Panama Hats

"As he traveled to 30 or so countries in his 20s, he wore a Panama hat. It was then that he started his collection." This quote from the NYTimes article that I posted yesterday about Dr. Seuss's hat collection is the reference to Ecuador. The term "Panama Hat" is a misnomer. The hats originated in Ecuador and for a long time were a huge part of the economy here. Today I spent the afternoon with my friend, Lindsey, and the first place we went was to a Panama Hat museum and shop.

We tried on so many hats.

So. Many. It was so much fun.

The big green machines are steamers used to reshape the hats if they've been bent. The people working are making hats.

So friggin pretty.

I got this one.
Vance, I can practically hear you say, "No. No you didn't." I did and I will wear it. All the time.

There was also a beautiful view of Cuenca from a balcony in the back of the shop.

We then went to a building that housed many artisans and perused, before going for icecream. 

We split a giant sundae. It was delicious.

Here you always have to ask for the check. They will not just bring it to you. And it is exceptionally challenging to get a waiter's attention. Lindsey was trying.