Last Day in Cuenca

Cuenca, Ecuador
   Cuenca has so much history and beautiful architecture, it is really a must see in traveling to Ecuador. I realized that I saw the same family from my flight to Ecuador in Otavalo and Cuenca! As I mentioned before, when you are in Ecuador you can feel the strong presence of religion everywhere. Ever since the Spaniards conquered Ecuador, they instilled a everlasting fear of God into the people. Though I have heard from Ecuadorians it has its negatives, I do think it is inspiring how passionate and devoted Ecuadorians are a about their religion. I feel the country is unified under their devotion towards Catholicism, which also make the churches in Ecuador some of the most rich and beautiful places to visit in Ecuador.

    A quick funny story:When I was on my trip to Cajas my Ecuadorian tour guide told me that Ecuadorians would not call me a gringo because they call people with blonde hair and blue eyes gringos. He told me that they would call me Chino (pronounced Cheeno) because I have asian eyes. 

    My last day in Cuenca was very nice and relaxing. One of the things I love about Cuenca is that you feel very comfortable and safe walking around. I went to a very busy German bakery called Maria's and had a cappuccino and a linzer tart and walked down Tres de Noviembre, a main walkway along the main river that runs through Cuenca. I am not usually pro unnecessary, paid for touristy activities, but I do recommend double decker buses.  The one around Cuenca was recommended by many people and it was just $5 dollars which gives a new view of the city, more information about the buildings, and takes you up to a church that has a view of the whole city. I went on the tour my last day but I recommend going at the beginning of your trip so if you see somewhere you would like to visit from there, it's a good starting point.

   

    I also got this CD for one dollar at a store, which now that I think about it... may be pirated? 

      I met someone at my hostel yesterday who worked for the Peace Corps in the Philippines for three years which I thought was very interesting. I love hearing about peoples experiences while working in the Peace Corps! I also met another college student at the bus station who lives in Cordoba, Argentina. 

I just arrived this morning in Mancora, Peru which is a beach town that looks so cool so far.

Hasta Luego!