Nov.13 to 19- Week 3 in Cuenca

During week 3 we became much more adventurous! We started taking the local buses to a couple of places along with our daily 2-3 hour walks. Did I mention that we are definitely not gaining any weight. We had been supplied with a wonderful booklet showing all the bus routes and each bus was labelled on the front window as to which route number it was and a list of where it went- very organized and easy for gringos to manage.

Our first ride was on bus number 12 to the village of Banos. This village was famous for it's thermal waters and there were several hotels where you paid a couple of dollars to enjoy both the thermal pools and baths. We didn't bring our bathing suits this time but next time for sure.
                                      Our bus taking us the Banos

The beautiful village church

And some mountain views from the top of  Banos

This week we also took a bus ride to the large mall in Cuenca called Del Rio. It consisted of 120 stores plus a lage department anchor store.

Inside of mall looks much like our malls back home

                                       Along with pretty Christmas decorations

It felt like we had taken a short trip back home without ever leaving Ecuador!

On Saturday we went to the Secret Garden Restaurant for a back yard barbecue. It was a warm sunny day and our hosts Joe & Joseph out did themselves in the scrumptious food they served.

The meal served consisted of barbecued ribs, pulled pork with Joe's homemade sauce, beef brisket, baked beans, slaw, baked potatoes, buns and a brownie with ice cream for desert. Needless to say, we didn't need to cook dinner after that incredible lunch!

Lot's of expats attended, many of whom we had not met before.

Their back yard is truly beautiful and a relaxing place to spend an afternoon with new friends.