To Cuy, or Not to Cuy

July 29, 2012

Todd and I just returned from a 10-day trip to Cuenca (our 6^th visit there since end-April for our dental procedures, which are nearly complete). I also had a post laser surgery checkup (to seal a tear in my left eyeball – the beginning of a retina- detachment) with Dr. Carpio, and my eye is healing well.

This time we rode to Cuenca with our Olon friends (and Jardines de Olon neighbors), Doug and Pam. Doug did an excellent job driving  through foggy Cajas passes, and we made it to Cuenca in record time from Olon – around a 5 ½ -6 hour drive this time, (partially including a stop for lunch in Guayaquil).

Doug and Pam recently bought a town-home in Cuenca, and are (for now) renting a spacious apartment to use while they oversee the remodel. Todd and I stayed there, rather than a hotel this time; it’s conveniently located at the end of Benigo Malo, near the SuperMaxi, and their landlord, Regina is just a hoot. It was fun getting to know her better on this visit.

This trip we had plenty of opportunity to explore the city more (parts we hadn’t seen yet) and one day ended up around the iglesia San Blas, and the adjoining park. It is a lovely area, with another church book-ending the opposite side of the park.

Before that, we stumbled onto the “Mercado Municpal” – Norte and poked around the vegetable stands and had delicious pork plates at one of the top-level stands that offer numerous chancho dishes (unfortunately, we didn’t get there until 4PM, when everyone was closing down, so our choices were limited, but one of our favorite meals during that trip).

Another night, Doug and Pam and Todd & I treated ourselves to fancy cocktails at Mansión Alcázar, and walked their beautiful gardens, before heading to one of our favorite restaurants “Mangiare Bene” located in the “Hostal Posada Del Angel”.  Todd and I had breakfast one morning at the friendly and cozy Kookaburra’s (we met the new owners, Carol and Rick a few weeks ago, on our last visit).

And one extra special evening, Doug and Pam, Regina, Todd and I had an extraordinary dinner, served in “family sized” main portions, at “Tiesto’s”. The food at Tiesto’s was spectacular, including the talented chef personally serving and greeting the guests.   Definitely a place to celebrate exceptional occasions.  Call for reservations first.

We went to a few Cuenca “gringo gathering” events. These are actually a lot of fun.

One was at California Kitchen on Friday night – the last night in their current location – and we spent a fun Sunday afternoon at the “Inca Lounge” (killer hamburgers) with an entertaining crowd.

Several nights we ate at home, one of which we tried cuy “(“koo-wee”).  Poor little guinea pigs, but they are considered a delicacy here (more commonly found in the Cuenca and Quito areas than it is along the coast), and I tried a small finger nail size piece of it …”tastes like chicken”, my foot.  I guess it wasn’t too bad – more like gamey duck, but thankfully we also bought a roasted chicken to eat as well.

Click on ----   "The Hamster Dance"  …’nuff said.

(give it around 30 seconds for the sound to load).

 

Elizabeth and Rocky

Before we left Olón for our Cuenca trip this time, our friends and neighbors, Rocky and Elizabeth (from South Carolina) were here for a couple of weeks; it’s always fun to have them around again. There were a bunch of parties we went to then, and in the last few days home, it has been back-to-back partying until today, when Todd and I are grateful for some “down” time.

On a rather more nostalgic note, our Texas neighbors, Randy and Fonda recently sold their home in the Jardines de Olon. We’re going to miss them, but looking forward to meeting the new neighbors from (I think) Alabama.

 

It’s a rough life, but someone’s gotta do it. So much more to write about , but just beat now.