An expat discovers Cuenca and records its faces and charms through photography

Perhaps my greatest luxury was packing a camera. I had long admired photography as both an intimate artform and one with a lasting impression, yet I never indulged in the practice until I moved to Cuenca in 2016.

I was as relieved to be moving to Ecuador as I was to leave the murderous rage of my old homeland behind. I knew that in the USA, one is 26 times more likely to be shot than in Canada, England, Italy, France, or Germany, that over 300 people are shot in the USA every single day, and that children are taught in almost every elementary school nowadays on how to defend their lives against a mass murderer…starting at age six.

When I was told it was the cost of “freedom”; I didn’t believe a word of it.

When I moved to Cuenca, I was morbidly overweight, a budding alcoholic, and too shell-shocked to enjoy the simple pleasures laid before me. I was astonished by the public display of affection, comforted by the grace of folks who work the land, and thrilled to be included in a culture that is focused on devotion, and celebration.

One of my happier surprises was finding a ‘clubhouse’ at Casa Azul on San Sebastian Plaza. The place was much smaller in those days, and populated by a fantastic assortment of adventurers, pleasure-seekers and con-men. I was thrilled. I wanted to hear their stories and capture their presence. I turned to my camera and found an accomplice that has been my stalwart companion ever since.

The photos I offer here are a random selection of the many moments that brought me great joy. I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoy sharing them with you.