Gualaceo

At 9 a.m. this morning, 19 students piled into a bus. Destination... the Ecuadorian countryside. L and I have been stoked about this all week, because it was our first trip outside of Cuenca since our arrival. As the old tourer lumbered out of Cuenca into the Andes, I couldn't help but recall the first time seeing mountains bigger than the glacier-carved hills bordering Lake Superior. To be able to see summits one was required to tilt their head back a full 90 degrees. We're talking high people. Our driver navigating the gently sloping highway, ground deep into the highlands, my regret of not bringing my longboard began to surface; a 20 degree grade, sloping and curving for miles... beautiful.

Our first stop took us to a traditionally constructed home, whose family still practices the art of hand crafted wool works. It was a shock to a 21st century North American living in the Information Age to see wool-on-hand powered spools. It was comforting, seeing that the world is not entirely run by machines. A machine couldn't match the care and craftsmanship put into each piece.

Next stop took us to Gualaceo, a small town 30 or so minutes outside of Cuenca. The group toured a bustling farmers' market, populated by more rural Ecuadorians in dress and culture. Quite a breath of fresh air! The market itself was better than every other of its kind that I have seen. Even the Capitol Square; sorry K.

Our Sampere professor then guided us through an adjacent market, situated in an arena-like structure, hosting vendors of every kind. Produce, beef, whole pigs, cuy (yes cuy!) and lunch of local fare was available en masse. L and I were so caught up in the bustle that the group left us behind. We were nervous, yes, but only that they were having more fun than us. Thanks L...

We finally found our group lounging on the banks of Rio Santa Barbara, where the town was celebrating Carnaval a little early. Food stalls, live animals, merch... a real fair. Fathers were being dragged into the river by sons (a la Festivus), youths were playing every water game imaginable. Boys and girls alike were waiting for that golden opportunity to refresh a stranger with the waters of Rio Santa Barbara. They even wanted to play Carnaval with us foreigners. L, I could have stopped them... eh... but it was just too funny!!!

I made it to Banos yesterday. Ill throw some pics up with a short post for you all. I figure I owe you that much, with all the build-up this past week.