Moving Again!

In one week, I've traveled back from the States, seen my hubby through his first Ecuadorian hospitalization, experienced an earthquake, and now we are moving (on Sunday!) -- my 55th birthday.

Why you ask? Well...let's just say it was a deal we couldn't refuse. Our present rent is $650 and our new rent is $200 (right across the street). Currently we are living in the "Gringo Palace" -- an 18-story condo complex with all the luxuries known to man: a gym, sauna, granite counters, marble floors, and "yes" even barking dogs (lots and lots of them!). Although we have enjoyed this part of the gringo experience, we're ready to switch channels and listen to the rushing sounds of the Tomebamba River from our balcony!

Our "new" condo is associated with the Hotel Oro Verde and is twice as big as our present place and is semi-furnished, which will allow us to add our own touch of Cuenca. We will save $400 a month in doing so, so it's worth dragging our four suitcases across the street. We have also decided that after Mark's recent hospitalization, we should seek medical insurance in case of longer stays or more "food poisoning." 

And then there's the matter of our kids (one is married and one is probably getting married very soon). We have talked about having Christmas in July every year and flying our sons and their spouses down for a little bit of Cuencano cheer.

Mark and I feel like newlyweds. We bought a bed today which will serve as our table, sofa, and study area. Each month we will add a new piece of furniture (table, TV, sofa...) until our house becomes a home. We also love the freedom of being able to walk outside without having to wait 20 minutes for the elevator and going through security check points. I know...I know...some like the extra security and assurance, but I recently told Mark that I feel like I'm under house arrest. We do have 24/7 security at our new place, but there's only one check point and no elevator (we're on the second floor (a total of 14 steps). 

We also adore the sound of the rushing river as we lay in bed at night -- the master bedroom has a full-length balcony and I'm sure we'll be spending most of our days out there.

So we're on the move again, rolling the suitcases with our earthly possessions to our new home which hopefully will be our last move for a while. We added it up last night and realized this is our 32nd move in 35 years of marriage. Phew!

Until our next move...hasta luego!


Consuelo y Marco