Vilcabamba
They call this the Inca royalty playground! It is very fertile land, rolling green hills dotted with small houses and gardens. Izhcayluma, a hostel set up on a hill with a view of the little village of Vilcabamba below, is a perfect place to feel at one with nature. So many fruit trees and flowers of all kinds create a perfect haven. One feels transported to a tropical wonderland.
Left all serious thoughts behind. Focusing on just being.
Walked to yoga on an early morning listening all the birds, a warm breeze blowing through the absolute magic of the mountains. Nothing beats starting a day with peace of mind! I came away from yoga refreshed and completely enthralled by this place.
Vilcabamba square was a fun place to hang out and watch the daily goings on! We were enjoying a cool coconut drink when a truck pulled up right next to us. This little girl hops out and buys herself a coconut and struggled to carry it to the step where she quietly enjoyed the refreshment! Meanwhile, the back of truck that she had jumped out off, was getting a lot of attention. Being curious, I got up to see what the fuss of about. There were three giant coolers filled to the brim with fish and shrimp. This little girl’s dad was a fisherman who had brought his catch to town for the local restaurant chefs who all came out of their kitchens to purchase the fresh catch. The fisherman was very happy to sell to anyone who came by. Too bad I did not have a cooler with me!!
We made a visit to a home for rent in Malacatos a smaller town about 20 minutes from Vilcabamba. The beautiful scenery of this well equipped modern home spellbinds Mukesh and me. We seriously contemplate staying here for a month to test out the area. Some logistics that we have to consider are that the home is very remote and Malacatos is very small. Would we be able to get just our basics to survive? We decide to hold off making any decisions until we return to Cuenca.
We made a stop in Loja on our way back to Cuenca. This is smaller than Cuenca, does not have not as much historical character. During our visit, there was a lot of construction going on so the streets were torn up and dusty.
After Vilcabamba and Loja, Cuenca is looking pretty good! The weather is so pleasant and the city is spotless! Best part, there are no significant bugs to worry about! On our last day in Vilcabamba we got bit by these tiny ‘no see um’ bugs. The bites are itchy and cause horrible welts!! Took almost a week to get over the itchiness!
It’s not easy to make a giant leap in moving here! Thoughts still gravitate to the boys and being close to them. I have a life independent of them and they have their respective lives independent of me. The fact that we see them often, share common interests and actually want to be with each other is something I don’t want to lose. Distance will definitely have an impact on that. I return to Cuenca for a full on melt down! Really missing everything that seems miles away. Took a lot of soul searching and yes, some extremely emotional discussion with Mukesh to feel like a big girl again!!
Week four starts out on a much brighter note. We have a renewed appreciation for Cuenca; it’s weather, cleanliness and its character. We’ve done lots of walking, seeing parts of Cuenca still unexplored. Mukesh tells me we’ve walked 200 kilometers so far, not sure if my mind believes him, sure leaves me gasping sometimes!
We’ve invited friends over for lunch this week so feeling challenged. Making a meal with limited utensils and new ingredients! It’s been fun to experiment and create new combinations.
planning lunch menu
Went on a tour to Nabon a small Canton outside Cuenca. Our guide Sole, spent family holidays in this town. She brought us to the best Tortilla de Trigo place. Mukesh has been eyeing these ‘pancakes’ being cooked on the street. After the breakfast episode week one, I’ve been skittish. Well he finally got his chance.
Also visited an Orchid museum with over 200 species of orchids!
Lunch was at Alice in wonderland in Ecuador! This was the most eclectic place I’ve ever seen. Dona Gracelia has created an amazing garden atop a hill. It’s a crazy collection; I cannot adequately describe all the reused, recycled materials that have been transformed into works of art for both her home and garden. Every nook and corner has something to look at! She also has an interesting menagerie of animals!
We were served a lunch of Caldo de Gallina, a simple chicken soup that was the perfect delicious way to ward off any rainy day blues!
During this week we discussed the option to experience life in the country in Malacatos. The space and peacefulness of the area is appealing but the remoteness is a major factor. We continue to expand on our research here in Cuenca itself. Enjoying all that city life has to offer.
Happy mother’s day to all the Moms!
Comments
Miss you guys! Wish I was with you!