Can't Hardly Wait!!

Dear Family and Friends,

This sweet angel is just a hint of what is in store for us on Christmas Eve, here in Cuenca.  Lourdes, our housekeeper, told me that this little one is dressed as "Mama Negra."  She is representing citizens of Ecuador  who live in Esmeraldas.

We, Chuck, Rich, Nancy and I, got a hint of things to come when we were on our walk last Sunday.  Of all the days to live in Cuenca our favorite is Christmas Eve.  Christmas Eve is the day when children from all over parade through Cuenca.  They are celebrating the "The Traveling Nino"

The origins of this religious festival is in the early 1960’s when a statue of the Christ Child was taken to Rome to be blessed by the Pope. When the statue returned, someone in the watching crowd called out, “Ya llegó el Viajero!" ("Now comes the traveling boy") and the statue became known as the Niño Viajero.

This little girl was a spectator, but it is obvious that her popcicle is getting a lot more attention than the parade.

By the way, Chuck got all the slats painted and reassembled the outdoor chairs.

They are looking real nice on the terrace of our rental condo.

Needless to say, he is very glad this job is complete.

We are now gearing up for the holidays ahead.

Love,
Nancy