Posts:
By Stephen Vargha “I’m nervous,” said Amaru Zapata. “I’ve never done anything like this before.” Not many have. Roughly 40,000, of which the U.S. has approximately half, have experienced what Zapata was about to do on April 26. It was his first solo show: “Re-Defining...
I regularly commute from a tiny village overlooking the Paute River to Cuenca, enjoying the moment when it's time to climb aboard the tranvía for the easy trip from the bus terminal to El Centro or beyond. The trip is quiet, takes but a moment, and is a great example...
By Lachlan Brown Growing up without social media means your worldview is untouched by likes, shares, or viral trends. Instead, it’s shaped by direct experiences, personal interactions, and self-reflection. As someone who belongs to the generation before the social...
By Jack Davis In a former career, I worked in computer systems analysis (now known as IT). I was an early adopter, setting up AppleTalk networks and communications systems and some of the first shared high-resolution remote printing sites for a university-based...
Within a six-block radius of San Sebastian Plaza are two saddlers, at least five furniture makers, a knot of tailors, a sprinkle of goldsmiths, a colorful stained-glass studio, a thriving farmers market, more bakeries than I can count, and twice as many restaurants as...
Editor's note: See the author's previous article, Survey shows an ‘approaching tsunami’ of demand for expat assisted health care Cuenca; Can it be met? By Harry Watkins I was shopping at Coral, in the Batan Shopping Center the other day, when I saw a 70s something...
Editor's note: For those who want to sample Cuenca's traditional Easter soup, the Cuenca Markets Directorate is sponsoring a “fanesca tour” of city markets on Wednesday, April 16. Soup will be served at the city’s six largest markets beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the 4 de...
By Jeremiah Reardon A year ago, I rehearsed on guitar the songs I’d play for a live appearance on GM 7 Digital Radio in Azogues. The station broadcasts exclusively on its internet Facebook platform, where listeners can watch both live and recorded events. What led to...
By Tobi Amidor Although bread gets shunned by many, choosing the right type of bread can have positive effects on your gut. Of course, the opposite can possibly be true as well. Here is a rundown of five surprising side effects bread has on your gut. It can improve...
By Arianna Huffington Don’t die. That’s the simple mission statement of Bryan Johnson, tech entrepreneur and subject of the recently released Netflix documentary Don’t Die: The Man Who Wants to Live Forever. Johnson is not alone in his mission to extend his life as...
I watched quietly as the swollen Paute River carted away dirt, stones, and scoured human debris from our recent historic rainstorm. It is a potent reminder that when absorbed in their enthusiasm, the gods of Fertility and Loss will occasionally flood whole villages...
By Chase Squires Anyone who’s felt stuck in a rut and dealt with a disapproving parent, a distracted spouse, a midlife crisis, and the urge to tear up a Disney store can relate. Sometimes even a comfortable life can feel a little ... overwhelming. Then toss in a...
By Elizabeth Roberts Some people choose expat life for a fat salary and a career boost, some for retirement, some for a sabbatical and a slower pace, and some for an adventure. Whatever their motivation, those who’ve spent time abroad are united by one thing — they've...
By Stephen Vargha It has been said art appreciation is a fundamental skill that enhances our understanding of the world around us, our history, and of ourselves. Art appreciation is the immersion and understanding of paintings, sculptures, architecture, books, poems,...
By Becky Sorrensen Does moving abroad really make you happier and healthier? The answer is yes, according to several studies by international expats. The studies also show that the many of those who have lived overseas but returned to their native countries, regretted...
Editor’s note: This is the final part of a three-part article concerning the most important issues facing Cuenca as well as what Mayor Cristian Zamora is trying to accomplish in his first term. To read part one, click here. To read part two, click here. By Stephen...
By Richard Westcott I have often heard Cuenca described as “my little piece of heaven.” Let me tell you of my little piece of heaven within Cuenca. To get there you should start at the beginning of Calle Tarqui where La Condomine rises up from the river and Tres de...
Editor's note: This is the second part of a three-part article concerning the most important issues facing Cuenca as well as what Mayor Cristian Zamora is trying to accomplish in his first term. By Stephen Vargha Eucalyptus trees have been making news recently. Not...
By Tom McAllister I was grading assignments for an undergraduate course in memoir writing when I experienced a severe crisis of faith regarding the future — of academia, of writing, of thinking. I’d asked my students to write about an obsession, telling their life...
Editor's note:This is the first part of a three-part article concerning the most important issues facing Cuenca as well as what Mayor Cristian Zamora is trying to accomplish in his first term. By Stephen Vargha Cities face numerous challenges. And Cuenca is no...
