Well, I arrived safely in Cuenca last night, after a 3-hour drive high up into the Andes. Even though I couldn’t see anything as it was dark, I kept saying to myself, “I can’t believe I’m in the Andes!” I never thought I’d find myself here. Orlando, my driver, explained that we had to drive up to 4,000 metres and then come down (quickly!) to 2,800 metres, where Cuenca lies in a valley. (Glad I took the altitude sickness pills!)

Susan and Michael have a lovely, typically Ecuadorean apartment, which they have filled with beautiful local art. It is across the square from the biggest of the 52 — count ’em, 52 — churches in Cuenca! This morning we were treated to my first parade, which I’m assured happens every day until Christmas. Aren’t these little angels a treat?

The church itself has my sketchbook vibrating! Tomorrow, for sure.

We took the double-decker bus tour this afternoon. I took this shot to show Cuenca in its mountain valley, and Susan assured me I had actually come up over those mountains last night — maybe it’s just as well it was dark!

Tonight we are going to a Solstice party — never been to one of those before, so it should be fun.