I have a new hat

Panama hats are historically made in the greater Cuenca, Ecuador area. As they were worn by workers for the Panama Canal, the name was forever stuck. I had always loved them and used to buy one after another from REI until they stopped carrying them. I was very happy to be able to acquire a new hat so close to the source. [Hat was actually bought in Chordeleg, a town about 40 kms east of Cuenca.]

Sun-Ling's new Panama Hat as seen at the Mirador Turi above Cuenca.


Sun-Ling checks out a hat at the Hat Workshop and Museum in Cuenca.


More photos of Cuenca and surrounds.

20th century modern Art Deco architecture in Cuenca with parade in foreground.


Same parade looking down Calle Simon Bolivar to Igelsias San Blas.


Another Art Deco (or Tropical Deco) building in Cuenca.


The iconic tile domes of the Catedral Nueva in Cuenca.


Colonial building with bus - Cuenca.


A building in Sigsig - about 60 kms east of Cuenca.



Main Parque in Sigsig with contemporary statues.


Mercado - Chordeleg, Ecuador - about 30 kms east of Cuenca. Sun-Ling bought her new Panama Hat in Chordeleg at a shop on the main square.


Animal Market - Gualaceo, Ecuador - about 35 kms east of Cuenca.