Souvenir Photo Studio, by Al Bourassa: October 2015

Saturday, October 31, 2015

Saturday October 31, 2015 Big Kabuda's

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Saturday October 31, 2015

Yes, this is the second Blog of the day, this time celebrating the opening of the second location of Big Kabuda's Taphouse and Grill, owned and operated by the family of my Venezuelan friend, Jesus.

The first location, east of the statue of Huayna Capac does a roaring business every day as the reputation builds about their great fare.

This location is east of the Broken Bridge, then past the bridge at Todos Santos/Clinica Santa Ana about 1/2 block.

We made the mistake of ordering two of the Parrillas, when one would easily have been sufficient for the both of us. That would be a deliciously satisfying cheap meal for two for $8.50. They also have their huge lineup of burgers available as well, (my favourite is the "Porky's").

Jesus has a much larger premises here, with two dining areas, one under the stars. He only has about 8 tables set up at the moment, but has the means to add much more seating as necessary.

Tonight, the nice background music was competing with noise from the Enrique Iglesias concert happening at the Stadium.

Please try them out and we know you will be pleased. Most of the staff speak English as well.

I hope you enjoy the photos. That was the day's excitement, Cheers, Al

The brochure with a map

This is the sign above the entrance

This is the place

Jesus is ready to welcome the crowds

You can dine under the stars

or you can dine under cover

This is a family-run business

The Parrillas are on the grill

There is even room to dance...

This Parrilla is big enough for 2 people

And so was this one....

Saturday October 31, 2015 Fiestas

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Saturday October 31, 2015

Boy! Did we ever walk miles today to try to see much of the happenings early today as the Independence Day festivities get rolling.

We started off at San Blas where a student parade was forming and made our way to City Hall where there was some tremendous art on display. Then we continued on to Parque Calderon, San Francisco, 10 de Agosto Mercado, and on down to the riverbank.

There is a tent city of artisans on both sides of the river and we went by every tent. Musicians are sprinkled along the route as well. There was a lot of art on display at the Puente Roto (Broken Bridge), and a puppeteer. We again met Cuenca's premier artist Miguel Illescas and continue to marvel at his work.

Further down the road, just east of the Todos Santos bridge, we were surprised to find our buddy Jesus setting up a second location for their Big Kabuda's Burgers. We have promised to return there for the opening later this evening.

We continued to the metalworking district behind El Vergel church before heading home for a well-deserved nap.

I hope you enjoy the photos. That was the day's excitement, Cheers, Al

Andrea The Giant and Tom Thumb squaring off last night

It was quite a David & Goliath battle

The student parade getting ready at San Blas

Bands, floats and the usual

All kinds of spectators lining the route

Wonderful artist's works on display at City Hall

This kind of art is eye-catching

This artist should become very popular

I wish I had this talent..

This artwork brings many memories

Lots of folks waiting across from Parque Calderon

Our pan flute players beside the main cathedral

The costumes are more North American in design

Grandma was dancing in the tent city

The Tomebamba is oblivious to all the action

Cristina is definitely enjoying the warm sunshine

A musician near the Escalinata

Lots of artworks and caricaturists at the Puente Roto

Gorgeous art that would grace any home

One of Miguel Illescas' works

This puppeteer had his hands full

Many large canvasses on display

Something for everyone

These were on display in the metalworkers area

I call him Maxwell...

Crossing the Yanuncay to catch the bus

Friday, October 30, 2015

Friday October 30, 2015 Mikhuna Food Bank

Please see more of my artworks for sale at http://saccc05.tripod.com

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Friday October 30, 2015

CONGRATULATIONS to the Hearts Of Gold Foundation and the Prefectura De Azuay on the grand opening of the new Mikhuna Food Bank next to the Mirador de Turi.

This is truly an ambitious undertaking for a very needed service in this city. Special kudos to Natasha Verkley, Executive Director of Hearts Of Gold, and Johanna Vaca, Program Director of Hearts Of Gold, for filling a void and really helping get this project off the ground.

I was a little shocked at the number of Cuencanos who did come out and the number of Expats who did not. It was standing room only at the amphitheater at Turi as festivities finally began in bright sunshine only a 1/2 hour late. The Catholic University of Cuenca is also involved somehow. The Bishop of Cuenca was also on the dais with Richard Verkley, founder of Hearts Of Gold, and Paul Carrasco Carpio, Prefect of Azuay province.

Richard ended up doing the speaking on behalf of Hearts Of Gold, with Johanna doing a great job of translation. I felt really bad for Natasha and Johanna, were basically just left on the sidelines, and not even really acknowledged publicly for their hard work, to my knowledge. Others, like Laura Inks Bodine, who organized the painting of the premises, also seemed to be ignored. Maybe there were just too many people to thank....

Two rows in front of us, some ladies started pounding on an old fellow's back as he was obviously choking. I held back reluctantly and finally some medical personnel performed the Heimlich Maneuver and solved the poor man's problem. I have only performed that maneuver once on a brother-in-law in a panic situation, and I did not feel comfortable enough in my abilities to leap in here today, in front of hundreds of Cuencanos. Luckily everything turned out fine.

I picked up Cristina from work today and we cruised by Otorongo where some of the artisan booths were already set up, then through El Centro. We got home just before a massive thunderstorm.

I hope you enjoy the photos. That was the day's excitement, Cheers, Al