We are still in Ecuador and still on the go. So much to see and do and little time left to do it all. We will be returning to our home and our Dixie girl October 1.
Pampered But Much Needed
This great salon was recommended to me. I had a haircut and manicure, both for $15. I would go back again for both. The hairdresser goes to NY periodically to work and get additional training. John and I both went back for long pedicures and foot massage. Wonderful!
Celebrations
Cuenca Celebration---
On a Friday night we walked to the Flower Market area to watch the Kaypimikanchick practice their folklore dance in full colorful dress. They are a local group that will participate in competition in Peru later in the month. Well, true to Ecuadorian tradition - no practice. So we walked on down the block to Parque de Calderon (plaza in the center of the historic district). We were delighted to see there was a candlelight celebration/parade in progress with military band, singing, and a group of young people (girls and boys) all dressed in colorful outfits with flowers and ribbons dancing. The procession ended up in the new cathedral for a coronation and service. (We didn't attend.) This was the 25th anniversary of the sighting of the "virgin" in Cuenca. The celebration actually lasts for 3 weeks. During this time, people make a 3-day walking pilgrimage (at any time they choose). Most begin in Cuenca and make the mountain trek to Loja (about 100 miles). There are shrines along the way. We still have plans to see the folkloric practice.
J&J Celebration---
On Monday 9/2 we celebrated 5 Wonderful Years of Marriage. We were honored to be recognized and celebrate with the pastor's wife, Sue. It was also her birthday. Some of the folks at the Cuenca Christian Church arranged a very elegant and delicious dinner at el Restaurante Creta. John and I sang the special "Big Sandy Happy Birthday song to her". She liked it very much, but refused to answer 'how old are you?' Sue sang a lovely song to us. We loved being included.
Birthday girl Sue and her husband Pastor with Ecuadorian friend Elisa.
Secret Place
We had another wonderful dining experience (yes we eat a lot here) with a couple we met (Cindy and Jim Wilkins from Atlanta), They invited us to join them for dinner at Joe's Secret Garden. It is owned by Joe and his son Joseph. They bought a lovely large home with a beautiful garden. The restaurant is only open on Saturday night with a fixed menu and fixed price. Each room of the house is a separate dining area with lovely furnishings and very nice china. The food is all prepared by Joe on his outside grill/oven and served family style. The menu is posted on line a few days ahead and they take only 80 reservations. Meet and Greet and socializing is in the garden beginning at 5 pm and dinner is served about 6:30 - or when it is ready. From appetizers to dessert and coffee. After dinner Joe plays the piano in the parlor. Fine time, good company and great eats.
At Joe's Place with Cindy and Jim.
With Miss Tammy Faye - Joe was her manager for a while. She's the one with the big nose.
More Art Around Cuenca - Part 2
I am including some more shots of the art around town. We accidentally happened upon the DAWI Gallery. Ariel Dawi is an abstract artist from Argentina, who now lives and paints in Cuenca.
Large painting hanging from lamp posts along the river.
There are more galleries and more museums to see. We're trying to see them all.
Miscellaneous Stuff
The last 2 weeks the days have been wonderful here (most of the day). We have had warm, sunny days with beautiful skies - and an occasional sprinkle. Spring is very close!
Today I attempted to make bread - we have been so hungry for our wheat-free bread. This was a real challenge. We only have a counter top toaster oven. There is no almond flour here, but plenty of almonds. I ground blanched, sliced almonds and made flour. In addition to this, we are at a really high altitude. It worked! We are having bread tonight and toast for breakfast tomorrow. Couldn't wait - I tried a really tiny piece. It is good.
One more picture - this one is adorable.
We were on our way to meet some folks to attend a wedding (John will blog about this). I was taking a picture of my handsome hubby and 3 women walked by (one in the indigenous clothes of the Incans). There were 2 little boys with them and the boys stopped and looked at us and smiled. I asked if they wanted their 'foto' made and they smiled and shook their heads yes. I asked the mother if this was OK and she said yes. Took the first one of just the 2, then John went over to join then for another shot and the little one ran to his other, but she coaxed him and told him it was OK - so he came back and posed. I love the picture of these 3 kids.
From Guapondelig to Cuenca
The city was first called "Guapondelig", which in the Canari language means "a plain as big as the sky". The Canaris were the indigenous group that lived in the region before the arrival of the Incans. In the last decades of the XV century, the Incans built the city of "Tumipamba" ("Tumi" meaning ridge and "pamba" meaning plain). When the Spanish arrived, they called the city "Tomebamba". Finally, it was baptized as the city of Santa Ana de los Cuantro Rios de Cuenca (Santa Ana of the Four Rivers of Cuenca). Our apartment in on the Tomebamba River - one of 4 in Cuenca.
---all of this just in case you are interested---
Well, you guys I gotta close it up now an try some of that wonderful bread.
Love you all and will post again soon.
Jean
"......let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven" Matt. 5:16
