Sorry We Missed You This Time
Before we arrived in Ecuador, Omar had made contact with an individual (Monica Mac Naughton) who turned out to be a legitimate and gracious host in so many various ways. I cannot truly describe what an asset she was to us. Her other half (Tom Mac Naughton) was a man after my own dreams. He actually bought a Honda scooter to tool around with, the second or third day we were in town, on the spur of the moment.
There are no better human beings on earth than these two individuals. They were most recently from Florida, before relocating to Cuenca a couple years back and are a wealth of knowledge in regards to Ecuador and any assistance you would need to relocate. True Americans (Or at least what we used to think of as True Americans. They are sincere and forthright in their recommendations and information (Not always the case in Ecuador).
They had plans the first evening we were in Cuenca but (almost, but in a polite way) demanded we meet them for dinner on Sunday night at the Goda restaurant, in the Hotel Dorado. We accepted the invite and were eager to meet the couple.
Omar and I could not decide whether we should dress up or go casual. Given it was a nice restaurant and the fact that we hadn’t met Monica and Tom. We thought we should wear nice shirts and slacks. When we met them at the restaurant we were slightly overdressed and I deduced that they were comfort driven and not concerned with image (obviously, if you know me I was attracted immediately to that characteristic),
We shared a fabulous meal and they discussed several “survival skills” necessary in Cuenca along with the do and don’ts of the indigenous people and central Cuenca interactions. They suggested a Trout dish that was superior according to Omar, but I had to have the Paella. It was delicious and included shrimp, fish, clams, a Langostina, octopus and other incredible and scrumptious seafood (The rice, sauce and peas were also excellent).
The next day we ran into Tom (In only 400,000 people what are the odds) at a shopping center. He volunteered to accompany us on a condo visit and give us their feedback and knowledge, as to the value of the residence and whether the area demanded the price point.
Tom and Monica are also looking for another condo, in addition to the unit they own currently, to provide additional rental income. So they had a dual purpose on their agenda. We all met at the condo and it was priced at $91,000 with tons of potential and great views, but the primary living space was just too small.
They had plans the first evening we were in Cuenca but (almost, but in a polite way) demanded we meet them for dinner on Sunday night at the Goda restaurant, in the Hotel Dorado. We accepted the invite and were eager to meet the couple.
Omar and I could not decide whether we should dress up or go casual. Given it was a nice restaurant and the fact that we hadn’t met Monica and Tom. We thought we should wear nice shirts and slacks. When we met them at the restaurant we were slightly overdressed and I deduced that they were comfort driven and not concerned with image (obviously, if you know me I was attracted immediately to that characteristic),
We shared a fabulous meal and they discussed several “survival skills” necessary in Cuenca along with the do and don’ts of the indigenous people and central Cuenca interactions. They suggested a Trout dish that was superior according to Omar, but I had to have the Paella. It was delicious and included shrimp, fish, clams, a Langostina, octopus and other incredible and scrumptious seafood (The rice, sauce and peas were also excellent).
The next day we ran into Tom (In only 400,000 people what are the odds) at a shopping center. He volunteered to accompany us on a condo visit and give us their feedback and knowledge, as to the value of the residence and whether the area demanded the price point.
Tom and Monica are also looking for another condo, in addition to the unit they own currently, to provide additional rental income. So they had a dual purpose on their agenda. We all met at the condo and it was priced at $91,000 with tons of potential and great views, but the primary living space was just too small.
In addition, there were other issues that Tom and Monica discussed that made it overpriced. The outdoor living space was great and there was a rooftop area that could have been done up, but together you are talking another $20,000 roughly. Investing in sliding or french patio doors might be a better option. Plus, there was so many other things that the outside space could have done to it with some thought and a solid remodeling plan, for instance, a deck can weather all seasons and be used for tons of different activities, all someone would need to do is look into ‘deck builders near me‘ or something like that, and find local contractors that can show them a couple of great designs, however, we couldn’t see that with this particular condo.
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| Tom, Alberto, Monica and Omar |
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| Omar descending from the rooftop deck |
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| Mountain view from the Patio Deck |
When we left this condo, Jose the owner, Tom, Monica, Omar and I all piled into his little Isuzu SUV. We drove up to a overlook in the city of Turi and it started raining. Then pea size hail started falling. Very unusual.
We passed Eduardo Vega’s studios, where he actually creates his artwork and basic Ceramic work. I think under normal weather patterns you could walk down to a small park below and experience the view from a different perspective and vantage point.
We then went to Tom and Monica’s condo to see what a different value would return. It was in a section of Cuenca named “Gringoland” and I am sure you can deduce the reason for the area name. Their Condo was breathtaking and was on the 5th floor, if my memory is correct.
The reason we went initially was to get Coca Tea for my altitude sickness. They validated the authenticity of the product and had used it many times to help. I did not decline and took their entire inventory.
They have a beautiful two-bedroom, two-bathroom, two-story condo with more than enough living space and beautifully decorated with local artwork, as well as a patio with an extreme outdoor kitchen area, which they probably added later in their house. While having a conversation with them, I learned that they had most likely used cheap skip bin hire sydney services to ensure that no waste from the new construction remained inside the house. And as a result, they were probably quite clear about what they wanted. The reason is with all of the trash lying inside the house, and consequently, you can’t come up with any ideas until you get rid of it completely. Words cannot completely describe the shock and awe I received at the first glance.
They have a beautiful two-bedroom, two-bathroom, two-story condo with more than enough living space and beautifully decorated with local artwork, as well as a patio with an extreme outdoor kitchen area, which they probably added later in their house. While having a conversation with them, I learned that they had most likely used cheap skip bin hire sydney services to ensure that no waste from the new construction remained inside the house. And as a result, they were probably quite clear about what they wanted. The reason is with all of the trash lying inside the house, and consequently, you can’t come up with any ideas until you get rid of it completely. Words cannot completely describe the shock and awe I received at the first glance.
It was a condo I could reside in for the rest of my life and I am sure Kim could. Maybe one day, if we ever were to build our own condo, I could incorporate these designs and also add an Asphalt Driveway to accentuate the features of the patio. In addition, Tom has a love for Hummingbirds and they are ever present on the patio. You literally have to duck as they fly through and around the patio’s furnishings and support columns. It was fascinating.
Tom grows and obtains Orchids that are unavailable in my price range in the US. This one set him back $25, if I recall correctly. I didn’t take a myriad of pictures, as I should have, but trust me it was an unbelievable condo. Monica sent us a 2 page list of restaurants in the central area with specialties and descriptions of the fare at each place. Such nice people!
They directed us to markets, shops and other sightseeing prospects. They are working hard to help Omar secure a condo in his price range and do this just because they are good people. They have stayed in contact with Omar and myself, since we left Ecuador.
Cuenca is a place that I would definitely review and explore again to see if I could overcome the altitude. Who knows I might make it permanent! If you find you are headed to Cuenca, by all means make contact and I will be glad to furnish their info if they agree.
Cuenca is a place that I would definitely review and explore again to see if I could overcome the altitude. Who knows I might make it permanent! If you find you are headed to Cuenca, by all means make contact and I will be glad to furnish their info if they agree.
A blog from my original trip to Cuenca with Omar Rachid. Tom and Monica were celebrating her mother’s 80th birthday in the states and we weren’t able to connect this time. Funny how things change and Omar is running for Mayor and I may be the one in the market for a condo in the future. Saludos, Peace and Safe Travels!
Posted By atMay 4, 2013
Hotels and Resorts
I’m going to Ecuador next month. I’m really excited about it, it looks such a beautiful country.
Hi Mike, yes that would have been awesome 🙂
After my Peru trip I will be flying to Quito and stay there for a couple of days after which I will visit the Galapagos Islands. I unfortunately do not have any time left to visit other places in Ecuador. I’m very much looking forward this trip.