November 26, 2016

Yesterday was another bus trip to El Centro. We were in search of one of the two Panama Hat Companies in Cuenca. We got off the bus a few stops past our stop and had to walk back a few blocks but along the way we stopped into this little bar 'Antares Brewery and Restaurant - serving up "the best German craft beer"! 



So we each had a beer -  I am not a beer lover (especially dark beer) so I just had a little one.











And we took this opportunity to take our first "selfie", thanks to Dona and Larry - they lent us a spare phone while we are here in Cuenca. 







Next stop along our walk - Barrancos Panama Hats. 
It's kinda funny to think that the original Panama hat is actually made in Cuenca, Ecuador. 

This company has been making hats here in Cuenca for the past 68 years. 

The factory has become a popular place to visit because the museum offers daily tours to the public on the past and current ways of producing different kinds of panama hats.  We didn't get a tour, but we enjoyed ourselves trying on hats. We were amazed at the wide selection of styles and colors of Panama Hats. 












A lot of work goes into the making of a Panama Hat and hat grades (1 to 25) differ by price because it depends on the time it takes to finish one. And for a fine hat you can pay up to $250.00. 







Most of the ones you see in the stores are lower grades (2-3) and will sell for around $30 - $60.00.










The best place to buy a Panama Hat is from one of the factories. There you will see and feel the differences in quality.


Another fun day - walked back from El Centro, stopped again at Fiera Libre - there is always something to see there!