Morning Update – Friday, February 24, 2012

Today’s Photo: Quito Lights by El Freddy

Ecuador Photos – Robert posts a couple of photos from Pintag, a small town near Quito. He wishes he would have taken more pictures that day because the surrounding scenery was so beautiful.

Exodus and Ecuador – Pat and Sue have started to rent out their El Centro condo located just one block from Parque Calderon. Pat has created a website with all the details and, for now, it is available to rent starting April 5th.

Life in Quito – Liliya loves the monk bread from Cyrano, a bakery/cafe/ice cream chain in Quito. She was jotting down prices to share with her readers when the manager asked her to stop. What’s bread without butter?

Looking for the Simple Life – The family discovered a little sandwich place close to their new apartment. Nick really loves the Bratwurst from Top Sandwich Market. Now if they could only find a bakery close by.

Nancy and Chuck – The Watsons are back in Cuenca for only a week before they leave again on another trip to Spain. Nancy scored mucho bargains power shopping the thrift stores with her sisters-in-law.

Pro-Ecuador Blog – Gary and Linda have become padrinos (godparents) to Yauri, a six year old Ecuadorian boy. They traveled to Otavalo to purchase new clothes for his christening. Just so happens they were there during Carnaval.

The Ecuador Chronicles – Shelly really liked the idea of pebble flooring for her new zen like shower. Unable to find anything like it in Ecuador (short of gathering them from the raging river) she decided to bring the tiles with her in the suitcases.

Today’s Weather in Ecuador
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Morning Update – Thursday, February 23, 2012

Ahhh Cuenca!! – Dan is fascinated with the Spanish influence on the Ecuadorian architecture. He’s amazed at the efforts to build such grand churches; here’s a photo collection from those that he’s visited.

Construction Projects in Ecuador – Ray couldn’t find any sill plate anchors so he decided to create his own by welding rebar to the top of a bolt. He goes on a rant about how the Government figures out the inflation rate.

Ecuador Photos – Robert finishes up with the last of his photos from El Centro de Quito. The skies over Quito are overcast a lot of the time and he enjoys the chance to wear long-sleeved shirts and sweaters.

Gringos Abroad – I met Gary Sisk during my recent visit to Cuenca (turns out that we knew his sister when we lived in Ojai, small world.) He is the feature of Gringos’ most recent Ecuador Expat Profile.

Olon Again…Naturally – Leigh has one of those days “with a hole in it” where it would have been safer to have just stayed in bed. She got the bug that’s been going around, a bad spider bite and a tooth infection. Then to add to her misery Carnaval revelers inundated the coast.

The YES Effect – Star and her family have moved to the house in Challuabamba. There’s some debate about the temperature but now she has a yard to play in and new doggie friends. It’s been a struggle for Lizette because the container still has to clear customs.

Today’s Weather in Ecuador
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Morning Update – Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Clarke and Brennie…Next Stage – The Greens took a little holiday trip down to Loja and Vilcabamba. Clarke expounds on Vilca’s heady reputation. They explored Loja’s botanical gardens and wished that they could have spent more time in the City.

Ecuador Photos – Robert’s photos today feature El Panecillo, Quito’s most distinctive landmark. There’s an observation deck at the base of the statue of the Virgin of Quito.

Gringos Abroad – Bryan is often asked by prospective Xpadorians if it is necessary to learn Spanish before the big move. (No, but your life down in Ecuador will be easier if you do.) He gives us a list of books and courses that they used.

Life in Quito – Most condos in Ecuador have a guardian/concierge paid by the owners’ association fees; there is no property management company taking care of the place.

Rich and Nancy – The couple got firsthand experience with Ecuador’s Carnaval traditions their first year in Cuenca. This year they were able to view the messy parade protected behind a picture window.

The Ecuador Chronicles – Shelly is apprehensive about announcing that they are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel on their renovation of an old colonial. She questions their sanity for even starting the project, but she “wouldn’t trade the experience for anything.”

Today’s Weather in Ecuador
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Home safe but feeling too sick to blog

My return trip home had nearly done me in. I was scheduled on the redeye out of Guayaquil on Saturday night. Little did I know when I was planning my itinerary that traveling on a weekend meant that there would be a limited number of flights leaving Cuenca. I awoke that morning feeling kinda out of it. I was really hoping that a “good breakfast” from California Kitchen would help but I couldn’t finish it. Fortunately, I was able to take a nap before it was time to leave for the airport.

Can I come out and play now?

The Watsons dropped me off about an hour before my 2:45 p.m. flight. Tame charged an extra $24 for being overweight (not me, it was all the luggage; they even weigh your carryons and use the combined weight to figure out what to charge you.) The flight was uneventful, but by the time I reached Guayaquil I knew I needed to find some Pepto. Lucky for me there was a Fybeca in the airport.

You’ve got to hand it to the Ecuadorians they tackle a problem head on. (Unlike in the States where you go to the drugstore to find some over-the-counter medication to relieve whatever symptoms you are experiencing.) With a little help from another customer the pharmacist gave me two different pills to take. Did she think that I must have parasites? Unfortunately, at that point, what I really needed was some immediate relief. All I could do was stake out the nearest baño until I arrived in Miami the next morning. By the time Steve picked me up at the San Francisco airport some twenty hours later I was toast. And we still had a three hour drive home.

I slept for nearly eleven hours and when I awoke my ears were ringing so loudly I couldn’t hear myself think. My equilibrium was off like I was stuck on a platform out on the water. Steve was anxious to hear about my experiences but he would have to wait until I felt better. All the stories about my visit to Ecuador were stuck in my head.

About now I was wishing that I had brought the Mate de Coca tea I had been drinking with me (I was too nervous to try and sneak it past customs.) I struggled a little with high altitude sickness when I first arrived in Cuenca so we purchased the brew at a health food store. Listed among its many benefits: increased energy, headache relief and, mmm… digestive aid. And my little buddy Nancy, who had not been feeling well, discovered a new cure for her blahs.

It’s taken awhile for me to finally feel like myself again. I’m ready to start blogging about my adventures… (to be continued)

p.s. Lesson learned: for those of you flying out from the left coast, jet lag is inevitable, but it’s best to avoid combing it with a redeye flight and long layover in the wee hours.

Morning Update – Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Cuenca Chronicles – Sharon enjoyed seeing her family and friends back home in the States. All the questions about what it is like down in Ecuador made her realize how much moving to Cuenca has enriched their lives.

Ecuador Photos – Robert photographs more Quito street scenes down Avenida José de Sucre and Calle Guayaquil looking south towards El Panecillo.

Life in Quito – Liliya tells us about a little tea shop she likes. Le The sells a variety of blends from around the globe.

Looking for the Simple Life – Susan was surprised by how much stuff they had accumulated when they made the move to the new apartment. Nick had some troubles negotiating the new bus route to his Spanish class.

Satori Roaming – Linda videos a sleepy Cuenca waking up in the early morning before Carnival when a pair of green visitors land on the terrace. (p.s. I was told that the “stupid car alarm” was the national anthem of Ecuador.)

Today’s Weather in Ecuador
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Morning Update – Monday, February 20, 2012

Ecuador Photos – Today’s photos are from the Calle de Siete Cruces, or Street of Seven Crosses. Gabriel Garcia Moreno forms the western border of La Plaza de Independencia.

Grimms’ Travel Tales – The last step to getting the Ecuador Driver’s License is to pass the test (sample questions and answers are available online.) Then, take all the necessary documents to the Agencia Nacional de Transito; they will take your photo and issue your new Driver’s License.

Gringos Abroad – Emily Kalnicky knew that there was more she could do after she completed her community education internship in Ecuador. She’s set a goal to raise $30K in thirty days to complete the construction of a community center. 

Rich and Nancy – We get an update on the ongoing construction of the bypass at the old redondel near the now closed Supermaxi. Inquiring readers want to know, what’s the weather like in Cuenca?

Today’s Weather in Ecuador
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Morning Update – Sunday, February 19, 2012

Ecuador Photos – Robert captures photos from all around the Plaza de Independencia. Overlooking the Plaza is Carondelet, Ecuador’s presidential estate, and the Catedral Metropolitano.

Olon Again…Naturally – Leigh tells us that the Oloncito Supermarket has moved to a bigger space (with real carts, can you imagine.) She describes the rest of their little home town; more and more restaurants are moving into the place.

Retiring in Ecuador – As David explains this is Carnaval weekend in Ecuador. It’s all in good fun, but if you’re out and about, expect to get wet because they like to spray foam, throw water and colored flour or corn starch.

Today’s Weather in Ecuador
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Morning Update – Saturday, February 18, 2012

Ecuador 4u – Filipe wraps up his Cotacachi cost-of-living series. Transportation costs have remained stable over the last two years. Miscellaneous expenditures will vary according to lifestyle, about a third of what it costs in the States.

Ecuador Photos – Robert continues his photographic tour of Quito’s historic center. He’s taken pictures of the buildings between La Basílica and Plaza de Independencia.

Gringos Abroad – It’s hard to believe but some expats think that they can move to a foreign country and not learn the language. Doug gives us some valid reasons why learning to speak Spanish before moving to Ecuador is a good idea.

Life in Quito – Liliya points out the differences in owning a condo in Quito and the USA. Property taxes and association fees are much lower in Ecuador.

Today’s Weather in Ecuador
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Morning Update – Friday, February 17, 2012

Construction Projects in Ecuador – Ray has started a ten week countdown for Barb to move toLa Paz. Construction progress has been hampered by the excessive rain, but now Ray has a new thermometer that will help him predict the weather.

Ecuador Photos – Here’s some photos of the big blue building near La Basílica located in Quito’s historic center.

Exodus and Ecuador – Sue has more photos from their excursion to Dos Chorreras. They explored the old mining site and hiked around the property.

Life in Quito – Liliya assesses the prices of condos in different neighborhoods of Quito. She warns her readers not to consider a first floor apartment, too cold.

Nancy and Chuck – The Watsons spent a busy week visiting with family up in Richland. Nancy tells us her clothes packing strategy for their next trip to Spain; first, she plans to power shop her way through the thrift stores in Seattle.

Rich and Nancy #1 – Ladies, just in case you think that shoes might be impossible to find, think again. Plenty to choose from, but large sizes are hard to find and imported brands will cost double.

Rich and Nancy #2 – More photos to share from this week’s walkaround and some mouth watering selections from Valentine’s Day dinner and dessert. The commercial aspects of the holiday are fairly new to Cuenca.

Today’s Weather in Ecuador
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Morning Update – Thursday, February 16, 2012

Ahhh Cuenca!! – Dano celebrates his one year anniversary of moving to Cuenca. He made up a list of all that he has accomplished, places he’s been and things he’s seen and experienced.

Ecuador Photos – Robert posts some huge photos of La Basílica, one of the churches in Quito’s historic center, taken during the day.

Exodus and Ecuador – The Woods catch the van to Dos Chorreras with Carol and George Evans. They sprang for the whole package which includes a transfer to/from the hotel, welcome drink, lunch, and tour of Poblado Guavidula, the indigenous village located nearby. 

Grimms’ Travel Tales – Patty provides a link to an online version of the Cuenca Street Map.

Gringos Abroad – Dena takes us behind the scenes during the filming of HGTV’s House Hunters International. The family moved to Cuenca two years ago so the episode is a reenactment of their search for a place to live.

Pro-Ecuador Blog – Gary tells us about some changes in Ecuador. An increase in labor costs and new taxes will raise the price in new developments. In addition, developers will have to submit a Horizontal Property Plan and Environmental Impact Statement. One the home front, Gary and Linda will be moving to a new place three blocks away.

Rich and Nancy – We are treated to another poem written by their friend Magdalena.

Today’s Weather in Ecuador
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