Really hard to believe we have been living in Cuenca Ecuador for 5 months. We have found the move here interesting, exciting, and full of adventure. All in all it seems to have been an easy transition. We found the right house to settle into. We connected, it seems, with all the right people who have helped us along our way. We have learned the bus system, been able to locate places to have our furniture made and appliances purchased. We have been able to open a bank account.We live within walking distance of almost everything we need, laundry, bakery,buses and a shopping mall where among everything else we can pay all our utility bills in cash.
We have encountered a few difficulties. We did bring our two cats and 3 boxes of household items each on the plane. The airline baggage fees were so complicated, I was unable follow the costs and I am sure that we were overcharged about $1000. We stayed in a B&B for the first week. Because we had animals she wanted an additional $100 "deposit". We thought it would be returned as we were very careful to clean the apartment when we left. Nope, lost another $100. Our landlord back in Tucson failed to return our $2500 deposit that we were counting on to augment our funds. And of course we have , not yet received our resident visa as our papers have been refused twice already. We have had to pay $350 each for a visa extension as our first 90 days ran out. Now the Ecuadorian government has decided to perhaps close the door slightly on new resident application by increasing their fees. What was $12 for each document preparation is now $60. BIG difference. We are coping, but cost are mounting. Happily our living costs, so far, are just over $1000/month, a reduction of $1700/month living in Tucson. including dinning out several times, This is doable.
Now the fun part has been making our house a home. This is right up our alley. Sharyl dreams and I make the dreams come true. We have done some painting and had some furniture made according to her specifications.
Step 1
Syep 2
Step3
Second bedroom
Done
Livingroom
Now a living in room
With some more added seating
Had chairs made by local carpenter
Only $320 for two
Improves the cozy living room view
Our daughter Lisa made this beautiful quilt
A real piece of art work to grace our dinning room.
Added a table and chairs to our " balcony"
-----and in our kitchen as well
Added some color to our outdorr patio
Just a few pictures brightens up the stair well
Our house has now become more bright and cheerful
Sharyl has worked her magic.
We now move on to our two other bedrooms
to be sooooo inviting you can not refuse a visit
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