2016 Ecuador * ADVENTURE IS OUT THERE!

2016 Cuenca, ECUADOR

ADVENTURE IS OUT THERE!!

AirBnB home overlooking Cuenca

Time for me to seriously focus!   I have less than a week before I leave for my newest adventure: 2 months in Cuenca, Ecuador, on the side of a hill at a beautiful AirBnB.  [I'm pretty pumped! Here's a photo of my host abode!  About $20 per night!  Thermal pools nearby.]  I have read, quite a bit recently, that there is a growing ex-pat retirement community there.  Color me curious!

There is SO much yet to do!  As this was a last-minute decision and the fact that I make an effort to be a frugal traveler, I have low-priced air fair which "affords" me the opportunity to have three lay-overs of about 20 hours each on my way there and back.  Two in Quito and one in Panama.  Panama is new for me!  Quito I have former host family and friends.  Excited to see what mini adventures await in those spots!

Terri Barden - Ecuador, mid-1970s

Cuenca itself is a beautiful little city in the Andes Mountains.  Our first acquaintance was when I was 17.  It was a short but delicious one-day love affair.  This photo of me back then wearing my indigenous wool sweater and "Panama Hat" (which are actually made in Ecuador, but more on that later).   My desire is to become reacquainted with this jewel of a city in a more intimate way - through painting.

I have already made contact with some artists and learned that there are good art supply stores around.  That certainly gives me peace about what to pack (or not to pack) for painting supplies - specifically: I can keep it light and simple and fill in needs when I get there.  I seem to do a lot more work away from home since I have fewer distractions and obligations.

The Internet is an amazing tool!! A site like Gringo Post http://www.gringopost.com/ helps folks get in touch.   More info: https://internationalliving.com/countries/ecuador/cuenca/

Hasta Pronto!