Arquitecto

If you are in need of a very good architect, I can recommend Oscar Abad with out hesitation. Renovations, additions, new projects, Oscar is your man. He studied in the US and speaks perfect english for you non spainsh speakers. He does all his plans to US standards and demensions and is a good guy personally. He lived in the US for many years and knows what North Americans are used to and what they want, lots of light, storage, etc.
If you know Paula the dentist, Oscar is her husband. I would truly give him a look if you are needing anything in this area.

His email is oscar_abad@hotmail.com
cell 091530018

Another thing to bring and info

I just thought I would mention to any of you future residents an add on to your "should bring down list".

It is a good idea to bring down like 3 years worth of medical records (nice to have old blood work to compare and tid bits you do not know or remember for your doctor, dates etc..)

If you have any sort of joint replacement I would bring down a fresh x-ray film so they can compare to any new x-ray. Also if you take a spill they will know how it should look when they repair it (just kidding).

We also brought dental records. It is far better to have this info and not need it than need it and not have. At a minimum I would bring x-ray pics (as new as possible).

And an FYI to anyone who does not know that there are great maps and bus route books available at the info center off Park Calderon. Look for the yellow circle with the "i" in the center.

They have several maps to choose from (ask for them if you do not see). Some show just the historical area and some show the whole of Cuenca. Ask to see more if they only show you one so you can what is best for you.

Ask for the bus route booklet (if they have any). This lists the Bus route numbers and the stops (listed by road). If you have a map and know some streets you will find the routes (this is for the person(s) who is/are in Cuenca for extended periods who know some roads and general city areas or any of you fellow residents who did not know this was available).

Well hope this helps someone out there.

Hasta Luego............J&D

Nice change..........

In Aruba gasoline was big bucks. I do not recall exactly, $3/gallon or more, but we would spend $50 or more almost twice a month to fill up the Subaru (it would be at about 1/4 of a tank). Yesterday I filled up for the first time. You read that right $16 bucks. At the service station, I say that because that is what you get, they pump your fuel, ask you if you have any trash in your vehicle you want to throw out (the man holds up a small trash can as he asks), offers some refreshments, then sends you on your way after payment. It was the first time I can remember smiling at a gas station in a while, other than the first time I got gas, or hitting a $25 winner on a scratch ticket, even finding a buyer for us for beer in the pre-legal years. It was a nice change. I have been told to only go to gas stations where you see the taxi cabs or the commercial trucks filling up so that is what we will do.

We also took our first trip up the Cajas for a bit. It was nice, but boy I am not used to the chill in that mountain air. I guess that is what the canilaso is for. We also saw our first llama live and in person on the side of the road. It kind of looked like the Merrill Lynch bull the way it stood on a rocky ledge. I was a nice day and I like to be able to drive again. I missed driving a standard but did not know it until I did it again. I forgot the camera so we will have to be better about that. We will be heading to Ingapirca soon and will make sure that we have it for that trip.

Until next time............................J&D

The Cats Meow

Yet again Pepe amazes. This, I would venture to guess is his first cat specific piece. Kilo and Florin are still a bit intimidated by this but I have caught them hanging on to the poles.

I must say if you do not have anything Pepe has created you won't go wrong if you commission him.

Until next time.......................J&D

Mass Transit equals bargin

Today was our first trip using the bus. We found a line that goes everywhere we go with regularity and it starts and ends right in front of our development.
After paying between $2 to $3 bucks each way depending on the taxi and time of day, todays trip to town cost a total for both of us a whopping $1.00! That was to and from town.
The bus was nice though you better sit quick as they are on that accelerator pretty fast. We are thrilled we do not have to switch buses to go to our regular places and will be using the bus as our major transport to and from town.
A single fare is $.25. You can buy a bus pass for $1.50 and just recharge it with as much as you want to put on it at a time.
Riding the bus also is a good way to get your bearings in the city and a feel for different areas.

My advice, jump on the bus and do a bit of exploring. It is a good way to see a bunch and you won't get "gringo'd" in the process.
Until next time......................J&D

Recommendations

I was talking with a relative newcomer to Cuenca the other day and he mentioned something that struck a cord. I will toss in my 2 cents.

When any of us here in Cuenca recommend a service, be it a realtor, lawyer, even a restaurant, you as readers and prospective future residents must know that our positive experiences do not seal a positive experience for you. Everyone is different and we do not live in a vacuum. We give information and recommendations based on past results hoping for the same in future cases.

Please look around and do your research. Every question you have you will find the answers to in the blogs or the internet if you spend some time looking. If 10 people used service x, and 10 people used service y, and they all had good results, it is a fair bet you will too.

Something to remember, be patient and always inquire about fees before doing anything and everything. If you are up front with your questions and intentions in the beginning it might save you a headache and maybe some green.

Until next time..............J&D

Banking

I am sure people who are thinking of relocating can put the "Are the banks safe?" question in the top 3 of the many questions they have. I would say yes but that is a personal opinion.
We chose to go this route as it suits our needs perfectly. We opened our accounts with Banco Pichincha. We opened a savings account here in Ecuador and a checking account in Panama (both opened at the branch in Cuenca). The advantage to this is if you need for some reason to put money back into the US you are not charged the tax to wire your money out like you are if wiring out of Ecudor. You can write a check here in Ecuador and the person can cash it like a local check. We will keep some money here but Panama will the the vehicle the drives it to Ecuador and back out if needed. There is a bunch of paperwork and you must be a resident.
You can also pay your utilities through your local bank account with auto debit of your account. You need to bring in the previous bill and then you are all set, no waiting in line.
We discovered this option by accident and thought it is a sensable format.
Until next time.....................J&D

Personal Maintenance

We have been fortunate to have hooked up with some quality health care people so far. Paula above and Maria below were both recommended by Larry Marler, a fellow expat here in Cuenca. Paula, now our dentist has cleaned both of our teeth. ($15 buck each) and we were both very happy with the job. I hate dentists and have spent my share stuck in the chair with various things done in the US. Donna is having a post and crown done and I will let you know how it went. I think it is around $200.00 but will post actual price when done.

Maria, Donna's physical therapist is really good too. In the 2 visits she has been we know she was a great find. Donna had hip replacement surgery in January of 2008 and has never returned back to 100%. I would have to say we took a few steps back while in Aruba because the therapist there, well sucked.

We have no doubt now that we have Maria on the job things will be as they once were, full range of motion and good strength in the leg. $10.00 per hour for the work she has done and she does not rush. Heating pad, ultra sound, deep tissue work then stretching and some exercise.

We really are happy and highly recommend them.

You can find there numbers and addresses at Larry's blog: retire in cuenca There is also a link through Cuenca High Life.

At last we have the hair. Ignacio worked in Manhattan for many years before returning to Cuenca. Donna really likes him because he has organic color products. She hates the smell of the chemicals. I think he has those too. She gets a color, cut and style for $40.00

I get my hair cut since I am there. $5.00 bucks for me. I could get it cheaper but he does a good job. Ignacio's place is called "grupo fama" It is across from the Hotel O'verde.

Once again we are very pleased with finding these people and can tell you the things they do are done well and worth the money. They are all very nice people too.

Until next time................J&D