More Progress on Av Solano

Here are more progress shots of the street renovation on Av Solano.

LOTS of new concrete. 

There were cement trucks for the large pours.

New curbs.

Gingerly walking through the construction site (in high heels).

More supplies.

 

 

 

 

 

 

New sidewalk tiles!  With more to go...

Some sections are still working on underground systems.

Textured tile means safer walks!
Bike lanes are also being added.













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Our walk on Sunday began in glorious sunshine!  BLUE, clear, early morning.

Bluest of blue skies this time of year are unusual.  Usually cloudy.

Workers were working.  The sky was exactly this color of blue.  Still chilly, but sunny!  Clouds came in later.

Yet another statue on Av Solano on the renovation list for another phase of the street project.

Look who's coming to Cuenca!  He'll be performing in November for the big holiday.

Makes us smile each time someone thinks we live in a grass hut in the middle of no-darn-where...

We think Cuenca is a pretty hip and 'happenin' City!

Meeting Eduardo Segovia

We were absolutely thrilled to meet one of Ecuador's world-renowned artists, Sr Segovia and his lovely wife.

His ceramic/sculpture studio is located within the old pottery district of Cuenca.

What a fun couple!  Both have a love of life, both love to laugh and the art shows the enthusiasm of looking at the world a little bit differently...

Mystical beasts, lots of colors, an appreciation of Cuencano roots, with a little Miro and Picasso influence, too. The art is happy, hopeful and just makes you feel good.

Sr Segovia has taught and exhibited throughout the world.  He has an exhibit coming up in Canada.  We enjoyed some of his newer pieces that will go to the Canada event.  All exceptional.

The kilns.

Note the little 'earring' detail on the side fin...

Beautiful, joyful garden. too.  Love this little 'bird' flower.  We enjoyed making the snapdragons 'growl', too!

What a fun, delightful afternoon!  We are already planning to visit again real soon.

ps -- You can read more about Eduardo Segovia here:
http://cuencahighlife.com/post/2013/07/05/Ceramicist-Eduardo-Segovia-takes-his-inspiration-from-Cuencano-traditions-and-materials-and-shares-with-the-world.aspx

Street Art at LaSalle School

This school is located kitty-corner to the Ital-Deli on Av Solano.

In the school year, class begins early...we've heard the sirens at 7am. Now, the kids are out for the break.

We've also heard that this school is very popular.  Parents place their babies on the waiting list soon after they are born!

Colegio Hermano Miguel "La Salle" is a private high school associated with the Christian Brothers. 

Students are known for sports and academic excellence.  During the summer break, some students need to attend 'summer school' for extra tutoring, if they don't pass the test to move on to the next grade during the school year.  We see a surprising few students attending classes now...just a handful still in their uniforms.

(The above pic shows the school on the right.  Must have been some taxi association event at the school this day...The parking lot across the street was filled with yellow taxis. You can also see some street construction...(Blue building is the school.)

On a recent walk, we enjoyed street art by local artists along one of the school's surrounding streets, Av Luis Moreno Mora.

We hear there was some kind of student contest for the art that used to face Av Solano.  It was all about safe driving.  Unfortunately, we didn't get pics of that art. 

Now, it's all painted over...Here is the some of the latest art on that wall.

 

 

 

 

A couple more unlabeled statues in this stretch of Av Solano. 

All of these statues will be refurbished as the renovation of Av Solano moves to the next phases.  We're eager to see who these important monuments represent!

Happy Weekend!