As you already know from my previous post, Cuenca has many buildings located in the historic center that have been renovated on the inside. They also have many, many new buildings outside the historic downtown area...and they continue to build more. Yes, they have good wifi, Direct TV, and all other modern conveniences that you enjoy in the United States. Yes, they have cars, taxi's, busses, and in another year or so they will have light rail going right through the historic downtown and beyond. And...yes, you can drink the water...at least in Cuenca...but probably not in some other areas. Most importantly, it is a charming city with friendly, kind people who are always willing to help you. Everyday there is something new to explore or learn.
On Saturday, October 18th, Lance and I walked one block from our apartment to see a parade that celebrated rural indigenous women. Groups of women from different rural areas gathered downtown in their traditional dress. It's important to note that what they wear in the pictures are often the same clothes they wear everyday. You will see them at the markets or on the streets dressed in these traditional outfits that they have worn for over a hundred years. Take a look...
When we first arrived at the park, groups of women were gathering together in anticipation of the parade. Yep, that's me waiting on the bench for the parade to begin.
Each group of ladies wore distinctive hats and/or outfits.
These two photos are my favorites. These young men were lively and loved to play to the crowd. They were with the group of ladies pictured above with the colorful skirts.
They also had stuffed animals set up in the park that could be used for taking a child's picture. Checkout the big horse at the far end. It looked real if you didn't get too close. They also had a real St. Barnard Dog that you could pose with in a photo.
Eventually everyone was organized and it was time for the parade to begin.
Along the parade route you would see people selling fruit or other things to eat. This is something that you see everyday on the streets of Cuenca...not just on parade days.
As we rounded the bend on the parade route I snapped a picture of the mountains that surround Cuenca. It was a beautiful sunny day which was a welcome sight because it had been cloudy and rainy since we arrived. (This was taken with just my iPhone camera...that's how close those mountains are to the city.)
The parade ended at a plaza where the people had set up a bazar to sell food and other craft items.
I'm not exactly sure what this is...but it looked interesting.
After touring the plaza we headed over the river to look for an Italian man who sells brick oven baked breads and homemade cheese...the best in Cuenca. As we crossed the river we saw evidence that a family had come down to do their wash. This was a more common practice years ago, but you don't see it as often today. (And, yes, we do have washers and dryers in Cuenca.)
The Italian baker and cheese maker was located in this lovely little shopping area near the University.
People gathered there to buy his wares. He plans to open a store sometime next year, but until that happens, he sells his homemade bread, cheese and sausages at this outdoor market. They were a little pricy by Ecuadorian standards, but delicious!
It was just another fun and exciting day in Cuenca, Ecuador. Please make sure you leave comments...I promise I will respond in due time.
Very excited to see everything working out so well, great work on the photographs
ReplyDeleteThanks Adam...we are having a great time. The weather has been much better, sunny and warm these past two days. I hope you have a great week.
DeleteGreat post and pics! Gracias.
ReplyDelete