Several years ago, my partner, Gary, and I gave up our business and took an early retirement. Basing ourselves in the beach town of Salinas, we started traveling throughout Ecuador and documenting our journey along the way.
After spending only four days in charming Cotacachi, prior to visiting Cuenca, we were smitten. We bought a lot and signed a contract to build a house. In retrospect, our approach was too hasty, but thankfully, it has worked out well.
It all started with a bagel. Deborah Rodeheaver had prepared it for her niece, Dawn Wolfe, who couldn’t find the old-fashioned, home-cooked bagels she was craving while living in Cuenca Ecuador. But what started out as a simple act of generosity has quickly become a thriving business called Double D’s Delights.
Indigenous vendors can be found on street corners, selling strawberries from large wheelbarrows; in the large mercados, selling fruits and vegetables from their farms; and in other markets, selling their embroidered and loomed textiles.
There is a lot of evidence that shows it's good for your brain to learn new languages, especially when you're older. Some studies show it may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's.
Even without meaning to, how can you ruin someone else’s day? Just mention the words “property taxes” and watch the instant transformation from happy feelings to smoldering resentfulness. Which is exactly how I used to feel, when living in my California condo.
“The view from my terrace is spectacular in every direction. I am surrounded by mountain peaks, stars, and fresh, clean air.” Former New Yorker, Mindy Dickinson, lights up as she describes her new home in Cotacachi, Ecuador, just two hours north of Quito.
Since the election of a new president in 2017, we've been waiting to see what effect the change in leadership would have on life in Ecuador. Talking to locals, they seemed evenly split. An area where we are now starting to see results is in moves to promote economic growth.
Salinas is a beach culture through and through. From its beautiful beaches lining the boardwalk, to the ample choices of restaurants serving some of the freshest and most delicious seafood, there’s no denying that Salinas is an Ecuadorian destination that shouldn’t be missed.
On two Sundays of every month, the association of embroiderers holds a small market in town where you can talk to the artisans themselves and purchase their goods. I found beautifully embroidered shirts, table runners, placemats, coasters, napkins, aprons, and more.