Op-ed and opinion

Editor’s Note: Frank and Shel Drake scouted Ecuador in February and March looking for a retirement and expatriation destination; the story of how and where they found it is told in 10 installments on CuencaHighLife.com. This is the second installment of a new series on getting ready to ... [More]

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Editor's note: The following is a sample of opinions of Cuencanos about the foreigners living in and visiting Cuenca. They were compiled by University of Cuenca graduate student Silvia Lara for an article about international immigration. The comments refer to all foreigners considere... [More]

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Bear with me on this one. First, I’ll tell you about one of my favorite Cuenca restaurants. Then, I’ll tell you about a couple of low-cost eating alternatives interlarded with cautionary tales about how to avoid the “gringo gouge.” I wrap things up with with a rant against&... [More]

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Torrential rain has washed away the blood where the family fell under a hail of wooden spears. But memories of what happened this summer are still fresh in the minds of those who live and work here. At first the security guard inside the perimeter fence of the oil drilling station is nerv... [More]

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“Is it as cheap to live in Ecuador as they say?” The question came from an English friend but it’s one I’m asked fairly often. What he's referring to are the claims made by a number of publishers and web services, particularly International Living, Gary... [More]

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Since I moved to Ecuador a dozen years ago, I’ve made a point of visiting my friends in Vilcabamba at least once a year. I was enchanted with this peaceful, isolated valley the first time I saw it in 1998 and even considered settling there until business considerations – I need to be c... [More]

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Lessons in how the world works and portraits of the never-ending struggles in places around the globe where power is challenged by populist resistance: such matters are a concern of the Human Rights Watch International Film Festival, which this year celebrates its 20th anniversary. Rarely ha... [More]

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If the political demonstrations in downtown Cuenca have disturbed your walking or driving routes in recent weeks, you have President Rafeal Correa to thank. The administration has angered some of the countries largest labor unions, whose members are taking to the streets to protest. Although... [More]

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Something that almost all Cuenca expats agree on is that the city’s bus system is in serious need of improvement. With the new mayor Paul Granda talking about making changes, particularly in the historic district, this seems to be a good time to look at the problems and possible solutions. ... [More]

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Plaques and portraits of Ecuador's 105 presidents line the yellow walls of the antechamber to the restrooms in El Pobre Diablo (The Poor Devil), a bohemian hangout in Quito, the capital. Spoofing the presidential palace's silk screen Yellow Salon, each is marked with the number of days the... [More]

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This scribble is designed to help eliminate problems before they happen when it comes to building or home improvement projects. Consider it advice to expats who, on the one hand, seek high quality performance and value their time but, on the other hand, understand why they moved to Ecuador &... [More]

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By Dr. Don Smith One of the problems most gringos have when they enter another country --aside from learning the basics of a new language-- is deciding whether to adapt to the new culture or, to try to change it. Trying to change it to something we are more comfortable with is usually not ve... [More]

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By Ron Gordon This morning, early, I walked to the village of Vilcabamba. To sit quietly, in the town square at early morning is to move into a Garcia Marquez novel. The village, so sleepy on its surface, is vibrating with energy. The skies seem ready to rain butterflies at any m... [More]

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When I first arrived in Cuenca, I was surprised to find that the locals did not take advantage of the prime real estate along the banks of the Tomebamba River. I was thinking, of course, ‘what a great place for a restaurant!’ I have to report, though, that the local na... [More]

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FRANK'S AND SHEL'S EXCELLENT ECUADOR ADVENTURE
Your huddled couple yearning to be free

What Cuencanos have to say about gringos: 'they enrich the local culture, bring in more business but need to lose some weight and learn Spanish"

CUENCA EATS WITH SUMANA
Creta serves up top-notch international fare ... and some commentary on the luxury tax and the 'gringo gouge'

In Ecuador's Amazon jungle, oil production exacts a heavy toll on people as well as the environment

SYLVAN HARDY
Sure, Ecuador is cheap, but not as cheap as most of the advertisements claim

SYLVAN HARDY
Is Vilcabamba being overrun by the 'ugly Americans' or is it just business as usual in La La land

New York film festival documentary 'Crude,' examines oil drilling pollution in Ecuador's Amazonia

Labor unions take to the streets to protest new government policies; expect demonstrations to continue

THE FIXER
Talking about Cuenca's buses: let's focus on the improvements we can make today

Rafael Correa's reelection could mean much-needed stability for Ecuador after years of political confusion

THE FIXER
Are you planning a construction project? Avoid the problems before they occur

THE FIXER
In search of a decent electrical outlet; one expat's journey of adaptation in a strange land

VILCABAMBA ODYSSEY
The old man and the broom

CUENCA EATS WITH SUMANA
Try out the top-of-the-line Japanese fare overlooking the historic Rio Tomebamba