Happenings

Several weeks ago there was a blog regarding Nikolas' need for dog food from the States. People have been so kind in responding. One of the couples that visited with Iams in hand was Jo and Dan. We had a lovely time with them. They visited many places in Ecuador and left Cuenca for Banos.

Group picture minus Mick.

On Friday, we took a little trip to Ingapirca. This was our 4th time there and the weather was wonderful.
This plant is prevalent in the area. We were told that rohypnol (date rape drug) is made from this.

This area was once storage buildings.
Sue, Pat, Mick, and our guide, Carlos.

A replica of an Inca house.

This stone marks the summer solstice; the rays pass across the indention on top.

Ingapirca was originally a Canari settlement and then the Incas came in an attempt to conquer. So the ruins are of both civilizations. The stones used in the Canari structures are natural with mortar filling the gaps.

Current residents of Ingapirca.

The inner circle represents the moon, the outer, the sun. The Canaris worshipped the moon god, whereas, the Incas, the sun god.

Vistas from the temple.

Three interested tourists and one guide.

Llama poop.

Tools used for grinding corn.

A gutter system.

The Incan calendar consisted on 13 months with 28 days in each month. This is a monthly calendar. The rock contains 28 wells.

The stone was for the beheading of human sacrifices.

The Inca stones were more worked, with little or no mortar being used. This is the archway of a door.

Inside the same doorway. The stones are so perfect that no mortar is necessary.

The remains of the temple. It is speculated that the small alcoves, which would have been opposite the door, would have housed mirrors made of gold to illuminate the room with the reflected light from the doorway.

The larger alcoves were uniquely designed for acoustics. With an alcove on opposite sides, the priest and chieftan would stand in their respective alcoves and quietly discuss issues at hand. The design allows only the person in the other alcove to hear, therefore, preventing guards outside the open doorway and others from hearing the matters being discussed. Sue and Pat demonstrated the technique.

More views from the temple.

Pat, Sue, and Carlos.

The statue in the puebla of Ingapirca.

On Friday night, we were going to the Coffee Tree at Plazoleta La Merced and passed a wedding about to begin.

Jo, Sue, Pat, Mick, Nikolas, and Dan at the Coffee Tree.

On Sunday evening, we were graced with more Iams from visitors to Cuenca. We had a lovely evening at our home with some regulars plus those visiting. Below is Paul and Pam from Myrtle Beach.

David and Elke live in Germany, visited Texas, found the Iams, took it back to Germany, and then brought it here. We really appreciated the determination.

We have met some lovely people after having published Nick's blog and are so appreciative of everyone of them. Hopefully, all have had a great time visiting our little country of Ecuador.

Until next time,
Mick and Kathy

Retirement Is Tough

For those who have blogs, you know how time consuming it can be. Being retired is an extremely busy life. With cooking, weaving, socializing, knitting, more cooking, more socializing, drinking coffee at the Coffee Tree with Mick, more cooking, more drinking coffee at the coffee shop with Mick, sometimes there's just not enough time for blogging. Retirement is tough. This week, I've made it a point to play catch up, again.

Recently, Bob and Elaine Cerwin were back in town to check on the progress of their apartment which is in the building being constructed beside us. Here's Bob and Mick on the terrace.

Hank and Bob about to chow down on burgers by Mick.
Elaine and Sherry with the new building in the background.


We helped celebrate Jim and Selene's 10th anniversary at La Vinoteca.

One morning at the Coffee Tree, Jim had forgotten his cap, so he simply did what some of the Cuencanas do.

Saturday there was a roadtrip to Gualaceo and Chordeleg with the Woods. Nikolas needed a potty break, so Pat and Mick checked out the river in Gualaceo.

Pat, Sue, and Mick

There was a parade in Gualaceo honoring the 50th anniversary of the Polytecnica high school. This is one of the marching bands. The parade route was probably 2 miles long, marching in high heels.

The military ensemble.

Someday, they will regret the heels.

The beginning of the float.

The float

Marching also were representatives of ALL the classes.

Freddy, a friend of Mick's from driving school, was in it. He's in the white shirt, jacket and sunglasses, no hair.

More alumni.

The final band was of the recorder variety.

You never know when you're going to see a parade.

Things have been busy for Mick and me; however, while everything is happening in Cuenca, our friends, Jim and Angie, are away in Canada. We're waiting for their return.

Jim and Angie having fun in Peachland.

Until next time,

Mick and Kathy