Orchid Show 2015

What a treat!

Nancy and Chuck admiring the details on one of the old doors.

Cuenca hosted the annual orchid show in a fabulous new location downtown this year.  We enjoyed the newly opened and renovated Seminary at the New Cathedral.  The open  courtyard was almost as spectacular as the orchids!

The Seminary area has not been open to the public before this event.  Some of our readers will remember it had been undergoing some renovation (including the restoration of 100 plus years old murals), when there was a devastating fire a few years ago. 

A breathtaking location with the New Cathedral in the background.

Some work is still i n process.

 

 

 

 

 

Here is the entrance to the show, all decorated with orchids.

The show area with beautiful orchids from around the world.  Many orchid varieties grow local, right here in our province of Azuay.

Lots of prize winners.  Many also for sale.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This one is called Hello Kitty!

What an enjoyable Sunday!

November Walking 2015 -- Liberty! Thanksgiving!

On November 3, Cuenca marked the 195th anniversary of Independence from Spain. 

Each year, members of the military begin the day at the Square, this year with President Correa and other dignitaries.

No big military parade this year, due to budget constraints.  Interesting we did not see nor hear one firework on the evening of Nov 3 this year...

Tributes of flowers are carefully displayed around the statue of a young war hero.

Several concerts at the stadium.

A race one Sunday along Av Solano.

More fun street art.

We enjoyed one of the nicest Thanksgivings.  Great food. great company and live music.

Ruth Guzman has the voice of an angel.  Not a dry eye in the house.

 

Thanks again to our hosts for including us in this memorable holiday.

Walking in October 2015 -- Pink and Purple

Here is what blooms in our October.  LOTS of Pink and Purple!

Arupos (pink), also known as crepe myrtles.

 

 

Jacarandas (purps):

 

 

 

 

 

Also blooming and beautiful:

 

 

 

 

 

Cuenca getting ready for her 195th Independence Day, Nov 3.  Flags were up for the celebration.

 

 

Rivers were up, then they were down...maybe El Nino will be dry here in the Andes, but maybe not?  Maybe too early to tell.