Trip to Azogules and Biblian

One of the couples in the Bible Study group took us to Azogules and Biblian one day recently.  We visited two old Catherdrals, both of which were high up in elevation.  Our dog, Stover was invited and then even allowed him inside the last Cathedral we visisted in Biblian.  There's a picture below of him at the altar repenting for his barking heard everywhere due to the acoustics!

We finished off our trip with a delicious lunch at Uzshupud.  Now there's a place you want to not only have lunch, but consider a night or two stay in their resort.  It's just lovely!  And we had a wonderful time!

A most enjoyable day trip !

Gringos

Gringos

We are Gringos!  No, that is not an insult. It may be in Mexico, but in Ecuador gringos are simply foreigners who are not Latin. Gringos include Americans, Canadians, Australians, and Europeans.

We are bigger, light skinned, and richer. It is fun being a “big Kid” at 5’-9”. Even Sue is mas alto than many, especially the native, Quichua, who are under five feet. Children enjoy looking at us and interacting. It’s fun to carry some candy for surprises. (I make eye contact with parents first for approval).

 Under the subtle class structure, we are immediately near the top. Curiously, we are unaware at first, because we tend to treat everyone equally. Men are most respected in the male dominated culture (see “Culture”).

You will soon discover “gringo pricing” especially with taxis, and small merchants. After a while I learned to give taxi drivers exact fare rather than ask. Short trips, under 6-7 minutes, are $1.50. Fares increase with traffic jams, sometimes in rain, and Sundays. Always start with buenas dias and depart with muchas gracias. Many drivers do not know how to read a map.

Please do not come to Ecuador expecting the create a American enclave. That created problems with locals in Panama and Costa Rica. If you move here, plan on learning some Spanish and adapting to the culture. Slow down, respect their relational priorities, remain flexible. Ecuadorans respond much better if you demonstrate a sincere desire to share their culture and language. Treat them as the equals they are.

Gringos initially tend to overpay for services. This disturbs the local pricing mechanism and creates unrealistic expectations. Many gringos moved here on a shoe string budget and do not want artificial inflation!  Besides, who wants to be viewed a rich and stupid?

My most memorable example is the routine purchase of a queen size bed frame. I sold our simple frame in NC, since wood work is inexpensive here. My quest morphed into a gringo custom job, at six times my expected price. Cuancano beds are a scant few inches off the ground, so our need was exceptional. Maybe there is a secret union here, since our first 5 bids were for $350.  What?... for an unfinished 2X4 bed frame! Finally, we asked our decorator, who had worked in NY for many years, “just a simple frame for $100 or less”. We settled for $140, over a week’s local pay.

Upon arrival in Cuenca, visit the Gringo meeting places for English conversation and orientation.  In Centro, visit beautiful Calderon Park with the Nuevo Cathedral  (1870) and  Viejo Cathedral (1600's). Usually gringos are present here or in the adjacent RambiPamba restaurante.  Centro historic district restaurants, California Kitchen and Aussie Kookaburra Café, are initial gringo favorites.  And try the symphony, usually on Thursday or Friday nights. Government sponsored, translation – free, which are faithfully communicated on “Gringo Tree” email.

Finally, “expat” does not mean I lost my patriotism, but “expatriate”- someone living outside their native land.
                                   Come join us in Cuenca,
                                                                                 Gary

The Gaithers - their first year in Cuenca!

Simply click on the video below and we'll take you through the highlights of our initial year here in Cuenca, Ecuador.  There are many memories, and also, there's a sense of awe to realize how much has truly been accomplished in this first year.

(Unfortunately, if you view it full screen it will be a little fuzzy though the original is clear)

But...hope you ENJOY!