Repeating Patterns

One of our recent walking themes... inside and outside Cuenca.

There is something serene and predictive about patterns that repeat.

Artists and designers have been repeating patterns for centuries, all over the globe.

It's always a pleasure to see functional items combined with art and design.

Why just have a functional balcony railing, gate, tiles, fabric, furniture, or another building structure, when you can have beauty, too!

Several repeating patterns here.

Most of these pictures were taken in the countryside around Cuenca, with a  couple from our walks in town.

More beams installed at our underpass construction.  More repeating patterns there, too.


Stay tuned for part 2.

Sunday Walking and Shopping

One more Sunday before the Watsons head on out on their next adventure.

We had a great Sunday morning, as always, with Chuck and Nancy.  We walked, chatted and shopped again at one of our favorite people's market, 10th of Aug (Diez de Agosto).  We've blogged about this market before, but there is always something fun to see and share.

Beautiful produce.

Cow's feet for soup.

Shrines in the market.

Green eggs!  These are from special highland chickens.  They are delicious, with bright orange yolks.















You can find shoes at this market, too.

Busy side street near the market.

Walking toward the flower market and the New Cathedral.










Happy, Safe Travels to the Watsons! 

Another Altitude Story

We are seeing more 'hits' on our altitude posts, so thought we'd share another story.
Adjusting to Cuenca's altitude of 8300 ft can be difficult.

Most folks have no serious problems.  For most, you can feel slow the first few days, maybe a headache, maybe problems sleeping, maybe digestive problems, maybe stuffed up ears.  Walking and climbing stairs can really knock the breath right out of you.  A few days of rest and you're feeling just fine.  It took us awhile to adjust.  Most adjust in a couple weeks, but it took us longer. 

We recently met a gentleman who came to visit Cuenca from sea level.  He really felt pretty crappy.  He went to the doctor with breathing problems, dizziness and chest pains.  The doc checked him out and suggested he slow down, eat a special diet, take some pills, give it more time.   But, this gentleman decided to leave Cuenca instead.  He'd been here for about a month and thought it best to go home where he will probably feel better.  We don't think he'll be moving to Cuenca any time soon.  We were sorry to see him go.

We know some folks poo-poo the whole altitude thing.  Maybe they are adjusting just fine.  But, coming from altitude (or doing fine on previous high altitude visits) doesn't guarantee that you will be fine here.  The best advice we can give is to try out Cuenca for awhile and see if you are fine or not.  Give it a few beats and rest.  If you still aren't fine, then you can decide if a lower altitude is better for you. 

Be sure to seek a doctor's advice.  Doctors here know all about high altitude adjustment, they deal with it all the time.  Sometimes a change in diet, meds and lots of rest will perk you right up.  This doc suggested more carbs and more water, Pedialyte, Mate de Coca tea, as well as some conventional meds...but see a doc to be sure it's the right program for you.

Trip to Sigsig

We've made several fun trips to the countryside around Cuenca. 

One day we visited the little town of Sigsig, known for their Panama hat making.  Colorful gate to the town.

Several ladies weaving hats in the courtyard.

Old tools of the trade.

Dyeing work, drying.

Lovely hats for sale.

We liked these dollies, too.

Colorful shopping bags.

A huge Panama hat on display in the courtyard.  It was made in pieces and sewn together.  Looked like crochet, shell stitch...

The hat shop/museum is located at the river.  This day the sun was very intense.  Here's Barbara wearing a newspaper on her head.  We had a good laugh; All the news that's fit to wear.

It's fun being tourists.  Always something fun to see out there.

Walking With The Watsons, Part 2

This Sunday, we headed on out with the Watsons again. 

It's always a treat to share our Sundays with Chuck and Nancy when they are in town.

Had to check out the progress at the underpass project again. 

We can see new progress each day we walk by.  This huge project is moving right along toward the completion date of Nov 2012.

Chuck checking out some materials.
(We think he approves.)

Here we are crossing the new bridge.

View from the walking bridge.

Making more concrete beams.

The gals solving all the world's problems.

We headed to the 10th of Aug market. 

We bought a few things, then headed back out.

Back at the Square, we enjoyed street entertainers.

Our 'floating man' has a new hat!