Friday was a full day of exploration

I visited a newly-establish zoo--those pictures next blog-- and another interesting museum:

The casa where three floors are dedicated to the museum.

There are pieces of antique furniture (have you ever seen a longer couch?), 

carpet and an interesting chandelier:

There was a display of a multitude of dolls in indigenous dress; these are just a few:

 

 

 

In another section, shawls:

And wonderful art (but not a good picture), but you can see the vivid colors:  

A ceramic by Vega

 

There was much more; many examples of various art forms from many areas of South America.  You'll just have to visit Cuenca to enjoy the rest!

Quick check-in -- latest activities

I'm taking Spanish lessons -- 3 hours on Tuesday afternoons, so I'm pretty brain dead after that, but wanted to post a few of the latest events.  Friends and I went to a gypsy dance performance (one girl, lots of costumes) at Nectar Restaurant, a vegetarian cafe with lots of raw food choices.

Sixteen days into the new year

I just "lost" another commentary with pictures on blogspot.  I'm discouraged about the reliability of blogspot.  I was having computer problems earlier today, so perhaps that is a clue, so I'll make this short. 
      A friend and I went to the ceramics studio, Artesa, to investigate the possibility of buying ceramics for our homes.  Eduardo Vega is a Cuencano who designs ceramics for practical and artistic purposes.  These are the pictures of the pieces in the gallery at Artesa.  

This is a very popular design used in many local restaurants.

These are pieces in the gallery that are not for sale 

and are examples of beautiful artistic works. 

Women who produce the ceramics:

New Year's Eve Celebrations

It's been a whirlwind of activities since Christmas.  The Ecuadorians have many traditions and celebrations and I'm enthralled by all of them (and I'm just beginning to learn about them).  I am impressed with how they honor their traditions and the indigenous clothing--not only for celebrations, but I see inhabitants dressed in their unique clothing every day on the street. 

     On New Year's Eve during the day, I walked to Parque Calderon where there is always activity.  That day more parades and interesting people.  On my way to the park (and later in the evening), I took a few pictures of effigies that would be burned at midnight.  Each representation of a person/people is chosen by the maker and a "story" goes along with the effigy--it could be someone they were angry with or this first one seems to be complimentary to the current Ecuadorian president.

I'm not sure about the story of these:

 

This one was on the patio at Coffee Tree, a cafe where expats often meet.

Numerous masks for sale, including Smurfs and Spiderman.

Another big sale item and tradition for women:  wearing yellow panties to bring wealth in the new year.   I wore mine!

 A small parade included more children in delightful costumes:

One of the special mangers with "dressed" baby Jesus

And these beautiful girls in the park:

 And these merry makers: