Cuenca is the third largest city in Ecuador and was a pleasant change from Quito. Felt quite safe walking around in the evenings and the people were friendly. Stayed a few days in a Hostel which overlooked the river. Watched the new Bond movie at the local cinema. Sarah bought a genuine “Panama” hat which should be correctly called a “Monticristo” hat.


Went to a local food festival which was in a primary school and the students were dressed in costume for Christmas and sang and danced. Played cards and drank beer in the hostel with Matt and Harriet and cooked in the kitchen. Nice and relaxing few days.