Cuenca Factoids

I thought I´d share information outside of my personal experience, enclosed is a few interesting facts about Cuenca that I have acquired since my arrival.
-Cuenca was virtually cut off from the rest of Ecuador geographically until 1950´s at which point roads were constructed, however ,to this day there are fewer than ten roads that stem from Cuenca that are paved.
-Cuenca´s primary industry is the weaving of Panama hats, like the women from Principal whose community´s livlihood is based in this practice...such hats are worngfully referred to as Panama hats because it from Panama where the original intermediary, corrupt middle men originated and historically took all profits from Ecuadaorian making and manufacturing these hats
-Cuenca was founded long before the arrival of the Spanish and long before the Incas although there is plenty Incan historical architectural influence, Cuenca was actually founded by the Cañari people, a group of indigenous individuals who originally named Cuenca, Guadpondeleg.
-Most business establishments close between the hours of 1:00-3:00 to observe the lunch period and take a "siesta". This meal is the largest of the day and is typically shared with not only one´s nuclear family but also members of the extended are invited to join in the daily feasting
-Most business establishments are closed on Sundays as well, as Ecuador like the rest of Latin America is fervently Catholic and Sundays are spent resting and observing and attending at times multiple church services
-My host parents like many others have a small shrine to the Virgin Mary in their bedroom, equppied with candles, several portraits of her, two Bibles, and incense. They pray before her each after dinner.
-Cuenca is the third largest city in Ecuador with 350,000 inhabitants, Guayaquil is the largest city and Quito, the capital is the second largest.