We ate WHAT?????

Dear Family and Friends,

The national dish of Ecuador is "cuy." Cuy is Spanish for guinea pig. Cuy has been eaten in South America for hundreds of years. It is a favorite dish of a lot of residents of Ecuador.

Brad, our house guest, is as adventurous as Chuck. He said while he was visiting he would like to have cuy. So, even though I had not eaten it, I agreed to go and try it. Chuck and Brad had tried cuy a couple of years ago on another escapade. Chuck even ordered a large cuy pizza at a local restaurant once and ate the whole thing by himself because no one else wanted a slice.

Chuck phoned our friend, Fabian, to ask him to take us to the best restaurant for this special meal. Fabian is from Cuenca and his English is superb. Chuck told Fabian that he would treat for the meal in exchange for taking us.

Fabian picked us up and took us to dinner.

It takes about 45 minutes to prepare cuy because it is all done fresh. After you order the process begins. Of course, rather than waiting at our table for the cuy to arrive, we asked if we could see it being prepared.

It is cooked over charcoal in this manner.



Here it is how it looks when it is served. I wish I hadn't watched them cook it because it looks a lot different after it is done and served.



Some of us ate with more gusto than others:









Everyone agreed it was a delicious meal except one and I won't name who I am.

But I am glad I had the experience. It actually tasted alright, I just didn't enjoy them because I kept picturing in my mind the little critters being cooked.

By the way, if you live in Cuenca or are planning a visit, you might want to contact Fabian. Not for cuy, although he would be happy to take you, but he also will give tours, help in negotiations where a translator is needed or even assist you in getting the best price when buying furniture or appliances here.

We met Fabian through Nancy and Rich. Fabian has been their friend and "right hand man" during all their business dealings.

If you would like to contact Fabian his email is: sonialv@etapaonline.net.ec

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This Sunday, our daughter, Kylie and grandson, Bryce, are coming from Puerto Rico to visit us. We are so excited. This is their first visit to Ecuador and we are eager to share our new home with them.

Have a great weekend.

Love,
Nancy