As I walk the streets of Cuenca

I have uploaded a few photo's of what I see as I walk the streets of Cuenca. I have a very slow speed internet connection it take 12-15 to upload one photo. What is sad is the pictures from my new camera do not begin to compare with the photos taken with the camera I left in a cab in Quito. I weep.

I do enjoy walking and site seeing, I walk miles everyday. It seems there is a church or one in view on just about every corner, there are something like 60 churches here. I also take time to browse the many pastry shops, I love looking at cake. I love eating cake even more but I am trying to keep my consumption down to one piece every 3 days, difficult but so far after 12 days here I have managed to keep this self imposed rule. Yummy cake, 2 more days until the next piece I know already exactly what shop and which kind of cake.

I am in the process of booking a Galapagos tour for end of February or beginning of March and am pretty excited about that. Also planning a trip into Parque National Cajas described in the guidebook as resembling the Scottish highlands. Then a trip into the Amazon basin. Pretty excited.

Susana, my landlady, though really well intended is not the best Spanish teacher she is too funny and is forever mixing in German words. I am learning more from Senor Louis who owns the small tienda across the road from the apartment. He is so gracious always speaking slowly and asking me to repeat what he says in English so he can learn too, he is either going to Chicago and has been I am not too sure which, I hope our chats improve enough for me to find out for sure.

Tonight I am going to a film at the cultural center with Susana. she phoned yesterday and said she would pick me tonight, meaning tonight today not tonight yesterday, she cannot seem to get the whole yesterday, today, tomorrow straight. I have to be sure to clarify using the Spanish words otherwise I wait at the door for her to pick me up only to discover she meant tomorrow. Not sure I want to see the film, all in Spanish, but she promised to take me to the salsa club after if I go. Love to watch the dancers.

Saturday is the start of Carnival, a 4 day national holiday, a big party in the last few days before lent. Bomba augas, water bombs, are tossed at anyone and everyone from cars and balconies and on the streets. Not sure of the significance of the water but it seems lots of water fights, parades and dancing are the main events. A little water won't hurt me, I am looking forward to seeing the parades and dancers.