Flowers Everywhere

This week has brought about the usual mix of errands and dinners out with friends. The Pangborns left over the weekend to return in January as our neighbors and the Cerwins will leave tomorrow, returning later in the year to check on their new apartment in the building next to us. The Rosses are in town checking on their project; we've had a lot of catching up to do with them. Last night was a puppies' night out at the Reeves-Miles home. Brian's stew was delicious.


In running errands, and just walking about, I've noticed the gardens in the neighborhood. This is such a great climate for plants. The plants that we were continuously planting in Charlotte, or had to keep indoors permanently, thrive here. Below are some pictures that I've just taken around our neighborhood.

The bouganvilleas are especially lovely.

This is my favorite. There is a large bed of Nile grass, with alliums in front. It is so well manicured.

Monday after returning from errands and lunch with the Grimms, we sat by the river. There is always something going on. This fellow was catching dinner. The Yanuncay apparently has a lot of trout in it. There is no fly fishing done here; nets are used. Here he is bringing in the net.

As he emptied his net, he would toss the trout onto the bank. His family would then string them.

There are usually cows grazing. They sometimes have to be led to the river for a drink of water.

I had to make a visit to the bank on Tuesday. At Banco Pinchincha, there is a new employee, Veronica, who is fluent in English, which is a big help. While waiting for Mick and Henry, who were on another errand, to pick me up. I took some pictures of the statues on Av. Solano. Cuenca, as with other South American cities, Cuenca honors their heroes with statues and street names. Below is Remigio Crespo; I'm uncertain as to the significance of the young ladies dancing behind him. This is Begnino Malo, an educator.

Sitting in front of the bank, was a local woman. It is common to see the local women shielding themselves from the sun with folded blankets or wraps.

We then went in search of plants for the terrace, ending up at a garden center called Bambu. There was a very nice selection of plants. We selected pots and plants. They repotted and delivered them.

Here's Mick repotting the bouganvillea that we purchased at the flower market in El Centro.

Here are some of the plants after being positioned on the terrace. The plants are beautiful and the different colors and textures add a lot to the terrace.

This is a planter that we put on the wall.

This is the bouganvillea that Mick repotted.

An expanded view

The flowers for the week are sunflowers, in Spanish, girasol.
Flowers are such an important part of the decor here. Everywhere you look are fresh flowers. They are very affordable here. The sunflowers came from the florist next door to our edificio and were $3. Flowers are a beautiful part of the Cuencan culture, just one more thing to love here.

Until next time,

Mick and Kathy