Our New Home in
Cuenca
On our trips to Cuenca, we walked around several neighborhoods and even
hired a driver to give us a tour of the city.
We wanted to get a feel for which neighborhoods seemed too busy, too far
away from shopping, etc.
Before we continue, I have to point out the Ecuadorians consider ANY
outsider to be a “Gringo.” It is not a
slur or a demeaning term at all. It
doesn't even mean you are white – it just means that you are not a local. Ecuadorians returning to Cuenca after years of
living abroad may even be considered “Gringo.”
Like the show “House Hunters
International” we narrowed our search down to 3 different areas:
1.
El Centro. Downtown area and home to a lot of Gringos. Cobblestone streets, ancient buildings,
cultural and emotional heart of the city.
….and lots of diesel bus fumes!
We love the idea of El Centro, and were currently living in Charlotte’s Uptown. We are used to the noise,
people, congestion, etc. of living in the middle of a city. We stayed in El Centro on our trips to Cuenca
….but we just couldn't get the diesel bus fumes out of our head (or lungs!)
2.
“50/50” This is a large area south of El
Centro. It was nicknamed “50/50” by an
Ecuadorian who thought the area was about 50% Ecuadorian and 50% Gringo. (In reality, it is more like 99%/1%) We liked
the housing in this area, but most were single family homes, duplexes or
triplexes. We like the idea of increased
security typically found in highrise living, as well as the reduced
maintenance.
3.
“Gringolandia” An area west of El Centro easily identifiable
by the large number of highrises and Gringos.
There’s a large shopping center (and a new mall being built) in the
area. Even though it is called
“Gringolandia,” the Gringos are still the overwhelming minority. There are a lot of wealthy Ecuadorians living
in this area as well. (I think Gringos tend to over-estimate their impact –
good and bad - on local communities!)
We chose Gringolandia.
We just prefer highrise living - and since we won’t have a car - we
wanted to be close to shopping, light rail line, taxis, etc. To be honest, EVERYWHERE in Cuenca is close
to shopping and mass transit! Most
people do not own a car, so it is a very walkable city.
On our first trip to Cuenca, we met a Canadian ex-pat living in a
highrise in Gringolandia who took us under her wing. We told her that we wanted
a unit in her building if anything ever became available. Later, a unit in her building was about to
become available, and she let us know.
We were still 6-months out from arriving, but we jumped on this very
rare opportunity.
We bought the entire household from an American widow returning to the
US. We liked the idea of stepping foot in
Cuenca with all of our baggage (and cat!) and being able to open the door of a
fully furnished place – everything from teaspoons to a washer & dryer. …And we already know a handful of the
building’s residents! Lots of gatherings
to be had, I’m sure! Rest up, poor
liver!
Specifically, we have a 3-bedroom, 3-full bath unit on the 7th
floor of a building built in 2012. There is another floor above us, then a roof
top terrace. We have a small balcony
(seem to be rare in Cuenca.) There’s an
underground parking deck for a possible future car, and retail women’s clothing
shops on the ground floor. We have a
24-hour guard controlling access to the building. “Edificio Amazonas” is the
building’s identifying name.
We are on Los Pinos (The Pines) street.
Los Pinos is a small street that ends at Cuenca’s famous Rio Tomebamba (Cuenca’s
largest of 4 rivers) Here’s a Google Maps link to it:
We are about half way down the street on the east side of the street.
We are the next to the top floor, entire front of the building. Each floor only has 2 units.
When you visit, you will have plenty of room. If you prefer, there’s also a guesthouse on
the same street. http://www.hostalnuestraresidencia.com/
We’ve walked by it several times, but
have never stepped inside. US-branded
hotels (Hilton, Marriott, etc.) don’t exist in Cuenca…..yet.
For a more “traditional” hotel that is very close (walking distance) to
our building, you can try the Oro Verde hotel.
Cuenca has several incredible boutique hotels, but Oro Verde is
currently the best large hotel in town.
http://www.oroverdecuenca.com/ Bonus:
whenever you are out & about in a non-English speaking taxi and need
to get home, simply tell the driver “Hotel Oro Verde” and, viola, you’re close
to us.
