We have now been in Cuenca one week! 

It seems much longer to both Mark and I.  It is hard to believe that we landed in Quito 9 days ago.  We have learned a lot about Ecuador, and especially Cuenca in this short time.   We moved in to our apartment yesterday and are very happy with our choice.  It over looks a small park and we have plenty of space to stretch out.  Next post we will get some photos up of the apartment.  We need to get a few more items put away, so that we can continue the illusion that Mark and I are “neat” people.

Cuenca is a beautiful city.

Looking for an apartment has given us an opportunity see almost every corner of the city.  We walked through parks and plazas, seen many, many churches and markets, coveted the bicycles ridden by a few brave souls who seem to be fearless in the same lanes as the cars.  The cobblestone streets and steps weave through neighborhoods that all have different flavors.  There are the upscale “Gringo Towers” on the western edge of town, the small poorly built single family homes on the east of town, and the older apartments above retail space in “El Centro”.  We selected a nice apartment in “El Centro” not far from San Blas and the Tomebamba River.  The river is edged with green space and parks on both sides and Mark has fallen in love with his early morning runs along a crushed gravel path up and down the river. 

Safety in Ecuador.

Many Gringos (as Europeans, Canadians and folks from the United States are called) feel unsafe in Ecuador.  Like most cities, one needs to be careful and watch bags, cameras, etc.  We have never felt unsafe and are comfortable walking around the city at all times of the day or evening. 

Ok, that’s not entirely true. 

I feel very unsafe as I approach moving cars, buses or trucks.  People do not have the right-of-way in this country.  If the light is green, you watch for traffic, if the light is red you move away from the street.  Only if the street is clear of traffic do you cross!  No day dreaming or reading books while walking in Ecuador!

The food is amazing!

Most days we eat our main meal out.  We have the “Almuerzo” which means lunch in Spanish.  Today we had soup made of broth, vegetables and a little chicken, rice, a nice chicken breast, a glass of juice and a small salad with delicious avocados all for $1.50.  Each little “Almuerzo” has different specialties.  One can go to a Colombian restaurant, an Argentinean place or Ecuadorian.  We have not had a bad meal yet. 





The people (Gringos and Ecuadorians alike) are a happy lot.

Often when I am conversing in my limited Spanish, the Ecuadorians are laughing and smiling.  I doubt that I am that humorous in Spanish, but perhaps I am.  They seem genuinely happy to help and speak with me, even though I often say “otra vez”  (again).   Today we were shopping for items for our new apartment. I was probably pretty funny describing items like a soap filled scrubber to wash dishes.  Or asking about a floor lamp or describing the type of small table Mark wanted for a desk.  We were mostly successful and are settling nicely. 

We have made some Gringo friends and are hoping to spend time with some Ecuadorians in the near future.   Next week we start taking Spanish lessons and Mark is already working at an orphanage.  No surprise, we are easily filling our days.

Photos of the apartment to come.