The publicly owned Airport Corporation of Cuenca (CORPAC) says it plans major upgrades to the airport in 2019, including runway and security improvements. CORPAC director Carlos Jácome, says the improvements are needed to handle anticipated growth. “Air travel increased for the first time in eight years in 2017 and we expect more passengers in 2018 […]

Cuenca judge Paúl Serrano has ordered the temporary suspension, Friday, June 1, of mining operations at the Río Blanco gold and silver mine near the Cajas Mountain community of Molleturo. The order also calls for a “demilitarization” of the area around the mine, which is currently guarded by 150 police and military personnel. The suspension […]

I have been enchanted with Cuenca since the day I arrived. I’ve also been writing about Cuenca since my earliest days. This article was originally printed in CuencaHighLife. It is an undeniable fact. Your heart will be broken, too.” This was how Jake introduced himself as he slumped against my table. It was a beautiful […]

I’m sitting here looking out the windows and it is finally a beautiful sunny day here in Cuenca.  But I can’t go enjoy it because I’ve got to sit here and write this now. Because, due to editorial priorities this week, I have to turn this column in today.  But I shouldn’t be complaining, because […]

New details have emerged about the San Jose, a Spanish galleon sunk by British ships 300 years ago. The vessel was said to be transporting gold, silver and precious gems collected in the South American colonies to be shipped to Spain’s King Philip V to help finance the war of Spanish succession. Colombia said it […]

Central to our understanding of the Buddhist tradition is that the foundation of an enlightened society rests on the richness of nutritious food, communication, and meditation,” said Craig Adams. “We strengthen our bodies by proper diet, connect with each other through conversation, and free our minds through the practice of meditation.” So began my conversation […]

On May 29, I’ll be the featured presenter at the Boot Camp for Newcomers, where I’ll be talking about staying healthy at 8,300 feet — or 2,529.84 meters! This informative event will be held at the Golden Prague Pub, a fun restaurant across from the Supermaxi El Vergel, where they serve their own craft beers. […]

Hummingbirds are named for the sound of their rapidly beating wings, but now their tongues have captured scientists’ attention. These tiny birds can suck 10 drops of nectar out of a flower every 15 milliseconds, researchers at the University of Connecticut recently discovered. For nearly two centuries, scientists have thought the birds used a much […]

President Lenin Moreno told Ecuadorians Thursday that the country needs to open its doors to investors to revitalize the economy. In the first “state of the nation” report of his presidency, he outlined a series of tax incentives and policy changes he hopes will attract international and domestic investment. The president also outlined the changes […]

Mision Manuela is part of the “Toda Una Vida” national development plan charged with guaranteeing protection, support programs, and assistance to people with disabilities through public policies and social development programs. Starting in May, Mision Manuela’s workers will start the process of locating Cuencanos to enroll them and their families into public programs that provide […]

A specialized health unit will be visiting different Cuenca sectors for a home vaccination campaign against Measles. They will be making visits daily from eight in the morning until 1 pm. Furthermore, you can find vaccination booths at the land terminal and schools throughout the city. There has been only one registered case of Measles in […]

If you were to ask me who one of my real-life heroes is, without hesitation I would name naturalist and preservationist John Muir (1838-1914), founder of the Sierra Club in 1892.  Yep, I’m one of those nature loving tree-huggers (but at least I do not wear Birkenstock sandals or sip latte-cappuccino flavored coffee).  I had […]

I have been enchanted with Cuenca since the day I arrived. I’ve also been writing about Cuenca since my earliest days. These articles, originally printed in CuencaHighLife, are the story of my first year. I bought a painting the other day. I did not know I was in the market for another one so soon, but […]

This afternoon I took my 5th taxi in two days.  You see, my car is in the shop.  It had to go back in for the simplest of things that actually causes a big problem.  We had the engine rebuilt about eight months ago.  It was a GREAT deal and I was very impressed with […]

Wednesday through Saturday evenings, just walk up a flight of stairs to the second floor of La Viña restaurant, at the corner of Luis Cordero and Juan Jaramillo in the heart of the historic district, and you’ll find yourself in the Jazz Society Café. There’s nothing else like it in Cuenca. Come to this cozy […]

A nearly total renovation, lasting over 15 months and costing almost $1.3 million was completed last month. The pieces requiring greatest care and reconditioning included exterior and interior repair to the dome, bracing the lateral naves, restoration of the walls, and repairing or replacing marble throughout the church. The massive doors to the church were […]

Measles (in español, el sarampión) is a deadly and highly contagious viral disease. According to the World Health Administration (WHO), measles remains an important cause of death among young children globally, despite the availability of a safe and effective vaccine. Measles is transmitted via droplets from the nose, mouth or throat of infected persons. According […]

It’s been said that looks can be deceiving. This is certainly true when you arrive at the Yurak Allpa Zoológico Refugio in Tarqui. It’s easy for first time visitors to drive by and miss this small zoo. But inside it is large enough to spend a wonderful hour or two here, especially for families with […]

Why do people have such big brains? Some researchers asked a really powerful brain — a computer — and got back a surprising answer. In relation to body size, our brains are huge, about six times larger than one would expect from other mammals. And this three-pound organ sucks up fully 20 percent of the […]

Editor’s Note: The Cuenca cantón is the largest cantón in Azuay Province. Besides its namesake capital city, the cantón is made up of twenty-two rural parroquias (parishes). In 2017, the municipality took on an important cultural project. Representatives from the Dirección Municipal De Cultura, Educación Y Deportes (Francisco Abril Piedra, Director) visited all the parroquias […]

It took the Ecuadorian bananas more than two decades to land in the Brazilian market. The fruit arrived on Friday, May 18 of this year, to the port of Santos, where the Tropical Fruit Exporter company had shipped 1,144 boxes of 43 pounds under the brand SELVATICA. Even though the shipment went through the customs […]

I have been enchanted with Cuenca since the day I arrived.  I’ve also been writing about Cuenca since my earliest days. These articles, originally printed in CuencaHighLife, are the story of my first year. The tragedy of natural catastrophe we witnessed in the news is a stern warning to prepare and appreciate our bounty every […]

Cuenca’s Old Cathedral (Santa Ana de los Ríos de Cuenca) was the scene Tuesday night, May 15, of the inaugural Governor’s Expat Humanitarian Award event. Susan Bride receiving the Expat Humanitarian Award from Azuay Governor Xavier Enderica Salgado Tuesday night. The Governor’s Award is designed to recognize the work of expat volunteers in Cuenca and […]

The Canadian subsidiary of U.S.-based oil giant Chevron Corp. cannot be held liable for a US$9.5-billion award a court in Ecuador ordered against the parent company in favour of Ecuadorian villagers, Ontario’s top court ruled on Wednesday. Even though the Court of Appeal expressed sympathy for the plight of the Indigenous villagers, it found that […]

While we are away on vacation we have someone taking care of our seven dogs and one cat out in Yunguilla.  We also have someone else taking care of our small 6lb. cat in Cuenca. The woman taking care of the dogs and cat in Yunguilla has not had any problems.  They are happy and […]

I have been enchanted with Cuenca since the day I arrived. I’ve also been writing about Cuenca since my earliest days. These articles, originally printed in CuencaHighLife, are the story of my first year. My reading habits are pretty broad. I enjoy the derring-do of Jack Reacher with the same enthusiasm as when reading literary […]

After just one year in office, Ecuadorean President Lenin Moreno has replaced more than 50 percent of his cabinet. Ecuador’s President Lenin Moreno appointed several new ministers in a cabinet reshuffle on Wednesday, making it the executive’s second major ministerial change so far this year. Moreno, who will complete one year in office next week, […]