Originally Posted by Ecuadog (Post 2145189)

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.

Originally Posted by MartinSE (Post 2145223)

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.

Originally Posted by MartinSE (Post 2145193)

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!

Originally Posted by MartinSE (Post 2145129)

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)

Originally Posted by babcab22 (Post 2145379)

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

Originally Posted by martinse (Post 2145129)

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)

Originally Posted by DaleDivine (Post 2145767)

R. I. P. Martin!!!

:pray::pray:

Originally Posted by Two Bills (Post 2145771)

Not again?
Jump or pushed?