Armed and Dangerous - The Gringo Marauders

Our street has been exceedingly quiet for the last couple of days, reminiscent of other holidays; however, it is necessary to proceed with caution while on the streets. Although quiet, there is mischief in the air. When Mick and Jim picked Angie and me up on Friday at weaving, they were practically giddy, looking much like little boys up to some impish pranks. While on their morning excursion, they had purchased the item that is so prevalent now...espuma de Carnaval...foam. They had begun their antics, participating in the Carnaval festivities, spraying innocent bystanders, sometimes not quite fast enough with their draw.

It was decided that on Saturday, they would prowl again. We decided to go to some of the surrounding areas. Jim drove and Mick rode shotgun with Angie, Nick, and me in the back. We stopped in Gualaceo to look at pottery. Mick had seen the shoes on a previous visit to the shop and insisted they were big enough for Jim. The shop owner became irate at his trying them on, insisting that he was too heavy and would break them.

In Chordeleg, the festivities were being prepared. The cuyes were being skewered.

We did a bit of sampling. This booth had some of the traditional sweets and breads for the occasion.

We endulged in the roast pork which was very delicious. The plate consisted of pork, salad, yapingachas, and a chorizo made of rice and cabbage. The young boy by Mick, whose name was Brando, seemed a bit hungry, so, we had him join us.

The pig had been roasted perfectly.

The cuyes were still on the grill.

Some were dressed a bit more elaborately than others.

The cuyes were being basted with oil and achiote.

Mick had just reloaded.

The children were enjoying the pranks.

Foam is sold everywhere, even the jewelry shops in Chordeleg.

We left Chordeleg for Sigsig. In Sigsig, we visited the coop of the ladies who weave hats. The largest hat in the world is here.

There are hundreds of hats here, waiting to be finished and sold.

This is in the almacene. We bought sombreros and bolsos.

Here's Mick browsing and waiting. He doesn't see himself as a Panama hat kind of guy.

Of course, while on our journey, the boys were continuously in search of those with whom to share their Carnaval cheer. We were dowsed with water twice. The offenders had quite good aim and directly hit the open windows each time; everyone, including Nikolas were drenched.

We continued driving past Sigsig. The area was rather remote. There were many dwellings with only paths to the homes. As we drove on, the number of houses lessened. Without an altimeter, the altitude was unknown, but we were well above the clouds. At times, we were in jungle-like vegetation, very lush, with giant ferns and dense tree cover and undergrowth. We ran out of paved road and traveled on a rocky dirt road for about 15 km before turning around.

The valleys were green and beautiful.

We simply enjoyed the beautiful vistas.

Jim and Angie had already loaded back up.

After a day of Carnaval and also bouncing over back roads, everyone was tired, especially Nikolas.

Before heading home, we stopped at California Kitchen for dinner. On the drive home, Carnaval was still in full swing for the Marauders, shooting pedestrians with their cans of foam.

This morning, they're out again, raiding the streets of Cuenca, in search of the unsuspecting. Mick is driving and Jim is riding shotgun. Practically no one is safe. The boundary for them is women with babies; everyone else is fair game.

Feliz Carnaval!

Until next time,

Mick and Kathy

Apartments for Rent at Gringo Palace

One of our fellow weavers at the workshop informed us yesterday that she has 2 apartments for rent at La Palerma. They are each 3 bedroom, great views, and rent for $500 each. The complex has a sauna, gym, and social areas. It is within walking distance to Coopera, and Supermaxi on Los Americas. Bus access is easy. Anyone interested can email me and I will put you in touch with Camita.

Until next time,
Mick and Kathy

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