Cynthia:  We don’t get that many visitors here in Cuenca, so we were thrilled when long-time friends, Tom and Brenda Williams, from Atlanta told us they wanted to come see us and check out our hometown.

Edd:  They arrived on the morning of the city’s final Independence Day festivities, so before they could even get settled, off we went to experience our biggest celebration of the year.

C:  Hundreds of booths displayed beautiful art and handicrafts from all over Latin America, including exquisite embroidered clothing from the artisans of Otavalo. Of course, Panama hats, which are actually made in Ecuador, were on display.

E:  After a much needed rest day, we took them downtown for lunch in a courtyard beside the New Cathedral (construction began in 1885 and took about 100 years to complete). Then we climbed atop a double-decker bus for a tour that featured a stop at Turi for a commanding view of the city.

C:  On day four we left the city behind for a different excu...