage puts their trash in front on a neighbor who had a large property. Then again, it could be that we’re White.
Anyhow, I put it back down the end of my property this time further away from the neighbor.
When I got home I notice that one of the two bags was placed near the garage entrance.
These neighbors are really sick!
I got a call from my lawyer (after she got my email). Maria said that we can come in on Monday with the forms she said she sent to my email.
Two Umbrellas Missing
Tuesday October 14
I had the workers here. This is the first day on the job for them. However, one of them worked with the other worker before (the one who stole Jayne’s money, debit card and deceased father’s ID from Spain. Gonzales has his brother work for him.
Wednesday October 15
Today Jayne discovered that her umbrella was missing! This is one that was upstairs. This must have been when the roof worker was here and not the people I have now, as he often had to go upstairs. Later Jayne checked her trolley that she uses when we go food shopping. There is a side pocket that she keeps another umbrella in – that was stolen, too!!
I seem to remember the roof workers carry (along with other things) a long white thing that had a flower on it. I didn’t think to question it. This was when he was walking from where the trolley is to go outside. Well, this is the color and design of the umbrella she had.
This took a lot of nerve. Had I saw it and stopped him I would have given him a piece of mind. I would have had him return it and I would have deducted a few dollars from his pay.
It goes to show you can’t trust anyone here. I came to the conclusion that the only way to treat workers as if they are prisoners. You have to do a tool material check each day and to check their bags before they leave.
Another reason why to leave Ecuador!!
I had the workers here. This is the first day on the job for them. However, one of them worked with the other worker before (the one who stole Jayne’s money, debit card and deceased father’s ID from Spain. Gonzales has his brother work for him.
Wednesday October 15
Today Jayne discovered that her umbrella was missing! This is one that was upstairs. This must have been when the roof worker was here and not the people I have now, as he often had to go upstairs. Later Jayne checked her trolley that she uses when we go food shopping. There is a side pocket that she keeps another umbrella in – that was stolen, too!!
I seem to remember the roof workers carry (along with other things) a long white thing that had a flower on it. I didn’t think to question it. This was when he was walking from where the trolley is to go outside. Well, this is the color and design of the umbrella she had.
This took a lot of nerve. Had I saw it and stopped him I would have given him a piece of mind. I would have had him return it and I would have deducted a few dollars from his pay.
It goes to show you can’t trust anyone here. I came to the conclusion that the only way to treat workers as if they are prisoners. You have to do a tool material check each day and to check their bags before they leave.
Another reason why to leave Ecuador!!
Two Umbrellas Missing
Tuesday October 14
I had the workers here. This is the first day on the job for them. However, one of them worked with the other worker before (the one who stole Jayne’s money, debit card and deceased father’s ID from Spain. Gonzales has his brother work for him.
Wednesday October 15
Today Jayne discovered that her umbrella was missing! This is one that was upstairs. This must have been when the roof worker was here and not the people I have now, as he often had to go upstairs. Later Jayne checked her trolley that she uses when we go food shopping. There is a side pocket that she keeps another umbrella in – that was stolen, too!!
I seem to remember the roof workers carry (along with other things) a long white thing that had a flower on it. I didn’t think to question it. This was when he was walking from where the trolley is to go outside. Well, this is the color and design of the umbrella she had.
This took a lot of nerve. Had I saw it and stopped him I would have given him a piece of mind. I would have had him return it and I would have deducted a few dollars from his pay.
It goes to show you can’t trust anyone here. I came to the conclusion that the only way to treat workers as if they are prisoners. You have to do a tool material check each day and to check their bags before they leave.
Another reason why to leave Ecuador!!
I had the workers here. This is the first day on the job for them. However, one of them worked with the other worker before (the one who stole Jayne’s money, debit card and deceased father’s ID from Spain. Gonzales has his brother work for him.
Wednesday October 15
Today Jayne discovered that her umbrella was missing! This is one that was upstairs. This must have been when the roof worker was here and not the people I have now, as he often had to go upstairs. Later Jayne checked her trolley that she uses when we go food shopping. There is a side pocket that she keeps another umbrella in – that was stolen, too!!
I seem to remember the roof workers carry (along with other things) a long white thing that had a flower on it. I didn’t think to question it. This was when he was walking from where the trolley is to go outside. Well, this is the color and design of the umbrella she had.
This took a lot of nerve. Had I saw it and stopped him I would have given him a piece of mind. I would have had him return it and I would have deducted a few dollars from his pay.
It goes to show you can’t trust anyone here. I came to the conclusion that the only way to treat workers as if they are prisoners. You have to do a tool material check each day and to check their bags before they leave.
Another reason why to leave Ecuador!!
They Stole Again!
Monday October 13
Marcos showed up with one worker today. It was about 9.00am. I told him that there was no need to work here. I paid the one worker the two days that he did work and I paid Marcos the two days he was here on the second week of work.
This is the person we suspect stole the money from Jayne’s handbag.
He had no objections of not working here anymore - and indication that he had stolen from us.
Then when I was getting the money and the time sheet to show him (before I paid him) the worker packed up the clothes that were left behind – this included the clothes of the other worker. I was there when he first started to pack up and I saw him put it in his backpack.
When they left I noticed that two spatulas were missing.
Stealing again!!!
One was a big one that I bought when we went to the store together.
He asked about paying him for the other guy who didn’t show up (the good worker). I said no, but I would pay him when he comes. Just have him call me to pick up the money. I’m sure if I paid him money he would say to the other guy that I didn’t pay him.
He said that the other worker is on a job.
I told Marcos that he didn’t show up all of last week and the last week he did work was only two days.
It was only 10 minutes later that the good worker showed up. We wanted this guy to show up as he is honest (so far) and is a good worker. We plan to have him for painting the house. He didn’t see the other two, which is good. So, we told him what color paint we need. Also, I paid him for the three days that he worked – which he was happy to get.
We also told him of Marcos stealing money and that is why we don’t want him here. Also that Marcos will not work for you anymore and will not get any recommendations. So, Juan will be here tomorrow to buy the paint and start work. He said he’ll also do the tiling on the roof (over the chova that was laid down.
Jayne and I went to the mall where we had something to eat. I had my computer there to use their wireless internet. We also had to do food shopping as this was not done during the weekend when we usually shop.
I asked the manager what internet provider he uses at the restaurant. He gave me the name and the phone number. He said he has a different provider for his home and has a good connection. He gave me that name and phone number.
This is great!
I hope to find out what each company has, if they have service here and what speed they have. Hopefully, I’ll be able to get good connection here. this is needed for the work I plan to do on the internet.
Marcos showed up with one worker today. It was about 9.00am. I told him that there was no need to work here. I paid the one worker the two days that he did work and I paid Marcos the two days he was here on the second week of work.
This is the person we suspect stole the money from Jayne’s handbag.
He had no objections of not working here anymore - and indication that he had stolen from us.
Then when I was getting the money and the time sheet to show him (before I paid him) the worker packed up the clothes that were left behind – this included the clothes of the other worker. I was there when he first started to pack up and I saw him put it in his backpack.
When they left I noticed that two spatulas were missing.
Stealing again!!!
One was a big one that I bought when we went to the store together.
He asked about paying him for the other guy who didn’t show up (the good worker). I said no, but I would pay him when he comes. Just have him call me to pick up the money. I’m sure if I paid him money he would say to the other guy that I didn’t pay him.
He said that the other worker is on a job.
I told Marcos that he didn’t show up all of last week and the last week he did work was only two days.
It was only 10 minutes later that the good worker showed up. We wanted this guy to show up as he is honest (so far) and is a good worker. We plan to have him for painting the house. He didn’t see the other two, which is good. So, we told him what color paint we need. Also, I paid him for the three days that he worked – which he was happy to get.
We also told him of Marcos stealing money and that is why we don’t want him here. Also that Marcos will not work for you anymore and will not get any recommendations. So, Juan will be here tomorrow to buy the paint and start work. He said he’ll also do the tiling on the roof (over the chova that was laid down.
Jayne and I went to the mall where we had something to eat. I had my computer there to use their wireless internet. We also had to do food shopping as this was not done during the weekend when we usually shop.
I asked the manager what internet provider he uses at the restaurant. He gave me the name and the phone number. He said he has a different provider for his home and has a good connection. He gave me that name and phone number.
This is great!
I hope to find out what each company has, if they have service here and what speed they have. Hopefully, I’ll be able to get good connection here. this is needed for the work I plan to do on the internet.
A Party We Missed
Saturday October 11
Macos didn’t show up today. The plans were for him to be here Friday but since he wasn’t here then he might have showed up today.
Jayne and I went to the mall to buy gifts for Matt’s family. We bought something for his two older children. The reason why is, that might feel slight when a new member of the family arrived and just something is bought for the new baby. Jayne thought two cameras would be good. I’m sure it will be there first camera.
For the new baby we bought something that you can put several pictures in. This is on a round frame.
For Amparo we bought a good quality chocolate.
We’re invited to Matt and Amparo’s home tomorrow. She will be in bed with the baby but he said it was ok to come over. I think he’ll have other people there, too.
Matt has a full time house worker for awhile now. She will be having more work since Amparo will have her hand filled taking care of the baby.
Sunday October 12
We were ready to go to Mathieu’s home but it was raining hard. So I had to call him that we would not be able to come. I suggested another time and he said don’t worry. The thing is that we would have had to walk to the center of town with the packages and we might have had to wait because usually the taxis are full when it rains and everyone takes them.
We really looked forward to going. Matt told me that other people were invited, including Maria del Carmen’s family.
Macos didn’t show up today. The plans were for him to be here Friday but since he wasn’t here then he might have showed up today.
Jayne and I went to the mall to buy gifts for Matt’s family. We bought something for his two older children. The reason why is, that might feel slight when a new member of the family arrived and just something is bought for the new baby. Jayne thought two cameras would be good. I’m sure it will be there first camera.
For the new baby we bought something that you can put several pictures in. This is on a round frame.
For Amparo we bought a good quality chocolate.
We’re invited to Matt and Amparo’s home tomorrow. She will be in bed with the baby but he said it was ok to come over. I think he’ll have other people there, too.
Matt has a full time house worker for awhile now. She will be having more work since Amparo will have her hand filled taking care of the baby.
Sunday October 12
We were ready to go to Mathieu’s home but it was raining hard. So I had to call him that we would not be able to come. I suggested another time and he said don’t worry. The thing is that we would have had to walk to the center of town with the packages and we might have had to wait because usually the taxis are full when it rains and everyone takes them.
We really looked forward to going. Matt told me that other people were invited, including Maria del Carmen’s family.
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