My last post was about our trip to the coast in the middle of July. When we returned, we participated in a 2 day bird watching class. The class was informative, and gave us the opportunity to do some field work in the surrounding area. One day was spent at Pumapungo in Cuenca and the next day was spent near the waterfalls at El Chorro in Giron, and at Hacienda Chalcapac in Yunguilla. We had fun learning about all the different types of birds and seeing them in their natural habitat.
In the middle of August we headed back to Wisconsin for a month long visit with our family and friends. It was wonderful to see everyone again. Lance was able to spend time with his two daughters and grandchildren while we were in Milwaukee. Then, the two of us spent a fun-filled week with my son, Adam; sister, Gail; and grandson's, Tate and Adler in Door County. We also got a chance to spend a week by ourselves at The Clearing...which is also located in Door County. I took a class in photo editing and Lance took a class in rustic furniture building. This is our second visit to The Clearing, and we had a terrific time. Below is a picture of the lodge, and the second photo is Lance working on one of his projects in the workshop. The third photo is a sign that Lance made in class. We hung it on our potting bench when we returned home. In English the sign reads... Garden at Los Frutales. Los Frutales is the name of the building where we live.
When we returned to Cuenca, we had a wonderful stretch of warm, sunny weather. In fact, people became concerned about the lack of rain and many thought that we might be experiencing a drought. We had never seen the Rio Tomebamba so low since our arrival last October. Luckily, the weather has changed and the rain has returned.
On October 10th, I had the opportunity to participate in another day trip with my friend, Claudia. This time we traveled to Saraguro, where many of the indigenous people work and live.
When we arrived in town, we were greeted by the woman pictured below, who was our guide for the day. The women from her community are known for the distinctive hats and the beaded jewelry that they wear like a collar around their neck.
Below is a photo of our guide explaining the many different uses of the plant that is she is pointing to with her hand.
The next stop we made was a visit to a local weaver. Here, they explained the entire process of creating a woven product. Wool is taken from the sheep, cleaned, stretched and then spun onto a spindle using their hands.
Next it is measured, and then dyed using different types of organic materials.
Finally it is woven into a final product. The man below told us that his parents were weavers and now he practices the same trade.
The final stop of the tour was at a local museum. We got to see a 100 year old house. Inside are typical items that you still might see today in many of their homes.
As you can see, there are so many interesting things to see and do in Ecuador. However, some of my most favorite things to see are right in our own city of Cuenca. Lately, I have been getting up and walking early in the morning. On more than one occasion I have walked past this man who sits quietly near a building and paints pictures...
and stick men. I have purchased some of his creations and Lance has displayed them in his garden.
They are whimsical, and fun to look at.
Cuenca really seems like home now for Lance and myself. We can't wait to see what adventures next year will bring.
