Sorry it's been awhile since the last post - we were in Cuenca for the past week and didn't have internet very often at where we were staying (a friends house). So let me get you caught up as best I can...might take a few posts...but we're back in Vilcabamba so I have a (little) bit more time and stable connection.
While we stayed in Cotacachi we visited some of the surrounding towns (Ibarra, San Antonio, etc.) and what we've found is that basically every little village has its own speciality. From a specific dish prepared a certain way, to a certain specialized craftsmanship.
While going to Ibarra we passed through San Antonio, a very quaint little village at the base of a beautiful volcano...and they happen to specialize in wood carving and wood furniture. Amazingly intricate.
When we went into Ibarra we could see the snow-capped volcano in the distance - I'm not sure of the name...
We were amazed at the custom woodwork in San Antonio, and pretty cheap considering how large and well done they are. In almost every case the actual artist is the owner of the shop
and right there to greet you. A few of them even invited us back to their workshop just behind the door in the back of the store to show us some 'work in progress' items.
The man that made this horse head spends three months on some of the intricate designs - very detailed and ornate.
There are some large works of art as well - here's one that is still a work in progress...you can see the artist standing next to it, which gives you an idea of the dimension this piece has - it's made out of a single tree trunk!
Here are some other beautiful pieces of wood we saw...it's all
wood with some wonderful painted flowers highlighted.
They take custom orders, doing furniture, wood trunks, mirrors, you name it - and very reasonably priced.
Here's a wonderful reproduction of "David" in all wood.
Tomorrow I'll update you on the many things we saw when we visited Cuenca - like wonderful ceramics, Incan ruins (right in the city), Spanish ruins - many still in use - and some great architecture.
Ciao for now!
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