Friday, November 4, 2011

Hi Ho, Hi Ho, Its Off to A New Place We Go!

On Sunday October 23rd we ventured out to learn about about the great culture of Ecuador!   We had a couple stops on our way to Ingapirca Archaelogical Site! 
We all meet at the school around 8a.m. and loaded up in a van to begin our journey!  We first stopped at a gas station so people could load up on chocolate and caffefine (to help with altitude sickness)!  I of course got some chocolate to help with my altitude sickness (in which I did not have :) )

Our second stop was in Biblian, where we went to the top of the cathedral (300 + stairs, but well worth it once we got to the top)! 

The Sanctuary of the Virgen del Rocio. The Cathedral, built in stone, is located on the top of a hill. A few minutes Verdeloma there are other populations as well as the beaches of Fatima and St. Louis. For its part, Tambo (to 43 km. Azogues) has a church with several valuable pieces of religious art. Delegate (at 25 km. Azogues) is made as shigras colorful handicrafts (handbags), colorful sashes and ponchos

While we were driving, we noticed a statue on the top of one of the moutians- we were told that it was the Virgin of the Clouds - which kind of made sense because it was at the top of the moutain and I assumed it was in the clouds!  But little did I know we were going to be able to get a great view of it from the top of the Cathedral! 
Inside the Cathedral







Halfway to the top!







A million stairs later, we made it ! 



Third Stop:  On our way to Ingapirca we stopped along side the road at a place that was cooking a pig!  There are several of these little places along the sides of the road, cooking chicken, pigs, and guinea pigs, and etc...   We had the great opportunity to try pig skin!  At first I said that I was not going to try any of it but when we got there I decide taht I will try at least everything once (why not?!?!)  They roast the pig over open flames until the skin becomes totally black, then they scrap the black off and cut the skin into pieces! 



Trying the pig skin (piel de cerdo)


We drove a little further and then stopped at a Market that sells animals.  People come there to buy, trade, and sell their animals.  It is mostly pigs, sheep, and cows that were being sold when we stopped.  There was also people selling kitchen items, clothing, and food as well. 


After the animal market we made our way to The Ingapirca Archaeological Site! The ruins of Ingapirca, located approx. two and a half hours from Cuenca, are the most important ruins in Ecuador.  Ingapirca is set on a picturesque hillside and overlooks a small village of the same name.  The area surrounding the ruins is used primarily for agriculutre and raising cattle, with traditional methods (hand and animal power) still used by a majority of the farmers.  
The main structure, the so-called Temple of the Sun, demonstrates some of the Incas' finest mortar-less stonework, and is surrounded by seemingly less important ruins thought to be the residences and storehouses.  There is still debate over the use of the ruins, and archaeologists have at times referred to the ruins as a temple, fortress, or as a royal stopover for imperial runners between Quito and Tomebamba (Cuenca).   














There is so many more awesome pictures !  I will have to show you all when I get back! 


No comments:

Post a Comment