¡CUY!

I did it. I can now call myself a true Ecuadorian.

Just imagine a cute cuddly furry little hamster look alike named…..Stuart. No, better yet, Ralph. Sometimes things happen to our pets. Like…you have to replace Ralph because he got sucked up by a vacuum, or he just somehow got lost in the house, never to return.

Or….someone in Ecuador ATE HIM. That someone being…me.

Did you know that guinea pig “cuy” is a delicacy here? It took me three weeks, and I’ve known this whole time that before I went home, I absolutely needed to try the finest of Ecuador. Do as the Cuencanos do right?

So, I ventured into a restaurant whose name I cannot remember, with a bunch of new Americans who just arrived this past weekend. We met at the Escalinata, and walked through lovely downtown Cuenca, past the cathedral, through Parque Calderon, and into a fancy shmancy restaurant that was way more expensive than any other.

After ordering drinks, they took us to the back where the guinea pigs were being roasted on sticks. Straight through the mouth out the back part. Take a looksy. 

Yes! We are about to sink our teeth into some fiery roasted bbqd pet. Sorry Ralphie. 

Can you see his little claw here? He is being served (for a high price I might add) with some "mote" and a potato like substance. That's the yellow clump of something you see there. 

As for his taste....I was expecting chicken, but he had a very distinct flavor that I wouldn't call one of my favorites. His skin, however, was very tasty - better than the rest of him. 

I didn't eat very much....but still.....

Traveling. Experiencing. Tasting. Unforgettable!