Baby Llama at the Inca Ruins
Llamas and Inca Ruins
A baby llama (a cria) running around Inca ruins adds lively entertainment to a leisurely stroll through history.
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| Cria at the Inca Ruins |
The terraces in Cuenca’s Pumapungo Inca ruins (which I wrote about here) are filled in with grass. Llamas tethered to the ground are moved around the grounds to keep the grass short. Like most baby animals, crias stay close to their mother so they are not tethered. They are able to run and bounce around, learning about the world around them and making friends. On this day, llamas mowed the grass on a large terrace above the gardens.
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| Llama lawn mowers among the Inca Ruins |
Seeing Red
At first, we did not notice the baby llama but she was watching everyone. Some people garnered more of her attention than others. People walked around wearing purple, blue, and white. Cria* paid no attention. Until she saw a man in red.
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| Cria sees Jorge |
Jorge Wants a Nap
Jorge, in his amazing bright red outfit, laid down for a nap. Cria saw in him a new friend! She approached slowly. Jorge sensed something and looked up.
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| Cria hopes Jorge will be her new friend |
For a bit, Jorge lay watching Cria inch closer, then he jumped up. A startled Cria spun to race back to her mom as Jorge departed for a new relaxation location.
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| Jorge and Cria part, not on amicable terms |
Scott Wearing Grey and Blue
After a few minutes of motherly reassurance, Cria returned to Jorge’s spot. Scott approached, seeing if she might be interested in his friendship. Her interest was not piqued. Scott was not wearing red.
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| Cria is not interested in Scott’s grey and blue clothing |
Break Time
Exhausted from bounding about, she settled in for a break near her mom.
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| Cria taking a break |
Cria Follows David
A few minutes into the break, she leaped up and looked over yonder where she spotted David, wearing red! Prancing to the terrace corner, she watched closely while David wandered around the garden, then climbed the terraces until he was one below hers.
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| Cria watches David |
As David walked the lower terrace, Cria followed on the upper one.
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| Cria following David |
She wanted to be David’s new friend but the direct approach had not worked so well with Jorge. Maybe she could win David over by showing her playful side. It was time to climb around on one of her llama friends.
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| David photographing Cria playing on an adult |
Alas, David departed after taking a photograph, leaving Cria to search for a new red-clad human.
Next time, I will wear red. Perhaps you should, too.
* Each name in this post except Scott (my husband) is a product of my imagination.
Why do you think young llamas like red?
Click here to read more about Cuenca, Ecuador.
Emily Bloomquist
I am a US Expat in Ecuador. I grew up on a Minnesota farm, worked in IT in California's Silicon Valley, then moved to a coastal Ecuador fishing village. My goal is to share Ecuador with you, one snippet at a time. Topics include attractions, compassion, ecotourism, Ecuador products, everyday Ecuador, and flora and fauna. Please let me know what you would like to read more about!
5 Comments
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Hi Emily – gosh how interesting … like red rag to a bull – is that true?! Fascinating – yes do wear red next time and let's see what happens … lovely place though – cheers Hilary
Emily Bloomquist
I thought the same, Hilary, that it was like with the bull. After watching Cria, I believe it is. Once I return with red on, I will be sure to post an update. Thanks so much for visiting and commenting!
Arti Jain
So, so beautifully told–this love story.
Thank you Emily for this narrative. I'm reading your post just before going to bed and I reckon I'm gonna dream about our playful cria:)
And such a clever way to employ nature's lawn mowers–no noise, no racket and they get fed in the bargain.
I also wanted to thank you for nominating me for the Liebster award. I feel honoured dear fellow blogger.
I tried looking for you mail id to write to you but can't find it on your blog. Am I missing something? Could you please send me your mail id.
Cheers and enjoy a beautiful Sunday.
Emily Bloomquist
Thank you so much for your kind words, Arti! You are missing nothing, I had no way for people to contact me outside of comments. It is something I overlooked. I added a Contact Emily page link under my photo on the right sidebar. Thank you for alerting me that there was no way to contact me. It is a beautiful day here; I hope it is there, too!
Emily Bloomquist
Here is a link Contact Emily
Hope you are having sweet dreams of cria as I write this 🙂