(Warning: Picture overload again. I got a little giddy about sharing another post about our new home in South America because I want you to see all that we are learning about.)
The house hunt is over! We have been so impatient in finding time to explore Ecuador, but had to focus on finding a home. But in the few short weeks we have lived here, I have discovered a lot I like. Today in 5 things I love about Cuenca, Ecuador, I wanted to share a few of them.
1) Schedule Luv. Once you leave the schedule treadmill of the United States, you see that a lot of countries have more laid back schedules.
Oh sure, we heard about the manana attitude here and for the most part we have adopted it too.
Do you remember the time when stores actually closed on Sunday and spent time with their families? It’s that way here. The only place I know in the states that closes on Sundays still is Chick-Fil-A.
A few stores are open and the “gringo mall”, Mall Del Rio, is open too. But the few stores that are open, close early too on Sunday.
The first Sunday or two caught us off guard, but after that we now know to have a quiet meal at the room or grab something earlier in the day for later.
We were wondering too why we see more of these play horses on Sunday. Ecuadorians spend their time with their families and they bring their kids to the park to ride these “rides” and spend time in the park.
2) Food Luv. The food is amazing here and especially lunch. Lunch is normally a drink, soup, main entrée and dessert. It can cost anywhere from 1.50 to 5.75.
Now I warn you that some of the $1.50 places we have seen, I would rather skip their entrees as I don’t eat intestines (sorry, but I just had to tell you).
The first week or so we ate the traditional grilled chicken and rice, but then after that we have investigated the other food here.
Oh yes, I have found one of my favorites, which is Mexican food too.
(charming restaurant for Mexican food where you have to walk through a patio
El Pedregal Azteca Restaurant)
Since there aren’t any preservatives here, all the food is delicious. It truly makes a difference in how it tastes.
At one of our favorite restaurants I mentioned in my last post, Don Colon, is owned by a man and wife that spend part of their time in the states and part of their time in Ecuador.
The owner and chef makes all of his juices with bottled water. So we have been enjoying all the variety of delicious home made fruit juices which is what they have for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
(Mr. Awesome having no problem adopting the local pineapple juice.)
3) Shopping Luv. I love having choices when it comes to shopping. If I want convenience, there is a chain (actually I heard it’s from the United States) called SuperMaxi.
Then of course, if you want really good prices, then shopping off the street from the different vendors is the way to go.
Quail eggs for breakfast anybody?
(Modern meets Old World)
(or you can buy from one of these nice ladies)
4) History Luv. Of course you know my love for history and geography and there are so many exploring ventures that we want to take that I feel like an out of control child here.
Everywhere I turn, there is something else we want to do. We have started with learning about the town first.
(Bus tour)
(Beautiful rivers through town and the architect is stunning to look at each day.)
(Of course, we never get tired of people watching. The skirts of the women are suppose to tell what region they are from. We are still trying to figure that one out.)
Of course when the kids find something they recognize, they want me to take a picture of it for you. I guess BigMac is universal in any language.
I spotted Payless shoes the other day when I went down the wrong road.
5) Field Trip Luv. We have been catching up on and making up with lots of field trips. Today, we spent time at the hat museum.
Did you know that the Panama hats do not originate from Panama, but from Ecuador? It’s just that Panama figured out first how to export them. And Ecuadorians are proud of their hats and hat history!!
Here at the equator, a good hat is a must because the top of your head becomes sunburned before you realize it.
I am hoping to have pictures soon of the house we will be renting while we are here and then we will be taking some more trips outside of the city too.
Hugs and love ya,
Roxana de Perez says
Tina,
Thank you for your useful information. We ( my husband and I) are thinking to check Cuenca as our first option for retirement.
Love your pictures and your inputs…
Roxana
Tina Robertson says
We love it here Roxana.
We appreciate the infrastructure here because not all cities have all the thing Cuenca does and it makes it enjoyable to find those amenities here when you leave the states.
Thank for being here..
Sade Stanberry- Lawrence says
My husband and I are considering spending several months in Cuenca while we explore south and Central America. Your blog has been very helpful, thank you! Love all of the photos and detailed posts!
Sade S Lawrence
Tina Robertson says
So welcome Sade. We just LOVE it here!!
Sade S Lawrence says
I can see the love and excitement for Cuenca in you alls photos. Quick question:My husband and I are thinking about bringing our small dog with us as well. Would you recommend Cuenca as a safe, dog friendly place?
Tina Robertson says
Absolutely Sade.
Many dog lovers here!!