Bodhi's Burgers -- An Overnight Success!

What happens when a guy from Berkeley, California goes in search of the best hamburger in Cuenca and comes up short? He makes his own burger and his business is an overnight success!

Bodhi and His Welcoming Staff

We went to Bodhi's Burgers the first week they were open and just followed the crowds (literally!). I felt like I was in the movie "Field of Dreams" where all the cars led to the same spot. With their "In-N-Out Burgers" logo and 1950's soda fountain theme with black and white-checkered floors and red decor, we felt like we took a step back in time. As California natives, we felt right at home.

We ordered the combo for $2.99 which comes with a hamburger, fries and Coke in a bottle. To be honest with you, Mark and I have been vegetarians for the last ten years and once in a while, we have fish (rarely beef). That's definitely going to change, as once a week we'll need a Bodhi fix.

The Combo -- $2.99

Their hamburgers are made from the finest beef available and their fries (look like In-N-Out Burgers on the West Coast), but the oil isn't the cheap stuff and you can taste the difference. And everything is homemade, including the mayo which is made from olive oil. Mark and I shared a Coke from a bottle with two straws and we felt like teenagers again. It's been decades since we've had a Coke and let me tell you, it was a treat. Did I mention they also have homemade ice cream and homemade chocolate sauce that tastes like my mom's recipe.

Bodhi's location is perfect. We took the #22 bus from our place and just as it heads into town on your way to San Sebastian Plaza (up the hill) -- look to your right and follow the crowds. You can't miss it. Or if you're at San Sebas Plaza (at the corner of San Sebas Cafe), head down the hill and just as the road makes a turn, you'll see Bodhi's on the left with the yellow and red signage.

Follow the Sign -- You Can't Miss It!

They have a lovely terrace area with a beautiful view of the Cajas and on a sunny day you'll want to spend the afternoon there. Best of all, Bodhi makes his presence known and visits with everyone -- either coming or going. We loved hearing his story about his quest for the perfect hamburger in Cuenca and his passion for making it a reality. Bodhi's business is set up as a franchise, so look for more in the future.

Enjoy and Bodhi Burger on the Terrace

Bodhi's Burgers has become an overnight sensation and the ambiance draws us back to our childhood in the 1950's, so it's not only a booming business, it's a Baby Boomer's paradise -- complete with hits from the 1950's and 1960's playing in the background.

As I write this, Mark and I are on our way to have lunch at Bodhi's and hope that you'll drop by soon as well.

Bodhi Makes Everyone Feel Like Family!

Until next time...hasta luego!

Address of Bodhi Burgers: 

Sucre 17-80 y Bolivar

Cuenca, Ecuador
Cell: 096-900-7688

The Transformation of Puerto Lopez

The New Pier at Puerto Lopez 

Last month we visited Puerto Lopez and stayed at our favorite place – Hosteria Mandala – and got to finally see the completed malecon (boardwalk). It’s been three years since our last visit and I couldn’t believe the transformation. There are bike lanes, pedestrian lanes, roads and bridges, where dirt and sand used to be. They landscaped the areas with palm trees, flower beds and street lights. The bad news is the side roads—off the malecon--are still dirt (aka sand).

New Bike Lanes in Puerto Lopez along the Malecon

The dusty streets never bothered us much, but it rained the entire week we were there so Puerto Lopez became Puerto Lodo (Mud) and so we sloshed through the streets with our flip-flops—nearly sliding down most of the sidewalks and kicking up mud wherever we went. We’ve always gone in June, July or August because it’s cooler with no humidity and often overcast, but it’s never rained. This time we got lots of rain, so much so that I was walking on the beach in my bathing suit and holding an umbrella (if you can picture that!).

Our favorite beach—Los Frailes—was the same (rain) with one notable exception, the sun peeked through the clouds for a couple of minutes before it started pouring down rain. And we noticed there were tighter restrictions at the entrance; they searched our belongings before heading up the path to the beach. We remember seven years ago, when there was just a dirt path, no signs, and just paradise awaiting you.

Los Frailes is still paradise, but there are signs posted everywhere about not picking up shells and coral and to dispose of garbage properly. No food or drinks allowed on the beach. There’s an area where you can have lunch near the entrance. I’m all for keeping Los Frailes pristine, but I felt like I was going through airport security.

Los Frailes on a Sunny Day

The last day before we left there was a beautiful sunset and the following morning the sun came out and the sky was gorgeous—just like we had remembered it. I think it will be quite a while before we return and if we do, we’ll be sure to go in March when there’s a guaranteed sunset every evening and no rain!

Sunset at Puerto Lopez

Sunrise from Our Balcony

A Sunny Morning -- Our Last Day!

Introducing the New Malecon! 

But one thing has remained the same—Hosteria Mandala, which is the only place to stay in Puerto Lopez. It’s an oasis of tranquility, fine hospitality, and excellent food! Pasta Aurelio (cream sauce with shrimp, garlic, and walnuts) is a must and we had it twice and for dessert—freshly made coconut ice cream. Life doesn’t get any better than that! We always enjoy meeting people from around the world and some have become lifelong friends. Staying at the Mandala is like coming home!

Hosteria Mandala at night (our home away from home)

The New Malecon -- almost reminds me of Avila Beach in California

Our Balcony at the Mandala (aka Connie's reading spot!)

The Pathway to our Room at the Mandala -- magical!

Exotic Flowers at the Mandala

Puerto "Lodo" 

The Dogs of Puerto Lopez

The New Malecon with lots of seating areas and beautiful new brick walkways.

View of the Ocean from Our Balcony at Hosteria Mandala. I can still hear the ocean waves...

Ahh...so relaxing -- view of the beach from the Mandala

Puerto Lopez has undergone an amazing transformation and we'll be back. 

I always feel like I'm in Hawaii in the Gardens of the Mandala.

The sun came out for us on our last day!

Until next time...hasta luego, 

Just in time for National Dog Day, Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Dog Really Did That? will be hitting the bookstores on August 8, 2017. My story is titled "Two Marines." I'm excited about this book and all royalties go to The Humane League.