Cuenca Ecuador: New Life in Retirement

My Procedure for Updating My Blog

2011-02-01T17:00:00.000-05:00

PLEASE NOTE: Because of the large number of posts that I have, I try to keep the most important posts in the same order (like Gabriela Espinosa's posting is always first). So, please do NOT think that I have not updated my blog postings because her picture is always the first posting. Finally, I try to place the date in the title, when I change a posting.

Gabriela Espinosa: Quito Immigration Attorney: 08 August 2011 Update

2011-02-01T16:45:00.021-05:00

**PLEASE READ ALL INFORMATION OFFERED ON THIS PAGE**

Please be advised... You may contact me at: larrymarler at gmail dot com.

Please Note: You are now required to get your Cedulas ONLY IN QUITO.
Our Recommended Immigration Attorney is located in Quito. Her name is:

Gabriela Espinosa

New Office Address:
3 blocks from the previous office

Located 1 block from Hilton Colon
18 de septiembre E7-26 y 6 de diciembre 8th floor office, #82
Quito, Ecuador

Office Phone:
(593) 2-290-2838 (dialing outside Ecuador...add 0 in front of 2 when dialing inside country from a cell phone).

Cellphone:
(+593) 9 164 5924 (outside Ecuador);
09 164 5924 (when calling inside Ecuador)

Finally, you can call Gabriela direct from the United States and Canada on her Magicjack internet phone at the following number: 859-408-0527.

Please NOTE: You should always attempt to call Gabriela on her cell phone during business hours (Quito time).

If you email her some pertinent info, please call her to let her know so she will check her email, as there are times when email is not always delivered promptly.

I strongly suggest that you contact Gabriela directly via her Magicjack phone or directly to her cellphone as shown above.

Criminal Report Now Required:

CLICK HERE for Gabriela Espinosa's Website Address

As of 08 August 2011 (DO NOT USE) the address shown on Gabriela's site, because it is incorrect.

NOTICE: Gabriela advised me to let all potential clients know that she is willing to fly to Cuenca to meet with clients if I contact her to advise her of the situation. Also, Gabriela has requested that individuals from outside of Ecuador that contact me by Email should include their phone number and I can let her know and she will call you directly.

Email Change for Gabriela: She has not been receiving many emails from perspective clients and some have become disenchanted because she has not been answering emails (that she never received). Please note the new gmail email address inserted below.

gabyespinosa10@gmail.com.

Gabriela is an honest, hard working, Immigration attorney, and mother of 3. After 6+ years of talking with Gabriela, my wife and I finally met face-to-face with her to make application for our Residency Visas. We delivered and submitted all of our required documents for our residency visas to Gabriela on 16 June 2009. On 17 July 2009, Gabriela called to advise me that our residency visas were approved.

If you fail to reach her at the above Magicjack number, her cellular number is: 011-593-9-164-5924 (when dialing from the USA). From within Ecuador, you should dial 09-164-5924. Her email addresses are:

gabyespinosa10@gmail.com or gabrielaespinosa@migrationecuador.com.

NOTE: It is always best to check with Gabriela to make sure that all of these stated requirements are still correct and in effect at the time of your beginning of your permanent residency visa process. The VISA Ecuadorian process changes frequently.

A Valuable Resource For Processing Documents: Linda Gonzalez

2011-02-01T16:30:00.000-05:00

If residing in Cuenca and you desire to get all your documents processed quickly and efficiently. If that is the case, then I highly recommend that you use the services of this lady, who is a native Cuencano:

Linda Gonzalez
Cell Phone: 09 409 0936
Home Phone: 07 280 9899.
Email: estebanj@etapaonline.net.ec

For some, you may not realize that once you receive your approved documents from your attorney and the Quito Immigration Department, there are still many things yet to be done in order to get your Permanent Visa stamped in your passport, obtain your Cedula(s), etc. That is where the value of a "Linda Gonzalez" comes to the forefront.

Linda pre-determines all requirements from all the agencies involved, so that you will know all the required documents for any particular agency, number of pictures required, number of copies of documents required and whether they need to be notarized, etc. Linda will pick you up by car and transport you to all agencies involved. She speaks fluent English and Spanish and will assist you with all necessary communication if you do not speak Spanish fluently. Linda is a very kind, intelligent lady who sincerely enjoys helping others in resolving their needs in short order.

Her fees are $15 per hour for her services. There are some who seem to object to paying fees for services rendered; however, in my opinion, the efficiency of services performed by Linda, far outweigh the costs involved for those services. If we had attempted to accomplish the many things that she assisted us with, my wife and I could never have accomplished these necessary tasks, not to mention the difficulty in locating where the agency offices were located and overcoming the frustrations involved, in many cases.

NEW BREAKFAST RESTAURANT IN CUENCA: Update 12/25/2011

2011-02-01T16:26:00.048-05:00

SAN SEBAS CAFE

Located on the corner of beautiful Parque San Sebastian across from the Museo de Arte Moderno.
Address: San Sebastian 1-94 and Mariscal Sucre, Cuenca, Ecuador

Delicious American Style breakfasts, sandwich specials, soups, salads and amazing deserts. We proudly grind and serve Arabica 7 Coffee from the Yungilla Valley.

Hours open: Wednesday through Sunday 9am - 3pm.

Email: sansebascuenca@gmail.com

Telfs: 2843496 / 094196588

Special offer from the Miami Herald International Edition: 8 July 2011

2011-02-01T16:25:00.001-05:00

The Miami Herald International Edition, a regional English-language newspaper, is now available for subscription and home delivery in Cuenca and Southern Ecuador. Printed and distributed by Grupo HOY, Ecuador's leading source of news and information, the Miami Herald International Edition offers English-language readers daily international news and commentary from the top news agencies in the U.S.

Additionally, the Miami Herald features special coverage of Ecuador and has recently added a Cuenca page with information about travel and tourism, dining out, art and culture, and local events.

The Herald International Edition is offering a 10% discount for GringoTree subscribers. This discount, combined with the standard home-delivery rate, represents a 33% saving off the newsstand price.

The Miami Herald International Edition is published Monday through Saturday. The home delivery offer is good for 3-month, 6-month and 1-year subscriptions. Subscription rates: one year, Monday-Saturday: $177; six months, Monday-Saturday: $93; three months, Monday-Saturday: $55. Prices include taxes and home delivery.

To subscribe to the Herald International Edition, write subscribemiami@hoy.com.ec our Cuenca office at: 284-2800, 284-7289, 284-7299, or cell 09-443-7862. The Grupo HOY office in Cuenca is located at Calle Bolivar 918,between Benigno Malo and Padre Aguirre.

NEW HOUSE FOR SALE: Updated 12/9/2011

2011-02-01T16:24:00.018-05:00

* Two Floors
* Total Areas - 594 Meters
* 298 Meters of Construction
* Location: On the way to PACCHA
* Information: Angel Panchez
Cellphone: 085899643
Landline: 281-5137

American Stem Cell & Anti-Aging Center - Quito, Ecuador - April 11, 2011

2011-02-01T16:20:00.000-05:00

American Stem Cell and Anti-Aging Center (ASCAAC)

Avenue Mariscal Sucre, Lot #16
(diagonal al Cuerpo de Bomberos), Cumbaya, Ecuador (outside of Quito)

Phones within Ecuador - +593 2 602 0068; +593 2 601 9609
Phone from USA - 480 243 8859

Read information from their site and contact them directly with your specific needs...
http://www.ascaac.com/index_eng.html

Banco Pichincha - Cuenca, Ecuador: 11 November 2011 Update

2011-02-01T16:15:00.007-05:00

Please contact:

Banco Pichincha
Av. Solano y 12 de Abril - Second Floor

Ines Vintimilla Ruilova
Manager of Private Banking

Telf: 07 284 8852, 07 283 7077; Cell: 09 973 6330
Email: ivintimi@pichincha.com

Omar Bermeo Bravo
Business Executive of Private Banking

Telephones: 07 2848 816; 07 2837 077
Cell: 09 4463 526
Email: cobermeo@pichincha.com

Diana Colle Ortega (Speaks Fluent English)
Business Executive of Private Banking

Telephones: (07) 2848-800 Ext: 568511; Cell: 09-2950-809
Email: dcolle@pichincha.com

In order to Qualify for Private Banking with Banco Pichincha, you must be able to Deposit a minimum of $50,000 USD (all accounts combined).

If you would like a personal introduction, you may contact me by email at:

larrymarler at gmail dot com

Cuenca, Ecuador Local Attorney - Dra. Andrea Jaramillo

2011-02-01T16:14:00.003-05:00

Dra. Andrea Jaramillo
andreajaramil64@hotmail.com

Edificio Acuario, 4th Floor
Av. Cornello Merchan 2-55 y Jose Peralta
(frente al parqueadero de la corte)
Cuenca, Ecuador

Office: 074103767
Cell: 087166092
MagicJack: 914-401-1809

Real Estate Lawyer
Ecuadorian Wills (Important if you own property in Ecuador)
Immigration

Speaks very good English

Requirements to Move Your Pet To Ecuador - Update 8/27/2011

2011-02-01T16:12:00.049-05:00

REQUIREMENTS TO MOVE PETS TO ECUADOR

This info comes from a travelers recent experience. "I have recently traveled with my dog JFK - UIO and as of August 7, 2011 your dog is required to have:"

**An appropriate sized Kennel (your dog should be able to stand on all fours and have sufficient head room and be able to turn around -a mini runway :)

**Proof of current shots (booster shot, rabbies, etc)

**A microchip

**A cerificate of health at MOST 10 days before traveling. Certificate obtained 3 days before travel.

**Please contact the airline you are traveling with to reserve space for your dog and let them update you on the most current requirements for travel.

**Luckily they don't quarantine dogs in Ecuador, like in London. Depending on the airline, your dog is the first to be unloaded from the plane and an airline representative waits with your dog until you claim him/her."

Best Travel Agency in Cuenca, Ecuador - 2/9/2011

2011-02-01T16:10:00.081-05:00

Expediciones Apullacta

Gran Columbia 11-02 y General Torres
2nd Floor, Room 111
Telfs: 07 283 7815; 07 283 7681

Your contact:
Sandy Bravo B., Tourism Operations Manager (Fluent in English)

"Apullacta - Sandy Bravo" <sandy@apullacta.com>
Sandy will happily answer all of your questions.

There are two other young ladies that speak English fluently and can be reached at the following emails and phone numbers:

Maria del Cisne: 099604870
Email: info@apullacta.com

Sonia Salto: 083105991
Email: sonia@apullacta.com

Visit Apullacta's Website Here

We were referred to this travel agency by Carolina Book Store in 2010.

We have used this agency several times and have always been given excellent service. Most recently, we have purchased a flight and hotels in Guayaquil for my wife to go to the USA to visit her mother. The service offered was far beyond our expections.

Angel Panchez: New Van Service - New Car - Update 4/27/11

2011-02-01T16:05:00.038-05:00

Angel Panchez Van Service

Angel speaks Fluent English and has just purchased a new SUV with room for 4 passengers.

Angel is a very safe driver and a very nice person with a great knowledge of Ecuador.

The services he offers is as follows:

Taxi service
Limo service
Transportation service to anywhere in Ecuador
City tours
Shopping
Get license plates
Bank Accounts
Buy new cars, etc.

Cellphone: 085899643
Email: anhelp_68@yahoo.com

Professional Art Tours of Great Artists - Cuenca, Ecuador: 8/27/2011

2011-02-01T16:02:00.048-05:00

ART CUENCA

Sonia Punin (Teaches at Carolina's Book Store)

Email: sonia@artcuenca.com

Visit Website Here

Contact Sonia by Cellphone: 095407853

Cuenca Ecuador Architect Trained in USA

2011-02-01T16:00:00.000-05:00

Oscar S. Abad (Added 8/3/10)

New Jersey Institute of Technology
New Jersey School of Architecture

Arquitecto
Residencial, Comercial, Intitucional.
Cell-091539918
Tel-07-2-831359
e-mail: oscar_abad at hotmail.com

Real Estate Companies in Cuenca - 14 April 2011

2011-02-01T15:59:00.002-05:00

Red Inmobiliaria - Maribel Crespo

Lic. Prof. 096A

In accordance with Ecuadorian Law: Our seller pays 3% Fee (Not the buyer)
Services Offered

Real Estate for Sale - We also do Rentals

Advice

Appraisals

Financing

Topography

Email: crespomaribel@hotmail.com

Phone: 07 288 0438
Cell: 08 484 7855

Kathy Gonzalez

President of Cuenca Real Estate.

I first met Kathy (Catalina) in July 2004. I have trusted her over that time period with numerous wire transfers (probably exceeding $80,000 USD in small increments. Needless to say, Kathy is trustworthy and honest. She accounts for every penny spent.

Kathy charges $75 for a six-hour tour on a daily basis; however, if you have been specific in laying out your needs before you commence your tour, then you will not have any wasted time. Some people have expressed concern that she charges for showing people property; however, the valid information and contacts that she refer you to is far more valuable than the money you spend for her services. For a time, she did not charge for her tours; however, there were too many cases where people had her drive all over the place and never were seriously considering to buy anything. That old saying that you get what you are willing to pay for certainly holds true in Kathy's case. Another way to describe Kathy is, she is a "walking encyclopedia of Cuenca."

To offer you an example, my wife and I requested that Kathy take us to stores where we could purchase quality products (i.e., a stove, refrigerator, washer, dryer, sofa, easy chair, queen-size platform bed, mattress, pillows, kitchen pots, pans, dishes, utensils, plus cleaning supplies). We accomplished all of that in 5 hours time. That may seem hard to believe, but it's true.

Over time, Kathy has established all of the necessary contacts to help her clients with their needs. She has even assisted clients by purchasing furniture for their apartments without their being present in Ecuador. She has purchased things for me while I was not present. She knew what I wanted and so it was a done deal.

Ing. Monica Rodas Albornoz
Cuenca Bienes Raices

Calle del Batan 7-55 y Unidad Nacional, Cuenca

Here is the Website

Home Phone: 07 287 0959

Cellphone: 09 329 8943
Office phones: 07 245 5800; 07 281 1226
Email: monicarodasalbornoz@hotmail.com

Furnished-Unfurnished Rentals: Cuenca, Ecuador 14 April 2011

2011-02-01T15:58:00.001-05:00

Red Inmobiliaria - Maribel Crespo

Lic. Prof. 096A

Services Offered

Home and Apartment Rentals

Email: crespomaribel@hotmail.com

Phone: 07 288 0438
Cell: 08 484 7855

Richard Hedges and Nancy Hamm

Cellphone: 096 027 729
(USA to Ecuador: (011) 593 96 027 729)

Email: richnnancy@gmail.com

Blog: http://richandnancy.blogspot.com

New DVD Production About Cuenca: Updated 10/10/2011

2011-02-01T15:56:00.004-05:00

Produced by: Michael Karsh

You might be interested in the following:

A video produced and shot this year in Cuenca by Michael Karsh is now a DVD. CLICK HERE to go to Michael's site. There are a number of interviews with expats who live, work, or are retired in Cuenca along with information about medical care, cultural activities, and many other subjects... This DVD is "what life is really like for expats who reside in Cuenca." There is no advertising, real estate promotion, nor financial advice in this video. There is plenty of useful information of a practical nature contained in this production. Many of your questions about Cuenca living are answered in the Cuenca DVD. This video is recommended for any expat considering an extended stay in Cuenca.

If you are interested in learning more about it, then CLICK HERE.

Club Correos (Mail Club): 16 Feb 2011

2011-02-01T15:55:00.002-05:00

I recently discovered some really great information regarding a way to purchase online packages from a fellow blogger who has used the Mail Club and lives in Cuenca, also.

For only $10 a year, the main Post Office in Cuenca central sets you up with a Miami PO Box mailing address. Once you have ordered something from your favorite online store (i.e., Amazon, etc.), the items are shipped to the Miami address and then sent on to Ecuador. All customs issues are handled through the Post Office.

Here is the link to the original blog post at Gringos Abroad . com.

This should be useful information to the many expats moving to Cuenca, Ecuador.

Cuenca Mechanic & Body Work Expert 12/20/10

2011-02-01T15:30:00.000-05:00

TAESA

Javier Alvear Pena - Gerente

Av. de Octubre s/n e Isabel La Catolica

Email: jalvear20 at hotmail.com

Cellphone: 087875019
Landline phones: 072882374; 072883983

Custom Made Furniture By "Pepe"

2011-02-01T15:20:00.000-05:00

I want to let all my reader's know about a young man in Cuenca who, with his brother, makes beautiful, custom-made furniture. His name is "Pepe" and he has a furniture store consisting of 3 floors of ready-made furniture. However, the really exciting thing is that if you furnish Pepe with a detailed picture of what you would like, he will design it for you and he and his brother will build your quality furniture at unbelievable prices.

Pepe lived in New York for 10 years and worked in a factory that built furniture for wealthy people that lived and worked in Manhattan.

Pepe took 3 pictures of oriental style furniture I had copied from the internet, then created designs in which all the pieces would match each other.

The first piece consists of a 40 inch double door 2-shelve liquor cabinet with an additional drawer on the bottom.

The second piece is an entertainment center with 2-drawers (side by side on top), plus 2 glass doors with 2 shelves. It has enough room to place a DVD player, the Direct TV modem, and an FM/AM radio with CD player.

Finally, he made me a coffee table.

All of that for a total of $770.00.

His store is located in Cuenca at: Calle Larga 9-48 y Benigno Malo. The number at the store is 07 284 1082. Pepe's personal cell phone number is: 09 808 9112. The numbers listed are dialed as shown when calling from within Cuenca. If calling from the USA, you would dial 011 593 7 284 1082. The cell number would be dialed as 011 593 9 808 9112.

Tercero Edad Benefits (Age 65 and Over): 10/2/2011

2011-02-01T15:15:00.001-05:00

I finally took advantage of one of the great benefits offered by the government of Ecuador. I visited the SRI office located on Remigio Crespo in Cuenca and registered. I am now entitled to submit bi-monthly, up to $140 (monthly) in official Facturas for the previous 2 months. This allows me to receive REFUNDS of the 12% IVA tax paid on most goods and services paid, which will be paid directly into my bank account by SRI. That amounts up to a maximum of $1,680 in refunds per year.

The procedure, as I remember it, was I took my Cedula with me. Linda Gonzalez accompanied me. Once we registered in the system, we went to another window and turned in my previously 2 months of Official Facturas, which indicate the 12% IVA tax paid on each factura. That's all there is to it.

In addition, in January, I will be eligible to receive a 50% discount on my yearly property taxes paid. My understanding is that when I go to pay the taxes personally for the first time (with my Cedula), I will only have to pay 50% of my normal annual $55 property tax ($27.50). Once the info is in the system, I will only pay 50% in future years. When Linda reaches 65, we won't have to pay any property tax. What a deal.

Finally, my water and electric bills are also discounted 50%.

Massage Resources in Cuenca, Ecuador

2011-02-01T15:00:00.003-05:00

Armonia Vital

There are 2 young ladies available for deep-tissue massages that do great work. Usually, 2 of the ladies work on you, one on each side. They use hot rocks and do deep-tissue work. Their names are Chantel and Tanya. They speak Spanish only; however, they do know how to give massages. Their fees are now $18.00 for a full hour, plus I usually give a $2.00 tip.

NOTE: Just so you ladies know, there is no hanky-panky going on; these ladies are just very good and they give ladies massages also. In fact, my first massage was recommended to me by a lady friend.

The address is somewhat lacking, because they do not have a number on their building. Therefore, I will give explicit directions, so you won't have a problem locating them.

There is a sign inside the fence which is clearly visible: "Armonia Vital." The directions to their clinic is:

From Av. Solano, go West on Remegio Crespo (about 10 blocks) to the Boyaca Hardware Store, which is one block before the circle (with the TOTEM in the center). Boyaca sets on the corner of Remegio Crespo and Calle Esmareldas. Once you reach Esmareldas, you turn left and go about 1/2 a block. Keep looking on the right until you see the sign behind the iron fence displaying "Armonia Vital." Ring the buzzer or call Tanya on her cellphone shown below.

Tanya Machuca & her sister, Chantel:
Tecnologa Naturopata
Cellphone 08 469 8844

Isabel no Longer works at Armonia Vital

Isabel Herbas:

She now will come to your home with her massage table and give you a massage.
Her price is $20 for an hour (based on your location in Cuenca).

Cellphone 09 689 2205
Email: isabelvinti@hotmail.com

REIKI NONA - Massage Service

Nona Sostoa $10

Remigio Tamariz 4-52 y Romero
Cuenca

Email: reikinona@yahoo.com

Phones: 08 656 1721; 09 542 5447

SPA FAD

Pilar Cobos $20

Massage Services In Your HOME

Paseo de los Canaips y Camilo Ponce
Cuenca

Office Phone: 07 281 5920
Cell Phone: 08 601 5754

Pharmacy Recommendation by Linda: Updated 10/8/2011

2011-02-01T14:55:00.023-05:00

FARMACIA IDEAL

Dra. Martha Torres Falconi – Owner
Doctor of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry

Address: Juan Jaramillo 7-73 y Luis Cordero – Cuenca

Telephones: 282 9032; Cell: Martha 08 497 9897

Martha is a caring and intelligent pharmaceutical doctor.

A number of expats have already used her for her 4-shot series of Vitamin B-12 shots.

These shots are recommended every 3 months.

My wife, Linda, highly recommends her.

Physicians in Cuenca, Ecuador: 03 Dec 10

2011-02-01T14:45:00.000-05:00

My Primary Physician: Hospital Monte Sinai

I, Larry, had a complete physical, an electro-cardiogram, a complete blood workup and urine test by Dr. Pablo Parra (speaks fluent English) and offices at Mount Sinai Hospital. Total cost was $160 for everything and at age 69, I was given a clean bill of health. That was my first complete physical in 15 - 20 years. Needless to say, I was elated with the results. Dr. Parra is a caring, kind, 50 year old gentleman.

This gentleman has a number of expats that he cares for.

His office is located at Miguel Cordero 6-111 y Av. Solano - Room 511.
Dr. Parra's Cellphone: 096108523
Phone: 07-2885-595 (Ext. 2511) (Hospital # in Spanish)
Email: parra5432@yahoo.com

03 March 2010: Hospital Monte Sinai

I called Dr. Parra for an appointment and he told me, sorry, but I am sick. He referred me to another English speaking doctor at Hospital Monte Sinai. His name is Dr. Marlon Palacios. He gave me an appointment for 11 am and was told to meet him in the Emergency Room. I have had a sore throat for 3 days, so I wanted some relief due to dripping sinuses. He checked my blood pressure, my lungs, my throat and asked me some other questions. He wrote me a prescription for 2 non-antibiotic medications and charged me $20 for his fee. The prescription cost me $6.90. What else can I say!

Dr. Cesar Toral, Cuenca Ecuador

Info: Dr. Cesar Toral (Board certified in the US and a professor and the Universidad del Azuay)
Av. Federico Proano 2-30
(1st building from corner at Consultorios Santa Ines)
Phone: 07 284 0070
Email: ctoral@pol.net
Dr Toral works out of Santa Ines and The Hospital Del Rio.

Laboratorio De Endocrinologia, Cuenca

Lab Work: Anyone looking for a nice lab or looking for a Bone Density testing location we recommend
Dr. Marcelo Cordero Loyola
Av. Agustin Cueva 1-23 y Av 12 de Abril
(right across from the hummingbird fountain on the corner where the University compound begins)
Phone: 07 283 0489

Credit to: Jason & Donna Daneault Blog Link

Cardiologia Clinica

Dr. Daniel Villavicencio Leon
Avenida de las Americas 3-62, Cuenca

Telfs: 07 234 0924; 07 234 1411
Cell: 09 750 8020
Email: cardiologiaclinica@etapanet.net

Daniel has been practicing medicine for over 30 years. He studied in Ecuador, Mexico (UNAM), and the US. He is currently the president of the Medical Society on Hypertension in this area as well as a member of the International Society of Hypertension. He is a cardiological clinician as opposed to a heart surgeon and is well known in medical circles in the area, specially in the area of cardiology. His practice specializes in the control and management of high blood pressure, which is almost endemic in this part of the world, using the latest technological advances. In about two months, his clinic on Avenida de las Americas will include a component of community education and prevention geared toward families of his cronic patients as well as others who are by virtue of heredity and poor habits well on their way to developing cronic hypertension. In this part of the world, for many reasons, people do not generally control their high blood pressure, opting instead on seeing a cardiologist only when very ill.

Eye Lazik Surgery in Cuenca, Ecuador

2011-02-01T14:44:00.033-05:00

Dr. Wilson Altamirano, M.D.

Plaza Medica
Manvel J Calle 1-36, Cuenca, Ecuador

Phones: 07 410 3339 or 07 410 3042
$1,000 for both eyes

Consult: $100

This doctor was highly recommended by a resident of Puerto Lopez.
Native Cuencanos have also indicated that the doctor was known to be very good.

http://www.oftalmolaser.com.ec/

Plastic Surgeon in Cuenca, Ecuador - Updated 15 Mar 2011

2011-02-01T14:43:00.015-05:00

Dr. Jose Moises Valdivieso Tamariz

Location: Daniel Cordova Toral 2-78 y Federico Proano, Cuenca (In Hospital Ines Area)

Phone: 07 283 0660

Dan Wiseman used his services and was very happy with the results.

Ophthalmologists in Cuenca, Ecuador - Updated 15 Mar 2011

2011-02-01T14:40:00.009-05:00

Dr. Ariolfo Vazquez Serrano

Linda, my wife purchased new frames, progressive and transitional lenses for a total of $360. The exam was done by Dr. Vazquez for $25.

Dr. Vazquez speaks good English and was really funny. Linda said she experienced the best examination that she had ever had by an eye doctor.

Padre Aguirre 9-73 y Gran Columbia, Cuenca, Ecuador

Telephones: 07-284-0432; 07-284-9349

Doctor of Ophthalmology
Dr. Diego Mauricio Carpio Gotutzzo

I purchased my first pair of bi-focals with progressive lenses while in Cuenca. I had frames from my former pair of prescription reading glasses, so I did not have to buy frames. So, my eye exam was $30 and the lenses were $100.

The doctor spoke English well enough for me to be able to communicate with him.

A new doctor has been added as a partner and has received high praise. He speaks excellent English (Dr. Ariolfo Vazquez Serrano).

Doctor of Ophthalmology
Dr. Giovani Duran

Tarqui 10-32 y Gran Columbia, Cuenca

Office Telephone: 07 283 0398

He speaks some English. His office is well equipped. Had same equipment as Bruce Kolt's eye doctor in the states. Bruce was very happy with his work.

Optometrist Recommended by a Friend - Updated 3-27-11

2011-02-01T14:39:00.003-05:00

Optica Los Andes

Calle Simon Bolivar 09-52 y Padre Aguirre, Cuenca, Ecuador

Telf: 07 2842 291
The assistants' name is Alejandra.

According to my friend, she located a great optometrist that gave her an eye exam, then a selection of frames, plus she purchased lenses. The entire bill will be less than $100.

My friend worked in the optical industry for 35 years; therefore, she has in-depth knowledge of ophthalmic lenses and frames. She was thoroughly impressed.

Acupuncture in Cuenca Ecuador

2011-02-01T14:36:00.000-05:00

Dr. Federico Avila Cartajena

Acupuncture - Homeopathic - Chinese Massage

Office Building: Cunsultorios Santa Ana - Oficina 504
Location: Av. Paucarbamba y Jose Paralta (esquina), Cuenca

Phone: 07 288 3288; Cellphone: 09 907 8999

Mon - Sat: 11am - 1pm
First Visit $30 - After first visit $15

Our Dentist

2011-02-01T14:35:00.000-05:00

We originally were referred to this great lady Dentist in December 2007. Her fees are most reasonable and her gentle, expert work is unbelievable. Her name and location is:

Paula Dominguez
Daniel Cordova Toral 1-115 (Centro Comercial Sta. Ines)
Cuenca, Ecuador
Cell: 09-786-8908.

Mention to her that Larry and Linda referred you.

Physical Therapist: Maria del Carmen Montezuma

2011-02-01T14:30:00.000-05:00

This young lady, Maria, is a real find in Cuenca. She was trained in Cuenca and is a Cuencano. Maria did something for my wife that many different types of therapists of many different modalities could not do over a time period of 20 years.

My wife, Linda, did her 3rd International Triathlon in 1989. During the first 4 miles of her 112 mile bike ride in the mountains of Penticton, Canada, she hit some loose gravel and fell going 25 miles an hour. Her left hip and leg were badly bruised and her top layer of skin was scraped off from the fall. However, she got up after 5 minutes and completed the remaining 108 miles of the bike ride and completed the last leg, which is a complete marathon. The next day she could barely walk, but the worse was to come later. She began to develop arthritis in her hip. She had access to many different therapists, because she was a well known Acupuncturist in Denver, Colorado, but none could ever really eliminate the problem of her not being able to raise her leg straight away from her other leg at a full extension. Her leg had limited movement.

Fast forward to Cuenca: Linda was referred to Maria by Carolina of Carolina's Bookstore last June, 2009. After 2 treatments by Maria and some special exercises given to her by Maria, she was able to actually lift her leg straight away from her other leg to a full extension. That was amazing and never before attained from any other treatment modalities to which she had access. She now gets a regular monthly tuneup and has felt no pain since gaining access to Maria.

Therefore, we heartily recommend Maria for her knowledge and talents as a Physical Therapist.

Maria del Carmen Montezuma C.
FISIOTERAPISTA
Av. 12 de Abril y Guayas
Cuenca, Ecuador

Office: 07 288 2788
Cell: 09 401 9989
Email: mariacmontezuma@yahoo.com

Linda's Favorite Dance Therapy (Intense Exercise Workout) - 10/12/2011

2011-02-01T14:29:00.005-05:00

FAMA School of Dance and Bailoterapia

David Ortega - Dance Choreographer

Location: Av. del Estadio y Roberto Crespo (Edificio El Estadio next to Pronto Pizza), Cuenca

David also has a group of dancers that performs shows around Cuenca. His dance troupe has put on shows at California Kitchen and the Eucalyptus Cafe, plus many others.

You can also get dance lessons for: Salsa, Bachata, Meringue, Hip-Hop, Reggaeton, Cha-Cha-Cha, and Tango.

Bailoterapia: 0700 - 0900 ($1.00 per hour) + $5,00 inscription for the year and 2000 - 2100

Phones: 07 286 6228; Cellphones 08 795 4749, 08 582 0762.

Linda's Favorite Yoga Studio

2011-02-01T14:28:00.001-05:00

Ask for Ximena

Benigno Malo 5-95 y Juan Jaramillo (Third Floor), Cuenca

Cellphone: 09 848 0241; Landline: 07 282 5442

Classes: 0900 and 10:15

Prices: $25 for 8 classes a month and $35 for 12 classes a month

Linda's Favorite Manicure and Pedicure: Updated 10/8/2011

2011-02-01T14:27:00.006-05:00

Chris Style
Christian Siguenza A. - Owner

Av. Solano y Miguel Cordero (Next to Pharmacy in Consultorios Monte Sinai building)

Phones: 281 4813 - Ext. 1030; Cells: 08 670 3903; 09 895 1189
Email: chris.haircuenca79@hotmail.com
Combined Manicure and Pedicure - A Total of $7 + Tip

Linda's Hairstylist

2011-02-01T14:27:00.004-05:00

Jairo Gomez Peluqueria

Ask for Olmus

Located in SuperMaxi (El Vergel) Shopping Center
Location (A5)
Telephone: 07 288 9442

$35 for cut and color

Linda's Favorite Facials & Day Spa

2011-02-01T14:26:00.003-05:00

Brigitte Goercke

Remigio Tamariz 7-112 y Lorenzo Piedra (Esquina)
Cuenca, Ecuador

Phones: 07 281 7268; Cell: 09 512 6008
Email: briggoercke@hotmail.com

Prices start at $45

Offers many other Day Spa services

Professional Tailor in Cuenca: Updated 10/8/2011

2011-02-01T14:24:00.000-05:00

Circle of Fashion

Anibal Usina - Owner

Professional Tailor

A Symbol of Elegance

We do suits for ladies, men and children,

and uniforms for institutions.

We can make suits of any kind.

In our store, you will find exclusive designs and styles

that will make you a person of elegance.

Address: Juan Montalvo 8-37 between Bolivar y Sucre, Cuenca, Ecuador

Telephones: 289 2025; Cell: 08 869 9596

Men and Women's Clothing Stores - 27 March 2011

2011-02-01T14:22:00.000-05:00

Distribuciones Del Sur

Patricio Sancho - Proprietor

This store has quality men's teashirts (camisetas), socks, women's intimate underwear and towels, plus other assorted items. I bought 9 teashirts for $22,50.

On 10 March 2011, I purchased 6 pairs of boxer shorts and 6 V-neck teashirts for $33.00.

On 26 March 2011, I purchased 6 pairs of socks and a pair of men's pajamas (pijamas) with an elastic waistline for $18.50.

Address: Vega Munoz 4-55 y Mariano Cueva, Cuenca

(Directions: From California Kitchen, go North 1 block to Vega Munoz, then go right to 4-55 Vega Munoz (about 2.5 blocks).

Landline: 072828841
Cellulars: 090018549; 091353785

La Casa de Las Medias
I have been searching for soft, thin white socks for men since June 2009.
This store had them. I was elated.

Complete underwear selection for women, men, and children.
Also, a complete selection of dress socks for men, plus children and women's socks.

Address: Padre Aguirre 9-14 y Bolivar, Cuenca
Email: hoydeesandoval@hotmail.com
Telf.: 072844083; Cel.: 091376812

Areldi
Clothing Store for men and women in Mall del Rio

Reasonably priced jeans and casual pants of good quality

Confecciones Madeleyne

Men's Jeans, Pants and Shirts

Location: Sucre 6-12 entre Hermano Miguel y Borrero, Cuenca

Landline: 072850659

Morojon Department Store
This department store has men and women's clothing, sports clothing, and children's clothing at economical prices. Included in the above is a good selection of underwear for men (even in large sizes).

The store is located on:
Presidente Cordova 7-58 y Luis Cordero, Cuenca Central
(directly across from the Bomberos fire station)

Genteel: Men's Dress Clothing, Shirts and Underwear

2011-02-01T14:21:00.000-05:00

Genteel

Betty Tenesaca R. - Gerente

This store offers custom-made shirts and suits of the highest quality (plus off-the-rack suits).

Principal: Luis Cordero 11-79 y Sangurima, Cuenca
Telfs: 07 2841435; 07 2847754

Branch: Av. Jose Peralta 2-134 y Alfonso Cordero, Cuenca
Telf: 07 2815776

Email: genteelms@etapanet.net

Men's Dress Shoes & Running Shoes in Cuenca, Ecuador

2011-02-01T14:20:00.001-05:00

I have discovered 2 sources for new shoes in Cuenca, in which you can possibly find larger size shoes for men. In one case, the shoes already are made in larger sizes for men, while in the other case, you can have shoes custom-made for your foot. Both locations offer quality shoes.

First, I will give you the name and address of the store where you can have shoes custom-made for your foot. The manager's name is Henry. The store name is Artesanias en Cuero y Gamuza located at Gran Columbia 8-62 entre Luis Cordero y Benigno Malo. The phone numbers are: 072840362, 072808056, and Cellular: 098091754. Henry says that all his shoes that are custom-made are made in Ecuador; therefore, there is no extra cost added on for import tax.

The second store I found is named "Buestan." There is one also located in the SuperMaxi shopping area near the Melinium Shopping Center; however the location that I am speaking of is at "Buestan" located in the Kywi Shopping Center near the Cuenca Airport. The owner is Ruben Yanez. All of his shoes are made in Ecuador and he has a large selection to pick from. This store address is: Elia Liut S-N y Gil Ramirez Davalos. The Phone number for this store is: 072808823. This location has a number of shoes for men that are in the larger sizes. I do not know if they will make custom-made sizes, or not.

MEN'S RUNNING SHOES

BYRON'S BOUTIQUE

Have Reebok Running Shoes (Some large sizes)

Bolivar 11-51 y General Torres
Cuenca

Phone: 07 2837139

Cuenca Ecuador Hotel Accomodations - August 13 2011 Update

2011-02-01T14:15:00.002-05:00

Santa Monica Hotel

This hotel was highly recommended by some friends who stayed there and was very happy with the staff and the service.

Sucre 6-80 y Borrero, Cuenca Ecuador

Telfs.: (593) 7 2840-215 / (593) 7 2833-887

Email: htlsantamonica@gmail.com

Hotel Website

Posada del Angel Hostal

You are guaranteed a comfortable room with private bathroom, hot water, telephone and television. Services include laundry, breakfast and internet. We also have a conference room and large indoor gardens.

We are located at:
Bolivar 14-11 y Estevez de Toral (in Central), Cuenca

Telephone: (593) 7 2840 695 / (593) 7 2821 360
Email: Posadadelangel@hotmail.com
hdaniel@cue.satnet.net

See our Website Here

A picture of a regular room

Hotel Casa del Aquila

Mariscal Sucre 13-56 entre Juan Montalvo y Esteves de Toral
Phones: (593) 72836498 - (593) 72849580
Email: reservas@hotelcasadelaguila.com
Cuenca-Ecuador
Hotel Casa del Aguila is located in a pictorial colonial-style building, which takes us back to a time full of tradition and magnetism in Cuenca. Located in one of the most beautiful places of the Historical center, this theme hotel receives its name from the street in which it is placed (Mariscal Sucre), which in colonial times was known as Calle del Aguila.
The house has magnificent conservative details in its decoration that gives it special characteristics of a hotel. It has 17 comfortable rooms with bathroom, pleasantly distributed in 3 floors.
The most important attraction is the diversity of all elements spread in its common areas, which provide a different personality to Casa del Aguila.

Click Here to visit their Website

Cuenca Ecuador Graphic Artists: Updated 08/09/10

2011-02-01T14:05:00.001-05:00

Graficas Hernandez
Large facility that can handle any printing job. Has the latest modern equipment.

Near the Airport 1 block off of Av. Espana

Castellana 4-55 y Sevilla, Cuenca

Telfs: 07 2860-688, 07 2800-152,
07 2802-571
Email: grafik@etapanet.net

Graficas Gomez

Calle Julio T. Torres 2-59 y Belisario Andrade, Cuenca

PLEASE NOTE: There has been confusion as to where this Graphic Artist is located. The starting point for these directions is in front of the Bocatti's Meat Market at the end of Av. Solano (below the Turi Overlook). Go North on Solano (cross "Tres Puentes" (going toward Cuenca Central). Pass the first street on the right that follows alongside Rio Yanuncay and go to the next street on the right. Turn right on Belisario Andrade (proceed around curve). Pass the street, Andolfo Torres, and proceed to next street, Julio T Torres. Turn right and proceed to Julio T Torres 2-59.

Phone: 07-288-0612

email: graficas.gomez@hotmail.com

These graphic artists are recommended by Richard Hedges and Nancy Hamm, who found the folks very friendly, very professional and are happy with their results.

Rich and Nancy's blog: http://richandnancy.blogspot.com

Postal Mail in Cuenca, Ecuador

2011-02-01T13:55:00.000-05:00

Main Post Office in Cuenca

On Corner of Gran Columbia y Borrero, Cuenca

You can mail letters and packages at the Post Office.

Also, you can rent a PO Box at this Post Office for $26 per year. If you order the PO Box anytime within the year, the fee is pro-rated.

It takes 6 - 10 days to receive mail from the USA and as much a 15 days if you mail items from the Post Office to the USA.

Carolina Book Store located on Hermano Miguel y Calle Largo also offers a service to buy postage and they have a Box located in their bookstore to deposit letters for pick up by a postal worker.

Memory Foam Mattresses & Other Furniture Items

2011-02-01T13:45:00.000-05:00

Great Reclining Chairs - Cash Price: $495

Vitafama Muebles

Diana Cabrera - Ejecutiva de Ventas

High Quality - Reasonable Prices

Location: Av. Manuel J Calle 2-100 y Alfonso Cordero
(Near SuperMaxi - Vergel)
Telephone: 072816748
Email: almacencuenca@vitefama.com.ec

See Website Here

++++++++++++++++++++++++++
High-End Tempur-Pedic Mattresses

Luis Alfredo Crespo - Gerente

Location: Av. 12 de Abril e Isabela esq.
(Diagonal a la piscino - Olimpica del Coliseo)
Cuenca, Ecuador

Cellphone: 09 868 9253
Email: info@formasycontrastes.com

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Custom-Made Comforters, Sheets, Duvets: 10/2/2011

2011-02-01T13:35:00.049-05:00

Diana Narvaez V. (Owner)

Linda and I had a colorful comforter made recently and it keeps us very warm at night. You can have sheets made to match your comforter and you can also get flannel sheets made to order.

Address: Mariano Cueva 5-27 y Honorato Vasquez (1 block from Calle Largo) - Cuenca
Phones: (07) 2832738; Cell. : 095138595
Email: retazos@etapanet.net

DVD - New Movie Releases

2011-02-01T13:30:00.000-05:00

Fernando Arias - Owner (Speaks English)

Guaranteed Quality or will replace

Lowest Prices in Cuenca: $1.00 a movie

Location: Mariscal Lamar 10-46 between Padre Aquirre y General Torres, Cuenca

Good Affinity Vegetarian Restaurant - Cuenca, Ecuador

2011-02-01T13:20:00.000-05:00

In a previous post, I mentioned a really great Vegetarian Restaurant called "Good Affinity."

Good Affinity Restaurant
Vegetariano Cafe and Tea House
Gran Colombia 1-89 y Capulies; Telephone: 07-283-2469.

Ask for Hsiao-hui (pronounced Chow-way). Tell her I referred you. Hsiao-hui is also a talented artist. She studied in Taiwan and New York City. I already have one of her paintings reserved for purchase when I return.

NEW BAR at California Kitchen - Cuenca, Ecuador - Updated 5 March 2011

2011-02-01T13:15:00.007-05:00

California Kitchen

NEW FULL SERVICE BAR: All Your Favorite Drinks

OUR NEW HOURS OF OPERATION

Monday - CLOSED
Tuesday - CLOSED
Wednesday - CLOSED
Thursday - 11:30AM - 4PM (Lunch) 5PM - 7PM (Happy Hour) 6PM - 9PM (Dinner)
Friday - 11:30AM - 4PM (Lunch) 5PM - 7PM (Happy Hour) 6PM - 9PM (Dinner)
Saturday - 9AM - 1PM (Breakfast) 1PM - 5PM (Lunch)
Sunday - 10AM - 3PM (Sunday Brunch)

GRINGO NIGHT (Every Night We Are Open)!
Bring your friends and ENJOY the friendly atmosphere with Dinner and Live Music on Thursday and Friday nights!

All the food is fantastic: Only Totally American Food Restaurant in Cuenca

Available for breakfast: Biscuits and Gravy (Yum yum)
Also, GRITS are available for you Southern folks

Address: Gaspar Sangurima 6-68 y Borrero, Cuenca

Call for open hours information:

Cellulars: 083111740 (English); 083111739 (Spanish)
Email: calkitchen@hotmail.com
Owned by the Evans Family: George, Carol, Susie and Jim

ICE FACTORY: Cappuccino, Ice Cream, & Sandwiches

2011-02-01T13:00:00.006-05:00

ICE FACTORY

This establishment has several great products for your enjoyment.

1. The ice factory has, in the opinion of my wife and I, the best "cappuccino" in Cuenca.

2. They offer a number of flavors of ice cream. They mix all the flavors that you choose on a marble slab, then they allow you to select 2 different ingrediates (i.e., peanuts, m & ms, cookies, etc.). It is all delicious. We had one in Denver called the Marble Slab.

3. They also offer a selection of sandwiches.

I don't have the exact address of their location; however, I can give you explicit directions so that you can find it.

From Parque Calderon, walk North 1 block from Simon Bolivar y Benigno Malo to Gran Columbia. Turn left (after you cross Gran Columbia to the North side of the street), walk 1/2 to 3/4 of a block (you are on the right side of the street). You will see the sign above the door, "Ice Factory." If you get to the end of the block, you have missed the Ice Factory. Just turn around and retrace your steps until you find it.

In the morning, Jen is there and in the afternoon after 1pm, Gloria and Jen are there.

Restaurant Recommendations: 11 November 2011 Update

2011-02-01T12:45:00.008-05:00

My wife and I are recommending several Cuenca restaurants based on our personal, positive experiences. They are listed in order of Preference.

LA PARRILLA DE HECTOR

Authentic Argentine meals
Meats cooked to your specific tastes (rare, medium, well done)

One waiter speaks English

Location: Autopista Cuenca-Azogues
(300 meters South of Mall del Rio directly across from Vista Linda Apartments)
Drive up small mountain road to restaurant

Telephones: 07 409 1368; Cellphones: 084890159, 087845093

LA VINA RESTAURANTE ITALIANA

Great Pizza and the Best Spaghetti Bolognese in Cuenca

Address: Luis Cordero 5-101 y Juan Jaramillo, Cuenca
Phone: 07 283 9696

LA PARRILLADA Restaurant

Specialties: Steaks and Seafood
Our Experience: Best Steak and Baked Potato in Cuenca (so far)

Located at: Remigio Tamariz 2-25 y Federico Proano, Cuenca

Link to Website

Phone: 07 2882 649

CRETA RESTAURANT

Located in Mall del Rio - Second Floor

My favorite dish: The Pescado
This is a classy restaurant without the classy prices.

Directions to Creta: Enter main entrance into mall. Turn left and walk until you see the UP escalators. When you reach the top on the 2nd floor turn left and left again, so you will be walking in the opposite direction from the direction you went up on the escalator. Walk about 50 feet and turn right into an annex of the mall. Continue walking with a slight right direction and you should eventually see CRETA.

Cafe' De La Cueva

4-48 Mariano Cueva. ( Off Calle Larga and down 4 doors on the right)

Monday Night from 5-8Pm is our happy hour offering two for one cocktails and
our famous juicy burger for $3.75.

Tuesday night is happy hour from 5-8 pm with two for cocktails from 5-9pm.

Wednesday is our ladies night. Ladies drink from our menu of delicious cocktails for
$2.00 including our champagne cocktails.

Thursday is our GRINGO night. 2 for 1 Drinks all Night. Mingle with other expats and locals.

Friday is our TEXAS STYLE BABY BACK RIB NIGHT……. and SPECIALS on our cocktails and Picante Martini.

Saturday is bring a date night. All couples will enjoy a variety of cocktails. By one
cocktail and receive one half off.

Café De La Cueva has a great eclectic ambiance with a variety of concert dvd’s
we play all night. We have an extensive cocktail menu along with a variety of fine
wines, champagne and sparkling wines by the bottle and glass and of course our
15 different martinis.

We have the best Gourmet Hamburger in town with our homemade fries on our
special herb bun.

Philly cheese steak sandwich, shrimp cocktail served in a martini glass goes great
with our absolute pepper picante martini. Chicken sandwich marinated in teriyaki,
pineapple and dark rum is amazing with our melontini martini.

Food Menu
Served until closing every night
Hamburgers-All burgers are with lettuce tomato and grilled onions.
Classic Burger $4.50
Classic burger with cheese $5.00
Queso Burger $5.00
Picante cheese, jalapeno and cubano peppers. Delicious with our absolute picante martini.
Hierbas Burger $5.00
Served on our special herb roll with an herb cheese of oregano, cilantro, parsley and rosemary. Goes great with our two oceans cabernet/merlot blend.
French Burger $5.75
Served with brie cheese, grilled onions and a balsamic glaze
Italian Burger $4.75
Mozzarella chesse with smoked tomato and basil.
Teriyaki Burger $4.75
Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich $5.25
Sliced lean filet with sweet peppers, grilled onions and topped with a balsamic glaze and provolone cheese.

All sandwiches are served with our house special cut fries.
Chorizo de parrillada kabob $3.25
A tasty grilled Spanish sausage on a kabob with sweet pepper, Cuban pepper, onion grilled over flames.
Caribbean chicken sandwich $5.25
A tasty breast of chicken marinated in our house special sauce of pineapple, cilantro, teriyaki and dark rum.
Shrimp cocktail $3.75
Add a shot of chilled absolute pepper. $3.00
Fried Calamari $4.00
A basket of delicious fried calamari with our marinara sauce topped with shredded parmesan cheese.
Fried mozzarella sticks $3.00
Portobello Stack $4.00
A large Portobello mushroom topped with sweet peppers, grilled onions and a balsamic glaze.
Caesar salad $3.25
Shrimp $4.00
Chicken $ 4.50
Steak $4.75
Friday is Texas style baby back bbq ribs, delicious…..

Come in on Friday night for our famous Texas style
Baby Back Ribs. Served with coleslaw and beans.

Cellphone: 095 26 0291

Email: beth@beautifulcuenca.com

FOGO GRILL and BAR

Great food and beautiful views of Cuenca

Restaurant located above new Health Spa and Gym near Turi

Just off Av. Las Americas
Circunvalacion Sur y subida a Turi, Cuenca

Telf: 07 245 5305
Email: fogo@eldoradohotel.com.ec

TIESTOS

Excellent Servings of Meat and Chicken
The special preparation methods is what makes it So Special.

Chef Juan Carlos Solano (Juan makes you feel welcome)
Juan Jaramillo 7-34 y Borrero
Cuenca

Phones:
Restaurant: 07 283 5310
Cellphone: 08 723 3063
Email: jesj71@hotmail.com

Hours: Monday - Saturday 12:30 - 15:30 and 18:30 - 23:00
Sunday - 12:30 - 16:00

Kookaburra Cafe and Accommodations (Top Breakfast Location)

This new "Kookaburra Cafe" is TOPS in Cuenca. The food is delicious and our Australian friends are great hosts at your service. Beware, if you go there too often, you are in danger of making NEW friends with Chris and Jenny, the Australian owner's of the Kookaburra.

Not only do you get a great selection for breakfast, but you can get great sandwiches for lunch, along with beer and Nachos that are delicious.

In addition, if you are looking for short-term accommodations, then they have 2 fully furnished apartments available for your comfort.

Check Out This Site

ZOE'S Restaurant

7-61 Borrero
Cuenca

Excellent Food and Drinks
Service is great!

TERRACE BAR and GRILL

Menu includes plate lunches, sandwiches, deserts, wine, non-alcoholic drinks, alcoholic drinks, etc. The food is delicious. The restaurant is clean and has an outside patio across from the soccer stadium.

Location: Av. del Estadio 1-36 (next to Zonas Muebles) y Florencia Astudillo

Phones: 07 281 3166; 07 288 0450

Gourmand Cafe

Owner: Silvia Paredes (Cellphone: 099 245 861)
Fantastic Sandwiches, Coffee and Pastries
My favorite (Lemon Pie)

Calle Humberto Ma. Cordero 1-60 y Av. 10 de Agosto, Cuenca

Email: shivis_808@hotmail.com

GOOD AFFINITY VEGETARIAN Cafe and Tea House

Gran Colombia 1-89 y Capulies
Telephone: 07-283-2469.

Ask for Hsiao-hui (pronounced Chow-way). Tell her Larry and Linda referred you. Hsiao-hui is also a talented artist trained in Taiwan and New York City. I own one of her paintings.

CHICAGO PIZZA RESTAURANT

Duesman Ramirez - Owner

Good Pizza and Pasta Dishes

Gran Columbia 10-43 y Padre Aguirre (Across from Santo Domingo Church)
Cuenca

OroMar Restaurante

Great selection of Seafood
Outside deck located on Second Floor

Located at: Presidente Cordova y 3 de Noviembre, Cuenca

Phones: 07 284 0099
Cell Phone: 09 498 3922

LA HERRADURA Grill Restaurant

Specialties: Parrilladas - Superlomos
Our experience: Great Steaks

Located at: Av. Remigio Romero 3-57 y Remigio Crespo, Cuenca
Phone: 07 2887 540

AKELARRE

An assorted menu. Their specialty is Tapas Espanolas.
Our experience: Great hamburgers.

Located at: General Torres 8-40 entre Sucre y Bolivar - Cuenca
Phone: 07 2823 636
Email: indigosag@mixmail.com

INDIGO RESTAURANT

Antonio Borrero entre Presidente Cordova y Mariscal Sucre

Serves food, pastries, ice cream and cocktails
Cell: 09-233-6361; Phone: 07-282-7098

Ask for Ruben Heras.

CANTA GALLO Restaurant and Pub

Great Italian Dishes and great service.
Our experience: Great Italian food and Very enjoyable ambiance.

Located at: Av. Primero de Mayo 4-23 y Felipe II, Cuenca
Phones: 07 2819 210; 07 2816 872; Cell - 08 4895 753

LA FORNACE

There are several other locations in Cuenca, but our experience was here.
Our experience: Great Pizzas and great Spaghetti!

Located at: Remigio Crespo 5-13 y Imbabura, Cuenca
Phone: 07 2883 920

Banana's Cafe: Cuenca, Ecuador

2011-02-01T12:40:00.000-05:00

Alexandra is on your left and Glenda is on your right.

This cafe is owned by two lovely ladies who believe in great service and fantastic breakfasts. Unfortunately, they were robbed about 4 months after they opened at a location on Rio Tomebamba. So, they started looking for a safer place to move their restaurant to.

The owners just moved to a new location next door to the Carolina Bookstore. Bananas Cafe is now located at Hermano Miguel 4-36 y Calle Larga.

The menu includes such items as GREAT omelets, pancakes, french toast, homemade granola, fresh fruit juices, smoothies & yogurt (plus numerous other yummy breakfast goodies).

I suggest you let Alexandra & Glenda whip up a wonderful breakfast for you.

Inca Lounge and Bistro NOW Open 6 Days A Week

2011-02-01T12:35:00.000-05:00

NOW Open 6 Days A Week

Say you read about it on Larry's Blog.

The location of the bar is located on 3 de Noviembre, just upstream from the steps at the end of Av. Solano. Instead of going up the steps to Benigno Malo, walk across the small plaza away from Solano instead of going up the steps, go down the steps to 3 de Noviembre and walk about 100 feet. On your left, you will see tables on a patio, plus steps leading up to the second floor, where you will find a full-service bar with more tables and chairs.

Best American Hamburger in Cuenca (Ask for the Inca Burger). It's a really thick hamburger (cooked to your liking).

Cuenca Hairstylist and Men's Haircuts - Updated 15 Mar 2011

2011-02-01T12:30:00.003-05:00

Peluqueria.Melva Ortega

Men's haircuts.
Ladies cuts, coloring, and styles.

MELVA has been cutting my hair for about 1 1/2 years. She is excellent and has a very sweet personality.

Melva's weekly hours:
Monday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

Melva's Cellphone for an appointment: 09 787 5731 (She speaks Spanish only)
Melva's husband: Avila (speaks English) 08 061 6128

Melva's charges $3.00 which includes a shampoo after the haircut.
I have referred 4 men to her and they were all "happy campers."

Directions Melva's Salon:

Walking or driving away from Solano (West) along the river on Primero de Mayo, walk or drive about 1 mile to the big Clock. Go right (up the hill). When you come to the first cross street, turn right and go 1 block, then turn left and go 1 block. She is located on the corner.

Her address is:
Alfonso Moreno Mora y Cesar Davila (Look for her sign)

Call Melba on her cellphone when you get there, if you cannot locate her salon and she will come outside to find you.

Source for Blinds and Curtains

2011-02-01T12:15:00.001-05:00

My wife and I discovered by accident, a great source for new curtains and blinds. The young lady, Gina Calle, speaks perfect English.

The business, Artex, is located at Alfonso Moreno M. 1-111 y Ave. Solano (a media cuadra de Italdele).

Gina is a professional graphic artist and practiced for 6 years in Olympia, Washington. My wife and I were looking for bamboo blinds and when we walked in, we saw exactly what we had been looking for. Gina also suggested that we have a covering placed on the back of the blinds to shut out most of the light that might shine through the blinds in the morning, otherwise.

Gina´s personal cellphone is: 09-262-8174 in Cuenca, Ecuador.

Our blinds installed cost $426 for our Master Bedroom and our Guest Bedroom. The Master has rather large windows, so we were quite pleased with the price.

Ceramic Dishes - Artesa Pottery Factory

2011-02-01T11:50:00.000-05:00

We bought a 12 place setting of dishes, large and small bowls, cups, saucers, salad bowls, soup bowls for the low price of $490 total. That is a total of 82 pieces.

We highly recommend this factory.

Most of the designs are by the famous ceramic artist, VEGA who has his own studio located on the way up to TURI, the tourist oversight of Cuenca.

Location: Isabel La Catolica 1-102 y Los Americas
Cuenca

Check Out Their Website

Picture Framing

2011-02-01T11:45:00.000-05:00

AN-PI MARCOS PARA CUADROS

Av. Remigio Crespo Toral 1-15, Cuenca

Phone: 07 288 8343

Private Shuttle Service: Guayaquil/Cuenca

2011-02-01T11:35:00.000-05:00

Angel Panchez - Taxi Cab Driver

Will pick up at Guayaquil Airport - Fee $100

Speaks English Fluently

Only has car, so can only have 2 large suitcases in trunk & 2 carryons in back seat.

Cellphone: 085899643
Email: anhelp_68@yahoo.com

SHUTTLE SERVICE: ELMOCTOUR

Av. Remigio Crespo 3-54
Cuenca

Telephones: 07 281 6221; 07 245 5326
Cell: 08 031 0391
Email: elmoctours@yahoo.com

A LONG-STANDING PRIVATE SHUTTLE SERVICE:

This is the phone contact number for the Private Shuttle Service driver that drove my wife and I to Cuenca. Raul lives in Cuenca. Raul speaks Spanish only. His cell phone number is: 011-593-9-543-0927 (if calling from USA).

Raul only speaks Spanish. When you contact Raul, tell him you were referred by Larry Marler, whom he picked up at La Glorieta Condominiums on 10 January 2009 and drove to Casa Alianza in Guayaquil. I also used his services on 23 April 2009 when he picked me up at Casa Alianza and drove me to Cuenca. I don't receive a referral fee.

Raul's rate is now $120 for reserving the van as your private shuttle with no other passengers. This is another reason that I suggest that you contact Raul directly to avoid any problems. You may possibly be able to negotiate a better rate of (i.e., say $100). If you have a friend that speaks Spanish, it would be best to use that friend to speak in your behalf, as I do.

For me, this service has been useful, because I have had heavy baggage. Not only can I be picked up at my hotel in Guayaquil, but I can be delivered directly to my Cuenca condo. The rate is $20 more than if you fly, but the convenience has been worth the additional cost to me.

Also, presently, Raul is driving a Radio Taxi and can be reached at the same cell number given above.

Automobile Prices (New and Used)

2011-02-01T11:30:00.000-05:00

Chuck and Nancy Watson finally took the leap and bought themselves a new car. It is a Korean company named SsangYong. This company is owned by Mercedes Benz and the car has the Mercedes Benz diesel engine in it, so it should last a very long time.

The dealer is:

Importadora Terreros Serrano (IMTESE)
Av. Espana 800 y Barcelona, Cuenca

The salesman's name is Santiago Terreros Polo. Santiago speaks perfect English._____________________________________________________

Readers have asked that I post some prices of both new and used vehicles; therefore, I have done so. Most of the prices will be for used vehicles and as I find new vehicles, I will add them as this post evolves.

Something that I have been told regarding the purchase of new vehicles by some expats is that they were able to save as much as $2,000.00 on new vehicle purchases by doing so in Guayaquil. Also, for those of you wondering whether it is more prudent to purchase and ship vehicles from the USA, the best I can determine is that the final cost to you (if you purchase and ship from the states) will end up being about the same as if you simply buy in Ecuador. Having said that, it is always best to find a local Ecuadorian that is good at negotiating to do so in your behalf when making such a purchase. That has always been my policy and it has paid off for me.

NEW AUTOMOBILES

My friend, Chuck Watson, gave me this link, which is in Spanish; however, most all NEW cars sold in Ecuador are included on this site and is easy to read.

Click here to bring up the site.

Nissan TIDA

Hatchback (Manual Transmission)
100,000 mile guarantee
$19,990

Sedan (Manual Transmission)
100,000 mile guarantee
$19,900

Almera (4-door sedan)

5-speed manual transmission)
$17, 990

4-speed automatic transmission
$18,990

Sentra (4-door sedan - basic)

Manual transmission
$13,885

Sentra 2.0 Sport

6-speed manual transmission
$27,990
CVT Transmission
$28,990

2010 Vitara ZS
$23,300

USED AUTOMOBILE PRICES (from local newspaper dated 19 February 2010)

2002 Renault Clio
5-speed transmission
$6,800 (negotiable)

1999 Rodeo
4x4 V6
$12,000

1998 Silverado
$7,500

2001 Chevrolet Luv
$9,800 (negotiable)

2001 Chevrolet Luv
$9,500

2008 Chevrolet Optra Limited
$16,700

1996 Chevrolet Mini Blazer
Fully loaded 4x4
Automatic Transmission
$8,000 (negotiable)

2001 Toyota Land Cruiser
5-speed Manual Transmission
$18,900

2004 Daihatsu Charade
$8,300 (negotiable)

2005 Ford Ecosport
$14,000

1998 Ford Ranger 4x2
$9,600 (negotiable)

2007 Ford 150 Pickup
4x4 with 45,000 km
$33,500

2007 Hyundai H-1
$16,000

2002 Kia Sportage Wagon
93,700 km
$11,300

Toyota Yaris
$10,900 (negotiable)

2009 Grand Vitara
$16,400

2003 Grand Vitara
$15,200

Cuenca English Speaking Cab Drivers: Update 04/07/2010

2011-02-01T11:15:00.000-05:00

Angel Panchez

Tourist Guide
English Speaking

Cellphone: 085899643
Email: anhelp_68@yahoo.com
*************************************************

Manuel Padilla

Taxi Cab Driver - Speaks good English
080296533
*************************************************

Fabian Arias Bojorque

Cellular: 09 107 8135
Email: sonialv@etapaonline.net.ec
*************************************************
Cesar Loja

Cellular: 09 153 1420
Home: 07 281 8613
*************************************************

Daniel

Cellular: 081830155
Good English. Drives newer, good sized Toyota.
*************************************************

Washington

Cellular: 097966033
Fair English

If you have any problems with these drivers, please let me know.

Duplicate Keys Made

2011-02-01T11:00:00.000-05:00

These are good places to have duplicate keys made in Cuenca Central.

Relojeria
9-51 Presidente Cordova, Cuenca
Four (4) duplicated for $2.00
This little shop also repairs Seiko watches.

Micanico Segarra (with a Key Sign outside)
6-80 Gran Columbia and Borrero
(Directly across from the Hotel Conquistador)

Coleman Duplicamos
6-95 Juan Jaramilos

Our Review of Cuenca Spanish Schools

2011-02-01T10:30:00.000-05:00

Carolina's English Book Store

Dr. Lee Dubs
Professor of English and Spanish
Has been teaching for 30 years

Hermano Miguel 4-46 y Calle Larga, Cuenca, Ecuador

Cellphone: 097794057
On a 1 - 10 Rating Scale: 9

Amauta Fundacion Spanish School in Cuenca

My wife, Linda's experiences were not good. The school does not use a text book, with which one can use to review and follow; therefore, from my perspective, the school does not use a structured format for their teaching process. My wife was very disappointed in how she was taught and was totally confused the whole time she attended school for 3 hours a day for 2 weeks. We cannot, in good conscious, recommend this school. On a 1 - 10 Rating Scale: 3

Estudio Sampere Spanish School

We have a friend who lived in our condo for 3 months and attended this school. She was totally satisfied with how she was taught and what she learned over a 3-month period. She indicated to us that the school included texts in their prices and that they had texts for beginners, intermediate, and advanced. Also, they offer a discount when a couple study together as a group. The second person receives a 50% discount. My wife recommends that this school be considered with a personal visit. Based on our friend's recommendation, on a 1 - 10 Rating Scale: 8

Simon Bolivar Spanish School

Simon Bolivar has an excellent reputation and we recommend that they be considered with a personal visit as part of your decision making process. The link provided above shows a detailed example of what your course would include in a 4-week program, which from my perspective, is impressive. They do include texts with their structured courses and seem to cover much ground in a small amount of time. Based on our impressions, on a 1 - 10 Rating Scale: 8

Cuenca Hardware Store - BOYACA: 2-10-2011

2011-02-01T10:20:00.002-05:00

AB Almacenes Boyaca is a large hardware store offering bathroom fixtures, kitchen appliances, Gas BBQ grills, light fixtures, office furniture, computer desks, garage doors, safes, lawn mowers, etc.

We recently were told that this store also has Quality Towels.

Located at:

Av. Remigio Crespo Toral y Calle Esmeralda, Cuenca
Phone: 07 2811 087

Link to Website

Product Prices for Hardware Items

2011-02-01T10:15:00.001-05:00

The products below are from a Sunday insert from Kywi Hardware Supercenter and MegaKywi. The products from Kywi are quality products. It consists of 2 stories, about a square block for each floor. There are many other products available in the store.

Location:
Av. Elia Liut y Av. Gil Ramirez Davalos
Cuenca (Miraflores)

As I determine more products and prices, I will list them here.

Vtech Telephone 5.8Ghz
$27.77

Dual Flush Commode
$140.91

Digital Safe
$78.61

Officenter - Office Furniture

2011-02-01T10:10:00.000-05:00

This office furniture store offers a selection of quality office furniture and file cabinets. I purchased a high-back leather office chair that supports my neck for $229 and a 2-drawer filing cabinet for $105 at this store, which includes delivery.

The store is located at:

Mariscal Sucre 6-01 y Hermano Miguel, Cuenca Central
Phones: 07 2845 268 / 09 8414 343

Email: officent@etapaonline.net.ec

Clothes Wash and Fold (Lavendaria)

2011-02-01T10:00:00.000-05:00

Lavendaria La Quimica Automaticia

Borrero 7-34 y Presidente Cordova

Located in Central (Cuenca)

What's the weather like in Cuenca, Ecuador?

2011-02-01T09:45:00.002-05:00

I have been trying to post things that offer information to potential expatriates considering moving to Cuenca. After all this time, I have been posting, I seem to have forgotten WEATHER in Cuenca. It took a reader of my blog to point out that oversight.

Well, let's put it this way. The weather is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit about 98% of the time all year. The other 2% the temp can get up to 75 degrees on a real hot day. It rains (if all goes well) from about February through May often, but not overbearing. That's what keeps the countryside so green. We had a bad drought this last year (from July through December 2009), but the weather around the world was an anomaly most of last year.

So, to my readers, I would suggest that you (if you use MS Vista) set up a weather forecast system (again, if you use Firefox) where you can see the weather every day of the year on your own computer when you boot it up.

Hope this helps.

Recommendation: Casa Alianza: Guayaquil Hostel

2011-02-01T09:45:00.001-05:00

We prefer to arrive in Guayaquil, rather than Quito, as it is closer to Cuenca,
and is more convenient and less costly to travel by Van services, when we have large amounts of luggage.

My wife and I arrived late in the evening at the Guayaquil, Ecuador Airport. A shuttle was waiting for us and took us to the hotel, actually ran by a Mission organization. We also stayed at Casa Alianza on 10 January due to our early morning flight departure. My contact at Casa Alianza was Raquel Paez pictured on the right. Raquel's email is rpaez at casaalianza dot com.

Raquel was extremely helpful to me in getting the information necessary to plan for our shuttle service from Guayaquil to Cuenca. Our communications consisted of numerous back and forth emails, but Raquel was persistent and resolved all difficulties that came up. Her reward was a dozen roses. She arranged everything necessary for us to be picked up at 10 am the next morning on 12 December. Information for Shuttle Service is posted in a separate post.

The other young lady that works the Front Desk is Zally Villón. She helped us the morning after our arrival. Zally is pictured on the left. Breakfast is served in the mornings for $3.50.

We bought lunch at a mall located nearby. Raquel called a Taxi which took us there for $2.00 and then waited for our call and got the same driver to pick us up after we had eaten. We ate at Chili's (the same one as in the USA).

Our rooms were clean and the beds were comfortable. Casa Alianza has WiFi service on the outside patio which is alongside the swimming pool.

Check Here To See The Website

Cuenca Hotels/Hostels Acceptable To Expats

2011-02-01T09:30:00.000-05:00

Villa Nova Inn

Paseo 3 de Noviembre 24-06 y Escalinatas
Sector "El Barranco"
Cuenca, Ecuador

LINK TO HOSTEL WEBSITE
+593 7 283 6790

info@villanovacuenca.com

LA CASONA

My wife discovered a quaint hotel called "La Casona." Room rates are very reasonable at $46 for a double. Rooms include private bath with hot water; Cable TV; Phone, Computer & Wireless internet; Safe-Deposit Box; Restaurant, Luggage Room.

Location: Miguel Cordero 2-124 y Alfonso Cordero (esq).

Link To Hotel Website

Phone: 07 2811 131 (in Cuenca)
+ 593 7 2811 131 (outside Ecuador)

Email: reservaciones@lacasonahotel.com.ec
OR info@lacasonahotel.com.ec

My First Full Day in Cuenca After My Move: 12 June 2009

2009-06-12T08:31:00.000-05:00

For those of you that are unaware of life in Ecuador, the first thing you must develop, without fail, is PATIENCE. If you cannot do that, then stay away from Latin America.

My first real surprise was when we arrived in Cuenca and got into my apartment. My Direct TV did not work, but it had been working perfectly, when I left. So, my first stop, with a local who speaks both English and Spanish, was at the Direct TV office. Believe it, or not, I was told that the technician had gone to check out everything to be sure it was working correctly; however, he was told that I had returned to the states and would return in the middle of June. He went back to his office and turned off the connection, so that I would not be paying for service while I was not there. That saved me about $70.00. WOW! Is that service, or what!

My next adventure was not near as positive; however, the knowledge you gain from this may possibly save you some heartache.

We went to the Porta office to sign contracts and get my new wireless modem and enroll in their Family Cellphone plan. We were told that we would have to go to get certification from our bank that we had an account with them. After doing that, we signed the contracts for our family plan and the wireless modem. The young lady kept telling us they were waiting on the bank certification letter, which took around 4 hours total before she received it. However, the corporate headquarters in Guayaquil was still holding up approval. After about 5 hours total (we started at 1 PM, corporate advised the service reps that our bank account had to be 2 months old before they would authorize automatic deductions from the bank account. That meant waiting until 29 June, before I could get either the cellphones, or the wireless modem for my internet access. Not only was I livid, but the Porta reps were also, because this could have been revealed at the very beginning of the process by corporate. The service reps told me that they were going to issue an official complaint regarding the person they had been working with in Guayaquil.

I, possibly, could have paid cash for the first month's premiums; however, I did not want to do that, simply on principle. I chose to wait.

And, by the way, when dealing with the bank to request account certification, the first lady told us we could not get same with merely a copy of our passport, but only with the original. She would not give on that requirement, so we went to the head manager and she asked for a second picture ID, which I had, so she told the lady to let us make the official request.

So, as I said before, PATIENCE is a necessary requirement in Latin America, if one is to keep their sanity.

Therefore, I am stuck with either using Internet cafes, or Wireless hotspots until 29 June (at the earliest).

We are now in Guayaquil at Casa Alianza

2009-06-11T05:51:00.002-05:00

Just a quick update to let all know that we arrived in Guayaquil, Ecuador and are staying overnight at our favorite small hotel. Our van will be picking us up at 10am this Thursday morning to take us to our new home in Cuenca. Last night, we went to bed at 7pm and I woke up at 3am. Since I have access to the internet, I decided to get on my laptop and update my blog. Will report more later on our new adventure.

Tying Up Loose Ends for the Move

2009-06-03T18:13:00.003-05:00

What a fiasco! Linda and I have closed down her business, getting all the tax returns prepared by our accountant, so I can send them in before we leave in 6 days.

My biggest challenge is selecting what we can take in our suitcases and what we must ship to my brother-in-law for safekeeping. However, it is also exciting, because we will finally be in our new home with all new furniture, etc. We will have lots to do when we get to Cuenca, but it will be fun doing it and no pressure to get it done by a certain deadline. That will be kind of nice.

Countdown for Cuenca Move Has Begun

2009-05-28T06:00:00.000-05:00

My quest to move to Cuenca began back in July 2004 when we bought our condo during the pre-construction phase. Our flight schedule calls for departure from Denver on 09 June 2009 (just shy of 5 years in time), but now only 20 days to go. Speaking for myself, I am so excited, I can hardly contain myself.

On the other hand, my wife is going through a sad time, because she has been saying goodbye to all her patients and friends. Many of her patients (many her friends) have been getting acupuncture treatments from her since she opened her clinic in January 1995. Many have grown to love her dearly, so it is somewhat a difficult time for her.

Now, it has got down to the nitty-gritty. Since we are not shipping any goods overseas, we are only taking 4 large suitcases, 2 carryons and my laptop computer.
My wife and I have a number of books that we are shipping to her brother's home for safekeeping. However, the dilemma is to reduce that number to as little as possible, which is proving to be very difficult.

Today is the 28th of May, so we only have 12 days remaining prior to our departure. Our remaining work is to clean out everything and deliver it to Goodwill. More later.

Accomplishments on Recent Visit to Cuenca

2009-05-08T12:33:00.005-05:00

Before arriving in Cuenca, I had Direct TV installed in my condo. After arriving, I had planned to have internet installed in my condo with TV Cable. When they arrived to install the internet, they advised me that I only had one cable in my condo; therefore, I would have to allow them to install their TV services and forgo my Direct TV. So that meant I had to accept their service of Ecuador Nacional only (no other choices available) in order to have their internet service. That was the first that I was aware that I had only 1 cable wired into my condo. That is probably good information for you to know when choosing your TV and internet service. I know it was important for me.

Well, TV Cable finally got the internet installed. I used it for a while and then shut off the computer to leave and do some errands. When I returned, I turned on the computer, but the modem failed to connect to the internet. After disconnecting the modem and connecting it back up, it worked for about 3 minutes and disconnected from the internet. This happened repeatedly through that day and night. After trying several times, without success, I was furious. Now I had internet that did not work and TV that had no English channels.

Due to the fact that I now had service for around 60 channels with no news channels in English while Direct TV offered me over 120 channels with news channels and many movie channels in English, I made a decision to pursue alternatives that would allow me to get my Direct TV service installed again. In addition, with Direct TV, they offer a service that is around $30 for each American football season, which enables me to follow American football each season.

Therefore, with the help of my friend, Kathy Gonzalez, we visited Movistar and Porta to investigate their wireless modem service and the costs involved. What we found was that Porta offered unlimited service with a speed of 1.2 for $66 per month (the USB wireless modem is free with this plan). Based on that information, Porta is my choice. Since I was leaving 4 days later and would not return until 11 June, I decided to forgo signing up with Porta until I returned in June. Then, I returned the internet modem to TV Cable and canceled all services with TV Cable. We then went to the Direct TV offices, I signed their contract and scheduled to have them reinstall their service (I still had their modem and cables in my condo). Direct TV's service is $55 per month.

Another chore was to open a bank account at Banco Pichincha, which I was able to get accomplished. Another thing important for me was to rent a PO Box, which was accomplished. When we return in June on our final move, we will get cell phones on a Porta plan (far less costly than the prepaid plan).

Also, I paid Simon Bolivar Spanish School in advance for 10 weeks of Spanish lessons for my wife and I. We will commence the lessons, once we have our residency visas and cedulas in our possession.

We will have all of our required documents, with which we plan to go to Quito to meet with Gabriela Espinosa, our Immigration Attorney. We will apply for our 12 IX 6-month visas, which we can get in 2 days. Once we have those, Gabriela will submit our applications for our permanent residency visas which takes from 15 - 30 days for processing.

Hopefully, this information will help some of you to avoid some of the many pitfalls that await you if you are caught unaware. Until next time, I bid you farewell.

Short Trip to Cuenca, Ecuador

2009-03-31T08:59:00.003-05:00

I will be visiting Cuenca for a short time from 23 April through 04 May 2009. The trip is to deliver some goods to my apartment that will be much needed once we move there for good on 09 June 2009.

Decided Against Shipping Household Goods to Ecuador

2009-03-09T15:02:00.003-05:00

After careful consideration, my wife and I decided against shipping any household goods to Ecuador. We have already furnished our condo with about 90% of new furnishings that we have already purchased in Cuenca. The only things that we had left to ship were educational type books from each of our respective university educations. It was truly a hard decision to make, but the books were mostly all 10+ years old and simply not worth the high costs that would have resulted if we had shipped them (somewhere in the neighborhood of $5,500 - $6,500, or more).

We decided that we would have friends and relatives store books that we really wanted to keep and then bring some with them in the future when they come to visit us in Cuenca. If things work out that no one comes to visit, then that's life. We can live without them.

As an alternative to shipping, I am making an extra trip in April 2009 to take some items (i.e., 3-inch memory foam mattress cover, sheets, comforter, duvet, and towels). With these out of the way for our final move (total cost of extra trip around $1,300), we will have much more room to fit clothing and 2 small appliances in 4 large suitcases on our final trip in June 2009. Actually, we have quite a few clothes already in our condo, because we left quite a bit (all new clothing) on our trip this past Christmas, and I will be leaving some more on this extra trip.

Once you get started culling out what you don't need, you realize just how much you have that you never will actually use in your new life.

Steps in Getting Our Marriage License Legalized by Consulate of Ecuador

2009-03-09T14:43:00.004-05:00

Step-1: Since my wife and I were married in Houston, I requested a Certified Copy of our Marriage License from Harris County where we were married. I submitted the request by mail on 20 February 2009 and received it back on 27 February 2009.

Step-2: On this date, 09 March 2009, I submitted the Certified Marriage License, a $10 U. S. Postal Money Order, and a self-addressed return envelope to the Houston Consulate of Ecuador for them to affix the appropriate legalization stamp for Ecuador. The Consulate office will return the legalized Marriage License to me (I received the legalized Marriage License on 20 March). I will now include the legalized Marriage License with my other required documents and submit them all to my Quito Immigration Attorney when I visit her office in June 2009.

Steps in Getting Police Reports in Colorado USA

2009-02-11T08:48:00.009-05:00

Step-1 required us to go to the local sheriff's department, pay $5.00 each for our reports. We received them on the spot in about 10 minutes of waiting time. Then, I scanned our 2 police reports and sent them as email attachments to Gabriela Espinosa, our Immigration Attorney for her review to make sure they met the requirements of the Ecuadorian Immigration Department. I was advised that they did meet all requirements.

Step-2 required that we take the notarized letter documents to the Colorado Department of State to get them apostilled. We did that this morning, 19 February 2009. It took a total of about 10 minutes to get the 2 documents apostilled for a total cost of $30. That now completes the Police Reports process.

Departing for One-Month Stay in Cuenca, Ecuador

2008-12-09T19:47:00.002-05:00

We have been anticipating this trip since last March 2008, when we purchased our tickets. It was our good fortune that we made the early purchase; otherwise the baggage embargo now in effect would have limited us to only a total of two check-in bags, instead of the four we are entitled to due to our early ticket purchase.

Having said that, our travel itinerary goes as follows: Denver to Houston, Houston to Panama City, Panama, and finally, Panama City to Guayaquil. Stay overnight in Guayaquil at Casa Alianz. We are then scheduled for pickup at 10 AM on 12 December by Felpos Tur, a transportation service. They will drive us from Guayaquil, directly to our condo in Cuenca (about a 3 1/2 hour drive). The drive has been described by others as a very beautiful, scenic trip through the mountains, so we are looking forward to this part of the trip.

Felpos Tur also offers Van Service between Guayaquil and Cuenca. The Felpos Tur Guayaquil cell phone number is 09 797 2038, while their landline numbers are 04 232 0668 and 232 6949. One of those numbers may be a fax.

Linda, my wife, has scheduled 10 days of Spanish lessons for 3 hours a day with Amauta Fundacion in Cuenca, located at Calle Hermano Miguel 7-48 entre Sucre y Presidente Cordova. Phones: Landline - 593 7 2846206; Cell - 593 9 8426218.

We are really excited to be able to spend a whole month in our new home, but will be even more excited about our upcoming move in June 2009. I hope to keep you posted with developments as they unfold on this trip.

It's Time to Get Excited About Our Next Visit

2008-10-21T13:45:00.004-05:00

On this visit, we will be staying a month in Cuenca from 12 Dec 2008 'til 10 Jan 2009. When we return home, we will begin making final preparations to move permanently in June 2009. This will have been a 5 year process for us from the time that we bought our condo in Cuenca in July 2004.

We have lots of things to look forward to on this visit, because we will actually be able to live in our condo the whole time we are there. On our last visit in Dec 2007, we had to resolve several problems and also had to buy our furniture. But now, we can live in our own home. We are really excited about that. My wife is going to take 2-weeks of Spanish lessons, as she has had not previous exposure to formal Spanish training at all.

We are going to be able to nurture some local Cuencano friendships and meet a little new-born baby girl that is due about 3 days before we arrive. We also plan on looking for some pictures and lamps to add to our abode to make it feel more like home. As I mentioned in my opening comments, we are excited to become more familiar with our new home.

While I am thinking about it, I suggest that anyone reading this consider joining two forum groups that can offer you some really good, first-hand information about living in the Cuenca area (and some info on other areas of Ecuador). There are a number of expats that are already living in Cuenca that regularly contribute info on the do's and don'ts when considering moving to Ecuador and Cuenca, in particular.

The links to join each of the groups are as follows:

The first forum group is known as Ecuador Forums and can be found at:

CLICK Here

The second forum group is known as Ecuador_Expats and is part of the Yahoo Group of forums. The process to sign up requires that you sign up in Yahoo groups at:

CLICK Here

Once you have joined Yahoo Groups, then you need to apply to join the ecuador_expats group from within the Yahoo Group.

For the moment, that's all I have to offer, but I am sure that other things will come to mind as the time grows nearer to our departure date.

Recommend Real Estate Attorney in Portoviejo, Ecuador

2008-08-06T07:37:00.004-05:00

I thought I had posted the info on my Real Estate attorney; however, I had not. Even though her office in in Portoviejo, she handled my closing of my condo in Cuenca, Ecuador and secured my property deed after all closing costs had been settled. I highly recommend her. Here is all of her contact information.

AB. Floridalva Zambrano Pinargote
Zambrano & Asociados
Calle Ricaurte, entre Cordova y 10 de Agosto
Edificio Multicomercio, oficina #307
Portoviejo, Ecuador

Office Telephone: + 593-5-265-2866
Cell Phone: + 593-9-505-7837

Email: floriflori58@yahoo.es

Focus on Cuenca and other areas of Ecuador

2008-07-06T12:40:00.002-05:00

Here is a valuable forum on Ecuador. Be sure to join and see all the valuable info at your disposal.

Click Her e to visit the Forum.

New Life in Retirement

2008-06-16T10:03:00.004-05:00

I saw a short piece on TV this morning on retirement and how different people are effected, differently. That caused me to stop and think and realize how retirement has and will effect mine and my wife's lives when my wife's retirement is final.

But, I am getting ahead of myself. First, it was reported that many people in the USA are effected negatively, because they are victims of downsizing, or the company moving to another location, both causing the people effected to be left without a job and a major feeling of loss. The lady on the show was a Social Worker and was pointing out that many people fail to plan for retirement and when caught off guard, as described above, can be found in a most devastating situation. Her answer was to motivate people to get involved in other endeavors that they never had a chance to do while working all their lives.

Now, back to mine and my wife's retirement plans. As we reached our 50s, we realized that we wanted to remain active, mentally and physically. We also realized that we had interests in other countries and cultures of the world. In other words, we had a desire to explore and seek out new adventures. We realize that this is NOT for everyone; however, it is for us. We started visiting other countries each year on vacation to determine where we could possibly find our "place in the sun," so to speak. We visited several different locations in Mexico, several in Canada, we visited Panama and Fiji, and finally, we visited Ecuador for the first time in 2000.

We had it narrowed down to Panama and Ecuador, but over time, Cuenca, Ecuador won out in 2004. We agreed to purchase our "place in the sun" in July 2004, a condo at precontruction prices and it was completed in May 2007. Some people have asked why it took so long to complete. Well our place was located on the top (6th) floor and the underground garage was the only thing built at the time of our purchase. We visited and bought a major part of our furniture in December 2007. Now, our plans are to visit our new home in Cuenca for a full month during December 2008 and January 2009. We will make additional purchases to finish out our home with pictures and the remaining needs in furniture, etc. From there, we will commence gathering all our required documents to make application for permanent visas so that we can retire and move in June 2009. That's the plan.

Immediately after our move, our plans are to take Spanish language courses to the point that we can speak and write Spanish, fluently. I want to take an ESL certification course at CEDEI so that I can offer one-on-one English tutoring lessons. My wife is an Acupuncturist and would like to master the Spanish language, so that she could continue to use her learned, professional skills on a part time basis. There are many places in this world that we would like to explore. So, for us, our new life will be full of new adventures, new friends, and exposure to many new cultures.

More on Cuenca and Quito

2008-06-08T09:30:00.007-05:00

We have our tickets to Ecuador, so we can spend a month in Cuenca this year. We will be in Cuenca from 12 December 2008 through 11 January 2009. We are also going to take 2 weeks of Spanish lessons, so we can get started eliminating our language barrier.

We have many native Ecuadorian friends in Cuenca who speak English; however, we have a very large family of native Ecuadorian friends in which only 2 or 3 of about 35 speak English.

Here is a picture of some of the Quito family members from last New Years Eve 2007. We cannot wait until we can converse with all of them in their native language. We have known them since New Years Eve 2000 and have been accepted by them with unconditional love.

Permanent Visa Rules Change - March 2008

2008-03-26T09:48:00.005-05:00

I was just advised by Gabriela Espinosa, my immigration attorney in Quito, that INTERPOL Criminal Reports are no longer acceptable for USA citizens. The Criminal report must come from USA sources and must be legalized by Consulate of Ecuador in USA.

Spending Christmas in Cuenca, Ecuador

2007-11-12T12:36:00.000-05:00

We are getting more excited about our trip to visit our new home in Cuenca, Ecuador, where we will retire. I would rather this would be announcing that we are moving there; however, that is not possible yet.

What we are planning to do is to purchase some furniture and appliances, so it will be ready to live in. The kindness being offered by some of our new friends in Cuenca is mind boggling. Several of our friends are offering to actually go with us and help us to get the best bargains and negotiate for us to get the best price.

We have been invited to dinner at our new friends' homes (some of which we have not actually met, personally, yet). Having grown up in America, I have not experienced that kind of hospitality since I was a young boy growing up in Louisiana.

We are honored and full of anticipation.

Slight Change of Plans from 15 Aug 2007 Post

2007-10-26T19:09:00.000-05:00

My last post inferred that my attorney would send us our Property Deed by courier. However, she, instead, is going to visit us while we are in Cuenca, so that we can meet her in person and she will deliver the Property Deed to us personally. The attorney that secured our Deed for us lives in Portoviejo, which is located near the coast in Manabi. Flori, my attorney's name, actually attended Colorado State University, which is just North of Denver, CO, where I presently reside.

Linda, my wife, and I are starting to get excited about our visit to Ecuador over Christmas and New Year. We are going to purchase new furniture (at least some of it) while we are there, so we can have our condo in a livable condition when we return.

That's all for now.

A Short Note To Bring You Up To Date!

2007-08-15T17:59:00.000-05:00

Well, my attorney in Ecuador will be in Cuenca on 16 and 17 August to take care of everything so she can finally obtain our Property Deed and send it to my wife and I. That's really good news.

Another exciting bit of news is that we have our plane tickets to visit and spend Christmas and New Years in Ecuador this year. We are going to attempt to purchase a bed while we are in Cuenca, so we can actually spend several nights in our new home.

For New Years Eve, we will spend it in Quito with our friends that we met and spent New Years Eve with in 2000. That will be a real blast. That's it for now.

My Ecuadorian Permanent Visa Process

2007-07-12T11:50:00.003-05:00

Our Property attorney, handling our property closing, has finally been able to start the process of securing our "Escritura," (the closing document) on our condo. Once it is registered and our closing costs have been paid, we will own it free and clear. Our retirement home will be ours, legally, and we will then be able to use the registered escritura to apply for our permanent visas in Ecuador.

This may not seem like a big deal to many; however, we have been waiting for this since July 2004, when we first signed the "Promesa de Venta" and put a significant down payment on our property.

Once we have the registered escritura in our possession, based on when we will be moving, we can apply for our visas. The following documents are needed to make application for our visas:

1. Registered escritura (property deed) showing tax value assigned to property for taxing purposes (must be $30,000 or more). Local appraisal certificate is required (90 days of less in age) at time of application. We completed our escritura process in July 2007.
2. Criminal report: UPDATED: July 26, 2008: Quito attorney, Gabriela Espinosa, now advises that we only need to get a local police report, certified by notary public and appostiled by the Secretary of State (only required of persons under age 65). If age 65, or older, a criminal report is no longer required.
3. Marriage License (certified by Houston Ecuadorian Consulate - We were married there)
4. Medical Certificate no longer required.

According to our Immigration attorney securing our visas, a former government Immigration attorney, the above documents are all that are required for us to make application for each of our permanent visas. In addition, she informed me, that if I desired to, we can apply for our visas prior to our arrival in Ecuador, which would save us time. We can send her scanned copies of our passports (in color) by email attachment. With that information, she will then send us a "special letter," with which the above specified documents will then be returned to her by mail with the "special letter" enclosed with the stated documents (probably some type of "power of attorney). Once the above documents are in your possession, you also have the option now to make application while in Ecuador on your Tourist visa (good for 90 days and can be extended for an additional 90 days.

With all the above documents, as stated above, she can make application for our permanent visas prior to our arrival. Our attorney indicated that it takes about 15 business days to receive the completed permanent visas, after she has submitted the visa applications. She takes care of the notarizations and translations, as required in her office. Once we arrive in Ecuador (if we apply in advance, which we intend to do), our visas will have been issued and held in her office. We would then continue the process of getting our Cedula. Her package also includes securing our Censos. We will then be able to open a local bank account and obtain medical insurance coverage, once we have our Permanent Visas in our possession.

Our Immigration Attorney is located in Quito. Her name is Gabriela Espinosa.

Gabriela Espinosa
gabyespinosa10@hotmail.com
(593) 91645924 cell (dialing outside Ecuador...add 0 in front of 9 when dialing inside country)
(593) 2-290-2838 (dialing outside Ecuador...add 0 in front of 2 when dialing inside country from a cell phone)

Cost of Living in Cuenca

2007-06-19T17:47:00.000-05:00

Based on my experience and the contacts that I have, I would say the cost of living in the Cuenca area (excluding rent and house payments), overall costs are anywhere from 1/4 to 1/5 of what they would be in the USA.

I have a friend who has a 2-bedroom, 1-bath condo that he purchased of $40K on the top floor of his building. I purchased a 3-bedroom, 2-bath with just over 1,400 sq. ft. for $62K on the top floor. I know we could have got a place for less; however, that is what we wanted.

You now can get internet access at speeds of 500Kbs for around $115 a month (for those that need hi-speed broadband service); however, you can get slower speeds for less. Internet service is relatively high, compared to what is available in the states; however, for many people, hi-speed broadband is not a priority. If one is strictly interested in email access, then there are numerous Internet cafes in all the larger cities for a $1 an hour (some even less).

We looked at several options for fitness centers and liked one for an annual membership fee of $768. In addition, there is an Olympic sized swimming facility where Ecuador's Olympic hopefuls train. It is first class. My wife is a swimmer and she thought it was beautiful. The cost, $20 a month for daily access.

I purchased a pair of docker like jeans for $12 that fit me perfectly. Now, I am motivated to lose weight, so that I can get back in them. Need to go down 2 inches in my waistline. ;o)

According to Gary Scott, he says that cost of living is around 1/6th of USA costs. Another way to look at it is, if you own your own place, you can live for $1,000 a month comfortably, and that is going out a couple of times a week to eat out and have a couple of drinks.

Organic fruits and vegetables are readily available at a very low cost, as is seafood. Anyone can find ways to exceed these amounts; however, if you are selective, you can make it for much, much less than in other countries, (i.e., including Panama and Costa Rica).

Here is an article recently written by Gary Scott about the cost of living for foods in the Otavallo area where he has a home and owns a restaurant and hotel.

So, what it truly boils down to is you need to visit the different areas of the country, spend some time there, and make your decisions, based on your personal desires and choices. No two people see things from the same perspective.

Another important point to remember, if you show that you care about the local people and respect their cultural differences, you will be accepted as one of them. I know this to be true, because my wife and I have been accepted by a huge extended family in Quito, several different locals in Cuenca, and another family in the Portaviejo/Manta area.

But, that is a subject for another time.

Some Things We Love About Cuenca, Ecuador

2007-06-14T19:44:00.000-05:00

The people of Ecuador are some of the friendliest people in the world. The natives of Ecuador have always welcomed us with open arms. There are some who say that the pollution is terrible. That is true in downtown Cuenca during the peak hours of the day where all the business is being conducted. However, if one gets away from the small downtown area, the air is fresh and invigorating. There are four rivers that converge in Cuenca from the mountains. It rains light showers almost daily; however, that is what keeps the air so fresh and delightful. The temperature gets down in the 50s at night, but the sun shines frequently during the day and the temperature ranges in the 60s and 70s mostly, year round. There are mountains surrounding the city and the color is a dark green, like an eternal springtime. There are modern shopping centers, flower markets, fruit and vegetable markets, and the country of Ecuador has so many things to see, that it will take a years to see them all. In addition, if one is so inclined, you can explore all of the South American continent. No need to ever get bored.

A Great Hotel in Downtown Cuenca, Ecuador

2007-04-18T19:38:00.000-05:00

This hotel is in downtown Cuenca near everything. The staff is great and I recommend it, because it is inexpensive, but very clean and comfortable.

It is called Hotel San Andres. CLICK HERE to visit the hotel site.

Larry's Picture

2007-04-18T18:32:00.000-05:00

Decision: July 2004 - Retire in Cuenca, Ecuador

2007-04-18T14:20:00.003-05:00

We visited Cuenca during the last week of July 2004. We decided to purchase a new penthouse condo. We have been anxiously awaiting the completion of our condo, for which the finishing touches are being completed as I write this in April 2007. It is our further intent to move to Cuenca in December 2007.

I have been back to Cuenca once in February 2006 to submit some floorplan changes and upgrade requests to make our home unique and to our liking. Some of the changes included the elimination of a half-bath for guests.

This extra space was used to expand the size of our Master Bedroom closet, for which I also purchased closet-organizer equipment. I also changed the layout of our Master Bath, so that it included a large, glass-enclosed, stand-up shower with a built-in seat on the end of the shower opposite of the shower head.

Another change was to replace the TV room on the back-side of the condo with a BBQ room, which includes a sliding-glass door for an entrance. The floor is exterior red tile, the walls are exterior brick veneer, and a built-in BBQ gas grill with a chimney and exhaust fan.

Our third bedroom has a hardwood floor and will serve as our exercise room. The remaining floor area of our condo is an off-white ceramic tile.

In addition, we added a built-in pantry on one side of the Laundry room, which is connected to the Kitchen area.

Finally, I have a Computer Room which also includes a skylight overhead.

That's it for a description of our new condo in Cuenca, Ecuador.

Office Supply Blog

Creative Writing Blog