Posts:
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...
By Jim Smith Hello and welcome! Are you feeling ready to rethink the way you shop and embrace a more sustainable lifestyle? Whether you're considering reducing plastic waste, supporting ethical sourcing, or making more intentional choices about the food you buy, this...
By Annabelle Timsit You may know someone who has done it or dreamed of it yourself: After a long career, an increasing number of people are opting to retire abroad — often in countries where the weather is good and the cost of living comparatively low. But while...
By Jeremiah Reardon Recently, I read on GringoPost, “Customs broker for pet needed in Guayaquil.” The poster coming to Cuenca wrote, “I find out that American Airlines states you must have a customs broker receive the dog at the Guayaquil airport.” As a pet lover who...
By Christopher Lux It was Christmas time in Cuenca. A couple of travelers were staying in the short-term rental next to me. They came from the U.S. and were touring the country in a rented car. We had good times together drinking Pilseners. We talked, we laughed, and...
By James Felton A new study investigating artificial intelligence (AI) and "cognitive offloading" by humans has found a negative correlation between frequent AI use and critical thinking abilities. Large language models have become more freely available these days,...
By Christopher W.T. Miller, MD Why can’t anything ever just stay still? A patient posed this question during a therapy session, reflecting on how, as we age, many things can get thrown into disarray — home life, social relations, job security and health. It can be...
Editor’s note: This the third in a series of three articles covering the most important things you want to know about collecting your U.S. Social Security while living in Ecuador. Please note: Representatives from the Social Security Administration will be in Cuenca...
I recently had the pleasure of renewing my conversation with one of Cuenca’s most remarkable small business owners, Peter Strzga, owner and operator of Peter’s Delicatessen (a collaborative effort with Lenny Charnoff of Cuenca Salmon.) I was so impressed following my...
By Rachel Fairbank Experts had long believed that exercise could help protect against developing dementia. However, though they had observed a general pattern of reduced risk, studies on the subject had been small — and often conflicting — with little consensus on the...
By Alice Callahan You’ve probably heard these two bits of nutrition advice: Eat more plants, and cut back on ultraprocessed foods. So where does that leave fake-meat burgers, sausages, nuggets and other products sold by companies like Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods?...
Editor’s note: This the second in a series of three articles covering the most important things you want to know about collecting your U.S. Social Security while living in Ecuador. By Carolyn V, Hamilton A Guide for Online Access to Your Social Security Benefits The...
By Carol E. Leutner This article honors my friend, Julia Rux. Julia was one of those persons that expats like me, living in the now international city of Cuenca, are privileged to know. I have a wonderful life here and wonderful friends. Julia exemplified those human...
By Stephen Vargha When it comes to longevity, leather can easily out last synthetic leather. Animal-based leather is time-tested, with products in pretty good condition after a century or more. Depending on how it’s made and used, synthetic leather can be less durable...
Week of September 20
Ecuador turns to industrial power cuts to protect Mazar and keep homes from going dark.
Ecuador raises its 2026 growth forecast, but El Niño could spoil the outlook next year.
Cuenca retirees challenge medical and therapy changes at IESS senior center.
