Sunsets in Paradise

Probably the only thing we’re lacking here in paradise is sunsets!

I have to admit that I do miss them—partly because I’m a California girl and I’ve always had the ocean in my backyard. And when we lived on the East Coast, I had been known to drive all the way to Cape May, New Jersey—in one afternoon—just to watch a sunset and drive back home again(4-1/2 hours one way). Who in their right mind does such a thing?

Well…if you need to see a sunset on the ocean, you do what you have to do!

It’s not that we don’t have sunsets in Cuenca; it’s just that they disappear behind the Andes Mountains (somewhere) and the sky lights up with yellow, orange and crimson, but no sun setting on the horizon. That’s a big difference for us sunset watchers! Don’t get me wrong, it’s beautiful and the painted skies are gorgeous, but it’s just not the same.

As you know, I got the South American –"you don’t ever want to have this again"—Flu and while I was on my “death bed,” my hubby said, “When you get better, I’m taking you to the ocean!”

He kept his promise.

We booked the Butterfly Suite at Mandala Hosteria in Puerto Lopez for July. It has a terrace overlooking the Pacific (just 50 meters from the ocean). That works for me! And from my perch, I can watch all the sunsets I want and maybe even see a few humpback whales (they’re making babies in July after migrating from
Antarctica to the warmer waters off the coast of Ecuador).

I never thought I would want to get out of paradise, but it’s time. June 4th is our official one-year anniversary in Cuenca and we have yet to travel to the coast. So we’re making it a mini-vacation, along with a trip to the "Poor Man’s Galapagos" (Isla de Plata). The giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies and other creatures await us.

Our good friend, “Bob” who has lived in Cuenca for 17 years, thought we would never make it to Puerto Lopez (his favorite place). So we surprised him with our announcement the other day and he said, “Can I come?”

Of course! “Bob” gave us some insider information on the area and some of his favorite places that no one knows about—including a private beach. I’m sworn to secrecy right now, but I don’t know for how long. I guess it’s pretty much off the beaten path, but the water is crystal clear and the snorkeling is amazing.

I think if I had my choice, I’d be parked in a beach chair somewhere along the coast of Ecuador. But I married a mountain man and I don’t think the lack of sunsets in Cuenca is going to change his mind!

But a girl can dream—can’t she?

Until next time…hasta luego!




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*Photo of Puerto Lopez