The unofficial web page of the greater Cuenca expat community

The Frugals have a new "cheap eats" video on their blog.

Listen to the video at the 1 minute mark where he identifies the name of the street the restaurant is on: Mariscal Sucre.

Mr. Frugal pronounces Sucre as SOO-ker instead of SOO-kray.

This evoked a slight chuckle from me because it is common practice among gringos to mispronounce the names of the streets, and unless someone corrects them on it can go on for years. In the case of the Frugals, they have been here close to three years.

I had the same problem with a number of streets such as Padre Aguirre. My tendency was to pronounce Aguirre like former Dallas Maverick and Detroit Piston,Mark Aguirre. Of course the letters "ui" represent a dipthong and its pronunciation creates confusion.

In any case, I think I got most of them down now. Watching local news and commericials helps with this process, since street names are frequently mentioned.

For better or worse, the stars may be aligning for me.

1. The electricity got turned back on on Friday. (Loose cable, fault of the Electric Company)

2. I overcame my diarrhea this weekend.

3. My money showed up at Banco Pichincha this weekend.

Google maps has a tool to let you calculate the distance between two points.

I just did a calculation using Google Maps of what the distance is between my possible new home and Parque Calderon.  On a straight line, it measures just under 2 miles.  In comparison, Zen Spike in sector zona rosa is about .86 miles to Parque Calderon. 

To actually walk to Parque Calderon will be more like 2.4 miles, since I have to do some zigzagging.

Update:
Interestingly, if I measure a direct line from the location of the Palermo building, which is the biggest condo project in Cuenca, to Parque Calderon, it is about 1.95 miles. So it is roughly the same distance that I will be to Parque Calderon.

Went to the notary with agent and seller. Paid around $600 in notary fees and I take possession Wednesday.  Within a month it gets formally registered with the city. There is still plenty that can go wrong, but things are progressing.

Update:

I guess I should mention that I paid the seller using a "cheque de gerente" (Manager´s check). I only have a savings account with Bank Pichincha, so this is similar to a cashiers check.

always the optimist. Good luck as things fall into place. Gerry in Oregon

Congrats, Nards, you be very good at hoping for the best and preparing for the worst.  Since you had more than $10,000 in a foreign account for at least one day this year you get to report that amount with a required to be filed online form to the IRS by 6/30/14.  It is not very difficult to get the info required, but filing anything online for the first time can be painful and confusing.  Good luck.

Fantastic News Nards,
I'm sure all will go well with " The Manse " Considering your price point, I'm sure you'll put my little shack to shame.
I'm sure you have a pretty hectic schedule with all that is going on, but we still haven't had that coffee.
Keep me posted as to when would be a good time.
Best Wishes for a smooth transaction!
Neil
Ps. Got my internet connected today, I'm a happy camper.

ZenSPIKE wrote:

I'm sure all will go well with " The Manse " Considering your price point, I'm sure you'll put my little shack to shame.

I was kinda expecting/hoping your price point and my point were about the same, unless you significantly talked down the price they were asking for your apartment, leading me to think I paid gringo prices. Dammit.

We will have to compare notes on that when we have that coffee.

You did fine. I just think you got a classier joint than I .
See my P.M. for details.
Neil

You did fine. I just think you got a classier joint than I .
See my P.M. for details.
Neil

double post....my bad

The Frugals just released their annual cheap eats guide today.

One of the restaurants included in their guide is Don Colon´s restaurant which they mention is located in the Coronel Hotel.  I have eaten there once on a friday for their fish and chips special. A bit pricey for me; once they add in tax and tip I was up in the $7 range without the drink.

But the point I wanted to make is that Don Colons has changed locations. (Bad, bad Frugals for not keeing up to date). But this is why there is a need for non-blog to fact-check. Here is the Gringo Tree announcement about the new location.

Big Announcement! New Don Colón Restaurant and Location    

This Monday, you will find me at work in my new restaurant located off Parque Calderon, next to the Flower Market, across from the Cathedral. Look for me and my great staff in the white "Notary" Building.

We will be closed over the weekend, and will open Monday for breakfast. More details coming soon on our grand opening. Lobster on the way! Complete breakfast $4. Lunches $4. Dinners starting at $5.95.

I look forward to serving you in my new restaurant.

Now, looking over the other restaurant selections in the guide, there is a couple I haven´t tried yet including Zona Refrescante and Sucre Sale Café (French Bistro).

I think I will try Sucre Sale Café (French Bistro) sometime soon.

P.S.
I can´t believe the Frugals haven´t tried Quinua vegetarian restaurant yet.

ZenSPIKE wrote:

Ps. Got my internet connected today, I'm a happy camper.

Hmmm, how long have you been waiting? Comparing this to your visa experience, maybe you should have hired lawyers to deal with the ISP.

Congrats on the new place, Nards.

Bob

Bob,
I have been waiting since July. The issue is with a new building, they have to come out and inspect the wiring. Didn't like the existing wiring, so they had to re wire. Re inspect.
Just Ecuador I guess.
Neil

I ate at Don's for the grand re opening today. Excellent as usual. American breakfast: juice, coffee, 2 pcs. of toast, couple slices of strawberries, American fries and fantastic omelet. $4.00.
The guy worked all weekend on the rehab and set up, and was there bright and early.
The location is going to greatly improve his traffic, plus he doesn't have to worry about noise at night like he had to in the hotel.
Neil

ZenSPIKE wrote:

I ate at Don's for the grand re opening today. Excellent as usual. American breakfast: juice, coffee, 2 pcs. of toast, couple slices of strawberries, American fries and fantastic omelet. $4.00.
The guy worked all weekend on the rehab and set up, and was there bright and early.
The location is going to greatly improve his traffic, plus he doesn't have to worry about noise at night like he had to in the hotel.
Neil

I got ripped in comparision to what you got.

First a photo of the entrance:

Now the interior:





And the breakfast for $4.00. The french toast tasted alright but it did not fill me up.  I will try them again and order the omelete and see if I get what ZenSpke got.

No Nards,
You did not get the breakfast I ordered for sure. That does look skimpy. I think it was a staffing issue, and growing pains. All the breakfasts should come with the items I mentioned, it's just the main item: ie: French Toast, Omelet, Pancakes that should be different. I couldn't finish all the American Fries I got.
My guess is that Colon wasn't there when you ate? He is very attentive to his guests, and always stops at your table to check on satisfaction.
Better Luck on your next visit.
Neil

Looking at relocation possibilities and read that Cuenca is in the top 5 for places a 50 year old single male might want to go.  Any truth to that?

rainmaker49 wrote:

Looking at relocation possibilities and read that Cuenca is in the top 5 for places a 50 year old single male might want to go.  Any truth to that?

yes

rainmaker49 wrote:

Looking at relocation possibilities and read that Cuenca is in the top 5 for places a 50 year old single male might want to go.  Any truth to that?

I haven´t heard that, but will take Mugtech´s word on it. The way I look at it is you would be juat another gringo in Cuenca.

Depending on what you read, you can learn that Ecuador is The Garden of Eden sans snakes.  Best to ask specific questions.

mugtech wrote:

Depending on what you read, you can learn that Ecuador is The Garden of Eden sans snakes.  Best to ask specific questions.

How did they get rid of the snakes? Did they bring in St. Patrick?

You are of course, absolutely right. According to certain sources that will remain unnamed, Ecuador has everything anybody could possibly want, and no problems whatsoever.

Of course the same is true of Belize, Panama and whatever other countries the Unnamed Source happens to be pitching currently.

Hmmmmm? What organization could you be referring to?

But I have noticed that the " hype factor " seems to have settled down a bit. Not as much attention on Ecuador as of late. Or, it could be I've shut down all those hypesters mailings.
But, I did notice Yahoo did a " 10 Best Places to Retire ", and Ecuador didn't even make it! Course, Yahoo could have an agenda too.
Cha Cha,
Neil

ZenSPIKE wrote:

Hmmmmm? What organization could you be referring to?

But I have noticed that the " hype factor " seems to have settled down a bit. Not as much attention on Ecuador as of late. Or, it could be I've shut down all those hypesters mailings.
But, I did notice Yahoo did a " 10 Best Places to Retire ", and Ecuador didn't even make it! Course, Yahoo could have an agenda too.
Cha Cha,
Neil

You and I have a vested interest in restoring that hype for the sake of our property values.

Made more progress today. I took possession of the house and received the keys. This afternoon a mover is coming by to give me a quote. Probably won´t be able to move until Monday.

Congrats!!!!!!!!!
If you need a hand, I'm open.
Stay Well,
Neil
PS. Dude... I have like 3 keys, thus the Manse designation.

Cuenca Ecuador, Number 1 place to retire in the Universe.... spread the word! < grin >

Start selling subscriptions to IL

Mugs,
They won't have me. I applied and they said I wasn't down to their standards. < sigh >
Nags

Be careful of what you say on your Unofficial Web Page, Nards. Further erosion of freedom of expression seems to be on its way.

Ecuador Official Proposes Criminalizing Insults on Social Networks

Well, then we are all doomed by our happy cynicism.

Does this mean I'll finally get Mugs and Nards "off my back" ...

   Carlos  aka  "ElGringoBueno" 

PS  Not likely ...

I think that is a good thing. It should lessen the upward pressure on prices if Ecuador kinda drops below the radar, just sayin'

ZenSPIKE wrote:

Mugs,
They won't have me. I applied and they said I wasn't down to their standards. < sigh >
Nags

Lol

Hey Ray,
Good to hear you're alive and well. You guy's all settled in?
Stay Well,
Neil

Hey Neil
Well, we went to Quito in April with the intention of settling there but certain family issues reared their ugly heads that required our presence in Denver. So we stayed for two months before going back since we had signed a two month agreement with our Quito landlord. But now we are here in Denver and we should be ready to return in about 9 months. But I believe we will settle in Cuenca this time when we return mainly due to the lower cost of housing etc. I have fallen in love with Ecuador and can think of little else. Nothing had  better try to stand in my way this time lol.
Ray

Ray,
now that you filled me in, it dawned on me I'd heard something had come up that necessitated your leaving.
You sound bound and determined to return, and I'm sure you'll make it happen. Sounds as if you fell for Ecuador. I think you'll love Cuenca. I've been here since June 1st, and it's been a really smooth transition. I even got to watch my Viking's loose in another country. Some thing's don't change!
Best Wishes to you and your bride.
Neil

Nards,
thought of you over the week end. I hope the move went smoothly, and all your belonging's arrived in the same condition as they left your old place.
Welcome to your new home, and again, CONGRATS!
Neil

Thanks dude. I am making progress setting up services at the bunker. Trying to get curtains,appliances,sofa. And of course the all important security fence since no 24 hour security guard to keep the bloggers out.

Very limited internet access for few Weeks.

I did very well on appliances at a store on Gran Colombia. Name is Electro Facil. I bought refer, washer and dryer, and I also bought 2 televisions and my vacuum cleaner from him.
My furniture I had made for me. I think he is about 2 weeks out on a sofa. He does pretty nice work.
Glad all went well in your move.
I finally got internet from Etapa last week. Now I am having a geek come in and tune it up, and add an extender, as these block and cement walls aren't real internet friendly. We hope to get cable internet soon, but they have to put a box in closer to us for reception. The speed I have now seems adequate for my needs, but faster is always better, or so I told my high school dates.
Stay Well Bro!
Nags