WEEK FOUR-Cuneca

Jan. 19, 2020 Sun- Sunday morning mass was attended at the Cathedral.

The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (Spanish: Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción), commonly referred to as the New Cathedral of Cuenca (Spanish: Nueva Catedral de Cuenca), is the cathedral church in Cuenca, Ecuador. It is situated in front of Parque Calderon.

The plan of the Cathedral was drawn up by Juan Bautista Stiehle (1829-1899) — a German-born friar who arrived in Cuenca from Alsace in 1873 — on suggestions made by Bishop León Garrido. The Cathedral took over the function of the nearby Old Cathedral that had become too small. Construction works started in 1885 and lasted for almost a century. This building combines many architecture styles, but Romanesque Revival is predominant. The cathedral is surmounted by three giant domes covered by striking blue and white glazed tile from Czechoslovakia.^[1] Its stained glass windows were created by Spanish artist Guillermo Larrazábal.^[2]

Its towers are truncated due to a calculation error of the architect. If they had been raised to their planned height, the foundation of this Church to the Immaculate Conception, would not have been able to bear the weight. In spite of the architect’s immense mistake, the skyline of its domes has become a symbol for the city. Its facade is made of alabaster and local marble, while the floor is covered with pink marble, brought from Carrara (Italy). When the Cathedral was first constructed 9,000 out of Cuenca’s 10,000 inhabitants could fit in the building.

They are still working on the bell towers today and have been for 100 years. So this church is sometimes called the 100 yr. church. This is also the “NEW Cathdral”. The original is across the street.

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After visiting the “New Cathedral” we went across the street to the Old Cathedral. This is now a museum and often used for concerts. The Church of the Shrine (Spanish: Iglesia del Sagrario) — commonly referred to as the Old Cathedral of Cuenca (Spanish: Catedral Vieja de Cuenca) — was the main place of Spanish worship during the time of Spanish colonization in Cuenca, Ecuador. It functions today as the Museum for Religious Art and is located at the Parque Calderon, opposite the New Cathedral.

History-

Planning for the church started in 1557 and construction began ten years later, using stones for the foundation and walls from the ruins of Tomebamba.^[1] During the colonial period the church was the main center of worship for the “Parish of the Spaniards”; it was reserved for the people from Spain, while indigenous people had to stay outside or worship elsewhere. The organ was added in 1739, and the clock was set in the tower in 1751.^[2] In 1787 the bishopric was established in Cuenca, and the church became a cathedral. The new tower erected in 1868 carries a memorial plate: Torre más célebre que las pirámides de Egipto (“Tower more famous than the Egyptian pyramids“) in reference to the use of the old tower as a key reference point for the French Geodesic Mission in 1736, which determined the arc of the meridian.^[2] In 1880 construction for the New Cathedral was begun. With the consecration of the New Cathedral, the Old Cathedral ceased to be used for regular services. After a major renovation that started in 1999 the Old Cathedral serves today as the “Museum for Religious Art” and a venue for concerts and cultural events. Among others it displays sculptures by Miguel Velez and Gaspar Sangurima and paintings by Daniel Alvorado and Nicholas Vivar.^[2] For more info go to this link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Cathedral_of_Cuenca Much conservation is now underway to remove paint that was placed over the walls containing ” frescoes”. This is a tedious task to say the least.

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Next to and behind, perhaps was old convent or parsonage it a little quaint plaza where we had dinner a few nights ago. There is a coffee shop there and I was craving a cappuccino. Two very nice young men with perfect English served me like a queen. It tasted so good I had to have a second. Thought I may have to pay for the caffeine late but had no ill effects. May have to go get a bag of their coffee. YAW coffee is suppose to be some of the best around. It was very smooth. Our dessert today was a traditional lemon pie/cake. It is identical to our lemon meringue pie except they don’t beat their egg whites so much therefore the topping is flat. They top is all off with some condensed milk. YUM.

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Sunday afternoon and evening was filled with football and popcorn. Just waiting now for the super bowl. We took a quick river walk during half time to get some more steps in.

Jan. 20, 2020 Mon- What a day! Today was really the first “rain” we have seen since we left the U.S. It sprinkled on and off all day with bouts of sunshine in between. But we were hiking the AMARU zoological park and could care less. We took a bus north up past the airport then grabbed a cab the rest of the way up the hill. Now more than another 1,000 feet above town.

WHO ARE WE

We are an environmental zoological organization that offers a unique experience with the animals and plants that are a part of Ecuador´s natural and cultural richness. We promote and run education, communication, recreation, and research programs to foster the conservation of Ecuador’s biodiversity.

Amaru hopes to inspire the community to promote knowledge and protect both the natural and cultural bio diverse resources of the country. We hope to do this through the different facilities which make up our park.Amaru is a private, non-profit conservation organization created by Ecuador’s Ministry of Environment through ministerial agreement in 2002. Since then, the Amaru Bio Park Zoo of Cuenca has been constantly evolving and developing itself as a leading conservation organization in the region. It maintains credibility through its transparency, honesty, results, and professionalism. For more than a decade it has exercised leadership in the national zoological community by promoting and accompanying the development of other institutions of similar nature and by actively trying to make the community more committed to the conservation of biodiversity. Amaru continues to grow as an organization with clear objectives and goals based on ethical, environmental, social, and community values. These values contribute to the wellness of both our community and the wildlife that we protect every day. Amaru promotes the development of environmental commitment and respect for nature through each of its actions.

Three hours of mid level hiking up and down the mountain side we saw many diverse animals. We saw: Ocelot, lions, puma, bear, deer, wart hogs, fox, monkey, Capi bara, Tapir, lama, alpaca, loads of birds, jaguar, ostrich, peacock, lots and lots of reptiles, snakes and turtles, gators, owls, raptors. I got licked by a deer and snooted by a wort hog. We saw two bucks spar. The $6.00 we spent for entrance fee was well worth it.

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Late lunch once we got back to the apt. and a rest. Evening walk to the super mart across the river.

Jan. 21, 2020 Tues– This morning when walking we “stumbled” upon an artisans market we hadn’t seen before. Walked past the doorway many times before perhaps it wasn’t open then. Anyway, here I found my gifts. I had been dis-parring because there really isn’t much in the way of tourist gifts. Of course there is the Andean clothing, bracelets, etc. but not what I was searching for. There isn’t any nice hand painted tiles suitable for travel, etc. Anyway, without giving it all away, I found something special. We came across a man who was selling all kinds of hand made flutes. He was most knowledgeable and even played for us. After I told him I played he handed me a flute to try out. The embouchure was much to different for me to get much out of it. I handed it back to him and he went to town on it. What a beautiful sound it made. There were many talented artist housed in one facility. A man weaving, women beading, painting, etc. I am so glad we finally found this place.

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Next up was lunch of course. We hadn’t had pizza yet here and thought we might try some. You can get a huge slice and a juice for a buck. The gentleman is from Venezuela and had fled his country five years ago. I told him I had worked in a pizza store for 12 years. We chatted as much Spanish as I could manage. Really nice guy and was thrilled when I took a pic of the pizza. He then took it out of the case and held it up for me. After reading and rest time Bill wanted to check out a brew pub he had seen listed on line as one of the best around. It’s a Czech bar/restaurant. They had spatzel, goulash, t-bone steak, shrimp, you name it. The ethnic dishes are half off on Wed, so may go back again on Wed. We visited with the Manager there, Niro, who has lived in N.Y., Texas and up and down the east coast. We actually went two doors down the a Mexican joint for nachos for dinner. The place was super clean and we were the only ones in it. Mainly because of the time of day. It was only 5:00. Places usually don’t get real busy until 8:00 much like Spain.

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Jan. 22, 2020-Wed-I have a massage scheduled for Fri. 3:00 so we walked to the location to see if I was going to walk or take a cab on Fri. Found it, about 20 mins walk. From there we thought we would visit the MALL. Hop on a bus and go, right? Well, we asked three different bus drivers if their bus went to the mall and they all said no. Two older women came up and we asked them. They said any bus with the certain words on it would work, and then told us to get on the next bus. Turned out to be no the right bus. This ride took us way past the mall, but we did get to see some new territory. We hailed a cab and $2.00 later we were taken to the front door. Nice medium sized mall. The only shop they had that I had never seen before, anywhere was a J-Lo shop. There was this HUGE multi store. They had everything from motor cycles, to swim wear. Makes Meijer’s and Walmart look like pikers. The wine and liquor was an entire isle, both sides. And silly string!! Cases and cases of silly string. I have seen it all over town, but still need to find out what they use it for.

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We had a very nice burger at the mall our first since being in Ecuador. $4.99 for burger, fries and drink. A little pricey, but worth it. The afternoon walk was to load more money on our bus card. Trips are $.30 each, each way. It was Bill who chose to do this at this time. I am going to call him The Stumble god, because once again we hit the jack pot. We heard music coming from somewhere and went to see what was up. Sure enough! It was the 6th Precinct Police Band. They had 6 saxes, and a berry sax, Glockenspiel, clarinets, a trombone, two drummers, and four trumpet players. I did a huge woo-hoo and clapped after they finished the first song I heard and people looked at me like I was a tourist! The lack of enthusiasm, appreciation and participation really surprised me. But I more than made up for it!.

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Jan. 23, 2020 Thurs– I had not slept well last night due to the coffee. Blah. I knew that would happen but it tasted so good. Lesson for all: Decaffeinated Does Not Mean Caffeine Free. So, a little later start in morning walk. I wanted to travel upstream farther than we had walked before. Not much up there, sort of quiet. We turned to the north and headed up an East running street. We stumbled upon an American Burger joint. The owner from California had moved due to his opinion of the fallout from the Yakashumi accident. WOW! Now that’s a stretch. Anyway, they have home-made ice cream and such. They even have a “spaghetti” plate made with ice cream. It’s a special extruder that puts out the ice cream looking like spaghetti. Kind of cool. May have to go back just for the fun of that. Their milkshake was great but the chili cheese fries needed some different cheese than what they had. Just a slice of cheddar thrown on top. 😦 I have been wanting to get started on a base tan for when we move to the beach in a week and a half. Being an overcast day a thought it would be a good day to sit our for a bit. My upper half was under an umbrella the whole time, but received a mild burn anyways. Who would have thought it would go right thru the umbrella? The legs that were not under the umbrella didn’t get burned at all. Different skin I guess. Anyway, big hat for me the rest of the week. We went in an Antiques shop and they had a really cool idea. It ws an old residents of course and they had plates,etc. embedded right into the wall. Pretty neat. The old clay oven was still intact. I would love to have that baby out on my deck at home!!! I cooked dinner in, a white sausage with onion, peppers. Pretty tasty. A short evening walk out tonight. I saw a sign for an upcoming concert of….metalica! Here in Cuenca!

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Jan. 24, 2020 Fri- Some say I’m spoiled, I prefer to call it blessed. I had a wonderful pamper me day. On our morning walk I had cake, cappuccino, blackberry smoothie, and two dozen beautiful roses. All for the unbelievable price of $10.90!!!! That’s right! $10.90. WHAT A COUNTRY!!! Sometimes I need to pinch myself. I used to think of Ecuador as an exotic destination not really knowing much about it. Now it is just a slice of heaven on earth. The weather is perfect, EVERY day, food and lodging is cheap, the landscape amazing, and the amenities go on and on.

The afternoon was saved for an appointment I had made online with a gal for a facial and massage. i had found the “special” in one of the gringo online news papers. 90 mins massage and facial for $50.00. Yes you read that right also. I have only had one facial in my lifetime and I was 20 years ago in MX. Let me tell you, I got more than my money’s worth. (1) First a cleanser was applied. (2)Then a scrub. (3)Then something to take the scrub off. (4) next a deep moisturizer, (5) something after that, (6) next my provider applied something to make the use of an electric item to “scrape” off the dead skin cells glide over the skin. This was was a somewhat scary and painful at times procedure and I was sure I was going to be a bloody mess. (7) Next something soothing after the preceding procedure. (8) i think this is where I was given an intense hyaluronic acid facial mask that was on for ten minutes more goo and two stages of lights which jiggled and vibrated right thru to my teeth. 5 IN 1 SKIN RENEWAL TOOL: This facial massager combine 5 functions in 1 device: The ultrasonic to vibrate the cells and stimulate the cells activity; The cleansing mode is releasing positive ions help to deep clean your skin; The nutrient absorption mode is releasing negative ions boost to absorb the nutrient; The relax mode is microwave massage, help to relax your skin; The 3 Color LED photon light mode helping to shrink pores and reduce wrinkle, make your skin smoothing and firming. (9) a nice heated vapor to moisturize. (10) more goo (11) a mask that was on for 15 minutes. (12) mask removal goo and a nice fine hydrating mist. (12) Okay, now it is time of for massaging the face and more moisturizer. I have lost count now but the whole procedure lasted 90 minutes. WOW! Time to move on to the full body massage. Another wonderful 90 minutes. And remember this all cost $50.00. I felt like I was robbing her so I gave her a $10.00 tip.My face felt like a new born baby’s butt. Bill had walked me the 25 mins. to the shop and we had agreed that I would take a cab back to the apt. When three hours had passed and he hadn’t heard from me he got a little “nervous” and decided to hike back to check in on me. The gals told him he couldn’t interrupt my session but when I came out they told me he was at the restaurant waiting for me. How sweet. We walked back together and grab some chicken on the way. Damn that cappuccino earlier in the morning that kept me up half the night, again.

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Jan. 25, 2020 SAT- It was a good thing we got our morning walk in as it rained all afternoon. The first real rain we have had since coming here. Last week there was rain in the mountains which caused the river to swell, but we didn’t have any rain here in the “valley”. The was a “farmers” market at the cidap: The Inter-American Center for Crafts and Popular Arts, CIDAP, created in 1975 through an agreement between the government of Ecuador and the Organization of American States, OAS, is the third oldest institution in the Americas dedicated to the promotion and promotion of the Artisan crafts and popular culture, which has managed to position itself and give sustainability to its work over time, becoming an emblematic institution of Ecuador and America. There was all kinds of wonderful homemade tasty treats. Honey with outstanding flavor, liquors, breads, cheese, desserts, nuts, salsa of every flavor, jams, and bbq sauce. We spoke with two gentlemen in length about where they were from, how long the have been here, etc. The bbq man had come form Oregon and had only been here for four months. The other was from B.C. Canada and has been here for ten years. The Oregon man has a recipe for marshmallows I am going to try to get off of him in exchange for my Cuban flan recipe. He was somewhat reluctant on the spot but perhaps I can convince him later. I bought some honey that has a citrus flavor to it. The bees dine exclusively on lemon, lime and orange trees. What a wonderful flavor like non I have ever had before. The other item I purchased was a bottle of hooch made with cranberries and plums with the fruit still in the bottle. As well intended as I am of bringing this back to the states, I’m pretty sure it will never get that far! We dropped our goodies off and continued on our way uptown. I love that there is always something going on without knowing about it ahead of time. Today we stumbled upon a “street fair” of sorts down in the main square of town. There was three different music venues, things for the kids, performers, dancers, etc. Noon had come and so had lunch time. Back to the apt for a nibble and that’s when the rain started. We spent the afternoon watching a movie then about 6:00 took a walk down to the local supermarket.

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I had been meaning to take a picture of Bill’s favorites street sign and finally had the opportunity to do so. Let me know if you “get it”. Passing by the flower market yet again, I am still amazed at the simple but different designs they come up with. These pics are mostly for future use. There were several boxes of “center pieces” most likely ready to adorn some tables at a wedding reception. Bill and I had seen a crew erecting this huge canopy on Wed or Thurs. and couldn’t figure out what something so huge could be used for. When we went past it today (sat.) they were already taking it down. Come to find out there was a HUGE Jazz festival there with standing room only. Bill is pretty good about getting on the Ex-Pat news sight, and he saw nothing of this until it was over. TYPICAL. i I wish there was a web site that listed all the things going on in the city each day. We wouldn’t miss so much, but then the element of surprise wouldn’t be there either. Next week we are off to the Symphony and a day trip to some small villages. Won’t you come along with us?