Our plan was to try and “plug into” the cultures of the various cities/countries we travel to…trying to be less of a full blown tourist and more of a local. Ok, so a blond haired, blue eyed family stands little chance of becoming “locals” in a land of dark skinned, dark haired people…but the point is to spend time doing things locals enjoy in their town not just the latest tourist attraction.
We figured music lessons for the kids was a good way for them/us to “plug in”. Cotacachi is know for its fantastic tradition of leather crafting and produces beautiful garments, purses, shoes from suede and leather…but they are also know for a tradition of music.
We met the wife of a local music professor and asked if there was any place for Grant to get guitar lessons. She indicated that her husband could teach Grant & that it was possible that he could teach Gigi as well. As it turns out the kids get lessons from a very talented musician and professor at the local school of music, Patricio, and all for only $5.00 an hour.
Cotacachi School of Music
Grant is playing the guitar. It has been a couple of years since he last picked up a guitar, he played tuba last year in the school band. He is picking it up nicely and it is actually enjoyable to listen to him practice.
Grant at Cotacachi guitar lesson
Gigi is playing the piano. She had 2 years of previous lessons so she is jumping right in where she left off.
Gigi at Cotacachi piano lesson
They take lessons twice a week, on Tuesday and Thursdays for an hour. Patricio was kind enough to also lend Grant a guitar so he is able to practice at home each week.
The instructor Patricio does not speak a word of English and the kids don’t speak a word of Spanish…luckily we have our trusted translator on hand. I think Gina is picking up a little piano also…
Cotacachi piano lessons
Our weekly guitar and piano lessons are just one of the ways that we are trying to plug into the community, and be less tourists and more neighbors. After only a month in town we feel more at home here than since we left Oregon, we have made friends with expats and many locals alike. The gang is enjoying these new adventures…as the picture below can attest they are enjoying the music lesson as well.
Waiting before guitar lessons
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by Sean
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