We arrived in Ecuador about a month ago. So much has happened in that time, it is simply not possible to summarize. The best part of everything, of course, is this beautiful child, the reason we are here. And it won’t be that long before I can show what I mean by beautiful š
But … a few more legal hurdles first before I can offer that post. (And that one big, final, prayed-for confirmation).
I would like to share a bit about Cuenca, though. This stunning city. Beautiful, with such a rich history and such friendly people.
And when I say rich with history, I mean that people speak of the earliest inhabitants hanging out in the 8000 B.C. range. So, you know, rich with history. Cuenca was technically founded in the 1500’s as a Spanish settlement, which is why walking around this city feels so familiar to me. I grew up in Europe. I was born there and lived there until I was 11 years old – and went back to live there again while in college. And have since visited again and again and again. So this old Spanish town just feels a lot like home.
Nestled in the Andes Mountains, Cuenca is about 8500 feet above sea level. We really noticed that when we first got here, trying to fit in 5K runs that felt like 25K runs. It definitely took a couple weeks to get used to the altitude from a fitness perspective.
And the climate here is gorgeous – think year-round spring. Two seasons, rainy season and dry season. We are technically here in the dry season, although it rained nearly every day for the first couple weeks after our arrival. But not those all-day rains – more like the kind of rains that break through in later afternoon and feel like a gorgeous cleansing. Warm, glittering rain, when the sun often doesn’t bother to stop shining.
The original colonial feel of Cuenca is still very much the current feel of Cuenca. It is downright difficult to turn a corner and not see some beautiful view of the mountains or another glimpse of incredible architecture. Each building is different and colorful and detailed. And the doors! The doors are little works of art. And these visual treasures are, like, everywhere. I have never been a big collection photographer, but I am collecting photographs of doors here.
Some of the images below and many of the ones I am still collecting are meant as gifts for Ana Elisa.
When she moves to the newborn country of America, I want her to know, vividly, that she was born into beauty and culture and ancient roots. That she lived the first part of her life in a city in the clouds with skies that change from gold to blue to purple to navy every single day. That she comes from a people who smile patiently at you while you fumble with their language, from families who spend whole days in the park, and from a land of children who are so loved and so cherished that their government asks you, repeatedly and earnestly: will you love this child, the way Ecuador loves this child?
That river image above is right outside of the apartment we are currently living in – here’s an image of the building from the opposite side of the river bank.
It reminds me a lot of a couple of the apartments we lived in when we were in San Francisco – but a bit more basic. No heat, no dishwasher, no other appliances like that – a stove that must be lit with each use, running water but temperatures that change shockingly from hot to cold way too frequently. And 1100 square feet of usable space for a very active family of five.
But doesn’t it look pretty??
We also live right across from one of the many parks here and spend a great deal of time there with the kids…that teeter totter image in the middle? It is the highest teeter totter I have ever seen. The kids just love it. I only ask them to please not fall off and descend what must be, like, 3 high-rise stories down to the ground.
Halloween was also a trip here. Sophie and Caleb so wanted to celebrate, but Ana Elisa wasn’t familiar with trick or treating, and she was not very interested either. So we let the two dress up (Superman/Good Witch) and we went from street vendor to street vendor until their bags were full.
I can honestly say that I did not see one other person in costume throughout the city. It’s as if we somehow thought that we weren’t gaining enough attention with our particular family unit. We had to go ahead and add pointy hats and capes.
Ana Elisa just looked on, a bit perplexed and – let’s be frank – slightly embarrassed for us. But she happily accepted the candy offered, and Sophie and Caleb were thrilled with their score by the end of the evening.
Those rains I mentioned? Some beautiful after-rain phenomenons, too.
And a view of Cuenca from above the entire city….
Actually a bit of a hilarious experience getting up there. We took this double decker tour bus, which I would normally be very loathe to board. But the kids were excited, so we decided to try it out. Crazy. Trying to shoot from the top while extremely low-hanging electrical wires whipped past (had to duck down while you were sitting, that low!!). The best part? I got the one shot of one of the tour operators giving me a “heads up” – one warning after three had almost taken off our heads and another 30 more or so to go. While I was getting that shot of her, Steve was getting a shot of me, barely getting out of the way but – that’s right – getting the shot š
Those Andes Mountains š
The steps just outside of our apartment. Late evening and more of that familiar purple. Up is to old downtown. Down is to the river.
And, lastly, just one of those many unbelievable doors. I don’t know exactly why these doors are so stunning to me. But maybe a part of it is this:
Is there not something so telling about a culture that offers great beauty to one seeking a way to openness?
I am awestruck, Tamara. Thank you so much for sharing. What an immense gift for Ana Elisa…and for us as well. Incredible.
The experience your family is sharing right now will be cherished memories forever. *Sigh*
By the way, you look so beautiful dodging the power lines. Haha. But you really do! What a special family. I am honored to know you.
Very rich indeed… š
Very rich indeed… š
Wow! I mean, I was actually there and viewed almost each of these images with my own eyes – but the way you capture each image – it’s as if you are squeezing every ounce of beauty through your lens and then throwing it back to the world. Truly remarkable – thank you for these gifts of true beauty (I can’t wait to see more!).
Wow! I mean, I was actually there and viewed almost each of these images with my own eyes – but the way you capture each image – it’s as if you are squeezing every ounce of beauty through your lens and then throwing it back to the world. Truly remarkable – thank you for these gifts of true beauty (I can’t wait to see more!).
Wow! Awesome photos…I feel like I was there. Loved those overhead wires, great capture Steve!
Wow! Awesome photos…I feel like I was there. Loved those overhead wires, great capture Steve!
Thank you for the rare and special gift of seeing this city through your eyes. You have taken my breath away! Like walking into a prayer and feeling totally at peace. My day is just beginning and now I know it will be a good one. Thank you again!
Thank you for the rare and special gift of seeing this city through your eyes. You have taken my breath away! Like walking into a prayer and feeling totally at peace. My day is just beginning and now I know it will be a good one. Thank you again!
Stunning! Thank you for such a vibrant and beautiful view into what you guys are experiencing! I have been checking everyday for an update and it was worth the wait! (No pressure of course š
Stunning! Thank you for such a vibrant and beautiful view into what you guys are experiencing! I have been checking everyday for an update and it was worth the wait! (No pressure of course š
Tamara, these are simply stunningly gorgeous! It is absolutely so clear that you, Steve, Sophie, Caleb and Ana Elisa were meant to be together. These children, especially Ana Elisa, will be so grateful for, and moved by the way in which you have memorialized her birthplace, her culture, her heritage and your beginnings as a family for them to experience all over again as they grow up together. And how amazing for all of them to be with incredible parents who embrace and have such tremendous appreciation for the experience that is beyond special.
You almost look like you are totally on vacation in that bus shot (nice capture, Steve!)….. You will all bring pieces of Cuenca home in your hearts, thank you so much for sharing the rich and stunning beauty of a place that would have otherwise been completely unknown to almost all of us.
We miss you loads!! xoxo
Tamara, these are simply stunningly gorgeous! It is absolutely so clear that you, Steve, Sophie, Caleb and Ana Elisa were meant to be together. These children, especially Ana Elisa, will be so grateful for, and moved by the way in which you have memorialized her birthplace, her culture, her heritage and your beginnings as a family for them to experience all over again as they grow up together. And how amazing for all of them to be with incredible parents who embrace and have such tremendous appreciation for the experience that is beyond special.
You almost look like you are totally on vacation in that bus shot (nice capture, Steve!)….. You will all bring pieces of Cuenca home in your hearts, thank you so much for sharing the rich and stunning beauty of a place that would have otherwise been completely unknown to almost all of us.
We miss you loads!! xoxo
You’ve got a future as a travel writer if you ever get tired of photography! What a wonderful photo journey! Our best to you and your family.
You’ve got a future as a travel writer if you ever get tired of photography! What a wonderful photo journey! Our best to you and your family.
What stunning images! And what an awesome family bonding experience!
What stunning images! And what an awesome family bonding experience!
Such beauty! Also love the shot of you on the bus. Almost as good as your leaping Learnfest pic. Ha!
Such beauty! Also love the shot of you on the bus. Almost as good as your leaping Learnfest pic. Ha!
GORGEOUS! I *love* the one of you on the trolley–so cute! This totally brings out my looooonging to visit to South America again.
GORGEOUS! I *love* the one of you on the trolley–so cute! This totally brings out my looooonging to visit to South America again.
Oh My! How beautiful! I LOVE the one of Ana Elisa on the swing!!!!
Oh My! How beautiful! I LOVE the one of Ana Elisa on the swing!!!!
T & S: Susan just sent me the link to this blog and I have to tell you that the stories and pictures in it are simply breathtaking. We’re happy that you’ve found such joy there. I was particularly moved by the question "will you love her like Ecuador does?" Knowing your hearts … clearly there’s no doubt about that.
T & S: Susan just sent me the link to this blog and I have to tell you that the stories and pictures in it are simply breathtaking. We’re happy that you’ve found such joy there. I was particularly moved by the question "will you love her like Ecuador does?" Knowing your hearts … clearly there’s no doubt about that.
Truly wonderful images to remember the wonderful moments experienced by a wonderful family…
Truly wonderful images to remember the wonderful moments experienced by a wonderful family…
All we can say is WOW! Every image is beautiful! What an excellent memoir for Ana Lisa! Love the reflection of Ana Lisa on the swing and the teeter totter I want to go on! The skies are incredible and I understand the collection of doors! All our love to you all!
All we can say is WOW! Every image is beautiful! What an excellent memoir for Ana Lisa! Love the reflection of Ana Lisa on the swing and the teeter totter I want to go on! The skies are incredible and I understand the collection of doors! All our love to you all!
Oh Tamara, what a breathtaking story and adventure for the five of you. What a lucky and wonderful family you are creating and your visual and written record will be cherished by all forever! Thank you for sharing your journey.
Oh Tamara, what a breathtaking story and adventure for the five of you. What a lucky and wonderful family you are creating and your visual and written record will be cherished by all forever! Thank you for sharing your journey.
Thank you so much … these heartfelt words – much gratefulness š
Thank you so much … these heartfelt words – much gratefulness š
What a beautiful post; I look forward to your next update. You have such a gift for writing, it is a pleasure to read about your life. Thank you for letting us share in it. Yesterday was National Adoption Day in the States. At the Wake County courthouse I photographed (for the Heart Gallery) a bunch of families officially recognizing their adoptions that had occurred this year in Wake County. It was a wonderful afternoon with happy parents and blessed children, you could just feel the love overflowing. The children and parents approached the judge and all the children received the book, "Oh the places you’ll go" by Dr Suess and an "adoption day pldege" certificate that the parents and children both are to sign that reads, "On this day, November 21, 2008, the day we officially becone a family forever, we make these promises to each other:" The parent’s part of the promise reads: "We promise to always love and protect our children. We promise to help them remember and honor the life they had before they came to live with us. We promise to listen to them with open minds and hearts, to encourage them, and to help them follow their dreams. We promise to teach them to believe in themselves, so that they will always be able to find the strength, courage and wisdom that is inside of them. We promise to cherish them and to give thanks every day for the joy that they brought to our lives. We promise to be their forever mom and dad" Seems to me you’ve got it down. Blessings to you.
What a beautiful post; I look forward to your next update. You have such a gift for writing, it is a pleasure to read about your life. Thank you for letting us share in it. Yesterday was National Adoption Day in the States. At the Wake County courthouse I photographed (for the Heart Gallery) a bunch of families officially recognizing their adoptions that had occurred this year in Wake County. It was a wonderful afternoon with happy parents and blessed children, you could just feel the love overflowing. The children and parents approached the judge and all the children received the book, "Oh the places you’ll go" by Dr Suess and an "adoption day pldege" certificate that the parents and children both are to sign that reads, "On this day, November 21, 2008, the day we officially becone a family forever, we make these promises to each other:" The parent’s part of the promise reads: "We promise to always love and protect our children. We promise to help them remember and honor the life they had before they came to live with us. We promise to listen to them with open minds and hearts, to encourage them, and to help them follow their dreams. We promise to teach them to believe in themselves, so that they will always be able to find the strength, courage and wisdom that is inside of them. We promise to cherish them and to give thanks every day for the joy that they brought to our lives. We promise to be their forever mom and dad" Seems to me you’ve got it down. Blessings to you.
i love how you experience the world, Tamara. such a gift you give by sharing it. especially, i love the image with the bird above the roof, and the last image, of the door. thank you.
i love how you experience the world, Tamara. such a gift you give by sharing it. especially, i love the image with the bird above the roof, and the last image, of the door. thank you.
You’re amazing. Thank you for sharing these gifts.
You’re amazing. Thank you for sharing these gifts.
Breath Taking Images. Such emotion involved!!!
Breath Taking Images. Such emotion involved!!!
These are stunning images
These are stunning images
HI Tamara! I will be wishing and praying for you here! What a beautiful little girl to add to an already stunning family! You already know how I feel about Ecuador and the time I spent with the children there, the country and the people…it is a hidden gem! Much xo Love – Brittany
HI Tamara! I will be wishing and praying for you here! What a beautiful little girl to add to an already stunning family! You already know how I feel about Ecuador and the time I spent with the children there, the country and the people…it is a hidden gem! Much xo Love – Brittany
Tamara, I stumbled onto your blog today and was enthralled by these gorgeous photographs of Cuenca. Several members of my family have lived in Cuenca at one time or another (we currently live in Chile), as does a dear friend of mine and her husband. It is an absolutely beautiful city, and your pictures and words capture its essence perfectly!
Tamara, I stumbled onto your blog today and was enthralled by these gorgeous photographs of Cuenca. Several members of my family have lived in Cuenca at one time or another (we currently live in Chile), as does a dear friend of mine and her husband. It is an absolutely beautiful city, and your pictures and words capture its essence perfectly!
Hi, I am just watching your creativelive class and found out that your little girl was born in Ecuador like me!!! and feel very happy, just that!
Hi, I am just watching your creativelive class and found out that your little girl was born in Ecuador like me!!! and feel very happy, just that!
I simply want to say I am just beginner to weblog and absolutely enjoyed you’re blog. Probably Iām planning to bookmark your site . You amazingly have great writings. Thanks for sharing your website page.