THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

It’s a gorgeous sunny morning and Cuenca and I’m sitting out on the terrace watching the world go by below. Boy, it’s good to be home!

We’ve been back from the States a full week now, and life is good. Not that it wasn’t there, but yes, there are definitely distinct contrasts between the two. I hadn’t really thought about them until friends who are planning to move down here asked a simple question: “So, what is it about the States you tend to miss?”

Great question. To answer it, though, I’ll take the opposite tack to start. What is it about CUENCA 
I tended to miss?  Hmmm... that turned about to be an interesting reflection.

WHAT I MISSED ABOUT CUENCA

~  The Laid-back, Slower-paced Life

Everything moves so fast in the States. Fast food. Fast news. Fast everything. People take time to breathe and enjoy life here, retired or not. They leave their jobs every afternoon from 1-3pm for a leisurely lunch with family or friends. They then return to work until anywhere from 6-10pm with a light dinner in between. Sundays are truly family days spent in parks, homes, and restaurants.

~  The Peacefulness.

We’re in the city, and yet just outside our windows is the constant lovely song of the River Tomebamba. Mountains surrounding the city’s valley stretch up before us, reminding us that nature is vibrant and easily accessible. 

~  The People

Generally speaking, Ecuadorians are very soft and genteel. It's a rare encounter to find any harsh words or crassness here. In fact, sometimes it's like stepping back into the American 60’s. People are growing, thriving, and achieving better lives for their children, and yet still manage to hold family and faith above all else. Self-pride and respect for others are alive and well. Are they perfect? No. But there is a refreshing innocence here (though not to be mistaken for naiveté).

And, yes, of course we missed our "Gringo people", for sure!

~  There Aren't Cookie-Cutter Shopping Centers on Every Corner

Enough said.

Oh, come on now, you’re saying. Just answer the question.  

WHAT DO WE MISS ABOUT THE STATES?

~  Friends and Family

I have to admit, that’s a big one for me. We always have a blast when we go back. But thankfully they’re just a Skype, Facetime, or visit away. We may even see each other more now!

~  Shopping

I know, it’s a little contradictory after what I said about the shopping centers. But the U.S. is still the land of plenty, and the prices are unbelievably low for quality goods. The choices are tremendous. Jeff chided me for spending 15 minutes in just the bread aisle. So many options, so little time! What we don’t miss is the cost of services like medical, travel, insurance, and the like. They're extremely reasonable here. In fact, I waited to return to get my hair done - $30 as opposed to $100+ for a cut and color!

~Prompt Service
One thing about Latin America is that life is slow and easy - whether you want it to be or not. You learn to take things in stride, and expect things to take a while to be accomplished. Jeff and I cracked up in Rhode Island at the Secretary of State's office when they actually apologized to us for having to wait a little over 20 minutes. That would be quite rare around these parts.

~  Certain foods

Yes, we miss lobster, clams, and all of our favorite restaurants, so we get our fill of everything that makes our U.S. home “home, (and unfortunately wind up with all the extra pounds to show it!) Still, the only things we insist on bringing back are Montreal Steak seasoning and maple syrup. Believe it or not, the rest we can pretty much live without (if we have to).

So there it is, folks. What do you think you would you miss if you left your country? And if you have already, what’s on your list?