Pre- Fiesta

We are in our final preparations to leave Cuenca. We have our ride to the coast lined up.  One more relaxing ride through the Andes. My guitar  was sent to Lynn (in Athens) today. I really hope it gets there OK. It is una buena guitarra.  I have one more classe de guitarra en viernes.  Mi maesto is trying to teach me as many latin ritmos as possible. He is great.  He plays tomorrow in the first day of the Cuenca fiesta. It will be hard to leave my early morning friends. From a nod to each, in my first walk to class, to a five minute conversation with each every day (I have had to add 20 minutes to my commute), I have really enjoyed the mundane everyday conversations. I hope I have added something to their mornings. Friday will be difficult to say adios.

Cuenca is bustling getting ready for two days of hard fiesta and a weekend of continuation. Tomorrow is el dia de independiencia de Cuenca. Each town celebrates the independence separately (more fiestas).  Thursday is a national holiday(we are not sure why). Friday, Saturday and Sunday - what the heck. We went into town yesterday and pre- fiesta had started.  We were unprepared.  No camera and no cell phone with camera. A parade was underway. There were many groups of people from around the area in traditional dress with their own musical groups. They performed their traditional dances in the street, as they marched. The costumes were brilliant reds, purples, greens , blacks and reds. The men often wore chaps, as is the custom on the farms. The highlight fue los ninos. Each group had a small group of little children at the end of their procession.  They were dressed in the clothing of their clan. Bright dresses, serapes, panchos, etc. They were preciosos.  One little boy, probalamente tiene cinco anos, was dancing just like the adults. Amazing. A high school band wowed the crowd with a salsa type song and dancing salsa at the same time. They had guys walking with congas. How good is that.

 Hats anyone?

 Just a fraction

 An artist, I guess

 Starting to fill up with art, etc.  The whole park will be full tomorrow.  Below is a musical group that uses  traditional instruments and modern. They are very good.

Today, a great art market opened up near the river (pictures attached).  Tomorrow, there will be artist markets, music, food - all over town.  In the back of our apartment a small community has been set up.  We don't think we are going to get any sleep for the next couple days. Hasta mañana.