Inca Ruins and Sloppy Jose's

We're finally about to move into our permanent residence so it's been a crazy busy week. And we're leaving first thing in the morning for a long weekend on the coast. So while I have several things to write about I literally haven't had time to do it.

Therefore I want to share with you some more photos taken during an outing a couple of weeks ago. We visited Ingapirca, which are the most important Incan ruins in Ecuador. Because it was a Sunday we stopped in Canar on the way to tour their weekly market. The trip was arranged through Terra Diversa, a local company owned by our good friend Juan Heredia. By sheer coincidence another friend, Paul Wilches, served as the guide that day.

Canar is a large town with what appeared to be a zero gringo population. It was fascinating to wander around and like a fly on the wall observe the locals dressed in their special white Sunday hats and living their lives.





Old



and young--------



Paul did an excellent job of explaining the different foods



and there were plenty to choose from









as well as beautiful garments





Taking a guided tour to Ingapirca was so much better than going alone. Paul's explanation of the history, the layout, and the technology made the trip incredibly enriching. Otherwise you'd wander around for 10 minutes, say "OK, I've seen a bunch of rocks," and leave. Here are some shots of the ruins and the surrounding area.











and of course the "Two Amigos"



We got back late afternoon pretty beat, but guess what? Some great friends of ours were leaving town soon and having a going-away party for themselves. What the hell--we can sleep in tomorrow. We "freshened," created appetizers from whatever was in the refrigerator, grabbed a cab, and scooted to the other side of town. The hosts served "Sloppy Jose's," we ate and drank until too late and fell into bed.

Just another day in paradise. Gotta go pack. Love ya, mean it.