There are seven; the same group of apparently retired men who gathered at the same mall patio table each day in Quito, Ecuador.  Smoking, laughing, some passive and the same few who always seem to have the answers to all the world's problems, they clearly enjoy getting together.

It reminds me of a recent short stay that I had in Dundas, Ontario, Canada.  In my rounds looking for targets to photograph, I visited all the local coffee shops.  Each had its own regular click of retired, mostly, men, savouring  friendship and sharing  wisdom with each other each and every day.

( Dundas is a beautiful, historic town, now annexed to Hamilton. It is now characterized by retirement homes and, in warm weather, a main street that is the circuit for those with walking canes and other mobility aids. )

Back to Quito, it seems to me that the men are around my age; but, looking much older.  And, of course, I am still active and entrepreneurial, not just putting in time waiting for the inevitable.  This I conclude without any real knowledge of those who I am observing.

My coffee done, I still need to finish reading the paper so that I can to form my own sage opinions of the world before getting on with the serious business of a freelance writer and photographer enjoying the near perfect climate, beautiful scenery and  wonderful hospitality of the people of Ecuador.