Local color. Isn't that what we first notice when ensconced in a new locale? Aren't these the uniquitities that distinguish one destination from another? Local color manifests in; broad oaks, majestic mountains, quaint accents, unique cuisine, on and on and on.
The reality is that local color boils down to those sensory stimuli that strike a chord, form an impression and create a memory for us. No matter where we are or how many times we have been there.
Cuenca is crammed with unique color including; architecture, culture, art, music, cuisine, tradition, history, and physical environment. On that last item, it is interesting to note in Cuenca there are a lot of vehicles on the road. Contrary to your probable first impression, most roads are well maintained. Particularly compared to our hometown digs in the US. The notable exception in Cuenca are the streets of el centro. The downtown are roads are mostly cobble stone. Well maintained and clean beyond any reasonable expectation, but you definitely know where you are without looking when seated in the back of a cab with well used shock absorbers. It can rattle your fillings loose. Local charm. Most other areas of the city are smooth sailing even in older cabs.
Cuenca also has a high volume of pedestrian traffic. Hoooowever,,,the sidewalks do not realize the same level of attention as their concrete counterparts with the stripe down the middle. I suspect that sidewalk maintenance falls to the adjacent property owner rather than the city.
We read several warnings about 'watch where you walk' in the literature we amassed prior to traveling South. Several authors suggested good shoes and open eyes as essentials in exploring Cuenca on foot. We concur.
The sidewalks of el centro are generally perilously narrow and fraught with surprise's like carts, holes, stairs and oncoming pedestrians. They are still well worth traveling. Something we will do more of.
The newer(?) sidewalks outside of el centro are typically but not always, wider. But infinitely more hazardous. Like Disneyland, mountain climbing, Old Bushmill and 90%chocolate, you have to walk these paths to believe them. Another life challenge. Pure fun.
I took some photos all within the first two blocks of our new home. This is turf we travel daily, and new surprises surface almost that frequently. Here goes....

As they say, walk a mile in my shoes.... or your shoes.
Local color.