This amazing journey called life!: Trekking the Andes; generations of tradition ~ visits to a quaint family farm, Ancient Inca ruins and a resort tucked in the hills.

It was to be an exciting 10 month adventure when we sent our 16 year-old son to Ecuador to live for his junior year in high school; God alone knew the future and that it would begin a life-time relationship. Cesar returned with Matthew the following year, and our Ecuadorian host became our Ecuadorian son.

All these years later the Burbano Family has embraced Neal and me into the fold of their warm and extensive family. Visiting their family farm and retreat center, Finca de Dorita, gave us a heart-warming glimps into a century of family love and tradition, and a taste of what Matthew came to love over 27 years ago!

Amazing to me that a large family gathering (and this was only a small portion of the maternal side of the clan!) could find so much to do WITHOUT internet ... hmmm!

Children actually PLAYED with each other and with adults, and the latter enjoyed plenty of animated conversation!

Of course it was the intrepid Abuelitas who were the adventurous ones, traversing the steep terrain of this magnificent Andes Mountains family farm.

Sherri, Dora Burbano, in front of Denise (son-in-law Luis's Mom),
sister-in-law Anita and sister Mary. What a delightful time we had! I'd hike with these gals anywhere.

November 2 was Dia de los Muertos

GuaGua Pan - to resemble a swaddled baby

and GuaGua Pan is a traditional
sweetbread, served with Colata Morada.

The celebration, including Cuenca's
Independence from Spain, spanned
the weekend.

Colada Morada

The food, prepared and served by loving hands, prooved a delicious feast. The variety of meats were cooked by los Abuelos over a built-in BBQ in the detached dining hall.

Uncle Oscar combined old with new - carbon-initiated
charcoal, and when the straw hand-held fan was too slow
and electric hair blower worked nicely.

Artist Cesar Burbano Sr. painted a realistic-looking flame on the
grill cover.

Moms, daughters and cousins; so much beauty in one place!

The original farm was, I believe, 100 acres. It was divided for the Patriarch's descendants, and the family traditions continue.

La Familia Burbano has a proud heritage in and around Cuenca. Cesar Sr. is a well-known and accomplished artist. As an architect he also taught at the local university, retiring only recently.

Three generations of Cesar Burbano men,
and we are proud to know and love them all.
Cesar Jr. (on the right) is our Ecuadorian son
who lived with us in Scio.

Cesar's son is also Cesar, but we know him as Daniel

Cesar and his cousin, Marisabel (now a teacher)
were Matt's schoolmates in Cuenca.

On Sunday afternoon we traveled with Cesar, Cesar Sr. and Dora, his beautiful wife of 50 years, even higher into the majestic Andes to the ancient Inca ruins of Ingapirca. We had a native tour guide who speech was succinct and clear, a rare trait these days! It was fun to be able to decipher a few of her words. At one stop I was able to discern that the rocks with holes ground
out were used for determining times and season.
The culture and traditions of Ecuador reverberate
in these peaks!
These ruins led to the Templo del Sol.

for storing grain during years of abundance

Cesar Sr. - ever the artist

Dora, Sherri and Neal with Tempo del Sol in the background.

Our excellent native guide.

Neal with our host and beloved Ecuadorian son, Cesar. He still tends us like a devoted son. His parents are truly blessed, as is he.

Amazingly no grout was used in the construction of these buildings. The stone, hand-hewn and lifted by human might, have stood the test of time and somewhat harsh elements.

Neal and Sherri in front of the Templo del Sol

The relatively short hike at an altitude of approximately 12,000 feet did wonders for our appetite. Cesar has friends everywhere ~ including at this charming hotel and restaurant snuggled into the crest of the hills, where we enjoyed a delicious lunch. The beauty of tradition dominated the weekend - Cesar's friend's father, the founder of the resort, was also an artist. His son, Cesar's friend, now hosts the establishment. We received special treatment in our tour of the property. I really want to go back for a weekend with both Sperling and Burbano families!