The lead up to Christmas saw lots of parties so it was fun. One included a Novena which wasn't exactly a laugh a minute but it was interesting nonetheless. Basically whole families get together to pray together in a different house for nine consecutive nights. Its followed up by drinks and cake. Wasn't wild about the religious aspect given the heathen I am but it was interesting to see it and the cakes were bloody marvelous! Mind you I only managed one night...

Right off the tourist trail nestled into the mountains deep in the south of Ecuador is Zaruma. Not only is it one of the prettiest towns in Ecuador given its timber buildings it is one of the friendliest places. A perfect bolt hole at the end of term when I needed some downtime from my downtime. Spent a couple of days wandering up and down the steep, narrow streets taking photos of beautiful wooden houses with brightly painted balconies and balustrades; havi...

December saw not just the end of another term (fab) but the wedding of my good friends Brian and Nancy. It took place in a beautiful church north of Cuenca called Biblian. We got there courtesy of Cuencas local bus system; our very own charabanc and we didn't even have to pay the 25 centavos we normally do. It was a beautiful ceremony with not a dry eye in the house followed by a lovely wedding breakfast with Nancy and Brians collective families. After lunch...

My first 'Fiestas of Cuenca' was a pretty wild old time. Huge street parties, live music, dancing and enough free Zhumir to leave you feeling a little worse for wear the day after. Not sure if it was the weather - it pissed down for four days - or if I'm getting too old but the most exciting thing to happen this year was the Burro race. Okay its official I probably am getting passed it but the race had to be seen to be believed. I don't think I have laughed ...

Although Yungilla was only about an hour and a half south of Cuenca it was like a world away. There are not many chances to be able to stay in your very own guest house set in beautiful grounds with great views over the mountains , its own lake with the cutest ducks in the world, swimming pool, lemon grove and orchard with mango, avocado and grapefruit trees...I think you get the picture. How the other half live! Leaving aside the antics of an 81 year old lotha...