[MartinSE]

///

[MartinSE]

Originally Posted by Ecuadog

This thread, I am enjoying.

My most recent travels to Ecuador have been limited to Quito. It has been a few years since I have visited Cuenca, but it was always my favorite. The Cuencanos are very friendly and they genuinely like “gringos,” as do most Ecuadorians. Cuenca has always been an early adopter of ecological practices.

By the way, the US dollar is the official currency of Ecuador. That eliminates currency-exchange concerns for US travelers.

Chordeleg is a town about one hour east of Cuenca that should be visited if you like jewelry. The wholesalers come from North America to buy their stuff here. Brush up on your bargaining skills before going. There are bargains to be had.

My favorite coffee was the Cafe Lojano brand.

Real “Panama“ hats are actually made in Ecuador and they’re not cheap. They got that moniker by being popularly sold in Panama.

BTW, I forget to ask, where can I get a good deal on authentic Alpaca Blankets? I love the feel and warmth of them. I think it would make a nice present to take home to the missus.

[Ecuadog]

Originally Posted by MartinSE

BTW, I forget to ask, where can I get a good deal on authentic Alpaca Blankets? I love the feel and warmth of them. I think it would make a nice present to take home to the missus.

Regretably, I have no experience with Alpaca products. I would be wary of Alpaca bargains, especially in the touristy markets. A little googling suggests that the store, All Things Alpaca Ecuador, might be a good place to start looking. I'm sure that the items are not cheap for Cuenca, but it would seem that you have a shot at getting 100% Alpaca stuff.

All Things Alpaca Ecuador
Calle, Honorato Vásquez 6-34, Cuenca
+593-93-927-2401

[retiredwineladys]

Just wondering the name of your Dentist and do you like him/her.

[La lamy]

Nice to hear about your travels. Regarding the coffee; maybe the different taste comes from the way they make it there. Just the temperature of water can have a drastic effect on the how the beans impart flavor. You might want to ask a barista there how they make it, if they'll tell their secrets!

[NoMo50]

Originally Posted by MartinSE

I heard it was a president (Rosevelt?) that made them popular when he wore one to Panama. Don't know if it is true.

I looked around for one, and when I found it I said to myself, I really don't like wearing a hat that much - LOL!

All "authentic" Panama hats come from Ecuador, primarily from Cuenca and Montecristi. The world's finest hats are hand woven in Montecristi.

As for the name, one story is that many of the men who worked on the Panama canal wore the straw hats made in Ecuador. The hats then became associated with Panama, even though they never originated there. Probably didn't hurt that Teddy Roosevelt was photographed during the canal construction wearing a Panama hat.

[babcab22]

Originally Posted by MartinSE

Here are a few more snapshots from this trip to Cuenca, Ecuador. I will avoid getting diverted on a rant this time; I apologize again for the last thread. On this thread, I will put any trying to do that on my ignore list. I ask you all not to respond to the bait.

I have, on past trips, done architectural montages and tourist galleries promoting beauty and fascinating history.

During this trip, I will focus on the cultural differences between Cuenca and the US. I am in NO WAY saying that Cuenca (Ecuador) is better than the US; I am saying they are different. Many differences. Some better, some worse. In general, Ecuador is a very poor country with a very corrupt government. Outside of the big cities, poverty is crushing.

That said, yes, there is a lot wrong with Ecuador, but there is also a lot to admire.

Here is the street in front of my apartment. A couple of things I notice. One is how old these homes are and how they are packed in close. The yards when they have one are tiny, smaller even than those in the CYV here in The Villages. Another is how clean the street is. Remember, this is an old run-down neighborhood. As I walk around, it is not unusual to see houses that are falling - crumbling.

The apartment I am in has been recently renovated and is a beautiful little complete for 1 bedroom 1 bath with laundry. Clean, modern, and a complete contrast to the road out front.

(more to come - I will try multiple replies instead of stacking photos in one post and see how that works. It will make it easier to comment on any one photo and my commentary on it instead of having them all together - I think)

What is the altitude? My wife and I were in Quito, which is at 9000 feet. We had some problems acclimating.

[VICAR OF DIBLEY]

I am enjoying your travelogue. Last time we were in Cuenca, i was run over by a drunk driver. The doctors that helped me to recover were all excellent, and attended excellent schools. The head of trauma (i thin that was-his title) goes to the US to trains md’s here.
The bill for a one month was less than the cost of one day in the US.

[Charsaunt]

Such an interesting thread and such wonderful photos!! Thank you for thinking to start this for all of us to enjoy.

Please continue!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Ecuadog]

Originally Posted by babcab22

What is the altitude? My wife and I were in Quito, which is at 9000 feet. We had some problems acclimating.

Cuenca and its airport (CUE) are at about 8,300'. Quito is at about 9,300'. Its airport (UIO) is at about 8,700'. I have found that Cuenca's altitude was a tad easier on me.

When flying into high elevations, I take one 250mg tablet of Acetazolamide the day before travelling, and another one, 1/2 hour before landing. Consult your physician.

By the way, you would be surprised at the number of drugs that available there without prescriptions. No, I don't have a list and I don't recommend bringing back drugs for which you don't have prescriptions.

[Worldseries27]

Originally Posted by martinse

here are a few more snapshots from this trip to cuenca, ecuador. I will avoid getting diverted on a rant this time; i apologize again for the last thread. On this thread, i will put any trying to do that on my ignore list. I ask you all not to respond to the bait.

I have, on past trips, done architectural montages and tourist galleries promoting beauty and fascinating history.

During this trip, i will focus on the cultural differences between cuenca and the us. I am in no way saying that cuenca (ecuador) is better than the us; i am saying they are different. Many differences. Some better, some worse. In general, ecuador is a very poor country with a very corrupt government. Outside of the big cities, poverty is crushing.

That said, yes, there is a lot wrong with ecuador, but there is also a lot to admire.

Here is the street in front of my apartment. A couple of things i notice. One is how old these homes are and how they are packed in close. The yards when they have one are tiny, smaller even than those in the cyv here in the villages. Another is how clean the street is. Remember, this is an old run-down neighborhood. As i walk around, it is not unusual to see houses that are falling - crumbling.

The apartment i am in has been recently renovated and is a beautiful little complete for 1 bedroom 1 bath with laundry. Clean, modern, and a complete contrast to the road out front.

(more to come - i will try multiple replies instead of stacking photos in one post and see how that works. It will make it easier to comment on any one photo and my commentary on it instead of having them all together - i think)

coffee is better down the street. Make a left go 2 blocks, turn right imf coffee shop

[DaleDivine]

R. I. P. Martin!!!

[Two Bills]

Originally Posted by DaleDivine

R. I. P. Martin!!!

Not again?
Jump or pushed?

[DaleDivine]

Originally Posted by Two Bills

Not again?
Jump or pushed?

Maybe jumped...

[Ecuadog]

What happened? Did I miss something?