Day 15 Shawls, orchids and Panama hats

Today was 'field trip' day.  We started our day by taking the bus to the small town of Gualaceo to watch locals weave and dye traditional textiles to make shawls and table runners.  Aloe Vera is their primary source, but they admitted to sneaking in cotton and polyester a bit too (!)  People were demonstrating the dying using natural fruit and insects for the colors and looms were whirring to show us how they made the final product.

The cynic in me recognized when we passed the demonstration, the people got up and left and one has to wonder how many artisanal Ecuadorian shawls and table runners the world needs. But, many in our group bought items to eventually burden their offspring as to what to do with them after they passed.  (Alex and Greg, you were spared the decision)  --That was cynical, sorry--

Next, we went to an orchid farm.  Actually an orchid laboratory.  This was interesting.  Not going into any detail, but orchid propagation is a science and I was very impressed.  For this blog, just pictures.

Next, we went to a Panama Hat Factory.  Really.  Ecuador makes the best Panama Hats.  Really.  Again, several of our group bought these hats and the necessary boxes to take them home in.  Now they need to find room in their closets when they get home........

Early stage of hat production, bleaching in the sun.

Finally, we return to Cuenca, the main city.  A typical town square with 'dueling' Cathedrals.  One was built in 1682.  The second was started in 1873 and really never finished.  Reason #1, Poor foundation calculations so they couldn't finish it with the bell towers and heavy bells, (the church would have collapsed).  Reason #2, they ran out of money.  As the population entered the 20th century, the church's insistence that the more people donated to the church would increase their speed to heaven grew rather thin.  (Indulgences in another era).

At the pulpit, no room for a priest, just Jesus and his 11 disciples and
Mary, all hanging out.  Everyone has their hands out.......

The afternoon was free to roam the old city and watch the political demonstrations.  10 people are running for the mayor of Cuenca.  Voting is Sunday, it is mandatory.

At the meat market.  Gloria and her new friend.  The rest of him has already been eaten.