2012 Cuenca Perspectives Collage

2012 Cuenca Perspectives Collage
VIVA CUENCA

VIVA CUENCA!

My mission in publishing this blog is first to provide a living history of my settlement and life in Cuenca, and to provide myself and the reader with a journal account delineating my reasons for why I have chosen to settle in Cuenca. Second, the posts are my way of staying in contact with family and friends back in the states, and to provide them with an understanding of a country and culture that most North Americans have little knowledge and awareness. Third, the blog is open to one and all who wish to compare and contrast the experiences of expat bloggers living in Cuenca, so that you can determine whether or not from your perspective Cuenca is an appropriate move for you. Fourth, my blog provides another example of how expats view and interpret life in Cuenca. Ecuadorians and Cuencanos who may read this blog are especially invited to post comments that may enhance all expats understanding and appreciation of Cuneca and its people, or to correct any misinterpretations in my assumptions and perceptions of Cuencano culture. Finally, I hope I can convey the feeling of love and appreciation that grows within me each passing day for this heavenly city nestled in the Andes and its very special people.

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Surfing the Wave

Time is at a premium for me, but as friends reminded me this morning, I can leave a post without writing the great American novel. So, yes, as my return to Cuenca rapidly approaches, I feel very much like a surfer who is riding the big wave. I'm still riding that wave, and just trying not to get knocked off my board and submerged under the wave of time as it reaches a crescendo and cascades over me.

My furniture is moving fast. In fact, faster than I expected. I may be living my final two weeks with little more in my apartment than me, my lap-top, and two pieces of luggage. It was a Buddhist monk who said "The mind is full when the room is empty." I guess I may find out what that means.

I was going to bring three pieces of large luggage. However, United wants an additional $200 for the third bag. Forget that, the third luggage piece is going back to the store. I just hope Connie Pondo knows what she is talking about, when she wrote in a recent post that expats need to bring less clothes with them, except for personal styles of underwear. I'm trusting you on that, Connie. (As for the underwear, well, I don't use products from Federick's of Hollywood, or Victoria's Secret; therefore, Ecuadorian underwear may work out fine.)

I am really looking forward to staying at Bob and Roxanne's Cuenca condo again when I return, until I find an unfurnished apartment in the city which must have a balcony. I can not imagine living in Cuenca without a balcony. The image that keeps me going through this hectic period is having breakfast out on Bob and Roxanne's balcony at lunch-time, and watching the panoramic sky show unfold throughout the day.

I will be leaving from O'Hare Airport on Friday, March 11th, and visit with my elder son, Marc, in Maryland before arriving in Quito on Sunday evening, March 13th. On Monday, I have an appointment with attorney Gabriela Espinosa. Currently, I have no idea how long I'll be in Quito to take care of all my immigration paperwork. I do expect to arrive in Cuenca somewhere between that Wednesday and Friday. I am looking forward to seeing all you pioneers again--those of you who were the trailblazers and now are the settled residents of one to three years; to meet folks I feel like I know from their blogs, but who moved to Cuenca after I left in August last year; and, of course, to meet the newbies, who will be arriving for their first introductions to Cuenca. Hasta Luego!

2 comments:

  1. Jim:

    We are really looking forward to having you back. Don't know where you are staying in Quito, but if you are at (or near) the Raddison, see if you can get some tours with Marco. He's a terrific guide and a very nice guy.

    ReplyDelete
  2. ¡Buen viaje! Have a safe trip. Mary

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