Just like when I'm in the Berkshires, I try to walk an hour every day to keep in shape, for both my physical and mental health. I try to vary my route, but have gotten into a routine, some of which includes steep inclines which is good to get the heart rate going. The walk is never boring and often the sights are surprising. Unfortunately, I did not have my camera with me the other day when a man rode by me on his bike, wearing a backpack with a large goose in it!
Below are some recent photos from my daily walk:
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| seeing animals in the back of pick-up trucks is not uncommon |
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| I think she's getting ready to take the pig out of the truck. |
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| seeing animals being pulled (often against their will) along the street is also not unusual |
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| we're all going somewhere....... |
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| some of the houses near where I live |
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| carrying almost anything on one's back or shoulders is common place |
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| you can buy fish right on the street |
Last Thursday I noticed a number of pick up trucks with pigs, lambs, cows, and even horses in them. I commented about this to Esperanza, who replied that Thursday is (animal) market day, apparently the only one in Cuenca, which is almost in my back yard & I only just found out!. I had no idea. I changed my route this past Thursday & walked to the market, which is about 10 minutes from my house. I could have been there all day. It was fascinating. Since I was there, I have learned that not only are the animals bought & sold there, but they are also killed there. I will have to go back & see if I can find where that happens. Curious...........
The fact is, I do not live where the tourists go. My neighborhood is not what one might call pretty. The beautiful colonial buildings are in the historic area, a 20 minute bus ride from my part of town. However, there are NO gringos in my barrio (well there's one--me). I like this. I have come to the conclusion that for me it's better that I am living where I am & have to take a bus to get to work or to meet someone to go out to eat. For me it's more authentic.
Below are a fraction of the many photos that I took on market day.
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| walking to the market |
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| yes, those are chickens in this truck! |
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| there was a long line of vehicles (trucks of many shapes & sizes) filled with animals waiting to get into the market |
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| an overview of the market |
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| many pigs, almost all squealing |
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| Rio Machángara, that flows behind the market |
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| more pigs! |
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| and more pigs!! |
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| sign indicating where the large & small animals should enter & exit |
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| in addition to pigs, there were lambs |
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| you can also buy sieves or mugs |
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| all kinds of potatoes |
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| chicks for sale |
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| ropes to keep your animals from running away |
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| harnesses |
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| colorful ropes |
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| plastic bowls for sale |
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| need a ceramic pot? |
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| baseball caps, anyone? |
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| hungry? you can buy food to eat on the spot |
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| potatoes for sale out of a truck |
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| a house very near the market |
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