Nomadic Texan

Mudding in Cuenca

When my three sons were growing up in Austin Texas, they practiced what was called “Mudding” with their vehicles. The young men from their high school would go out on weeknights and weekends and locate a muddy area, that they could drive through and eventually cover their trucks or vehicles with mud.

Of course the down side is it all has to be washed off  at a local car wash! This is still a common practice in Texas and one sees mud covered transportation all the time. I was struck by this vehicle in Cuenca, when it rolled by me on the street I was walking and reminded me of my sons!  #Flashback

Antones “Home of the Blues” in Austin

Clifford Antone was a very ardent supporter of the Blues Genre and was raised in Port Arthur Texas. Over the years he grew to know and help many a musician down on their luck. Clifford would give a blues player a gig, whether he was popular or not and was the sounding board for many an artist over the years. Of course he wouldn’t turn down any legends that passed through town and loved to talk with them.

He was very instrumental in the career of Stevie Ray Vaughan and his brother Jimmy. Them and the Fabulous Thunderbirds are the two best groups to hit his place, in my humble opinion. I know that will be debated! This is a photo of the plaque acknowledging his original club on sixth street in Austin. My home town! We lost Clifford on May 23, 2006, but the tradition he started, carries on!

Deluxe Hamburger

The Cilantro Cafe Restaurante in Cuenca is a fabulous place to eat an economical meal. It has daily specials that follow the traditional meal platform, with a soup, entree and dessert for $4.00. It also has a wide array of vegan dishes.

I chose to eat their deluxe hamburger and as most in Ecuador, it came with a fried egg, a slice of ham, cheese, lettuce and tomato slices. Additionally it had bacon, but I don’t eat bacon. At first I was unsure if this combination would be edible, but I found myself going out of my way to eat this style of hamburger and I highly recommend you give it a try! Saludos!

Never Too Young

One afternoon, while I was street walking in Cuenca, I saw this young girl and from the angle it appeared she was getting ready to hop on the motorcycle and go for a ride. I guess one is never too young to dream, imagine and travel! So go for it. Get up off your rear end. Dream, Imagine and then by gosh,  just go “Do It”!

Eggs Benedict at the California Kitchen

I am a long time fan of Eggs Benedict and when I feel down, as I was when leaving Cuenca, I had to treat myself. The Eggs Benedict at the California Kitchen are to die for! I have only had one comparable dish and that was at the Royal Sonesta Garden restaurant in New Orleans. OMG they are both excellent!

By the way, if you know anyone that is interested in purchasing an excellent run operation, the California Kitchen is for sale. They are pillars in the community and give back a tremendous amount of support . Please contact the Evans family: George, Carol, Jimmy and Susie Evans  at  “info@californiakitchencuenca.com”. You will not find a better opportunity.

Lola DiMarco

Had to post a photo of my mentor and fiend. She was so instrumental in getting me started and helping me grow my Nomadic Texan travel sites. I saw another post today on Facebook, where she had helped somebody out. This lady possesses an innate ability to help everyone and everybody around her, regardless of their needs. Some where along the way she also does volunteer work for Habitat for Humanity in Cambodia. She is truly a great person. If you get the chance stop by Where in the World is Lola? and check her out. Saludos mi amigos!

Colon Campos at Work, Engaging Customers

I have traveled extensively around the world and had the pleasure of meeting many interesting individuals. I met Colon Campos recently when I ate at his restaurant, the Don Colon  in Cuenca Ecuador. I even wrote a blog describing one of my experiences, entitled Don Colon Rules. Today I received a thank you and an email urging me to come back and he then advertised my post on his restaurant blog. I was blown away.

Most restaurants acknowledge they like your posts, but rarely does one go out of their way to this extent. This gentle man understands that service is key to success in any business and he is genuine about your relationship. He really does want to engage with you and learn your story. If you find yourself in Cuenca Ecuador, at the Parque Calderon or the New Cathedral, you are across the street from his restaurant.

Stop in say hi and tell him the Nomadic Texan sent you. He will talk with you and then serve you an excellent meal, at a very economic price. Well worth the $4.00. Colon I can’t wait to get back and stop in and surprise you! You are a friend for life! Saludos mi amigo!

Australian Tree Ferns Growing in the Wild

I have always loved flora and fauna and have several plants I am most partial to. One such species is the Australian Tree Fern. I travel extensively, but have never been exposed to so many ferns. I am most partial to this particular plant as a result of its lovely umbrella of fern leaves, branching out from its trunk. It strikes me as an anomaly of the fern species and has a grandeur more regal than any other fern in my book.

Baby Australian Tree Ferns

As you drive between Guayaquil Ecuador and Cuenca, a little above sea level, at the base of the Andes, you run into about a 15 mile stretch, where the ferns grow wild in forests and the sight is absolutely beautiful. I have only seen them as potted plants in Texas. I have never been able to photograph this brilliant parcel of the highway. Fortunately this time I was able to capture a few photos from the car. Enjoy nature’s bounty!

Australian Tree Ferns on Side of Mountain

“Here and there a tawny brook prattled out from among the underwood and lost itself again in the ferns and brambles upon the farther side. Save the dull piping of insects and the sough of the leaves, there was silence everywhere–the sweet restful silence of nature.”

~Arthur Conan Doyle, Sr. (May 22, 1859-July 07, 1930)

Posada Del Angel Hostal in Cuenca

If you travel to Ecuador, there are a vast array of Hostals located in and around Cuenca’s old town. This one is one of the more attractive and clean ones in the city. It also has a Cathedral down the street if you are so inclined. Right at six blocks from the center or Parque Calderon on Calle Simon Bolivar. Saludos.

The Old Cathedral Steeple at Night

As I walked Cuenca last night, I inevitably had to pass through Parque Caldron. I saw this dramatic photo just waiting for me to shoot and had to take the picture. Cuenca has become like a second home to me and I love the architecture, the people and definitely the food!

I have mixed emotions about leaving and going back home. I am confident, regardless of what some may say, that Cuenca will never lose its charm or appeal. Hasta Luego mi amigo.

Woolen Hats

I have been debating purchasing one of these hats with the tassels, while I am staying in Cuenca. They are quite popular across all age groups here in Ecuador. They appear to really be a heavy wool and have great flaps to keep your ears warm.

I am just afraid that if I wore these back in Texas I would get a plethora of adjectives hurled at me. You know I love #Hats, but this might just be a little too much. Guess I will hold off until my next trip! Saludos!

Street Fruit Vendors

One of the common sights one sees when walking the streets of Cuenca, is the fruit vendors selling their wonderful items from a wheelbarrow. I think the wheelbarrow business would be a good business, as the vendors are set up almost every two or three blocks. Mostly locals purchase these items, but occasionally I see tourists buying the fruit. It is so cheap and so good looking that one has to avoid temptation, unless they have the materials needed to cleanse the fruit appropriately.

I have learned over time that fruits and vegetables grown by root source (like potatoes, onions, garlic, carrots, etc) must be soaked thoroughly in the cleansing treatment or one will have a visit from the Grand Amoeba and trust me that’s not fun. The tree fruits and vegetables are safer, but still require a good cleansing. Ecuador has a bountiful supply of fruits and veggies, but I would urge you to make sure you treat them prior to consuming! Saludos!

Desserts for Sale

One never finds a shortage of desserts in Cuenca and it amazes me that more of the Ecuadorians are not obese, like we find in the US. I guess its a result of all the walking. Every day when I go out and roam the streets of Old Town, I run into (sometimes literally) so many people, its staggering.

I have no idea where they are going and in most cases they are walking at a rather fast gait. I guess this helps shed the sugar and the bread calories. Heladeria’s, Panesa’s and eating establishments abound. Its very tempting and you can eat until you can’t breathe, but you also can always walk it off the next day. I love it!

Mariscal Lamar y Benigno Malo Jewelry Marcado

There is a handmade craft mercado at the corner of Mariscal Lamar y Benigno Malo, that has various jewelry and one can wonder and view the items for a long time. I happened to go there on Monday night (Labor Day in the US) and looked until it became the same.

It is fascinating to see what they carry, what is popular and how cheap some of the items are. If you are looking for high quality this is not the place. Its more like a flea market in the US. Happy shopping and Saludos!

Streetwalking in Cuenca is Always Exciting

It seems there is always a parade or some type of event going on in Cuenca and I love streetwalking in Cuenca. You never know what you will run into when you turn the corner.

Indigenous Man

Although the majority of the Indigenous people who still dress traditionally are women, you run across the occasional male who still dresses according to his culture and geographical area. As I was walking Cuenca this past weekend I spied this gentleman and had to capture his photo. You will notice that he wears short pants, heavy boots, a black coat and a black round hat.

I find the Indigenous type of clothing is still worn mostly among this clan of men. There are a few examples and I will try to capture additional photos, but primarily it is the women that maintain the traditional dress.

Perfect Pitch from the Harp

As I strolled along the market place, on the side of the New Cathedral I was enthralled by a beautiful melody coming from a booth down the way. It was very sweet and melodic. As I drew nearer I saw that it was a harp.

This gentleman sets up all over Cuenca and plays for donations only. He is always immaculately dressed and plays with passion and experience, never missing a note! Catch him if you can!

Indigenous Lady Selling Lottery Tickets

This lady sits on the corner by my condo I am renting and attempts to sell lottery tickets to the people walking by. I haven’t ever really seen her sell any large quantities and can only really remember seeing a purchase one time. It is sad, but the majority of the Indigenous people work at the low-end jobs and make very little income.

They dress in their native colors and hats. Most are a proud people. They walk the streets pedaling fruit, trinkets, lottery tickets and flowers. They do this daily and somehow scratch out a living. I admire their tenacity and drive to survive!

A Great Hamburger at California Kitchen

I stopped by the other day to visit friends that run the California Kitchen here in Cuenca. Carol and George Evans are great people and opened this thriving restaurant to help the family out. This time I met daughter Susie and inquired how things were and if they had any serious offers. The family recently decided to place the restaurant up for sale and enjoy the fruits of their labor.

I was taken back at how busy the place was for an afternoon. It was jam-packed and it appears they are busier than the last time Kim and I were in Cuenca. I wish them luck and continued success. If you have a few extra dollars and want to invest, this restaurant is a pillar of the community and has an awesome trade. Plus it has delicious food!

Pizza So Good I Forgot to Take a Photo

If you find yourself in Cuenca Ecuador and are ravished for a pizza, I recommend trying La Fornace on President Borrero off Sucre. It is fantastic. Kim instructed me before I left to make sure I did not eat my pizza with my hands, as it is bad manners in Ecuador. One must use a fork and knife to be in acceptable status.

No worries. I used both utensils as required and even though it felt strange at least the taste was phenomenal. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I apologize as the aroma was so enticing, I did not take a full pie photo, but rather dove in and ate half of it before I realized I needed a photo. I think you get the idea!