Our last week in Cuenca...

We are wrapping up our 7 month stay with many wonderful memories and fabulous experiences.  Our hearts are bittersweet because we are looking forward to going home to our kids, family, friends and dog.  However, we leave behind dear friends that are our kindred spirits, just like many of you at home!  We are definitely torn between two worlds!

We also leave behind a lifestyle we will not be able to re-create in the US.  If you have been following our blog, you know that we eat fresh fruit and vegetables daily, walk between 5 and 8 miles each day and enjoy lots of volunteering and outdoor activities.

The past month we have shared our life with many friends and family.  

Sunshine!

Ziplining in Banos

Classic Raderstorf Boys!

Los Hermanos arrived and did a whirlwind tour of Ecuador.  With the ziplining in Banos as a highlight.  They did lots of other fun activities.  I don't think any of them at cuy (guinea pig)

Dinner with Maureen and Phyllis

Hiking in Cajas

Our second visitor was Phyllis, our next door neighbor in Minneapolis.  She came for a week and we had a great time.  We did some hiking in Cajas, went to the spa, and explored the Cuencano art scene and enjoyed hanging around. We also went to see the Canari Ruins in SigSig.  With Phyllis here, it felt like I was at home again.

After Phyllis left, Las Cunadas arrived!  (sisters-in-law)  Another great time! We spent one day at the  spa, another day touring some small towns outside of Cuenca where we saw Canari ruins.  The Canari people pre-date the Incas by thousands of years.  We went on an art tour and had great bike ride.  The bike ride was all down hill and ended in a small town.  We then took a truck to a spectacular waterfall and had an amazing trout lunch.

Mud Baths

Las Cunadas on the old Canari road, this pre-dates the Incas!

Sculptures by Miguel Illeascas

We then had a more visitors and did ziplining, biking, eating at great restaurants.  It was really fun to have everyone come and visit.  Jenna was here for almost 2 weeks. It was wonderful to have her here that long.  Here are some photos of people you may recognize!  Diane and her sister, Sandy were here also, but I don't have any photos of them!  :-(

Ziplinig with Monica, Mary, Nancy and Jenna.  We loved it!

Miles and Leslie Anderson.  

Ziplining with the Anderson/Plunket Family and Cuencano  friends

Rob and Julia 

Enjoying a beer after our bike ride to Giron.  Note the Waterfall in the background