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, March 10, 2013

IS MOVING ABROAD THE RIGHT MOVE FOR YOU?

There are many things to consider when one moves from ones native country to a foreign country and culture.  I have written about many of these considerations in my various posts over the last two-and-a-half years, and specifically as they relate to Cuenca.  I have attempted to be unbiased by pointing out both the negatives and positives to life in Cuenca.  It has been gratifying when people who moved here have told me what a strong influence my blog posts played in positively impacting them in their choice to move to this wonderful city in the Southern Andes of Ecuador.

I am enjoying my second anniversary year in Cuenca and Ecuador as of this week.  I absolutely love this city, the people, and their culture; and with each passing day the Cuencano culture becomes more and more my culture.  I have never been more happy in my life, and retirement for me in Cuenca has been an endless time of excitement, as well as an adventurous time of making  new friends and acquaintances far to numerous to count.   Needless to say, as I begin my third year in Cuenca I anticipate each new day of surprises and wonderment.

Probably because of my extensive academic background in history, geography, world cultures, philosophy, world religions, and my extensive world travels in Eastern and South Asia; moving to Cuenca was relatively easy for me.  Both my expat friends and Ecuadorian friends helped immensely in smoothing my way toward settlement as well.  I have always felt at home in Cuenca, and my love affair with this city and its people continues to grow with each passing day.

However, by the same token, Cuenca or for that matter living in a foreign country is not going to be the right move for everybody, and many people can be disappointed when they make a "permanent" move for which they were not fully prepared, or for which they are ill-fitted.  I am not going to recreate the wheel.  Recently, there have been two excellent articles which have been posted and deal with the very significant pitfalls one needs to consider very seriously before uprooting oneself and making a major life changing move to another country and foreign culture.  If you are giving any thought to moving to a foreign culture and specifically to Cuenca or some other part of Ecuador, I would strongly encourage you to read both articles linked below:

 
What Aren’t You Being Told About Moving to Ecuador? – Part I        (by Dr. Lee Dubs)


What Aren’t You Being Told About Moving to Ecuador? – Part II        (by Dr. Lee Dubs)

Thursday, March 7, 2013


Moving to Ecuador? Odds are you WON'T make it as a resident here!     (by Roger Yazell)

http://togetherontheroadoflife.blogspot.com/2013/03/moving-to-ecuador-odds-are-you-wont.html

7 comments:

  1. Nice post Jim. Well written setup followed by links. Nicely done amigo. Steve SoZ

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Steve, I hope more people considering a move will seriously take to heart what Lee and Roger have shared.

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  2. Nice article Jim. Vaya, Dos años para ti. Dos años para me este Mayo.

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  3. Lenny, hasn't the time gone by so incredibly fast?!? I know you're enjoying the Cuenca experience as much as I do. Muchas gracias.

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