FIRST WEEK BACK, WOW!

First week back was busy.  We arrived with the 4 trunks, 5 bags, 4 carry ons to the partamentos torongo.  Next day we checked on the status of our apartment, you guessed it,  Cuenca time, instead of finish date of Jan 30, it is now March 31st.  We were not happy campers, one or two weeks at the apt we had rented was ok, not two months.  Well we found a new penthouse,  3 bedrooms to rent for two to three months.  We moved again but it is far better for long term.  We are now settled in new apartment for a couple of months.
We have discovered a new resturant, fantastic, for seafood, and it is fresh.  Try the La Mar  resto-bar located at Remegio Crespo 15-35 y Unidad Nacional.  ph is 072818217.  Have eaten there twice, food excellent both times.  Hours of operation are Sundays and Monday  11am to 5pm, Tuesday to Saturday 11am to closing.  You will not be disappointed.
I have a question from anyone that has had the experience.  If you fly into Guayaquil airport and want to get a ride to Salinas, what is best way, cab, van etc.

Silene and Jim

MOTHER SHIP HAS LANDED, WE ARE HOME

We made it but what a trip.  We were able to sell the last vehicle, close on house, pack,  and come back to Cuenca in 14 days.  We left Cuenca on Jan. 6th and arrived back on Jan. 20th.  We are now renting a place until our apt is ready.  Allied Van Lines came and packed two crates, 110 boxes, 3800#, they are keeping in storage until we tell them to ship to Cuenca.

We left Austin with 4 footlockers, 5 suitcases, 4 carry on,  when we arrived at the ticket counter, agent asked if were leaving the country.  I thought she was going to have us escorted out of the terminal because of the amount of luggage, yes we had to pay.  When we arrived in Quito, so did the 9 pieces of luggage, wow, great.  Two of the footlockers had holes punched in them, rough landing i guess.

Spent the nite in quito, decided to hire a van for trip home, thought it would be a lot easier than putting busted footlockers on the plane again.  Nine hours later we arrived at the apt.  If any of you  have not made this trip, i would suggest it, great sights along the road.

Hope to see all of you soon.

Big Day for the Fllight Crew

We have not posted for awhile but have sure been busy.  The Movers came yesterday and packed two crates for shipment.  We had a lot of boxes but somehow they managed to get 108 boxes, 3800 lbs packed, wow!  Today we close on the house, sold the last vehicle.  The buyer is letting us use the truck until we leave on the 19th, a good thing.
We are staying in a hotel in Austin for one week as we had some appointments to finish up, so many things to do.
Funny thing, neighbors that we never see have come around to tell us they are sorry we are leaving, they will miss us, wow, i find that hard to believe.
They tell us our apartment will be ready by the end of January, i have my doubts about that.  We have rented a place for our arrival on the 20th.
We are looking foward to seeing our friends when we arrive.  

Hello to all.

Silene and Jim

Walking around Cuenca

Cuenca changes everyday, something new to see.  Cows grazing along the river, donkeys on the sidewalk, wheelbarrows full of fruit.  I am going to have start carrying a camera which i have never done but will try to start posting pictures.  We have traveled a lot but the sights here take our breath away.

As we walk Silene is always seeing apartments for rent and she is good at picking good ones.  So she is keeping a list in her little books she carries.  If anyone is in need then drop us a note at skypilot400@gmail.com.  Just yesterday she found a couple in new bldg at resonable rent, 3 bedrooms.

Have a great day in this magic land.

Silene and Jim

What a Great Day to Be in Cuenca

Hello Everyone,  Happy New Years Eve Early.  We have had a busy day but fun.  We started early this morning by going to California Kitchen for breakfast.  Carol fed us well,  we then started walking in the rain, lasted two blocks, you know what comes next.  We hailed a cab, went to new apt that is being built to do some design changes.  We got a phone call while there that a couple in Cuenca wanted to see the penthouse above our apt where we are staying.  Would Silene please come and be the go between the landloard and the potential renters.  Silene is fluent in Spanish.  We jumped in a cab and met the new folks from California and in no time, new neighbors.  The rented the penthouse.  It is gone, rented.  The were happy that we were able to help.

We will be going back to Texas on Jan 5 but will return the end or Jan to move into new apt.

Jim and Silene

Big Shopping day for the New Apartment

Well just got back from shopping, my wallet is a lot lighter now.  We bought a new wall oven and countertop range, big since my wife likes to cook.  It was a tough negoation but my wife won, i think.  We also bought an extractor.  We shopped at Almacenes Boyaca at av. Remigio Crespo & Esmeralda.  Nice folks if anyone needs appliances.  It was fun actually.
Also today in the same building where we are staying we found a penthouse apt. on fifth floor, takes up all the fifth floor.  It is two years old, and 285 sq meters or approx 3000 sq ft.  Three bedrooms , each with bath plus an office, and maids quarters with own bath.  Has terrace with views of city.  Large windows.  Very nice kitchen with granite counter tops, large island plus stove and oven.  Rents for $600 plus $70 condo fee.  Two parking spaces plus storage room.  If interested contace me at skypilot400@gmail.com
The apt is unfurnished.  The apt. is beautiful.

Our apt is supposed to be finished by Jan. 30, we are excited.  Still have to go back to Texas to finsh packing and close on house.   Stay tuned the adventure has just begun.

We Made it On Christmas Day

What a great feeling to be back home in Cuenca!  We flew standby and got the last 2 seats out of Houston last night and here we are, getting ready to go to Mick and Kathys for dinner.  Hold that turkey.  What a wonderful day, Christmas, a time for thanks, friends, family, a time to reflect on the year.  They are going by so fast.  Remember do not forget to say those 3 big words to your someones today.  I love you.  We never know if tomorrow will come for each of us, so don`t miss the opportunity.  Thinking of all of you reading this today in Cuenca and the rest of the world.  Feliz Navidad.

Silene and Jim