Cuenca in a nutshell
Trip Start
Jan 04, 2010
1
39
47
Trip End
Dec 23, 2010
Cuenca, Ecuador
Sunday, April 11, 2010
well it’s the people of cuenca that have been the most captivating. they are fairly diverse...but the same...if there is such a thing. there’s a large native population that holds tight to their traditional dress and culture. this group ALWAYS wears hats, generally works the streets selling flowers, local crafts and food. then there is this man...i see him everywhere. turns out...it’s actually a specific type of man. it’s as if all these guys come from the same mother. i mean, these men...they are gorgeous and they look so much alike! if you’re into ‘not-so-tall, dark and handsome’ then this is the perfect city to hang out. and then the general population has very distinct features - pronounced cheekbones, large noses, huge smiles...not native american indian features...but something quite unique - ‘ecuadorian’. i’ve heard peru is even more distinct in looks.
yesterday i realized how truly ignorant one can be (well, me anyway). there’s a fiesta this weekend in cuenca. i don’t know...i think it’s some kind of independence day?? masses of people were filing into the cathedral in the city center...and there were crowds all around the square holding flags and leaflets advertising the arrival of don basco to cuenca. hmmm...don basco - no idea, but i’m in. so i headed into the church...sitting in the very back so no one would notice i didn’t belong. after about 30 minutes i gathered that don basco was a priest...and then after about 90 minutes i was trying to figure out why he wasn’t up front addressing the crowd. i waited...and waited...people came in...then they went out. i must have sat my ass in that pew for 2 hours. finally i went back outside and sat again on a park bench staring into the cathedral. there was a jeep parked out front with a poster on the side door, flags flying on the racks and a trailer hitched to the back-end with a huge ramp waiting to load up something. good night...this man is like a rock star! then after maybe another hour it hit me...he’s inside - maybe blessing people or giving communion. so i went back in and walked to the front. turns out don basco WAS up front...but in a glass casket. it also turns out he is extremely famous throughout the world and had devoted his life to helping children. i think he’s even a saint. ‘dumb-luck’ - with my picture next to the definition.
from what i’ve seen of ecuador...it’s hard to believe it’s considered a third world country. it is extremely modern...the cities i’ve visited are beautiful, the music is hip (techno everywhere) and i’ve heard the best versions of my favorite songs - didn’t even know existed, the food is exceptional...lots of rotisserie chicken, and there seems to be a healthy business on every corner. i have talked with a few business owners who are concerned about the future of ecuador. the current president is building some pretty hefty relations with venezuela and chavez. they worry that government will begin to move towards dictatorship and the healthy economy and culture will suffer greatly. although, i’ve also heard he is very popular with large groups of people needing government assistance. politics!
i might be altering my travel schedule a little bit. i’m thinking about staying in one city for a few months...focusing on learning spanish...living with a family...and maybe even get a job teaching some english (although now i feel my english sucks as well). i’m off to vilcabamba tomorrow and then peru next week, so we’ll see if i return to ecuador. i hope so!
just one last comment...being alone so long - i feel like i'm losing my sense of humor...no one around to laugh with. i miss this the most of all!
Comments
luv the pics having trouble with comp today waiting for ness to get back and fix it miss seeing r smiley face. dogs r great jewels is filthy will upset ness ha sishe luvs to roll in the grass as they all do tuck got a good brush down his hair is so thick hav a great day i luv and misssss ya mama xxxxxx
Hey Beautiful one,
Just got back last night and got jewels and she was aweful dirty...lol...like mom said she would be. Bob and I are going to pick her up and to drop her car off and then go eat..Yeah love to eat now!
Love ya, take care of you. love ness and Bob.
No worries girlie ... you will always have your sense of humor and your sharp wit. I promise to laugh with you / not at you, when you come home.
Big cardiac screening tomorrow in Surprise. We have 350 people preregistered, 460 volunteers (many will get their hearts checked too) and expect a few hundred walk-ins. Our biggest event ever! So excited I wanted to share the good news with you. Be well keep smiling!
Hugs - Sharon
Victoria! I just got back to the states. From Bocas del Toro. I'll be following your further adventures.Traveling alone has so many advaNTAGES. SIX ONE WAY ,HALF A DOZEN THE OTHER. oops. caps.Keep those beautiful eyes open. Rest a lot. Courtney
where r u i spoke with shawn and he said hes leaving tom. so i am thinking u hav already left for peru. i know i wont hear from u for a couple of days hav loads of fun and enjoy each others company i know it will be nice to hav someone to talk too, luv and missu mam ma xxxxxx
Hi,
been keeping up with your journey. Sorry about the sense of humor part. Other than that sounds like you are doing fantastic. Looks like your friends and relatives look forward to seeing your pictures and reading your messages, I can sure relate to that. In closing I remember when I was teaching you to drive and you screamed, " what do I do now? Here comes a tree!" Please don't lose your sense of humor.
Love you, Dad
Hola, who's Bob......
Hola, Looking great tish don't stop having fun.........
pe things are great with u and shawn visiting all the fab places. i tothalked to his tmom and she is doing fine shes calling me back today his dads fine things are good at this end. its been really cold though so ive stayed home just cleaning enjoy r trip miss u luv to u both lov ma xxxxx
Hi Tish,
I realize how much I miss you every time I log on. You just don't hear it on the other end, but trust me you bring laughter to each of us through this blog. Sounds like your journey continues to be full of exciting adventures. I love following your travels. All is good here. Rylee says "Hi Aunt Tish - I miss you!" We all love and miss you.....
hi hon i am babysitting this week for 3 days helping out a little crystal went to nm for a getta away she broke up with terry. kids are wonderful and i enjoy spending time with them still fasinate me this age is the best. my yard is fantastic the best yet i hav to go get a camera to take pics very windy today but that just spreads seeds my poppys are not out but i see them all over. i will catch u later hope u enjoyed miss n lov ya maxxxxxxxxx