Cuenca wastes water, WHO says; Taste of Carnaval lives on in the Cajas; Eight human heads in a bag; Cartoon takes aim at time Noboa spends in Miami

Hungry? –
(De El Mercurio del domingo, 15/2) Delicias ancestrales en Carnaval (Ancestral delicacies during Carnival) – Enjoying cuisine in the paradise like surroundings in the Cajas is a “must-do” during Carnaval. It’s a little late for Carnaval, but you can still enjoy the restaurants at Hostería Dos Chorreras. Marketing manager Adriana Cordero, said that the mote pata cuencano is one of the most popular dishes of the season, but you can also order trout for $16.50. <Prepared in as many ways as Bubba lists for shrimp in Forrest Gump.> Also on the menu are grilled meats with traditional sides such as habas (broad beans) with cheese, empanadas de viento, llapingacho and mote sucio.

Foam was in abundant supply over the four-day Caraval weekend in Cuenca. Tourism officials report that a record number of visitors were in the city for the holiday. (El Mercurio)

The hostería also has a chocolatería, and the Parador de la Montaña with coffee, chocolate, sandwiches, comida típica, and desserts. ‘Arte y Pizza’ serves Neapolitan style pizza.

Sendero Glamping is a modern rural tourism space at km. 19 on the vía a Cajas with luxurious tents, a jacuzzi, and a restaurant. General manager, Juan Diego Proaño, said the restaurant highlights traditional gastronomy. On the menu are typical plates such as caldo de gallina criolla (country chicken <free range?> soup), papas con cuero, caldo de patas, habas con queso, grilled meats and chops, churrasco, trout, and more. The products are organically grown in local gardens. They serve a typical beverage called ‘Agua de Tipaso’ which is an infusion made from a plant in the mountains in the park. They also have horchata, mulled wine, canelazo, juices and oat drink.

Curious? –
(De El Mercurio del martes, 17/2) Cuenca consume el doble de agua recomendada por la OMS (Cuenca consumes twice the amount of water recommended by the WHO) – In the midst of Carnaval, the debate on use of water has returned with new force. Although febrero doesn’t register recurring consumption peaks, the city is facing a deeper challenge. Each inhabitant uses almost double the internationally recommended minimum. Average consumption per person in Cuenca is 200 liters each day. The WHO recommends 100 liters per person as the minimum quantity needed for drinking, hygiene and food preparation. The main use of water in households is in the shower. To reduce this consumption, recommendations are to spend less time in the shower, shut off the water while you’re soaping up, and avoid washing your car with potable water. <What otherwater sources are readily available to most drivers? Schlepping it from the river?>

During the droughts of 2023 and 2024, citizen response showed that change is possible. During the most critical months, consumption was reduced by 30% to an average of 160-170 liters/person. Cuenca is crossed by 4 rivers and has a privileged position in water availability. However, this advantage doesn’t guarantee permanent abundance. Ana Cristina Andrade-Herrera, an environmental and water resources researcher, said that one of the causes of excessive consumption is this perception of abundance which reinforces irresponsible practices. In economic terms, 1,000 liters (1 cubic meter) costs $.60, so 200 liters per day represents $.12 not including the subsidies that keep rates affordable. But beyond the monetary cost, the true value of water can’t be measured in pennies but in sustainability.

(De El Mercurio del domingo, 15/2) Hallan ocho cabezas en sacos de yute (Eight heads found in burlap sacks) – Early in the morning on el jueves, on a second order road in Naranjal, Guayas, 8 human heads were found inside 2 jute sacks. A police spokesman said that next to the remains a flyer was found saying “prohibido robar” (no stealing allowed – your words for the day) <Maybe you can haul those out when you feel cheated by a merchant or service provider and hope it doesn’t get you into an argument in a language you’re not capable of having a fight in.>

Preliminary investigations indicate that the killings did not happen where the heads were found, but in Manabí. However, the motive for the crime is still unknown. The heads were found separated from the bodies.

(De El Mercurio del domingo, 15/2) The basis for Sunday’s political cartoon is the recent news that Pres. Noboa wants to move the seat of government from Quito to Guayaquil. It’s titled Nueva sede (New seat) and shows Nobito saying “We are going to establish the government’s base in Guayaquil.” An off frame question asks “Why?” and Noboa’s answer is “Because we can’t make it in Miami,” which is a dig at the amount of time he spends there.