Myth Busters - Cuenca

We're out and about a lot.  Mick is at the Coffee Tree every day, with or without me and  we're always amazed at the things they we overhear.  Therefore, we thought we'd address some of them, myth busters - Cuenca
 

Myth: There are no dishwashers in Cuenca for less than $2000. Fact: Dishwashers are available here for around $500. There several detergents available for automatic dishwashers, Dish-lav, Cascade.  This is ours; we've had it over 2 years and when it dies, there'll be another one.

                                          

Myth:  Cuenca is the land of eternal spring.  Fact:  It may be an Alaskan eternal spring.  During winter, the lows can be in the upper 30’s;  most of the time it’s cloudy in Cuenca.  It's a rarity to have a beautiful starry night; go outside the city and there are usually stars.  In summer I’ve seen it as high as 85.

Myth:  Summer is June, July, and August.  Fact:  Cuenca is south of the equator.  If you’re in the southern hemisphere, the seasons are opposite of the northern hemisphere; therefore, the first day of winter is  June 21.  It is now spring.

Myth:  Hospital Monte Sinai  is not a hospital; it’s doctor’s offices.  Fact:  Hence the name, Hospital Monte Sinai, it is a hospital.  It offers all the services of a full-service hospital, surgery, maternity, overnight stays, etc.

Myth:  To get driver’s license if you’re a gringo you have to go to driving school because the government wants to make it hard for you to get driver’s license.  Fact:  Everyone, INCLUDING Ecuadorians,  is required to attend driving school.  This requirement became law 3 or so years ago; therefore, for those Ecuadorians who have yet to renew their license since this law came into effect, they must attend driving school prior to their next renewal.

Myth:  You can live comfortably on $500 per month.  Fact:  Maybe in your dreams.  Things are less expensive here than in North America and Europe; however, not THAT inexpensive.   Our expenses and extras are around $3000 per month which is considerable less than in our previous life.   Our plan was to live as well, if not better, than in the US.  We can do that for the amount previously quoted and consider it to be better, in that now we have a housekeeper 5 days a week versus 3 days per week previously.  Additionally, we don’t work.  Yeah!

Myth:  All sweet potatoes here are purple.  Fact:  You can find regular sweet potatoes.  These came from Coopera.

Myth: Corvina is Chilean sea bass. Fact: Corvina is applied to pretty much any kind of fish that the vendor wants to sell you. I have seen a dozen distinctively different fish, all called corvina.

Myth: Cooking is the same here as at sea level. Fact: There is a huge learning curve with cooking at 8500 ft. Anyone that makes that statement, has never really done a lot of cooking in their previous life nor here. Water boils at a lower temperature; therefore, even though you’re “boiling” something, you’re still cooking at a lower temperature. Because of the longer cooking time, more liquid is required. Additionally, with a change in altitude, there’s a change in density. If you make a recipe once and it’s dry, try it while increasing the liquid by 1.4; this is a good starting point.

Myth: The Ecuadorians love all the gringoes. Fact: Remember when you lived in the US and Canada; how did you feel about all the East Indians, Hispanics, and Middle Easterners? ….. Same thing here. They hate the fact that many don’t speak Spanish and in actuality, don’t want to learn. When I began weaving, the shop was filled with Ecuadorians and there were only a couple of gringas. It was great! My Cuencano Spanish improved so much! However, when someone who did not speak Spanish spoke English, the Cuencanas would tell her, “Spanish only”. The number of gringas increased and the number of Cuencanas decreased. The entire atmosphere changed. The Ecuadorians are afraid that they’re culture will change as a result of our presence. We’re afraid of that also. If you have Ecuadorian friends; you met them, more than likely, as a result of some business transaction. Money was involved. Think about it.

Myth: Gringoes don’t by cars. Fact: Sure they do. We, as well as most of our friends own vehicles. As previously stated, we did not want to live less than in NC. If you’re planning on buying a vehicle, but are planning on purchasing a used one, “buyer beware".

Myth:  There are no insects in Cuenca.  Fact:  There are flies, spiders (small ones and an ocassional tarantula), silver fish, ear wigs, extremely large beetles, flying cockroaches, and although not an insect, there are also scorpions.  All of these I've either killed or seen dead in various and sundry places.  The picture of the guy below was taken at a popular restaurant.

Myth:  After his defeat in 1968, Alfred E. Neuman is is running for president again.  Fact:  Many gringoes love to discuss politics in general,  however, specifically, the presidential election.  We over heard that Alfred E. Neuman is in the running, and apparently this is true, but as a write in candidate.  The amazing thing is that he hasn't aged a bit!  I'm suspecting cosmetic surgery.

Could this be the next President of the United States?

Some may think we’re being negative.  Neither of us has ever owned rose-colored glasses.  Mick is naturally skeptical and I’m a realist and a bit skeptical.  Therefore, this is our view.  For those who tend to wear the glasses of the rose-colored variety, so be it.  We’re just always amazed at what we hear.

Until next time,

Mick and Kathy