Mi Viaje a Cuenca

Cuenca was drastically different from Quito. We did not drive, instead we drove via
bus for 3 hours. The drive was the most gruesome part of the trip. However, I did enjoy the
scenic farmland and mountainous landscape. During the 3 hour drive I remember the animals:
goats, sheep, llamas, dogs, cats, pigs, horses, ducks, etc. The mountains were a real treat for
me because I have never been on mountains as tall as Cuenca.

The first really noticable thing I know i will remember about Cuenca is the way it forces
me to breathe harder. During our first tour we climbed many many stairs and I could feel the
change in altitude so much more than in Quito. Cuenca was so high up that from any area,
unlike Quito, I was able to get a clear view of the mountains. Especially when we went up to
the mountain that was ful of festivities.

I do not recall the name of the mountain but while there were swings that swung over
the edge of the mountainside among other activities that drew upon the height of the
mountain such as an unstable bridge walk. I did get on the swing with encouragement from
the tour guide Jessice and Michael and I do not regret it.

The food in Quito was delicious. The first lunch Carlos took us out for was too much to
finish. It was spaghetti with mushroom in a creamy sauce. The other memorable dish from
Quito was the pescado frito entero. I had never eaten a whole fish before then. One thing
about the pescado frito was the bones were very bothersome.

While in Cuenca we visited the Inca Ruins and walked through an anthropological
meuseum as well as toured the downtown city area and one of the older churches. They are all
very important to Cuenca. I am grateful to have gotten a closer look at their history.