FrEdLey

Home on Whidbey is a family blog revolving around Fran, Ed, Brad, Yessi, plus puppy Benton, and our family, travels, friends, neighbors and community. Thanks for reading.

Thursday

Quito Basilica

It is so tempting to take photographs of all the churches, cathedrals and basilicas from every angle, inside, outside, day and night.  They are so very, very impressive, even for non Catholics, or even for  completely non religious persons.  One cannot ignore the beauty, effort, time and energy that has gone into religion -- all religions -- but perhaps Catholics especially. Their places of worship are awe inspiring in their architecture and splendor.  I recently read a book where the main character had spent a great deal of time studying religions and finally concluded she'd settle on being either a Catholic or an atheist.  As strange as it sounds, I get it.

After visiting Quito Basilica, Ed and I were left wondering about the differences between cathedrals, basilicas and churches, so asked a good friend, schooled from k through college in Catholic schools, to help us out. His definitions were helpful:

Cathedral - church where the bishop's throne (called cathedra) is located, usually the main church of the diocese.  May or may not be a basilica.

Basilica - an "important church" designated by a pope for some special spiritual, historical, or architectural significance.  Once a basilica, always a basilica.

Shrines - anything that attracts pilgrims and holds special significance.  May or may not be a church, cathedral, or basilica.

These photos are just a few of the many we took.  I hope they capture some of the splendor we felt both inside and outside this magnificent building.    If ever you get to Quito, Ecuador, don't miss the Quito Basilica.  

















The Kids of Ecuador

As with kids most everywhere, the kids in Ecuador were too cute for words.  










The Panama Hat

When is the Panama Hat not the Panama Hat?

When in Ecuador!

The "Panama Hat" made in Ecuador was worn by Ecuadorian workers when building the Panama Canal.  They were dubbed the Panama Hat, but were from Ecuador and are still made in Ecuador.  We visited a hat factory in Cuenca and saw the palm reeds used to weave the hat to the final product.  The finer the palm reeds used for weaving, the more expensive and exquisite the hat.
Palm Reeds

Hat Mold

First step to Shaping the Hat

Second Step to Shaping the Hat

Hat Forms

Further Shaping of the Hat, including Heat.

Fran & Ed Modeling Hats

The Hat Showroom





Joyful Celebrations!

Everyone loves a parade and we're no exception.  What a treat to just happen across this wonderfully colorful celebration in Cuenca, Ecuador.  The dancing, singing, music and gaiety had everyone's feet tapping, participants and spectators alike.