Linda and I decided to organize a Turkey Trot for our Thanskgiving Day in Cuenca. We figured out a 3 mile route along Rio Tomebamba, posted a notice on the local E-Newsletter, Gringo Tree, and presto- changeo, over 50 people showed up for the Ist Annual Cuenca Turkey Trot. At the suggestion of my new friend, Bill Keyes, we made this a fundraiser for El Arena Foundation, which is an after school program for kids of indigenous parents that work in a huge market called Fiere Libre. We were fortunate to have the Director, staff and some mothers of the children come to our event. After the walk/run, we ended up at Kookabura cafe for cafe and postres. Rather than give out medals or cheesey t-shirts, we gave each participant a hand woven miniature turkey, custom made by a local women's cooperative. This was a fun cross-cultural, community building event. Now there is talk of a jingle bell run the week before Christmas.... all we need is a little snow!
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| Mark rallying the troops |
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| The Mom's from El Arenal with posters from the children's programs |
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| Linda, Maureen and Bill working the registration table |
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| Walkers heading down Rio Tomebamba |
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| 83 Steps up to Kookaburra Cafe |
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| El Arenal moms in traditional dress |
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| Our miniature Pavos |
Linda and I did the Turkey day triathlon: run, bike and eat! After getting home from the run, we headed out on our new bikes for a few errands, only to be caught in a sudden rainfall, which is quite common in Cuenca. We ended this fun day with a huge dinner at a local restaurant with 120 other ex-pats. We were fortunate to sit at a table with our new biking friends Ken and Judy and their Cuencano friend Jose and his family. A marvelous time but we missed being with our kids at Louise and Dave's house in Minneapolis.
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