One upon a time, at the age of 5 I stepped for the first time in Ecuadorian Land. As a US foreigner and a child, I did not know what to expect so as soon as I arrived to my new home in Cuenca, Ecuador, I remember feeling happy, excited and magical. The world was free.
October 2020 I traveled with my daughter to my childhood town, Cuenca, Ecuador from the US. I haven't seen my parents since 2013. I was suppose to visit them March 2020 but then the pandemic happened
Let me take you through a quick adventure to my beautiful city called Cuenca, Ecuador.
One day, my dad came home early from work. I asked him if he could take for a ride. He was not sure because it was about to rain, but I told him "Please, lets go. It is okay if it rains. I have realized that when it rains, it means that they day will be more special."
We were in the back seat. As he was driving, I felt nostalgic to see the places I used to walk. It felt like I was reliving those moments.
Our first stop was a place Cuenca is known for, "El Parque Calderon." Here you can see the church and the corner of the park. We couldn't go inside the church but let me tell you it is a marvelous place, its interior architecture is magnificent; almost everything inside is made out of gold.
I also remember going to this park once a month with my family, on special events and every Friday after high school. Behind the red car is my favorite place in the whole world, it is an ice cream shop. I would either go alone or with friends; they would get all kind of ice creams, but I would only get vanilla ice cream (I know you might say "vanilla?!", but it is my favorite ice cream flavor. I actually haven't tried a vanilla ice cream close as that one.)
As we are driving around the park. I kept taking pictures.
Back in the days, I remember one specific day, it was Christmas time (we celebrate it very big). My dad sign up to be part of a car parade. All cars had to be dressed up. We dressed up the car as Santa Claus. It was awesome. We danced in the car, got to single Christmas songs, throw candy to the kids in the sidewalk and more. In side of the street is where it always ended. Even though we only participated one year, I remembered it like it was that day when I took this picture.
As we were driving to other sides of town, I was curious about the place where concerts were taken place.
Back in the days, this area first was a parking lot, then it was a small shopping center (Actually my mom bought me tons of clothes from there), later it turned into a concert area (many local musicians played there, mainly Folkloric music) and finally as you can see they went back to shopping center, this time I saw that they built steady local centers (before, people brought their own plastic, set up every morning and close up every night.)
While we keep driving, I saw this group of people. It was a family. As you can see below, they were so happy that someone was taking a picture of them. They are even waving at me. Here is an example of a regular family enjoying their Sunday afternoon.
I was surprised of the kids. They seemed to be okay. They were excited to be outside. They played, had fun and looked worriless.
These kids reminding of me as a child. When my mom would take me to a store, I always asked her if I can play right outside. she always said "yes, just be careful. DO NOT go to far, stay close that I can see you." As a kid I played with anything, imagination to its full potential. I jumped the stairs, ran back and forth, anything that was in front of me.
When I took this picture, I also felt a little sad that the kids you see here had to find a way to be okay with what is happening in the world; when I was a kid, I had nothing to worry. I just hope that they grow up happy just like me. I honestly pray for them. Kids just want to be kids, enjoy life.
Seen these kids play made me feel hopeful too. I was feeling tons of emotions when I took these pictures.
Below are a couple of other images I took in my trip.
I hope I was able to take you in a quick trip to my childhood town, Cuenca Ecuador. This city holds a special place in heart. Even though, we were in the pandemic, I still was able to reminisce the old times. They were were perfect times and I was grateful that I was able to show it to my daughter too.
Here is the backyard of my parents' house in Ecuador.
I am thankful every day of the life I experienced and the life I am creating now. Now I get to show it you guys and express to you things through my perspective.
With love - mq
About the Creator
M. Views
Hi, I am a 25 year old latinx woman, mom , small business owner, graphic designer and multidisciplinary artist.
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