Cajas National Park was the highlight of our second week in Ecuador, getting us out of Cuenca for the first time. It was a fantastic day and I’ll get to that in a minute, first let me share some of our closer-to-home goings on.

Continuing the “cook and eat shrimp” theme, we found a great recipe for Coconut Shrimp! I’ve actually made it before, but it had been a long time. Of course this meant yet another trip to the Mercado, which we enjoy for many reasons. First, it got us out of the apartment (not that we NEEDED a reason), second we got to enjoy lunch on the second level, and third, after lunch and shopping we got to stop at the ice cream shop we passed along the way.

On the day we cooked the Coconut Shrimp, the fish monger only had the larger shrimp, under 15 p/pound size, with the heads on. Bill generously said he would remove the heads for me, as I don’t like to do it. I purchased 1.5k,or about 3 pounds – for (are you sitting down?) – $15! And they were so fresh, delivered from the coast that morning! In the states they would have easily been $15 or more per pound! While there at the Mercado, we also picked up plantains, broccoli, and peppers.

Another highlight this week was we found a new hipermercado (supermarket) called MegaMaxi. I think was related to the SuperMaxi we had gone to, but much newer, updated, and better stocked. More American, and also with more American prices. Linda and I started at the far end of the store and walked every isle! We had a grand time oohing and aweing at all the items for sale!

Finally, the day we were waiting for arrived! We were up, ready to go, and downstairs at 9am sharp. As Steven was locking the outer gate, Orlando Siguenza (our thoroughly researched driver/guide) (interesting side note: Bill and I went to school with a girl who’s last name was Siguenza – how cool is that?) came around the corner and after introductions we all piled into his SUV. We made our way across the city to where Brian & Sue were staying. Linda and I got into the third row, Bill, Brian, and Sue were in the middle, and Steven got to ride shotgun! It was definitely cozy, but ok. Orlando drove through Cuenca and soon we were heading out of town and up the windy road to Cajas National Park. We could have taken a taxi up to the park and walked in, but getting a taxi back would have been an issue. Also, Orlando was a certified tour guide, which means he could tell us all about the park. After having done the tour, it was well worth every penny of the $140 for the day for 6 of us.

We were sad when the tour was over, we were having such a wonderful day but we had all worked up an appetite and Orlando knew the perfect place! The views were beautiful and the food delicious! All in, including paying 1/3 of Orlando’s meal, the meal was right around $30 per couple.

Bill and I rounded out the week celebrating with Brian and Sue for their anniversary! Linda and Steven were also invited but opted to stay behind for a quiet evening by themselves. Bill and I walked about half-way, meeting up with Brian and Sue (who came from a different direction) and then we grabbed a taxi to go the rest of the way.

The name of the place was TPasta; we learned later the T was for the owner, Tony. What a fantastic meal! I loved every single bite and didn’t leave even a crumb behind! The presentation was beautiful! The drinks were also delicious. Both Sue and I had a type of spritzer that was decorated with a fresh flower. Bill and Brian enjoyed the cerveza fria (cold beer). Last, but never least, we each dug into our dessert, which was accompanied by coffee with a shot of Baileys Irish Creme. WARNING – pics below of our meals are likely to cause salivating and hunger pains.

What an amazing fine dining experience! We were in the restaurant for almost 3 hours – yet it felt like it flew by! Part of the reason for that is each dish is made to order, including the pasta. Thanks again, Brian and Sue, for including us in your celebration!

That’s a wrap on week 2 of our time in Cuenca Ecuador! I hope you are enjoying following along!

SPECIAL TREAT:

Click HERE to view Steven’s video/movie about our day in Cajas National Park.

If interested, you can also check out The Chouters blog post Let’s Talk Food!  HERE

Next up: Cuenca Ecuador #4 – Ingapirica

Previous: Cuenca Ecuador #2 – Happy New Year Cuenca Style!

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