Finally! Pictures of Cuenca, Spain (in the rain)

Dear Family and Friends,

Chuck and I woke up this morning to yet another day of rain.  I received an email from my sister this morning.  All it contained was the weather forecast for Cuenca, Spain for the next couple of days.  It doesn't look good.

We have looked at the old part of Cuenca for days now from our hotel.

After breakfast, Chuck and I agreed to head out to see historic Cuenca.  We decided that if we try and wait for good weather we may never see what we came to see. We put on our jackets and opened our umbrellas as we headed out. 

Like our Cuenca in Ecuador, Cuenca, Spain is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  The historic part of Cuenca is built on the side of a deep gorge.  Looking up at the city is quite dramatic even on a rainy day.

Chuck and I walked all the way to the city on top.  Being at a lower altitude made the trek much easier.

Like our Cuenca, this Cuenca is famous for it's hanging houses.

Here is another view.

Looking across the gorge at the old monastery.

Instead of adobe, the houses are all made of stone.  They do have tile roofs however.  The tiles are an assortment of colors and are really pretty.

This is Our Lady of Grace cathedral.  It is on Plaza Mayor.

Here is a picture of the plaza and the three arches leading into it.

One of the many shops in the plaza.

Like a lot of the historic cities in Spain, the streets are narrow and beautiful.

There is a tourist train that goes from new Cuenca up into the historic district.  I am so proud that we walked up there, as I sit here with aching muscles. 

Here is Chuck checking out a wine and cheese shop.  There are vineyards nearby and wine is available from this region.

More views of this lovely city.

Here is a gazebo in a park near our hotel.  It has the multicolored clay tiles.

Chuck drinking from a unique water fountain.  It is a boy holding a goose by the neck.  The water comes from the goose's mouth.

It has been cloudy and overcast all day.

This is Semana Santa (Holy Week) and every day there are processions scheduled.  The one scheduled for today at 4:30 pm seemed like it might happen.  But unfortunately, at 4:30 pm the clouds opened up and it started to rain.  The procession was called off by 5:30 pm.  As unbelievable as it seems, one hour later the sun was out and the skies were blue.  

The weather reminds us so much of our weather in Cuenca, Ecuador.

Tomorrow is Friday.  We are hoping for better weather.  There are three different processions taking place.  I really want to be able to share them with you.

Love,
Nancy