November 3 is Cuenca independence day and it is a huge holiday. In fact, so huge that the party started today and will continue four days through the third. Someone with more knowledge and ability than me, ordered up and delivered a beautiful, sunny, mid 80s day with a gentle breeze. Wow, I've never seen a sunny, mid 80s Halloween. Got one today. Welcome to the equator.
Several of the parks as well as many large sections along the Tomybamba river are lined with booths where vendors display their wares for sale. Goods include 100% chocolate, woven hangings and clothing, beautiful embroidered pieces and embroidered clothing, food, drink, pottery, paintings, jewelry, leather goods and clothing, shoes (zapatos), lotions, teas, coffee, and more. We spent the day and pile of money touring a small portion of the booths. We got some very nice things, mostly decorations for our casa. Come visit and you can see the stuff first hand.
Tonight we are off to a Halloween costume party at one of the local hang outs. They have a rock band. Should be a kick. The next three days will be more gawking at hand crafted goods and enjoying the sun, food, drink and camaraderie. Tuesday we are having early thanksgiving with sixteen of our closest friends.
Yesterday a new bakery opened a few doors down the street from us. We stopped in and picked up some croissants and cinnamon buns. They were quite good. American style texture. Much of the baked goods here tend to be very light and very flakey (altitude don't 'cha know). Cuencan breads are typically most disappointing to a gringo palate. This bread dough was quite good though and they told us that they are trying to appeal to the gringo taste ("the way you like it", "if you have suggestions or special orders..."). Looking forward to good bread. I don't miss too much about life up North (norte), but I grew up on hearty bread.
And such is our life in Cuenca. Hasta luego.