As we completed introductions and I turned to go to our room, the ornate crystal chandelier caught me just above the left eyebrow. Both my hat and luggage hit the floor as I struggled to steady the shaking light fixture. Our host looked on with a smiling, shocked expression. For the first time I...
Scott Fugit
Scott Fugit retired recently to study leisure, travel writing and Ecuador. His goal is to bring real experiences and entertainment to articles relevant to expat life. He and his photographer wife Dee are Cuenca wanna-bees. Contact him at Fugit@mindspring.com.
You can read Scott’s other articles here.
Instant Street View: The essential internet tool helping wannabes and expats in Cuenca and beyond
“It sure doesn’t look like the brochure, I thought the condo was in a nicer neighborhood.” It’s a common refrain, the modern internet version of “a picture is worth a thousand words.” Shelley and Phil, two determined expat wannabe friends had been investigating a condo on the outskirts of Quito....
U.S. election tales for expats: La Senority Feisty, Ecuador’s gringo advantage, crimes like potatoes, and the second biggest risk to a tranquil life in Cuenca (Part two)
“Gringos!” I turned around and looked. She was behind us and across the street, dressed in a school uniform, mid-teens, surrounded by laughing friends – all girls. My wife and I were strolling on a Cuenca side street, not far from El Centro. “Gringos!” She yelled it again. This time louder....
U.S. election tales for expats: Profesor Bicicleta, the beast, the dance and the biggest risk to a tranquil life in Cuenca (Part One)
It was one of those rare conversations that starts innocently enough. As we waited at the crosswalk for traffic to zip past, I said something about the bicycle he was pushing. He immediately responded in English, having worked in the US for several years. We crossed the busy roundabout at Avenida...
Ecuador Art Culture: Dude decoration, history’s bling, and handcrafted economics on the streets of Cuenca
By Scott Fugit Photos by Dee Fugit Original art by Terrilynn Dubreuil I am a tired explorer at the end of a long day. My legs are heavy after hours of investigating Cuenca’s narrow streets, busy markets, and endless craft shops. On the home stretch, we happened across a pathway vendor, his...
The Chickens and the Egg: hire a private driver, see the Cajas, visit the coast, just don’t forget the huevos
By Scott Fugit “Jaime is a very safe driver,” Bill assured me – or was it Bob – as he pulled the napkin out from under his fourth margarita and scribbled down the name and number. “Sounds like a good contact. Thanks,” I said. It was our third driver recommendation since the party started. My wife,...
Cuenca cultural contrasts: Flying espuma, the no-liability show, and other things you will never see in the USA
By Scott Fugit All photos by Dee Fugit I always get nervous when I suddenly see flashing police lights, right on our bumper, at two in the morning. It’s natural. After all, I AM an American. Adding to the excitement, I’m with my anxious wife Dee, wedged into a taxi with all our luggage and...
Conspiracy theories for expats: Putting the wanna in wannabe, an important tip, and the worst reason for a plan-B in Cuenca
“I’m Asian, and I didn’t want to end up in a camp — they’ve done it before,” after a second glass of wine, a Cuenca expat is quietly telling me why she left California. “I worked in the industry. We left Seattle as soon as we saw the video and understood what happened at Fukushima,” from my chat...
Cuenca Coffee Fantasy: A home roasted utopia, bargain flavor, and the brown bean’s niche in Ecuador’s culture
By Scott Fugit Photos by Dee Fugit The year was 2006, when a landmark event occurred in my life as a coffee drinker. Surrounded by the plush lobby of the DuPont Circle Hilton in Washington, DC, I patiently stood among ambassadors in suits, diplomats carrying briefcases, and conference executives...
Ecuador Dog Tails: Animal culture contrasts, the proof in the puppies, caapi vines for canines and stories from Cuenca’s free range dog park
By Scott Fugit Photos by Dee Fugit At first glance, I just knew the poor critter was dead. Laying in the street against the curb, three feet from speeding traffic, the curled up perro had seen its last sunrise. Longish red fur and a sizeable head indicated a possible chow mix. As I got closer, I...
