Cuenca

June 17, 2016

Today was a really FUN day of exploring a beautiful pinky rosa colored city! Cuenca is another town nestled in the highlands of the Andes but in contrast to the gray blocked buildings of Quito, the dwellings of this place are all terra cotta roofed, giving the city a pink hue.  There are  4 rivers running through and ample greenspace for the residents can use to enjoy the mild climate all year long.  Our guide Franco was born and raised here and it was easy to catch his enthusiasm for his hometown.

We first visited the Homero Ortega Hat Company.

Every single hat is hand woven from natural grass primarily by women who work from their homes and the skill is passed down the generations-
Depending on the complexity of the weave, a single hat can take anywhere from 2 days to 6 months to make.

At the factory they are bleached, dyed, pressed and a light layer of fixator is applied.

There are over 80 different molds to shape the crown-
each one done by hand.

A different style for each one...

Next we toured the city on foot-

We began in the colonial "Old Town"-

These students were collecting donations for the recent earthquake victims and were brave enough to try out their English skills with us.

Open markets are the primary way Ecuadorians shop for food and many necessary items-
 this is one of Cuenca's-

Any kind of meat available- organs, hooves, etc.

At the market you can also have your child "blessed" with herbs and eggs (yes, eggs)-
This little one was only four weeks old.

Beautiful fruits & vegetables... all organic!

These are the traditional colorful skirts that the "Cholas" (women from the countryside) wear.
They are reversible- one side with beautiful embroidery & sequins on the hem to be worn for special occasions and city visits,  and the other side with plain gingham trim to wear at home while doing chores and working on the farm.

The flower market-
 roses for 20 cents & beautiful double-tiered arrangements and centerpieces for $8!

Catedral de la Inmaculda Concepcion-
commonly referred to as the New Cathedral of Cuenca even though construction began in 1882

Panorama of the city

Ceramic art by Eduardo Vega- so beautiful!
His workshop and store are connected to his house which has the same panorama of the city as the photo above.

Franco took us to his favorite local homemade ice cream shop-
we tried 3 different flavors that were all delicious!!

Time at the park to burn off the ice-cream...so fun!

Pure joy...

Have you ever heard the saying "A little salty to cut the sweet"?
Try a little roasted guinea and pig...