Our First Time Shopping in Cuenca Observations

Stores here are a bit different.  A shoe store does not sell new laces.  That’s a different store.  After all if your buying new shoes you get laces with them.  So goes the train of thought.

A store that sells cloth for sewing might not have thread.  It's just a different approach to shopping.

On our first trip to a market there were so many items we needed so we loaded up the tiny by US standards shopping cart.  While our friend Nancy guided Heather and I though the aisles explaining why one soap was better than another, I noticed a lot of stares.  And not just because I was in shorts. Or heavily tattooed, either.  Nope.  It was the gringos loading up a cart.  We were alone in doing so. Everyone else had plastic baskets on wheels that are the same size as the hand baskets back in the states.

Oh yeah.  Our hotel was only two or three blocks from the Mercado and Tienda we went to.  But after that shopping cart was emptied into bags I became a pack mule.  Stephen, Nancy's husband explained to me as we walked back that this was a common past time for most gringo men when the ladies hit the stores.  Thank God Stephen helped out and lugged the veggie Mercardo bag for me.

On that note, the stories about the sidewalks are all true.  Very tricky.  Good shoes are a must! Floridians, don't even bother to wear flip flops out.  You will regret it just as Heather did.  Her toe will heal but its did bleed a bit.  Cuenca drew first blood!  Lol

Holes, grades, metal curb “stones” to protect from cars driving on the sidewalks… Ramps built into the sidewalks and yes the terra cotta tiles that are the side walk are all a danger if you fail to use care and caution.  Walking in the rain is even more of an adventure.

Crosswalks are open season.  You have to hustle.  Cars here have right of way and some drivers make a sport of speeding up when a gringo crosses.  You have to use good judgment and hustle.

I would not consider coming to Cuenca if you are wheel chair bound.  Access is very limited.  You can get around with a cane but a walker would not work in my opinion.  If your that handicapped or mobility restricted you won't find much that’s accessible.  Stop and ask yourself if you can afford the effort its going to take to navigate the sidewalks.  Be aware and agile.

There are a lot of stores to explore here.  I can't wait to start doing so.  We have been unpacking and repacking stuff to find everything we wanted to have out in the hotel.  Now that we are not packed for a weight limit we can sort and organize better.

On another note, I had read a lot about how different the salt in Ecuador is.  That the fluoride made it taste nasty.  I can say it does not bother either Heather or myself.  It does have a different taste but it's not bad or anything.

Food here is very bland.  I think a part of that is the altitude.  Also, the Ecuadorian cheese and butter is mild in flavor.  Meats do not taste at all like they do in the states.  The majority of my food is supposed to be protein so that's something I will need to explore pretty soon.

I bought some coffee that is some of the best I have ever had.  And I expect to write a post about some of the things that we found in stores.  I like the packaging here it's less plastic and geared for smaller sizes.  No mega cans or bottles here.  That means less waste and cost. Buy as you need it, is the way to go.  That's not to say we won't have some form of rations for emergencies, it just means we will make 2-3 market trips a week and buy smaller amounts more frequently.  Less waste and that translates into less costs as well.

There is some prepared food on store shelves but it looks like either people cook or go out to eat.  Not a lot of box and can stuff.  More prepped fresh veggie mixes for soups and such.  It's a much more healthy way to live.    

Little Boxes of Wonderment

Disclaimer:  This is subjective.  We all like and dislike different things.  Please keep this in mind. This our collective OPINION and not definitive.  You might love or hate something we review. That's the idea.  Get out, stop trying to find things just like the US and try what Ecuador has to offer.

So here we go…

Brand name is Crokitos.  I bought a 10 pack of different small boxes so it would allow us more flavors to try and it would be fun and inexpensive to do so.

Flavors:

Corn Flakes:  We all agreed it was not to our liking.  The amount of sugar used was overwhelming. Kids might love it, but not us.

Arroz Crocante:  Lightly pink and fruit flavored (sort of) Again not a flavor we found appealing. Just not something we enjoy.

Aritos de Colores:  Heather had some seriously high hopes that this would be like fruit loops. Nope, its not.  Lol...Again, not a flavor we enjoyed.

Now for the good!

Arroz Crocante Vainilla:  Puffed rice?  Its small and similar to the pink but the flavor was much more to our liking.  It was still very sweet but still we all gave it a thumbs up.

Bolitas con Sabor a Chocolate:  Momma and I were not impressed but, Heather said it was tasty. Kind of like a cocoa puff with a roasted flavor.

There are cereals on the shelf that we do recognize.  Like Trix.  But, that's something we have all tried before.  We want to see what Ecuador has to offer.  We are seeking new not the same old stuff. We all agree that if you do decide to come here you need to realize that you wont find what you like. You will have to open your mind and be willing to try new things.  Don't expect to like everything. That's not the point.  The point is to try everything and then decide.

We know there will be things we crave or desire that are not here.  That's normal.  But, we don't plan to dwell on it.  Everything here is so different and rightly so.  

Hotel Boutique Los Balcones Breakfast in Andes

Happy Easter, Everyone!

Yesterday morning Dan and I enjoyed a wonderful buffet style breakfast on top of our super cute Hotel/Apartment.  We were greeted by both staff members and shown around the various food and drink areas.  Then they asked us if we would like some fresh made eggs or an omelette.  We both opted for scrambled eggs with cheese.  The view on top of the building was amazing and nicely set up.  What a Beautiful way to start the day :-)

Toilet Paper Funnies and Rants

Let's have a little conversation about a reality that you may not know and should if you intend to relocate or visit Ecuador. Or for that matter most Latin American countries.

The bathroom. Ah-hem… Toilet paper here is NEVER flushed.

Heather and I had discovered this fact via the internet and knew it was the reality of living here. But mamma? Oh no… she had no clue. When we told her she thought we were joking. Fortunately the hotel has a sign in English and Spanish posted above the potty.

After a day Heather, told me of her desire for her own bin in the bathroom. She cited romanticism and how it seemed wrong to share a pail for tissues. SIGH.

Then momma turned the pail lid (open shell design) so she didn't have to look into the pail. Being a guy this is pretty funny stuff. It's just a different way of life and I didn't think it was a big deal.

Just a heads up warning to all who might come here. Regardless of the buildings plumbing you still never flush paper products as the sewers are very old and are ill equipped to cope with it.

Another note of caution, public bathrooms most often do not have toilet paper. You need to being your own roll. There is even a brand of paper here that comes with a small roll in the center for travel rather than a cardboard tube. Its pretty cool...

On that note, it is obvious that there are very limited building codes here. Everywhere I look I can see things that are deemed unsafe in the US. Bare wires, wires coming in and out of walls, splices with tape. Multiple extension cords being used in a permanent situation. Its also obvious looking at the roofing that there are no vents. So plumbing in not vented and It looks like the roofs are not vented to breathe either. Maybe its done in a fashion I am not used to seeing. I am not griping, merely observing the differences. In the apartment we are renting we don't have any fire alarms, not sure if this is the normal. Even if it looks like it's the same in the US, don't be deceived. Its not at all.

We came here expecting things to be different. And we do spend some time comparing how things are vs back in the US. It does not mean we think it needs to be the same. We embrace the changes. I am only mentioning it so if you decide to come here you can better understand what it's really like. Heather and I promise to tell the truth about what WE see. We will talk about the good and the bad. We have had some flack about being negative in our blogging. My only reaction was wow. If we lied about something and painted everything with rose colored glasses to make things seem more pleasant What does that really do besides mislead folks? I welcome any detractors to travel to the places we review. Try the food or the service we talk about. THEN I think you can criticize our blog if you disagree.

Even better read other blogs about some of the same things we blog about. If you take the time to read those as well you will see a pattern. We are not complaining. We are giving accurate detailed posts about what we encounter. We will continue to do so.

We didn't create this blog for it to be for the world, if people around the world enjoy it that is wonderful. It's more of a scrapbook in the cloud for Heather and something my daughters can read in the following years. My ex-wife won't let me talk to them and that’s on her. One day they will grow up, get curious and come to ask me where I was. I will point to the cards, the gifts, the letters that Heather and I have and will continue to collect for them. I will direct them to this blog and let them see that I thought of them constantly. That I wanted to be a daddy to them. I won't need to blame my ex-wife. Danielle and Emma can make up their own minds. I have court documents, photos and statements from others to back up everything my ex-wife put me through. I know she lies to them and messes with their heads. In the end, she will have to answer for her selfish poor decisions. I will always be their daddy. I will always love my daughters. Maria will never be able to take that away from the girls or me..

Sorry about that tangent but I felt it needed to be said. Anyone involved in my life should understand the past years of hell I endured. It's amazing how different my second marriage is compared to my first. Heather is the only woman I should have ever married. Sure we have our off days but we work at our marriage. We both are in love with each other and we want the same things. We work together and when that happens it's an awesome thing to witness. Heather is selfless. She is creative, she like me likes to think and plan and prepare. She tries just like I do to put our partner before ourselves. Love is so much more than just a word for both of us. We understand we have differences and I think we are learning to celebrate them. This is what a union between and man and woman is supposed to be like. And it's a complete blast to wake every day and have Heather next to me. This qualifies as the best and only modern marvel remaining that so many people quest for and never find. I feel like I hit the lottery in a much better way. I would trade millions of dollars for this woman without batting an eye. 

Welcome to Ecuador

The day prior to flying Dan and I went down to Orlando International Airport with our newly purchased Bus Tickets to Peru which we purchased through http://www.latinbus.com as it was required by Ecuador since we would be arriving on a 90-Days Tourist Visa. All we did was purchase each of us a bus ticket for June 15, 2015 at 2100 from Guayaquil, Ecuador --> Piura, Peru for $32.24 x's 3 = $96.72. Arriving on a 90-Day Visa is not really an issue since our Ecuador Visa applications have already been submitted. The American Airlines Ticket Agent as well as the Shift Supervisor approved the bus tickets and updated our reservation. We were cleared for the flight since our FurBabies paperwork was cleared the week before. However, because we missed the flight last week due to the return ticket issue and crazy Florida Spring Breakers we were not able to get another ticket until after the 10 day expiration date on the Furbabies USDA paperwork. We were required to revisit the vet again, reapply the medication treatments, have them rechecked for parasites, and then have the USDA re-certify both Furbabies papers. What an expensive booboo.

We arrived at the airport with time to spare. Ticketing and Luggage was simple since we were pre-cleared the day prior. We flew via American Airlines on April Fools Day. Luckily there was no jokes played on us this week. We got on the plane without a hitch.

Flight #1222

Orlando, FL (MCO) 9:40pm

Miami, FL (MIA) 10:42pm

Flight #933

Miami, FL (MIA) 11:59pm

Guayaquil, EC (GYE) 3:22am (4:22am EST, DST is not recognized in Ecuador)

Our First Class tickets were $2808.90 for 3 tickets. It came out to be $50+ cheaper with 3 bags at 70lbs verses coachs tickets allowing only 2 bags at 50lbs max. We checked 7 Seabags, 1 Suitcase, 1 Dufflebag, and 9 Plastic Storage Bins at the ticketing counter for a total of 18 items. We were allowed with our First Class Tickets 3 Bags each at 70lbs. Any additional bag was $200 each for 50lbs. We knew we were going to have to pay about $1800 is luggage fees. However, the agent only charged us $1600 since we were pushed almost a week for a simple issue. We struggled with all of our heavy carry on bags so we asked the agent at the gate if we could go ahead and pay to tag two more bags. We learned they don't charge for items tagged at the gate (the agent stated this: we do not know if this is American Airlines policy or not...I will say it came in really handy.) Then when we arrived at the gate in Miami we asked to tag another. After moving our stuff from place to place for over a week we were done/over the luggage thing. We ended up with 21 checked items and 3 small carry on items. It was a nice quick flight. Our Furbabies are both Service Dogs and both handled their First Class Flights, fairly well.

We were the first off the plane in Guayaquil, EC and headed directly to immigrations. They asked us how long we were going to be in Ecuador. We informed the lady that we have applied for our Visa's. She stamped each of our Passports and we were on our way to baggage. OMGosh, what a crazy time that was...our lugguge was here, there, and everywhere. Once it was all collected we had 3 carts piled high. Next stop was customs to have our piles scanned. I showed the lady at the entrance to Customs each of our customs forms Dan had filled out for all of us on the plane. She instantly pointed us over to the Agrocalidad area to the right side of Customs. Agrocalidad inspected the Furbabies USDA paperwork. He asked us why we didn't get the Ecuadorian Consulate stamp? I told him we were unaware that we needed that stamp. He was fine with that response.

Note: many people thought we missed our fly last week do to the USDA's paperwork, that we didn't get the Stamp. That is not the case. We missed the flight because we didn't have an exit ticket of some sort for leaving Ecuador. After the inspector was finished he informed us that we were free to go. No need to go back to customs. Sweet!!!!

When we came around the corner we saw a man holding a sign with “Bowen” on it. It was Javier the driver we booked. He was canceled the week prior and rearranged his schedule to pick us up this week. He brought an additional driver Pablo (who brought his daughter) with a van for all the luggage plus Dan drove with him. And a Taxi Cab for Candice, myself, and the Furbabies. It was a crazy drive over and around the mountains. Javier even told us at one point we were at 13,000ft+ in altitude. I'm looking forward to seeing the views when it's light and clear out. From what we could see the views are amazing and beautiful.

We booked an apartment for a month at Hotel Boutique Los Balcones. It's a beautiful hotel with lots of charm. We relaxed in the lobby while all of our 21 pieces of luggage was carried into our apartment. We were not expecting that service to be provided. However, after the last week it was just what we needed.

When we arrived in our temporary apartment the Furbabies were crazy for their water bowl. Sasha our Siberian Husky drank so much she throw up the water. She was so quiet nobody saw or heard it happen. I however stood up to go into the kitchen and slipped and fell and banged myself up. I refused to let a sore ankle, sore knees, and a bruised hip stop me from doing some fun things the rest of the day.  After that I headed upstairs to shower, and then Dan and I decided to get an hour or two of sleep before we met up with our friends Nancy and Stephen.

Nancy and her husband Stephen took us on a mini-tour of El Centro. We visited the Mercado where we picked up some fruits and veggies. The next stop was a little shop where we purchased a fresh butter “Blob,” oil, and coffee. Then we headed over to Tia to buy some household items, basic food items, and cleaning supplies. On the way back to our Hotel, Nancy showed us a good place to get meats, hot dogs, fabric, beauty supplies, and a bakery. Then we parted ways and we went back to our apartment to drop off our purchases, drink some water, regroup, and catch our breath.

About 15 minutes later, Dan and I headed out to the bakery, that opened in 1908, El Pan de las Villacis on Borrero 12-54 Y Sangurima to pick up some rolls and then on to the meat shop to pick up ground beef and then get 3 dressed Hot Dogs. This was a challenge for us to head out into Ecuadorian Shops and attempt to order with our minimal Spanish. At the Hot Dog order area we were struggling to communicate and some local Ecuadorians helped us with our order. We are open minded and trying to learn some Spanish. We are a work in progress. Once the order was ready we took them back to the apartment to enjoy them with mom since she stayed behind with the Furbabies. The Hot Dogs were Yummy and the prices were really affordable.

Bakery:

4 Dinner Rolls at $0.20US = $0.80US

10 Fancy Rolls at $0.18US = $1.80US

3 Quesadilla at $0.90US = $2.70US

Total: $5.30US

Meat & Hot Dogs Shop (Name not known, yet)

3 Hot Dogs with Russian Dressing, Mayo, Mustard, and Onions (this is the standard way of eating them at this location with 3 Soda's at $3.48US

2.10kg (1kg = 2.20462lbs) Ground Hamburger Beef at $7.63US per kg = $16.02

When we walked into the hotel we were invited to take part in a Pacari Premium Organic Chocolate “Made in Ecuador” Tasting Session. We couldn't turn down the chance to try these local gourmet chocolates. Oh my a chocolate fountain with all you can eat strawberries. This was so up my alley. Dan is a foodie and loves to sample new thing. This chocolate is so good. We found several that we loved. We were also able to meet a few other new expats. All in all, we were beyond exhausted and in pain but, we managed to have a lot fun.

We headed back to our apartment and showered up and we each made a hot cup of Mate de Coca Tea. To help us with the altitude, our headaches, and to help our bodies start producing more red blood cells to help us handle the 8000ft+ that Cuenca sits at. And yes, the tea leaves come from the same plant Cocaine comes from and yes it is illegal in the USA and will not cause you to test positive for drugs. It didn't taste bad which was shocking since you have to drink it plain.

What do we need to learn? We are no longer in the USA and to be able to live comfortably we need to learn to shop and spent like an Ecuadorian. We need to stop comparing the prices here to what we were paying back in the states.

This is without a doubt the most stressful and difficult move that any of the three of us have every made. Let the Adventure begin……..Sweet Dreams from Ecuador and thanks for reading this long post. It was a really long and fun day. We are really enjoying Cuenca and our new friends.