November 3, 2010

Music started at 7:30 AM today in celebration of Cuenca's independence from Spain.  After breakfast we walked to the Museo de Banco Central which appeared to be about 2 miles away.  It has a large building with historical artifacts and depictions of early Ecuadorian life as well as expansive grounds that is the site on an ancient Inca ruins.

On our walk to the Inca ruins

Wall art along the way

View of the back side of Inca ruins

Plants inside the fence of the Inca ruins

Gala was beat when we arrived so we rested inside in the cool building.  We walked 2 of the 3 floors of exhibits and called it quits.  After a taxi ride to Central Park area we settled on a restaurant closer toward the hotel, Sankt Florian for lunch.  Gala ordered calamari, usually my selection, so I asked for something I did not understand and dos cerveza, por favor!  For starters they served a bowl of popcorn and a creamy salsa.  I dipped popcorn in the salsa and enjoyed the cerveza.  Gala calamari looked and tasted great and my surprise was a plate of mixed meats and fruits (pepperoni, salami, ham, grapes, sliced apples and olives) accompanied with slices of toasted baguette.  All were great.  I thought we'd never get through it all and then Gala ordered a slice of chocolate cake with raspberry filling and a cappuccino!  I managed one small bit before it was gone.

Back to hotel for Gala's siesta and my cerveza while watching the festival, which was in full swing with several bands competing for attention.

One of our fellow guests, Mara was from Australia and had just purchased an Ecuadorian guitar for a friend and Gustav, one of the front desk clerks was helping demonstrate the wonderful sound.  Gala & I applauded the effort.

We visited with Mara and she encouraged us to join her on a tour Friday to the nearby towns of Cualaceo & Chordeleg with visits to artisans who make jewelry, textiles, hats and ceramics. 

We wanted to stay close by so we went to Sakura Sushi for dinner.  Gala wanted the Udon soup and tempura mixed seafood & veggies and I selected the recommended chef rolls, sashimi and miso soup.  Gala chose white wine and cerveza for me.  My rolls had an added touch we had not experienced before - the waiter poured some liquor over the rolls and lit them on fire!  A great meal but Gala needed Gelato for dessert and that finished her off.

Some local music continued as we retired to watch TV from the USA and call it a night.