Introducing myself

Welcome on Expat.com Tanya,

I wish you success for the realization of your relocation project.

Best Regards

Hi,

Not the resident expert but have lived in both Quito and Cuenca.

in moving to Cuenca or Quito to enjoy a slower pace of life where my money will go further than possible here.  I think you will find Quito to have a much faster (but not New York or Philly fast) while Cuenca has a slower life style. 

I enjoy concerts, the theater, eating out, museums, etc. and would like to live where I can walk or take a short bus ride to these things, but I would also love to have outdoor space for a small garden. I never did much of the museums etc while in Quito - nor in Cuenca for that matter.  But they are there.  You might want to see Cuenca High Life (http://www.cuencahighlife.com/default.aspx)  On the left hand side you can sign up for an email that lets you see many of the events that are happening in Cuenca.  Combining a small garden with walking/bus will take some work, time and patience, but not impossible. 

I haven't been to Ecuador yet but plan to visit sometime this year.  No way around it, you have to come and spend as much time as you can, or even several visits.  Take the time to really look around.  You don't want to be one who decides in haste and repents at leisure.  Moving to another country is a pretty significant and a life changing step.

Mike