My first 'Fiestas of Cuenca' was a pretty wild old time. Huge street parties, live music, dancing and enough free Zhumir to leave you feeling a little worse for wear the day after. Not sure if it was the weather - it pissed down for four days - or if I'm getting too old but the most exciting thing to happen this year was the Burro race. Okay its official I probably am getting passed it but the race had to be seen to be believed.

I don't think I have laughed so much in a long time but it was certainly taken very seriously by all the competitors. There was a parade beforehand; police escort; a support team for each of the burros; flags and banners telling you about each of them and huge crowds of supporters. I bet if I had looked more closely there was probably someone running a book as well! Each of the burros had a tale to tell with one of them called a delinquent, another a 'robber of hearts', another a flirt, etc.

Once the race got underway the crowd cheered them on. They had to cover a huge distance which must have been difficult for the riders and the back-up team. They either pulled the burro from the front or whacked it on the back for any who might have been a litte reluctant to give it their all - can't imagine why! It was definitely though a strain for the poor old rider because they had to ride it backwards - a definite strain for one of the riders who looked about 90!

A good time was had by all!