It's not a party until the smoke alarm goes off . . .

. . . even if it's at lunch time.

A smoldering monigote (effigy) at the end of the new years celebration at the Escuela Simón Bolívar.

With the streets of Cuenca barely cleared of the detritus of El Pase del Niño and attendant Christmas celebrations, masks, effigies, and fireworks galore started appearing at street corners and stores across the city.  Last night, people were burning effigies on the streets -- very exciting for the kids!

An early new year's party yesterday was the perfect way to wrap up three weeks of Spanish school. Neil was a good sport about learning, at the last moment, that he had been appointed la viuda (widow). La viuda cries, dances, begs for money, and generally carrries on during the fiesta.  It is best if the viuda is a tall, handsome man (naturally Neil was selected), and funniest if he dresses sexy (Neil had more of the crazy housewife look).

The rest of the party-goers wear masks, wigs, and costumes.

Which one is Oscar, which one is Ruby?

We drank canelazo (a hot drink made with cinnamon and aguardiente), played traditional games like limbo and clay pot piñata, and ate small chancho sandwiches.  Oscar's teacher, Paty, performed a karoake song.  Ruby and I played violin.

La viuda's fencing prowess helped!

Then, there was a presentation of the manigotes, two teachers from the school -- one is moving to the U.S., and the other had a lot going this year.

"Honoring" them this way allowed us to wish them luck, and gave them a way to reflect on their lives and find ways to change.  One teacher read funny poems about them.

Then, the big attraction, -- FIRE!!  It's good luck to jump over a burning manigote.

Oscar in action (yes, that's my scream)

Given that the manigote inferno was happening inside a covered courtyard, it was only a matter of time before the smoke alarm went off, we were getting asphyxiated, and it was time to bid farewell to our wonderful teachers in Cuenca.  ¡Grácias por todo lo que nos han enseñado!

Neil, R & O's teachers -- Katy, Alejandra, and Patricia

Marta (Yo's teacher), Fausto and Sondra