Thriving in Ecuador
Visiting and Living in Ecuador
It's coming next week! Here 'tis...
We present a crisp, clear, informative, time-saving narrative guide to Cuenca and Ecuador.
What we urgently wished for during our initial visit and first few months in the "Land of Eternal Spring" is now yours for $2.99. Yep, three bucks on Amazon.
Over 40 short, fast moving, easy-to-read chapters, reducing a year's research to an organized and efficient planning tool.
We cover how, when, why, and where to come. Topics include culture, climate, entertainment, money saving and budget ideas. Shortcuts to travel, medical tourism, real estate, banking, health insurance, legal issues, safety and "gringo street-smart" are covered. We even embraced the "Disadvantages" and "Who Should Not Come."
May our ebook save you ciento horas - a hundred hours~
Until next week,
Joyfully,
Gary & Sue Gaither
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Cajas Beauty
Parque Nacional Cajas
Up we drove via rented car and driver to the beautiful lakes of Cucheros and Toreadora. A reduced entrance fee of two dollars and twelve dollars an hour for the chauffer gained us entry into this jewel of the southern Andes. Our sky alternated between ominous clouds and a nearly Carolina blue sky.
Both are beautiful high altitude lakes in the huge Cajas National Park. It is like Cuenca has Rocky Mountain National Park half an hour to the west. It has 240 lakes and lagoons, and many miles of trails, some of which require a guide. Be prepared, the altitude is 4000 meters or 12,000 feet. In minutes the weather can change from sunny and temperate to cold and windy with potential storms.
Cucheros is the first Cajas turn off only 30 minutes west of Cuenca. A gentle hour’s walk took us around the pristine lake, past the remaining buildings of a defunct German Brewery and over a covered bridge shading a rushing brook. Seven llamas and an equal number of alpacas placidly monitored our movements.
Another half hour west we found Toreadora Lake; it’s a bit higher and wilder. From the visitor center several trails offer a variety of views and terrain. We chose the 90 minute walk around the lake. Tiny alpine flowers were beginning to break out in yellows, reds, and violets. The results of spring rains remained everywhere, forcing detours into moist mossy meadows where the spongy turf met our feet like a relaxing sponge.
Ahh… we shall return.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
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!
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
Sunday, December 18, 2011
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!
(Unfortunately, if you view it full screen it will be a little fuzzy though the original is clear)
But...hope you ENJOY!
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Relationships
RELATIONSHIPS
Here, as everywhere, relationships are the focal point of life, the source of joy and fulfillment. They may also be a source of frustration. So let’s share some principles with an Ecuadorian twist.
Latinos are mostly Catholic, family oriented and warm. Sunday is definitely family day. And by family we include parents, children, cousins, nephews, nieces, grandfathers, grandmothers and sometimes, their friends. The day is usually dedicated to the familial group with lots of food, entertainment and children. If you are fortunate to be invited, expect it to be all day or much of it. You will be an honored guest. Frequently, this may involve a beautiful trip to the country to the family farm acquired by their abuelos (grandparents!). Ask questions about the family history, children and activities. Enjoy their home style meals!
Working relationships may be entirely different. Cuencanos have their own way of doing things and their own way of managing time, tools, and priorities. Families trump work commitments. Mother’s Day may involve taking several days off work unannounced. Work may be done without a great deal of planning. You know, of course, that everything changes, so flexibility is a way of life. (Something I must continually learn.)
Remember this motto: “Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be broken when bent.”While warm and friendly, Cuencanos dislike being told how to do their particular trade. Americanos feel we are paying for the work and have the right, even the responsibility, to direct it in a personal way. Be careful. Your suggestions may save time, but they want to save face.
Beware also that projects, materials, and timing may be subject to constant renegotiation. If you get a firm (turn-key) quote, some material costs may be added later. Gently restate your agreement. Get it in writing if significant sums are involved. Workers may arrive without the necessary materials. They may expect you to go get them or pay them additional monies. My problems in the US with contactors while remodeling a dozen homes were even more numerous, but different.
Always be cautious to avoid negative words and attitudes. They rarely have a positive result. And, it seems that everyone in Cuenca is related to everyone else. Reputations and honor are very important to all parties.Gringos that come to Ecuador are a bit adventurous, eccentric, and fiercely independent. Most of us are well-traveled, politically informed, and financially proactive. Some are financial refugees, politically dissatisfied, or estranged from family.
Gringos are highly motivated to establish a foreign “family” during their first year in Ecuador. Newcomers are open, available and friendly, anxious to gather information about their new country and culture. We love to “pay it forward” helping others as we have been helped in our transition.Finally, people are mirrors. We will have our attitudes and actions reflected back to us. And we will reap what we sow. Our transition is a wonderful season to improve our way of life with others and within ourselves!
Rejoice and enjoy, Gary
Monday, November 14, 2011
The Color Purple Event - Final Recap
The Color Purple Event - Final Recap
Right after the Color Purple Event, October 4, 2011, we were scheduled to go back to the USA for one month. During that time, I had the privilege of seeing my aging 89 year old mother who lives in Alabama and a busy time in North Carolina. So needless to say, there was no time to update
a final recap on the the Color Purple Event until now...
Below are pictures from the event that gives an idea of the day. However, I want to start with a wonderful story with one of the staff members of SOLCA, after we delivered the proceeds to them several days past the event.
An appointment was made for us to see the Director of SOLCA on the Wednesday, following the Color Purple Event. We enthusiatically carried with us, $1,360.00 as a gift to the pediatric's department of SOLCA for children with cancer. We received a receipt for the donation.
The ticket price was $10. The 125 lunches were paid for that day, and with only a small printing cost for tickets, programs, paper, etc. we were able to give the gift as mentioned above. We sold close to 200 tickets which again, afforded us the opportunity to have a greater gift to offer SOLCA. This is also because of the "no shows," and there were some who bought tickets as a donation to SOLCA without attending the event.
The Director of SOLCA, Dr. Raul Alvarado Corral, second from the left, shared with us that SOLCA depends on gifts and support of people so they can meet many of the needs children with cancer. The families are not able to pay for the costs of treatment and the child's stay at SOLCA. Also, some of the parents are not able to stay with the children due to travel costs of those not living here in Cuenca.
The lady on the far left shared with us (after we presented the check to the Director) that just that morning she had gone across the street to the Pharmacy to check on how much they owed on their bill for medicine. It was about $500.
She said the thought came to her mind she did not know how they were going to pay the bill and she said a prayer. Then she looked at me and said, "Now we can." And then, with tearful eyes, she looked up to convey a thank you to the One Who provided.
This was a special moment for us, especially when we were leaving, as we saw her walking across the street with money her hand - to pay the bill!
Everyone who worked with this event donated their time, talents and resources. We all bought our own tickets as well. The door prizes were given from the community as well as chocolates, flowers,and a special table arrangement. Interpreters from Abraham Lincoln School volunteered their time to support anyone who needed translation at their table.
A huge thank you to these and all who attended!
The Color Purple Event Decor - October 4, 2011
Angie Barnes, (co-chairman) and Sue Gaither
Tania Sarmiento, (left) General Manager Hotel Inca Real, Patricia, and Connie McDonald (center - wife of Bill McDonald - CEO and President Unsion Television) and our lovely Emcee!
Sandra Flores on far right of Villa San Carlos -
On left, Eulaliadole Sinchi - volunteered to greet ladies at the door
Notice the beautiful table arrangement donated for the front table at entrance
Angie, enjoying giving out door prizes
Monica of Artelier, and a snapshot of other ladies with
their purple attire! Most attendees wore purple!
Dayana and Marcela Reyes (sisters) and Ecuadorian Beauties!
Dayana (left) gave her time to interpret for speakers and door prizes!
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