It all started out with a set of dishes I've been collecting. Each week as the budget permitted I'd go by the Artesa Shop and buy another piece of these hand painted dishes. Having heard that they were made in the city of Cuenca, it became my quest to some day visit this delightful place and find some wonderful factory direct prices. One thing lead to another and before I knew it I was part of a caravan of folks headed for Cuenca and some serious shopping. The scenery along the road is always breath taking in Ecuador. Huge mountains and volcanoes sweep up either side of valley where a patch work of plowed fields, forests and interesting homes delight the eye. After a refreshing stop in Riobamba for an overnighter with friends, the nine of us piled into the two vehicles and set off for Cuenca.
The trip went without a hitch and we drove into what felt like a piece of Europe. A winding river ran across the valley, gorgeous homes lined the steep bank and elaborate balconies hung over the streets creating a charming vacation spot. The clean streets, the old cut stone sidewalks and the red tiled roofs completed the picture.
The hotel was the old Spanish style with balconies inside surrounding an open court. Being Ecuador there were plenty of fresh roses and a variety of art and decorations to catch the eye
We went to a lookout on the side of the valley where a gallery had outstanding hand painted pottery by a well known artist. We also were able to visit a town where almost every store had handmade jewelry in local silver and gold. It's interesting how towns have their specialties. One is all leather products, another is mostly colorful woven or knitted souvenirs and another is wood carvings. Quito's specialty is cute little yellow taxis, dodging trolleys and double buses.. :)
Wish you could have come with us. We had such a good time even if the pottery factory was closed for Easter vacation...maybe next time.
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