Some of the Sights

Things have been hectic lately, resulting in few posts. Friends from North Carolina, Joan and Dale, have been visiting for the past month. We showed them some of the sights, restaurants that we enjoy, and introduced them to our friends. One of the places we visited was Gualaceo. Calvary Chapel is always nice and was in a bit of disarray on our last visit.

While there, it is common to see someone walking down the street weaving a Panama hat.

There was a funeral procession on its way to the church. As we were leaving, the funeral was still in process. Someone was singing a beautiful song to the tune of "Blowing in the Wind". It was quite moving.

We met a young boy, Broleu, who was hungry and we took him to a restaurant for lunch. He was appreciative.

Dale and Joan looked around the shops.

Gardening is very strenuous here.

The park is extremely well manicured.

Dinner was at the Red Crab with Jim and Angie, who presented Mick with a new hat.

Joan had heard of the weaving class that Angie and I were taking and also wanted to learn. She was greatly impressed with the items on display at Distribuidora Barrera. Angie's shawl is below.

Items made by other group members.

A baby poncho.

Tatiana is instructing Joan on winding the shuttle.

Joan has begun her scarf.

Some of the ladies, Patricia, Camilita, and Susie, joined us at California Kitchen for lunch.

Last week we ventured to the coast. The trip through the Cajas was stunning, a very clear day. The llamas could be seen grazing by the roadside.

The vistas are always stunning.

Our first stop was Playas. The beaches in the area are not well maintained and accommodations are modest and limited. We stayed at Bella Vista. This was Nick's first beach trip.

Dale and Joan were relaxing on the beach.

Reception and the dining room of the Bella Vista.

At the Bella Vista

We left Playas for Salinas, which was a bit better. Accommodations at the Barcelo were superior. Here are Mick and Nikolas on the balcony.

This is the view from the balcony at the Barcelo.

A view of the street below.

Because of the distance involved, Jim and Mick agreed that the drive back would be made much easier by spending the last night in Guayaquil. The drive over the Cajas on Thursday was slightly less than appealing. We encountered much fog and ennumerable mudslides. Finally, we made it back to Cuenca.

On Saturday, Mick and I were down at the Coffee Tree on Calles Larga and Borrerro, there was a large gathering of elderly locals in front of the church at Plaza La Merced.

On Saturday evening, we tried a new restaurant, La Parilla de Hector, which was excellent. The restaurant is located off the Autopista, 300 meters south of Mall del Rio. The entrance is in front of Edificio Vista Linda. The restaurant sets up on the hill with a wonderful view of the city. Service was impeccable and the food was delicious; the beef was actually tender! After dinner we had coffee on the terrace, with a nice charcoal heater to warm our feet.

Sunday, we made our way to another favorite place, the ruins at Cojitambo. There are always wildflowers blooming.

The sky was remarkable.

Here you can see the varying shades of blue. The different layers of wind currents are always fascinating.

This is the puebla of Cojitambo as seen from the ruins.

The ruins

Angie made Andean cherry scones which everyone enjoyed.

A community that we came through was having their Sunday market. There was also a trolley ride.

After experiencing life in Ecuador for the past month, Dale and Joan left for North Carolina this afternoon. They hope to return soon to make Cuenca their new home.

The weather has been incredible, warm sunny days with crisp, cool nights. We're spending our time enjoying our hobbies, our friends, and each other. This afternoon Jim and Mick picked us up at weaving, very proud of the cans of foam they had purchased. We're about to experience our first Carnivale in Cuenca and the boys are pretty excited.


Until next time,

Mick and Kathy