Chordeleg:
One day last week we traveled on a tour bus (very comfortable & only 75 cents each) to the small town of Chordeleg, which is about 1 hour from Cuenca. The highway was very winding along the mountain side. (There were times when I couldn't look). We were stopped along the road for about 10-15 minutes due to a bus/car accident. All the bus passengers were standing along the road waiting for another bus. The car was really smashed up and on it's side. There was an injured man sitting on the side of the road.
The population of this small town is about 3500. The Incans inhabited the area between 500 and 1500 BC. The town is quiet, clean and has a really quaint and family atmosphere. The little shops are around a lovely plaza/park. We sat and rested on a bench there for an hour or so and 'people' watched - met some folks there. A couple from the Cuenca Christian Church live there and met us at the bus stop and took us around. Susana is from Tasco, Mexico and Gary is from Alaska. They have lived in Chordeleg about 6 months and in Ecuador several years. They have been married 22 years.
We also met Lewis and his 18 month old daughter, Brittany. (I thought John was going to kidnap her). Lewis owns a jewelry store on the square. His family lived a few years in NY where he made a living preparing Passover meals - this is where Brittany was born. Happy, smiling people. We had a lot of fun cutting up with 3 giggly high school girls.
There was gold and silver mining in the nearby mountains. This is the place to buy jewelry. There specialty is filigree work. The lamp posts in town have 'condongas' hanging down. They are large replicas of the many earring styles made here. They also have artisans that make pottery, straw hats, shawls, hammocks, blankets and ponchos. Some of the clothes there offer 'ikat' - aka "tie dye". Remember that?
We walked to Gary and Susana's house - straight down the hill. (Which means we walk straight up the hill on return). They have a gated 4 BR, 3 bath home with a large kitchen and yard and patio in the back. Outside the upstairs master BR is a terrace that has a beautiful view of the mountains. The home is only 6 years old. Beautiful place to start the day with a cup of coffee gazing at the majestic moutains God created.
Our day in Chordeleg was great and the weather was warm, dry and sunny. We would visit there again. It is very lovely, laid back, safe and relaxing.
Susana and Gary in Chordeleg Plaza
Lewis, Brittany and Gary.
The one John wanted to bring home.
They were having such a great time and we loved watching them. So eager to have their 'foto' taken.
Three pots with silver flowing down. Beautiful, colorful tiles.
One of the many styles of filigree earrings depicted on the lamp posts.
Clean and quaint and lots of walking.
Did I say "relaxing" day?
Music on the Streets of Cuenca
Saturday morning we walked up to the center of the historic district (Parque Calderon) and had Huevos Rancheros (without the flour tortilla) for breakfast. Across the street was a Pan Flute player in full dress. We listened for a while. We really enjoyed the music He played many different instruments - all of which he made. We couldn't resist taking pictures or buying a couple of the C.D.s.
More Art in Cuenca - Part 3
Murals on the wall across from Coffee Tree - a local ex-pat hangout up one of the 911 stairs from us.
Well, you guys, I am closing with a snapshot of the last bouquet of flowers we will have in our apartment before leaving here. They last 10 days to 2 weeks and for only $2.
Threw this in just because he is so cute! Certainly not the local attire - thank goodness.
Until the next time - luv you and miss you all. John will be sending a blog in a couple of days.
(Happy Birthday R-3. ILY)
Jean
"Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Ps. 46:10
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