Meet my little Friend

Dear Family and Friends,

When Chuck and I walk to the Fieria Libre market, we pass a vacant lot.  This lot, like so many in Ecuador, is used for grazing cows, goats, etc.  Allowing animals to graze on your vacant land keeps the grass and weeds in check.

The last several trips we have made to the market we have been treated to this sight.

A little calf .... no mom, just the calf.

I bet he is lonely all by himself.

Love,
Nancy

FOTO FRIDAY - 2/28/14

Dear Family and Friends,

Todays Friday Fotos were made here in Cuenca at a local nursery.

Love,
Nancy

Military Celebration of the Battle of Tarqui

Dear Family and Friends,

Yesterday, I was in Parque Calderon and saw the miliatry band set up directly across from the new cathedral.  The band members were milling around and I figured something was about to happen.

I looked across the street and saw that the main entrance to the cathedral was open (which is rare during the week).  Not only was it open, there were military guards at the entrance.

I went in through one of the side doors to see what was going on inside the cathedral.

They were having a mass and the cathedral was packed with military people in their dress uniforms.

I went out of the cathedral, crossed the street and waited near the band.

Pretty soon, the mass was over and the military people were coming out.

About this time, the band started playing and it gave me goose bumps.

The big question for me was WHY?  Why was this mass and ceremony taking place?

I asked around and found out that today (February 27, 1829) is the day the Battle of Tarqui was won.

What was the Battle of Tarqui you ask?

Well, I will do my best to explain.

Before this battle there was Peru (which consisted of what is now Peru and Bolivia) and the Gran Colombia (which was made up of what is now, Ecuador, Colombia, and Venezuela.)  Peru invaded the southen part of what is now Ecuador.  The battle took place near Cuenca.  The Peruvians came up the long Yunguilla Valley with their cannons and horses....several weeks of marching and pulling uphill.  The army of the Gran Colombia (made up of mostly military and volunteers from our local area) were waiting for them and defeated the attack from a mountain top at the top of the valley on February 27, 1829.

The next year, 1830, the Gran Colombia was dissolved and the countries of Ecuador, Colombia and Venezuela were created.  Also Peru was split into the countries of Peru and Bolivia.

These soldiers were across the street from me.  When researching about the Battle of Tarqui, I found out that they are dressed in the uniform that was worn during the battle.  Today, you will find military dressed in this uniform defending the presidential palace in Quito.

So, now I know what these uniforms represent and it makes me proud to know that they are still used today as the ceremonial dress.

Love,
Nancy

Roses, Roses and Blue Roses

Dear Family and Friends,

One of Ecuador's major exports is roses.  Roses are grown in green houses and shipped all over the world.  The roses in the U.S. most likely come from here.

One of the nice things about living here is that roses are inexpensive compared to the prices we would pay in the U.S.  We can buy a dozen beautiful foses for $2 to $3 a dozen.

I was walking by the flower market the other day and saw these roses sitting on a bench.

On the other side of the bench I surprised to see these dark blue roses.

Roses in a bucket, sold by the each...

Look at these delicate blue roses....

I don't know how they grow blue roses, but I am glad they do.

Love,

Nancy

Crossing Below Avenida de las Americas

Dear Family and Friends,

Avenida de las Americas is a very busy street that circles around the city of Cuenca. (The translation is Avenue of the Americas and this road is actually part of the Pan American Highway)   It is anywhere from six to eight lanes wide.  In some parts of the street it is almost impossible to cross, for example at Fieria Libre (the largest market in Cuenca).

Years ago the city of Cuenca built an underpass so that people could safely cross the street.

At first I was a little reluctant to use it.  But after using it I found it to be quite safe.  I wouldn't use it at night, but during the day, when other people are using it, it seems safe.

Here are some pictures.

The entrance on the Fieria Libre side of Avenida de las Americas.

There is an elevator on each side of the street, but I don't know if they work.  I feel much safer taking the stairs like all the other people do.

Once you are underground, there is a nice passage with lots of shops.

Before you know it, you are ascending to the other side of the street.

It is odd looking, but it sure does the trick.

Love,
Nancy

PS:  Sunday was election day in Ecuador.  To find out how the voting system here is different from the U.S. check out Rich's and Nancy's Blog.  They did a nice job of explaining how it works here.