I never realized that living in a foreign country could mean being just as busy as back in my home country. People still have jobs to do, food to buy, kids to look after, errands to run. This illuminates the universal truth that: life is life, no matter where you are. This past month I've found myself utilizing each free moment I have just to get everything done that I need to. It's been kind of surreal, while bustling to work, to pass century old buildings and churches. I'm trying to soak in all of my beautiful surroundings, but I'm also concerned with commonplace worries such as planning lessons for my students or figuring out how to complete a simple errand. (You would be surprised to learn just how difficult it could be to find a place that sells pantyhose). Following are glimpses that I catch of Cuenca during my typical route to work.
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| My view as I walk down the hill towards town |
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| My local pharmacy |
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| A plaza I walk through every morning on my way to work |
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| "ONE LAND, ONE LOVE" |
So far I've found that my glimpses of Cuenca have been more of a speedy slide show. Images flash by me as I rush around, trying to fit in everything I need to do. And as I put the pictures together in my mind, I find they initially appear rather disjointed. Because among the antique aspects of the city are the additions of modern society. But although contrastingly different, the graffiti seems to fit very naturally with the city's other attributes.
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| Another plaza I pass on my right every day |
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| Church in the plaza, Santo Domingo |
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| Graffiti on a door |
There is beauty in every aspect of a town. I consider myself blessed to be able to appreciate all of Cuenca's beautiful features, both old and new, as I'm trying to find the post office or rushing to the bank before it closes. Above all it should never be assumed that living in another country automatically equates a vacation from reality. Your surroundings may be different, but you still need to buy toilet paper.
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| Turning the corner onto Parque Calderón |
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| Corner building facing the park |
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| Government building facing the park |
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| Jingle Bell Hip Hop Man? |
The graffiti in Cuenca is very diverse. It ranges from a youthful painting to a delicate drawing. Sometimes I wonder whether or not the artist put as much thought and effort into their work as did the original architects of the 52 churches that lie within the city limits. Nevertheless, it can be somewhat startling to walk down the street and suddenly see what looks like a pregnant alien spray painted onto the side of a 100 year old building.
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| Old buildings mixed with modern ones |
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| YOU CAN'T PARK HERE! |
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| That's all for now! See you next time! |
