Ecuador

This link shows photos very similar to the sights we encountered in Ecuador (but taken by a better photographer). Many of them are of other countries and it makes us want to spend months exploring this region.

We didn't do a great job of taking pictures in Ecuador. Nena forgot her camera's charger and Ray brought along a new movie camera so his efforts, while fun to watch, are not ready for prime time. So, we will have to borrow from the web if we are to have any chance of doing justice to this beautiful country. Click on this photo, by Malcolm Surgenor at Flickr.com, and you will find a whole web site of photos we wish we had taken:

This photo is of Quito and it's magnificent volcano, Cotapaxi. It's a lovely city but we preferred Cuenca. So much so that we are thinking of spending several months there next winter.

There are many reasons why. First, perhaps, is the year round "spring-like" climate. Perfect for Canadians who are inclined to feel too cold in winter and too hot in summer. The average temperature in Cuenca is around 16C (60F) -- year round. Wow.

As well, Cuenca is a beautiful city, full of history, surrounded by mountains, with friendly people and all the basics of living available at a very low cost compared to Canada. For example, renting a nice apartment costs about US $ 200 to 250 a month and a meal at a nice restaurant might set you back $ 6 to 8. Almost everything is cheaper than at home.

Rather than asking "why?", we're asking "why not?" The biggest obstacle is the language but a useful smattering of Spanish was surprisingly easy to pick up during our two weeks there. Nena is studying online and we both plan to sign up for daily lessons when we are in Ecuador.

If we really like life in Ecuador we might even buy a small house eventually. We could probably get a livable house on a couple of acres for about US $ 25,000 -- bit more for one with a nice guest room that could lure friends into visiting! Ray loves to garden and the thought of being able to grow things year round is very exciting. Nena likes the idea that a full time maid earns about US $40 a month. Woot!

For now, our idea is to spend summers in Canada, though we will eventually have to choose where to settle down for our final years. That could be, with luck, a long way off.

Cuenca is a close second choice for each of us. Ray, given the chance, would probably prefer Istanbul, while Nena loves southern China (Guizhou Province, perhaps). We also both like Mexico but but while we enjoy salsa music, we absolutely can't stand mariachi. On the other hand, Ecuadorian food is okay but Mexican food is delicious.

Or maybe this will be the first of several countries we try on for a comfortable fit. That would be fun.