This is a period of sadness for the country of Ecuador, when it should be fun and happiness for Independence Day. On Wednesday Fernando Villavicencio, one of the candidates for President, is assassinated in the city of Quito. He was outspoken about battling gangs and corruption, and unfortunately it looks like it cost him his life. In addition to a period of mourning the current President declares a state of emergency in some areas of the country and cancels the Independence Day celebrations planned for the weekend throughout the country.
For us in Cuenca, life goes on as we ease into a new rhythm and search for long term housing. Sunday is turning into one of my favorite days. I am greeted by smiling runners, walkers and bicyclists along the Tomebamba riverside path during my morning walk. Supermaxi is fully stocked with a wide variety fruits, vegetables and meats awaiting the families who will shop in the afternoon. The afternoons are a pleasure sitting in Parque Calderon or grabbing a snack in one of the restaurants in the courtyard next to the New Cathedral, its impressive domes soaring into the sky and providing inspiration.
Our search for long-term housing starts with a lovely condo in a relatively new building a few blocks from our Airbnb. It’s very nice, but we would love a little bit of private outdoor space. The next day a realtor drives us around to look at four properties. They include a house in need of work, a house with a circular staircase without handrails (but a good backyard area) and two apartments in a newly completed building outside of El Centro. This helps us to start to narrow our desired area within the city. We will continue looking. Ecuador does not have the equivalent of a MLS - each realtor or rental agent only represents the properties their company has listed/managed. We use the network of expat friends and acquaintances to get the word out on what we are looking for in a rental.
The cribbage group should still be meeting at a cafe on Tuesday afternoons at 2 pm. It’s always a bit of a pick-up group, people show up when they can. William and I arrive 15 minutes early and there’s no one there. We sip our coffees and wonder if the group has disbanded or if this is just a week when people are busy. A little after 2 Robert strolls into the cafe, cribbage board and deck in hand. The three of us play three games. We chuckle through the first game - paced 15 pegs apart.
The cribbage group should still be meeting at a cafe on Tuesday afternoons at 2 pm. It’s always a bit of a pick-up group, people show up when they can. William and I arrive 15 minutes early and there’s no one there. We sip our coffees and wonder if the group has disbanded or if this is just a week when people are busy. A little after 2 Robert strolls into the cafe, cribbage board and deck in hand. The three of us play three games. We chuckle through the first game - paced 15 pegs apart.
Cathedral Domes at Night
RSS Feed