Trip to Playas, Great Beach

Hello Everyone,

Has been a long time since the last post,  We were in the USA most of March visiting the children and grand-children.  We came back to some rain in April.  A little more rain and we decided it was time for the beach.  We went to the bus station, rode to Guayaquil, changed buses and completed our journey to Playas, approx.  80 km.

We stayed at Hosteria Bellavista, great place on the beach, nice rooms, wi-fi for those who need to stay connected, pool, etc. The resturant is not to be missed, fish out of ocean onto your plate, excellent.  Covered spots on beach with chairs to sit, watch and have that cervesa.  The weather was beautiful, 80F.  I would suggest going on weekdays as many locals come down on weekend. 

We are back in Cuenca, relaxed, a little tan.  Time to move onto other things.  We have a nice apt. for save for those of you wanted a place to live or invest, would rent well.   I have attached the following information.

3 Bedroom, 2 Bath, 1324 square feet or 123sq. meters, excellent location in the Yanuncay sector of Cuenca, close to Mall Del Rio. Two underground parking spaces, 324 square feet or 30 sq. meters, one storage closet, 16 square feet. Views of Turi. Located on 4th floor with elevator.  Excellent lighting in all rooms. The kitchen is American style, excellent lighting, all stainless appliances. The range top and oven are Teka, dishwasher is GE. The 3 bowl Teka sink has a garbage disposal. The kitchen counter has a raised bar. The finish is excellent, please write for more information. augustpilot@hotmail.com

So long for now.

Silene and Jim

Excellent Ice Cream

Hello from Cuenca,
A few days ago on one of our walks, we discovered an ice cream shop where the ice cream  is home made with natural ingredients.  They have 20 flavors.  The name is Los Helados de Paila, located at Alfonso Cordero y Florencia Astodillo.  Everyday 9am to 7pm.  Worth a try.

On another note, the new apartment is still for sale, see the last blog.    Tomorrow we are invited over to our friends to make cookies, i can hardly wait,  i am the taster.

For all you football fans, Feb. 5 is almost here, so get ready to tailgate, in Cuenca we tailgate in the apt. 
We have been getting rain most every day, but still we have some sunshine and you do not need the snow shovel.

Silene and Jim

December Trip, New Apartment for Sale

Hello Everyone, it has been awhile but wanted to give an update.  We still love Cuenca, the food is great and people are kind, wish all of you a Happy New Year, properity and health.

We went to the states for December, rented a car in Houston and drove to Dallas where i left Silene for her annual meditation course, i drove on to Denver and saw the grandkids. On the 18th, i picked up Silene and dropped off car in Houston.  We flew to Chicago, stayed at hotel on Michigan Ave for 4 days, the lights were beautiful, Christmas tree in the Maceys store was a sight.   Drove down to Decatur, spent Christmas with friends, great time.  We drove over to Springfield, Ill to see the Lincoln Museum, if you get a chance, it is a must see.  Arrived back in Cuenca on New Years Eve!

On another note, we have a beautiful new apartment that was just finished and is for sale. See details below.

3 Bedroom, 2 Bath, 1324 square feet or 123sq. meters, excellent location in the Yanuncay sector of Cuenca, close to Mall Del Rio.  Two underground parking spaces, 324 square feet or 30 sq. meters, one storage closet, 16 square feet.  Views of Turi.  Located on 4th floor with elevator.  Twenty four hour security.  Excellent lighting in all rooms.  The kitchen is American style, excellent lighting, all stainless appliances.  The range top and oven are Teka, dishwasher is GE. The 3 bowl Teka sink has a garbage disposal. The kitchen counter has a raised bar. The finish is excellent, please write for more information.  augustpilot@hotmail.com

A Little Taste of Italy in Cuenca

If anyone in Cuenca likes Italian Food, we found a very tasty place to eat.  The name is Mediterrane Bar, Ristorante, Pizzeria.  The pizza is thin crust, excellent, they have wood fired oven to bake the pizza.  I had lasagna which was very good.  Address is honorato Vasquez 7-64 y Luis Cordero.  Hours are Monday thru Saturday, 12pm to 11pm, Sunday 12pm to 4 pm.  Large selection of wine to go with dinner.  The owner is Italian moved to Cuenca from Italy.  If you crave some good italian food, you will like.  Telephone # 2844138
The weather has been great, cold in morning, warm by noon.  Coats in the morning, short sleeves in afternoon.

Ciao

Silene an Jim

New Update From Way Down South

Hello Friends and New Friends,
It has been awhile since a post, some folks write a lot more for which i am thankful. We are having so much fun, that we do not sit down at computer and write much.  We spent most of Sept. in the United States.  We flew to Houston and stayed a few days with Jim`s cousin who lives near the space center.  Rented a car for three weeks for fun driving.  Drove to Austin , visited old friends where we used to live for 5 days, then drove on to Denver to visit son Keith and family, grandkids.  Had a great time. Jim went riding Honda 250 dirt bike in mountains with Son and grandson for 6 hours.  A great day, came home with no broken bones.  Spent one day on lake in Colo with friends.  Left Colo drove back to Houston, few more days of shopping to fill up the trunks,  then south and home. Ah Cuenca.................Hard to beat.  Until next time.

Silene and Jim

TRIP TO PUERTO LOPEZ

http://animoto.com/play/9VFyXALVHvKDSiEmgzfdOA

Click on above to view short video of trip.  We went by bus, Cuenca to Puerto Lopez, total cost was $45 round trip.  Would suggest staying at the Hosteria Mandala, food is very good in the resturant.  We visited Los Frailes Beach and Isla de la Plata, saw sea turtles, whales, and lots of blue-footed boobies.  In the video you will see some blue-footed boobies.  After the five day trip it was back home to Cuenca.  We do like living in Cuenca.

Jim and Silene

Finding an apartment in Cuenca

Ladies and Gentlemen,


We have been very busy finding a place to move, we looked at 21 apartments before finding what we really need. Why? because here in Cuenca some owners don't take care of their property but expect the renters (that is you and I) to pay for the repairs, for us that was unacceptable, so the search took longer, another issue was bathrooms with no mirrors or enough lights and wall colors that will give you anxiety vs. calmness.

Security and lack of elevator was huge for us as well, be aware of all this, and when they say they will fix something, make sure it is in your contract with a time frame. Make sure you check toilets, underneath of sinks for leaks, hot water is a must here.

The rent prices have increased significantly since we came last November, especially if you want furniture and if you have pets. Pets have a different meaning in this culture.

I kept a log of all the apartments we went to see and locations in case somebody needs information.

Speaking the language and after seeing 21 apartments has made a huge difference for us and in helping four families to find a place for which they were grateful and happy. This was free to them from our part, and one of the four who is an electric and mechanical engineer put the lights in the bathrooms for us and another couple came this morning to help us pack, it was so nice, the exchange of kindness, loved it!

Last week walking in Cuenca I found this store where they make curtains, pillows and all that sort of things for the house and at a very reasonable price. The owner is Daniela Delagado. She doesn't speak English, but if I have time I will be able to help you, here is her information: Cortinas Daniela (no sign outside yet). Address: Tomas Ordonez # 10-18 y Gran Colombia, Phone: (07) first if using a cell then 282-2211, her cell is: 09355-1761.

I shall stop now, has been a long day and tomorrow will be too.
Hope this will be helpful for all of you.
Good night.