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Friday, December 13, 2013

SHOPPING IN CUENCA - Friday Morning at ARTESA WAREHOUSE

My SPECIAL friends just bought a condo in Cuenca.  Time for them to decorate!  So it was my decorating passion to accept my girlfriend's invitation to accompany her on her first trip to Artesa Warehouse to find their dinnerware.  I have not been there since my first Artesa shopping spree back in April when I bought dinnerware pieces for our unfurnished apartment.  I still remember that Friday morning, poking and picking through all the beautiful artistic colorful "segundos" - knowing I was getting a 50% to 60% discount.

Have you been there yet?  If you haven't, you should!  Just for the experience!  The warehouse is opened every Friday morning at 8 a.m.  Sometimes people (mostly ex-pats) will be lined up early and waiting for the doors to open.  We arrived at around 9:15 am and there were about 15 other people already hunkered over the piles of wares picking through the vast assortment of dinnerware, cups, saucers, vases, teapots, mugs, salt and pepper shakers, large artistic platters, artistically painted tiles, and so much more.  

So, what makes this ceramic ware so special?  For me, it is absolutely one-of-a-kind beautiful ART.  As you know, I LOVE ART.  When I was furnishing my current apartment, I didn't want ordinary dinnerware.  I've always had bright colorful (remember, I'm not AFRAID of color) dishes and table settings.  I also have the motto, "ALL BEAUTIFUL THINGS GO TOGETHER."  So, this has set me free to NOT MATCH but to MIX AND MATCH.  I remember how much fun I had that morning picking various dinner plates that were completely different colors and patterns, as well as salad plates, bowls, mugs, and vases.  Every time we have friends over for dinner, I love placing a different non-matching setting for each special guest, and because all of it is beautiful, it goes together!  For me, matching is bondage!  Hey, it doesn't make it wrong for you, it just makes not matching it right for me!! 

My understanding is that this ceramic business was started in the 70's by two famous Cuencano artists - Eduardo Vega and Raymondu Crespo.  Apparently their sons took over the family business, and Vega's son started his studio in this area of Ecuador.  Thus, the famous name VEGA on these beautifully designed pieces.  You will see the VEGA dinnerware at some of the finer local restaurants in Cuenca such as Tiesto's, Nectar, and others.  The first time I saw this beautiful art was at Tiesto's, and I knew I had to have some for ME!  And, so I do!!

I'm a bargain shopper!  I love living frugally, and the hunt, the find, and the savings is how I enjoy decorating. So, having an artistic ceramic "segundos" warehouse right in Cuenca is a shopping gold-mine for me.  Back in the 70's, I took some community college pottery classes, so I have a real appreciation for this art medium.  I shudder at melmac and plastic dinnerware.  UGH!  I love breakable!!  Then you have to shop again and replace it - yea!!!  REMEMBER:  Though this is a seconds warehouse with amazing 50-60% discount flawed imperfect or chipped wares, you cannot see on some items that there is a chip or flaw.  Also, I read that you can cover up some of the chips with fingernail polish of that color.  Hey, whatever works to have this amazing art in my home.  
The business began about 40 years ago, started by two famous Cuenca artists, Raymundo Crespo and Eduardo Vega.
Their sons carried on the legacy, with Raymundo's son starting a studio in Loja and Eduardo's son starting one in Turi, just outside of and above Cuenca. They recently sold Artesa to the Eljuri family.
- See more at: http://www.captivatingcuenca.com/artesa-ceramics-cuenca.html#sthash.XgnZutjI.dpuf

The business began about 40 years ago, started by two famous Cuenca artists, Raymundo Crespo and Eduardo Vega.
Their sons carried on the legacy, with Raymundo's son starting a studio in Loja and Eduardo's son starting one in Turi, just outside of and above Cuenca. They recently sold Artesa to the Eljuri family.
- See more at: http://www.captivatingcuenca.com/artesa-ceramics-cuenca.html#sthash.XgnZutjI.dpuf

Today's Treasures from Artesa Warehouse (except the teapot - I broke the lid and needed a new one).  CAN YOU SEE THE FLAWS????  Not really!!

 

TOTAL:  $18.55  En serio (seriously) !!!!

Tiny flowerpot plates:  63 and 80 cents each

Flour pots: 62 cents each (I bought 4, they charged me for one)

Oil Jar: 3.10

Sugar bowl: 2.27

Creamer: 2.21

Large plates:  2.75 each

Vase:  Another no charge item!

I can't give you an accurate accounting, since they didn't charge me for certain items (God's Favor AGAIN).  Being the honest person that I am, I was unable to point it out.  Why?  Well, the process is a bit backwards, go figure!

1 - You pick your treasures in the warehouse then take them to the front packing table (be sure to ask for a box or tray so that you don't have to hand-lug dishes around as you pick through them.  I saw people with arm-loads of ceramics, carrying them while they still were perusing the piles - and one woman almost knocked over an entire area of ceramics with her backpack when she was turning around - yikes! How in the world.....?   I had a large tray that the woman at the packing table gave me, put it in a safe corner outside the narrow back seconds area with a paper on the tray that I wrote on saying, "Linda's stuff - please do not touch!"  Some (I said SOME) ex-pats are very GRABBY.  Every time I found a treasure, I walked it over to my tray.  Pretty clever, hey???

2 - The packing person will hand-write every item you are purchasing with a tiny pencil on a torn piece of paper (so antiquated).  After you are done selecting your treasures, you go to the packing area.  I once again received God's favor when the "joven" (young one) helping me smiled and said she wasn't charging me for a tea pot lid I had chosen.  I carefully reviewed the list with her to make sure the items matched what I had chosen (people make honest mistakes).  They matched!!

3- While the packers are carefully (and I mean carefully) packing your treasures, you then go to another area where someone will enter your items into the computer.  That person then hands you back a computer print-out of your items and your original piece of penciled-written paper with your itemized treasures.  At this point, you still have no idea how much anything costs.

4 - You then go out the door and across the walkway into the "store" - where table displays of absolutely amazing artistic colorful dinnerware sets, and walls displaying breathtaking ceramic VEGA art are crying out, "BUY ME."  There is a woman at a computer who takes your print-out and penciled paper, asks you for your passport or cedula, and then proceeds to ask for your address and phone number.  She then begins to enter each item (AGAIN!!! - Wouldn't you think that the person who ALREADY entered your items in the warehouse connected to the store computer and she had that information in front of her?  NOT!!).  She now gives you your total (by now you have no idea what you chose and what's on the list).  So, make sure you are SURE about what you chose, 'cause it's already packed!  If you don't like the total, too bad.  Yeah, they can unpack everything and take out what you decided you don't want because you didn't like the total or didn't have enough money.  Come prepared, and keep it simple.  My friend had picked some items in the front of the back warehouse area, and it boosted her seconds amount from $75 to $130.  She was in a bit of shock, but being the gracious woman she is, she accepted the total and PAID IT!  The items in the front of the warehouse by the packing tables are the ORIGINAL prices with a 20% discount.  Be sure you know what you are purchasing and doing there!! 

5 - After you pay the "Store" cashier (CASH ONLY), you go back to the warehouse across the walkway and pick up your perfectly packed box or bag of treasures.  

When I arrived home, I was able to unpack and compare the penciled paper with the computerized paper to my chosen items.  I saw that the penciled paper had 14 items on it.  The computerized paper had 10 items on it.  So, I took the time to compare and figure out that I was not charged for the teapot lid (I already knew that from the packing girl who winked at me), and also for three of the flowerpots and a vase.  So, my total of $18.55 was a steal, truly.
I don't like the fact that I wasn't able to point this out, but when you go there you will see that the process is not amenable to pointing out errors.  They herd you along, and you pay what they figure for you.  I'm not interested in changing their process and making it better.  This is Ecuador, and they have their antiquated way that works for them.  I am happy with my items, what they decided to charge me, and my new artistic additions to my already beautiful apartment.  Again, if you haven't visited VEGA Warehouse and you love beautiful things, you must go!!!

PS - I am an "Earthy Color" woman.  The fish dish is going to be a beautiful gift for a special Cuencana friend who is having a birthday soon!!! Artesa Ceramics make great gifts!!!

I  LOVE MY ARTESA FINDS TODAY!!!!

The business began about 40 years ago, started by two famous Cuenca artists, Raymundo Crespo and Eduardo Vega. - See more at: http://www.captivatingcuenca.com/artesa-ceramics-cuenca.html#sthash.XgnZutjI.dpuf

 

11 comments:

  1. Linda,

    I recently discovered your blog and went back and read all the previous ones to get your story. We sound a lot alike! I too have an Omega juicer and I have a Blentec blender (not a Vitamix, but close). I was agonizing about leaving them behind when I read your post about how you carried them in a carry-on on the plane. So, I'm going to do the same! I live in Michigan, not Oregon, but it's cold and snowy here right now and I am ready for a change. Your blog is so uplifting even though you have had your hurdles to overcome. I am encouraged that you shop at the Mercados and not always at Supermaxi, which seems to be the rule with expats instead of the exception. I am coming on an exploratory trip next summer the first few weeks of July and I would love to meet you both. Thanks for all your information. Phyllis

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  2. Hi Phyllis,
    WELCOME to our Blog - and I hope you are finding it informative and a fun read. We've had many challenges here, but they always end in victories - especially our hunt to finally find our apartment we now call "home." Definitely bring your juicer and blender - it will be worth it! Trust me, I know. You will be coming in the winter months of Ecuador, but it will be nothing compared to the Oregon/Michigan winters. Yet, people say the weather is freezing cold here - it's all one's perspective from what they are used to or coming from. Definitely keep in touch, and we will plan to meet when you come for your exploratory visit in July. Until then, enjoy the blog and keep us posted.
    Sincerely,
    Linda

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  3. Linda,

    Thanks for the speedy reply. I will definitely keep in touch. Another posting you wrote you mentioned that you miss Great Harvest Bread. I have one near me here and that's the only bread I eat now. So that's another similarity we have. Maybe I can bring you some LOL. I will really miss it in Cuenca. I will probably have to make my own "integral" bread. Have a great day. BTW, it's 20 degress here today! So I guess Cuenca will not be "freezing" to me. Phyllis

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  4. Hi Bo and Linda,

    My wife and I are 60 days away from closing on the sale of our house and want to move to Cuenca. I have a business here in the U.S. but can run it from Ecuador and we are coming to Cuenca to be volunteers in the missions field. I can't seem to find any "step by step" instructions on how to get things in order for a smooth move, therefore we don't know where to begin the process. Can you shed any light on this and maybe help to point us in the right direction?
    God bless,
    Dave & Kim

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    1. Hola Dave y Kim,
      Welcome to our Blog! I hope you find it a fun and informative read, and that my photography is giving you a colorful and cultural view of this beautiful city, Cuenca. If you e-mail me (I will erase it as soon as you send it), I can write you personally and either answer your specific questions or point you in the right direction. I'll wait to hear from you.
      God Bless you as you seek His wisdom and guidance in this time of transition.
      Linda

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  5. Hello, Linda , I have read your whole blog. We are from Redmond Oregon, living in Denver for a few years for work then back to bend in April. We are coming to Cuenca feb. 26th thru the 2 of march. I am wondering of a nice mid priced hotel . You may know a good one . Also I have emailed lzhcayluma, but they have not responded. I really want to stay a few nights there, unless it's raining too much. We plan to visit some places around Cuenca. Like you we had a nice home on 5 acres in the country. We sold it and now regret that! Oh well, e are thinking of Ecuador as our new home in the country. Last year in may we spent two weeks in Otavalo, and Cotacachi , we loved the green fields and small towns. We are spending a week in mantanita with bobandrox, on the beach . I hope it is not too hot! Maybe we can get together for a coffee! Thanks so much for your blog! Any help would we great Virginia and Gordon crews

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  6. Hola Virginia y Gordon,
    Welcome to our Blog! Fellow Oregonians are always a treat to meet and know in Cuenca - and we've met a few already. Definitely contact me when you are in Cuenca, and we would enjoy meeting you both for un cafecito and to share our stories. I have recommended the Hotel Majestico to a couple of visitors who have given positive feedback as a very economical and lovely place to stay in the heart of the Historic District. I'm not sure what you are looking for, but that's a start. It's $20 a night per person (once you negotiate), and the large room on the street is bright and quiet. Not on a bus line. So, check that one out. There are many other Hostals and Hotels, but this is the only one I know of personally to recommend with confidence. Stay in touch and we'll see you soon. Until then, enjoy our blog and our continued adventure in Ecuador.
    Linda

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    1. Glad to have found your blog, Linda. Thank you for your monthly breakdown. It will be helpful as we figure out things in the future. We head to Cuenca in the next few weeks and have rented a furnished condo for 3 months as we look for our own non-furnished for the long haul.

      Piping in with a hostel we stayed at last May for 10 nights - Hotel Americano. http://www.hotelamericanocuenca.com/ It is about a 15 minute walk north of El Centro or a $1-$1.50 cab ride. Our 2-bed large room rental was $35/a night for 2 with an adequate breakfast - usually eggs, bread, fruit, coffee, and juice. Lala, her mother Nancy, and the American renter of the top floor - Terry, were extremely helpful. We would have returned there as a base if we had not already found the condo rental.

      I now have Artesa on my list :). (And I will return to Tiesto's for another fabulous meal.)

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    2. Hi Jaci,
      Welcome to our Blog. Hopefully it will be informative and fun for you to follow.
      Thank you for the hostel tip - hopefully other readers will benefit from your description. Sounds wonderful. Glad you found a furnished condo to land at while you search for your "home." Let us know when you are in town and we can meet for coffee! Looking forward to hearing from you.
      Linda

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  7. Hello Linda and Bo
    First of all let me wish you both a very Happy New Year! My name is Karen and I'm originally from Edinburgh,Scotland.My husband,Jean-Michel, is from France.We live in Altea,Spain where we have a small restaurant called El Perro Negro ( we used to have a black dog called Haggis!).I just wanted to say how much I have enjoyed reading your blog.Lots of your experiences reminded me of when we first relocated to Spain nearly thirty years ago - especially the crying through frustration bit - but like you we found so many people who were there for us when we needed them.We will be in Ecuador later this month arriving in Guayaquil and doing a loop G-Vilcabamba-Cuenca-Quito-G.So I'll be sure to look out for your now familiar faces when we're in Cuenca! May the following year bring you joy and happiness in your new home.Very kind regards to both of you,
    Karen

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    1. Hello Karen,
      Thank you for the lovely comment and welcome to our Blog! Please contact me and let me know when you are in Cuenca. Would love to meet for coffee and share our experiences. If you are too busy, safe travels and have a lovely fabulous exploratory trip in Ecuador. Do stay in touch.
      Linda

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Leave us your comments and I will respond with any questions you may have. Enjoy our Blog! Linda (y Bo)