(!Les deseamos a todos un muy feliz y próspero Año Nuevo!)
We had a busy holiday season, which started out when we were invited to attend the annual Christmas concert at Mansion Alcazar (http://mansionalcazar.com/en/) on Dec. 11th. It was a wonderful evening listening to two beautiful operatic sopranos sing while we were being served wine and appetizers.
Then on Dec. 19th, we attended the Cuenca Symphony with another couple. Beforehand, we had pizza at Pizza Niños at San Blas Park and then walked over to the church at San Blas for the Christmas concert. Another beautiful evening.On Dec. 22nd, we and another couple attended the new Cuenca International Chorale which gave its premier concert. Before the concert, we had dinner at Raymipampa and then walked across Parque Calderon to the Old Cathedral for the Christmas concert. Under the direction of Andrea Lyman and accompanied by Shelia Johns, this wonderful 45 member chorale of Gringos and Cuencanos performed a delightful Christmas program, including music from the middle-ages as well as more modern pieces and an opportunity for everyone to sing several traditional Christmas carols in both English and Spanish.
Then on Dec. 23rd, we were invited to a potluck lunch with Calvary Chapel of Cuenca (http://www.calvarychapel.ec/Inicio/). We saw many old friends, and met some new ones.
On Christmas Eve, we were invited to friends' home for a wonderful turkey and ham dinner, with all the trimmings. Its so fun to eat at someone's home, visit with guests, and enjoy good food and friendship.
On Dec. 26th, we invited two other couples to join us at our favorite Swiss fondue restaurant in town (https://amcry.wordpress.com/). We enjoyed a delightful evening, cooking the meal ourselves on the hibachi grill, and then to top it off with a chocolate fondue for dessert!
On Dec. 27th, we went to a friend's home for a BBQ dinner (pork), beef tenderloin, baked beans, coleslaw, potatoes, and dessert.
On New Year Eve's, we were invited to the penthouse apartment of our friends to enjoy appetizers, drinks, and watch the fireworks at midnight over the Cuenca sky. What an enjoyable holiday season.
So now we're starting back with our healthy eating plan this month. It's been six months since we did our juice fast, so it's time we do it again since we do it twice a year.
We've had a great Christmas season with so many free concert events, delicious meals and time with wonderful friends, which puts a beautiful end to 2014.
May you all be happy and healthy in the New Year.
