Visit from Sue and Jim

We had a wonderful visit from my dad and sister for 10 days starting in early July while the kids were still in the Galapagos. We were a little anxious about my dad in this environment because of high altitude and the general difficulties one experiences being a pedestrian here. It all worked out fine. My dad enjoyed the trip so much he's even contemplating a return visit. That speaks volumes to us.

In the picture above (left) he and Sue are having a warm soak in the thermal pools near Cuenca in a place called Baños. (This is not to be confused with the more famous Baños in the central -sierras - more on that later.) This is a place we can get to by bus in less than 15 minutes and we make a habit of going there about once a month. The family picture above was taken on a trip to the Saturday market at Saraguro. This town is 2+ hours from Cuenca and the market was highly recommended by some friends of Sue's who come to Ecuador often. The coolest part was the traditional dress of the indigenous people. The three pictures above give a feel for some of the people we encountered.

What we enjoyed most about the visit were the relaxed hours at home, eating together, taking walks along the river, and other less-than-newsworthy activities that integrated Sue and Jim into the fabric of our lives here in Cuenca. Sue loved the shopping and showed an enthusiasm and indefatigability that was quite remarkable. It was also a great opportunity for her to interact with locals and put to use her most excellent and enviable Spanish. My dad's big purchase is featured in the group photo above. He had been reading The Panama Hat Trail (excellent reading we recommend for anybody interested in Ecuadorian history in general and particularly the peculiar story of the panama hat, which actually has very little to do with Panama and everything to do with the southern region of Ecuador) and was eager to put his head under the genuine article. It looks great on him. I think he may be the only one of us that could ever be confused for a native (at least until he tries to communicate in Spanish). We sure miss those guys and would welcome another visit. That goes for the rest of you too!

Mark