News
Life among scattered clouds
The sky thinks it has a squabble of seagulls in its sight, but then quickly realizes that this is not the coast and that these are not seabirds; this is Paute, and what is flying is a single cloud, born high in the Andes, discharged in the night, and drifting downwind from the cloud factory. The...
Composting human bodies could replace burials and cremations as the ‘green’ end-of-life solution
In a suburban Denver warehouse tucked between an auto repair shop and a computer recycling business, Seth Viddal is dealing with life and death. He and one of his employees have built a “vessel” they hope will usher in a more environmentally friendly era of mortuary science that includes the...
Government talks with labor unions; U.S. puts Ecuador on drug list; Correistas reclaim the name ‘Citizens Revolution’; Guatemala reinstates visa rule
Interior Minister Alexandra Vela said she and President Guillermo Lasso have agreed to hold discussions with the labor leaders who organized Wednesday’s anti-government protests. On Thursday, Vela met with leaders of the United Workers Front and other labor organizations and agreed on a structure...
Looking for a place in the Ecuadorian countryside? Here are some important considerations
By David Morrill Although cost and location are probably the biggest considerations when looking for property in the countryside near Cuenca, there are other factors that deserve serious attention, some of which are easily overlooked. What elevation are you comfortable with? What weather do you...
Fuel subsidy plan for public transportation carriers will be announced September 27
Following meetings with representatives of public transportation unions, the government said it has reached an understanding for providing subsidized gasoline and diesel fuel for buses and taxis and some trucking activities. “We have reached some agreements and expect to release the final details...
Italy is first European country to mandate vaccines for all workers; Rule begins October 15
Italian workers in both the public and private sectors must display a health pass to access their workplaces from Oct. 15 under a decree adopted Thursday by Premier Mario Draghi’s broad-based coalition government. The measures are the first by a major European economy requiring proof of...
Drivers with fake driver’s license face prison time; Country transitions out of Covid care; Hospital occupancy stats; Azogues reduces health restrictions
Jueves, 16/9/2021 Hola, Todos - Actividades - See article on electric charging station inaugural for other Semana de Movilidad activities. Cita tratará modelos de desarrollo (Appointment will discuss development models) - There will be a series of conferences, workshops, and activities focused on...
Out on the Town!: Events around Cuenca reported by their hosts and sponsors
Editor's note: Out on the Town is a new feature listing events, campaigns and other goings-on sent in by local businesses and sponsors in Cuenca. For information about how to submit a notice, see below. Garry Vatcher says: “Our garage sale has been extremely popular, so we are continuing it all...
El Salvador protesters take to the streets to oppose the adoption of Bitcoin
By Marcos Aleman Thousands of people gathered in El Salvador's capital Wednesday for the first mass march against President Nayib Bukele, who protesters say has concentrated too much power, weakened the independence of the courts and may seek re-election. Some marchers are also protesting the...
Protests in Quito and Cuenca are peaceful as unions oppose new labor law and fuel policy
Thousands marched through the streets of Quito, Cuenca and Guayaquil on Wednesday declaring their opposition to the government of President Guillermo Lasso. In speeches following the marches, leaders of labor, teacher, university student, agricultural and indigenous organizations attacked proposed...
Hospital routines resume as Covid wanes; Highway to the Amazon nears completion; Plastic bottle recycle machines help clean parks; Lasso shuffles his cabinet
Miércoles, 15/9/2021 Hola, Todos - Actividades - Photo contest - Cuenca es única (Cuenca is unique) - Submit your photo to concursos@elmercurio.com.ec. or through the link in their social networks with your complete name, cédula, cellphone number, the category of the photo(s), and a brief...
Imposing western medicine on the indigenous people of the Andes is another form of oppression
By Erika Arteaga-Cruz and Juan Cuvi Latin America is home to about 800 different Indigenous Peoples and Nationalities, the equivalent to 9·8% of its population.The average infant mortality rate in Indigenous children is 60% higher than that in non-Indigenous children. In 2018, Ecuador reported...
Expat Life
Life among scattered clouds
The sky thinks it has a squabble of seagulls in its sight, but then quickly realizes that this is not the coast and...
Looking for a place in the Ecuadorian countryside? Here are some important considerations
By David Morrill Although cost and location are probably the biggest considerations when looking for property in the...
My life with books: The reverent ramblings of an incurable readoholic
By Jan Dynes Books were the stepping stones of my life. They became each decade’s touch stones and they formed me. My...
Three expats who triumphed over hardship to find fulfillment in Cuenca
The painter, David Williams, arrived in Cuenca in 2015 after suffering a debilitating condition that all but claimed...
Health News
Imposing western medicine on the indigenous people of the Andes is another form of oppression
By Erika Arteaga-Cruz and Juan Cuvi Latin America is home to about 800 different Indigenous Peoples and Nationalities,...
How constant changes to mask guidance, vaccine mandates and restrictions affect our mental health
By Sarah Jackson It's no secret that the pandemic has wrought havoc on our mental health. From social isolation to...
Opinion
As the end of the smartphone and social media era approaches, what is high tech’s next big thing
By John Naughton One of the challenges of writing about technology is how to escape from what the sociologist Michael...
My life with books: The reverent ramblings of an incurable readoholic
By Jan Dynes Books were the stepping stones of my life. They became each decade’s touch stones and they formed me. My...
Court ruling could impose unfair tax burden on U.S. expats and prevent them from overseas travel
By Boris Ryvkin On July 20, the U.S. Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously upheld a decision from a Colorado...
Community Posts
Fifth-Floor Condo Close To New Town And Historic District
This comfortable two-bedroom, two-bath condo is a 20-minute walk to Calderon Park and the center...
Beautiful Apartment with the Best Location in Cuenca
This wonderful 3 large bedrooms – 2 bathrooms’ apartment is comfortable and modern. The master...
Temporary and Permanent Visas: 100% GUARANTEED!!!
If you are filing for a Temporary/Permanent visa, I offer a 100% money back guarantee. That’s...
Alpaca Robes for Sale
New robes have just arrived. I have only one of each design. They are very warm and comfortable....
