Cuenca Perspectives by Jim: EXPAT BLOG GOLD MEDAL AWARD 2012

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.

Monday, December 17, 2012

EXPAT BLOG GOLD MEDAL AWARD 2012

It is with great appreciation that I am able to announce today that my blog, "Cuenca Perspectives by Jim", has been chosen by "Expats Blog" as the top ranked blog in all of Ecuador on expat life, and my perspectives on the people, customs, and overall culture of various aspects of life in the country of Ecuador, particularly the beautiful city of Cuenca and its equally beautiful people.

I thank my many faithful readers for their support through their comments and numerous emails, with questions and with testimonies of the value and usefulness of my blog in painting a picture of Cuenca for them, and in providing what they have found to be useful information in traveling to or in making Cuenca their home. Just as many expats and local Cuencanos have been a major source of help and inspiration to me as I explored the
possibility of living in Cuenca and then making the move, I am glad I
have the opportunity to likewise be of help to others.

Cuenca Perspectives by Jim (gold)
With my sons making their own lives, it was time for their "old man" to spread his wings and fly again as well. Cuenca is now my home, and I couldn't be happier. One fan says: Would give your blog more than 5 stars if I could. You write well and very interestingly. Thank God, it's not just another one telling where you went and what you ate! I've been intrigued since I first discovered "CuencaPerspectives" more than two years ago. In fact, your blog was influential in my decision to come here last year and return this year. Your photographic skills leave me so envious. Keep on doing what you do so well!

Next to "South of Zero", which does an excellent job of providing synopses and links of the latest expat blogs on life in Ecuador, and provides my blog with the greatest source of readership. "Expats Blog" has provided me with my second largest source of readership. If you have not checked out http://www.expatsblog.com/, I would encourage you to do so. "Expats Blog provides many interesting articles of interviews with bloggers, news information, expat blogs, and forums. "Expats Blog" provides coverage from expats from all over the world, and is not simply an Ecuadorian blog. It is, however, easy for the reader to access the link to the Ecuador blogs, news, articles, and forums. Thanks again "Expat Blog" for your recognition of my efforts.