The rodeo and Paso Fino horse show in Vilcabamba, Ecuador

 

The rodeo was part of the carnival. It took place in this shaky structure where you pray that it is not going to collapse under you. But so far so good, everything resisted the weight of the people.

This guy did not even make it past the gate!

Or this one.

 This one did, not for long.

The atmosphere was happy and relaxed, with a lot of funny jokes from the clown. We missed a lot of them... language barrier still here.

 Preparing a bull inside the cage.

This bull was hard to catch. They were finally able to tie it up to a tree after 15 minutes.

Now, the horse show: Paso Finos are lively amblers excellent for trail riding. This is why they are so popular here. The event was slow and quiet. Gorgeous too.

 This young horse won in his category.

This is a Paso Fino mule.

 Sun hats sold like hot cakes, it was a hot and sunny day.

 Saddles and stirrups are very fancy around here.

 All in all, this was an interesting and entertaining weekend.

 We see this rider in town a lot. He rides beautifully.

 

The 2013 carnival in Vilcabamba, Ecuador

Last year we missed the few days before the carnival and even some of the events of the carnival, like the horse show. Also, Angelina was part of the carnival with the Bailando exercize class she has been attending.

The equipment is antiquated but they work on it all the time, doing all the repairs on the spot.

This small train is called Gusanito. It cruises around town at night.

We enjoyed riding it and the kids went back several times without us.

 

 Many vendors showed up for the four days of the carnival.

 Louis and Angelina loved the trampoline that was set up in the street.

This is just before the beginning of the carnival. Angelina is in the forefront.

 She was not too happy because she got sprayed with foam in her eyes during the parade.

 They showed the traditional way of processing coffee.

 This is the school "13 de Abril", where Louis and Angelina go. The school won the second prize, with $600!

 The elders of Vilcabamba had their own parade and dance.

This is the star elder of Vilcabamba, Agustin Jaramillo, 100 years old, riding in Gusanito.

 They were all doing their best in order to win the prizes.

 This is Bailando, Angelina was holding the banner.