After returning to Cuenca we met up with our friends Melanie and Justin (FB page: “Lost in the Americas”) where we shared an apartment with them for a week. We’re both headed to Peru so we have decided to travel together for awhile. We tend to have a lot of fun and laughs together, and we’re looking forward to spending time with them.
The superbowl party at our house in Cuenca. (Clockwise from center left: Melanie & Justin, “Gringo Rick” & Leticia, and Jeff “Travels with Barley” & Cassandra). Wings, chips and guac, and chili. What’s not to love?
We found a really cool outdoor acrobatics demo going on in Cuenca one day. Quinn got to try the hoola hoop (video coming soon).
OMG you just snapped your hip out of its socket! That is so funny!
The view from our campsite on the way from Cuenca to Loja
We went to an Argentinean restaurant in Loja for lunch as a preview for the never ending meat fest that country is rumored to be.
We arrived in Vilcabamba the next day where we are staying in a wonderful German-run hostel just outside of town.
Free yoga classes and a pool make it a great spot to relax. Our visa expiration date is creeping up on us…
A hike out of town for some great views of the surrounding countryside.
My friend, Mindy, ponited me to your site, because she’s heard me talking about our crazy idea of moving to Ecuador for the past year or so, too. My hubby went down in June to check things out. He visited Vilcabamba, Cuenca and Quito. All three places had their pros and cons. We’ve lived overseas (Italy) before, so we’re not too worried about complete culture shock, and I’d be excited for my kids (13, 9 and 5) to get a different perspective of the world. But, life here in suburban Maryland isn’t so bad, either, so such a drastic change is a lot to consider. It’s really exciting to think about, though not sure we’ll get the nerve to actually do it you first!