__________Akins Diaspora

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Cojitambo, Ecuador trip

Our Spanish tutor (Eduardo) asked if we wanted to take a trip to a nearby historic site of Inca ruins. We decided to take him up on his offer to go to Cojitamba. We met at the Cuenca, EC bus terminal for the trip.

Edwardo and and I are waiting for the bus.

Karen and Eduardo patiently waiting for the bus.

This is the sign behind the bus driver which translates: "Only God knows my destination". I had mixed emotions about the meaning with regard to where we intended to go and where we actually might go.

Our first stop was the small town of Deleg, Ecuador. It has a population of a little more than 6,000 people. I was surprised at all the road construction in this small town. Several of the roads had workers laying decorative pavers in designs for the streets and the sidewalks.

Above is a statue of a former Ecuadorian President who was born in Deleg.

Below are various pictures of the small town of Deleg.

We took a bus from Deleg and headed to Cojitambo. We began our walk to Cajitambo on the gravel road starting at about 9,000 feet above sea level.

This is the marker which states that the area had been inhabited as far back as 500 B.C. The ruins we were to view were constructed during the time of Inca rule between 1450 and 1532 A.D.

This is one of the remaining walls constructed.

This is a well that is located in the middle of what was described to me as 'court' (for making judgement on issues between people).

A view of the terraces formed by the walls.

Up! Always up!!! The steps toward higher ground. The steps were made short so that those carrying the king on a litter could more easily ascend the mountain. In exchange for their efforts of carrying the litter, the king provided food, clothing, shelter and protection.

House with visible roof line.

Interior of the house.

At this point it felt like I had an anvil strapped to each ankle and my lungs were screaming for oxygen....but we must press on. Karen was a real trooper!

Face at the top of the mountain. We made it!!!

Photo from the top.

In the foreground is a view of Deleg from over 10,000 feet. The larger town in the background is Azogues.

I was exhausted and rested my head on my backpack while enjoying the beautiful sky and clounds.

Lunch!!! Carrot sticks, PB&J sandwiches, blueberry muffins, trail mix, and water...we enjoyed every bite. Our bodies needed more fuel for the walk down.

Edwardo taking a break.

Karen enjoying the view while eating lunch.

Today I am trying to recover....eating tylenol as if it were M & M's.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Roses

Approximately every 4 to 6 weeks the Cuenca Chamber of Commerce (of which we are members) provides opportunities for those who want to visit various business. This past August we went with a group (mostly reitred gringos living in Cuenca) to Trebol Roses, about a 30 minute drive by bus and up about another 1,000 feet in altitude (a bit over 9,000 feet above sea level).

A view of the greenhouses as we approach. The operation was started in 1997 with 2 acres of production. It has grown to a much larger operation.

Above, the owner Juan Carlos is giving about 25 gringos a lecture about the company operations, the varieties of roses grown (more than 20 varieties), and facts about the process. Juan Carlos has an MBA and truly loves his work. His wife, Rosana is the Director of Sales. Both are bilingual and are a bundle of energy and charm. They ship roses to over 25 countries around the world.

Lauren and I in one of the greenhouses, trying to keep warm at this high altitude and enjoy looking at all the varieties of roses in various stages of growth. Apparently this climate is perfect for year round production.

One of the hybrid versions. Many of these grow to over 8 feet tall.

This is in the packing building. Here the roses are separated by variety, trimmed, and measured for size. Note sign in the back left. The sign shows the Russian (RUSO) measurements for small, medium, and large. The company was about to send a large order to Russia to be there for the first day of school. Juan Carlos told me that on the first day of school Russian children bring a rose to their teacher.

The above roses have been sized, trimmed and bunched together. The next step will be to pack the roses in protective containers to protect them during distribution.

One of the workers trimming the roses selected for shipping.

A dozen pink and a dozen red roses.

Some beautiful creme colored roses.

Karen with Rosana (owner) in the area of the packing building where the roses are boxed. This room is kept at temperatures in the mid 30's.

Juan Carlos (owner) answering more 'gringo questions' in the packing room.

The above motivational sign in the cutting room which loosely translates to: "We plant the best efforts now to reap the best results tomorrow".

Two dozen roses that look fire engine red to me.

The hacienda of the owners. Three generations of family have lived here. The pictures don't do it justice.

After the tour, our hosts let us into their home and gave us snacks and some warm delicious drinks. Each of us were given two dozen roses as a gift. It was a wonderful 1/2 day adventure. I highly recommend the trip.