VISITOR, CUY AND RESTAURANTE EL CHE

When asked about why we live here most people laugh, because we tell them the truth. We did not want to work any more. We were perfectly happy in our home town, we had no problems with the political system, nor were we upside down on our mortgage. We just did not want to work any more. We left behind alot of good friends and a comfortable lifestyle, just so we would not have to work any more! Was it worth it, HELL yeah!

We do miss our friends, but occasionally we get a surprise and one of them gets to come visit us! That was the case 2 weeks ago, when our friend JD came to visit.

We met JD through mutual friends way back in the days of life in the US. He was a young kid in the local music scene and needed a place to stay for  awhile. We invited him to come stay with us till he found  a "day job". JD ended up working for Randy and he became part of our extended "friend family". JD is a traveler. He is only 29, and his passport is full and pretty well worn. We were very happy to hear that he was coming to Ecuador to look around; would we be home? Well HELL yeah.

We did the double decker bus so he got the lay of the city, and the next day he was off exploring the town on his own. While here he wanted to experience the true culture of Ecuador and have some Cuy (Guinea Pig). Once we explained the price of going out to eat Cuy he realized maybe he would have to forego this adventure. Randy, not wanting to have a visitor disapointed suggested we go price the Cuy at the local Coopera Market. There they were only 6.50 each, and Randy could BBQ them. I immediately told them I would save them even more money and I would eat Chicken.. I am such a thrifty person!
****If you have a queasy stomach the following photos my be a bit gruesome. ****

Randy (ex 17 yr Vegan) could not stomach the extra cleaning and preparing of the Cuy so JD got the honor. I grabbed my camera and captured the event; Randy cowered in the living room.

Even though they complained about the size and not having much flavor, they both prevailed and consumed their dinners, as evidenced by the bone pile below.

After having the cuy, we decided JD needed some more everyday traditional fare, as well as a visit to a local restaurant that is somewhat of a shrine. A memorial restaurant to Che Guevarra, and they have really good food.

JD agreed, the pork and sides were great, and there was no hesitation when eating!

Hurry back JD, next time we will try to get you up to the Shaman for the "spritual cleansing and journey"!