Why would one choose Cuenca Ecuador over Hutchinson Kansas?
Here is why we chose Cuenca
Let’s talk about the weather… Frank has not only been a good provider producing much of the food we eat in the United States, but he also has a need to play in the dirt on a fairly regular basis. This is how he keeps his sanity i.e. his balance and gives him a reason to get up from his computer chair. It’s a much-needed hobby and a way to provide fresh, healthy food.
However, at Hutchinson, you’d be fighting winter weather—actually more like sleeping in all the time as far as gardening goes—and summer weather as well. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, and that’s how he feels at the extremes of winter and summer. The allure of being able to play in the dirt all year long is too hard to resist. In that sense, what some would consider barren weather patterns is actually a blessing. That is a very strong real attraction, not a superfluous reason. Ecuador wins.
…And the culture… We have already written before about the Ecuadorian family culture. Family is the second priority in life for us, after God, and while we had a couple of friends in Hutchinson who have the same values, the rest of the culture doesn’t. This is not meant to offend anyone, and we apologize if that is the case. Veteran readers know that we have a reputation for telling it like it is, which is why they keep coming back to this blog. We still can’t help but feel a sense of wonder and joy to be riding a bus in Cuenca and to be surrounded by children, brothers and sisters along with their parents right there on the bus and everywhere we go.
Many Ecuadorians on the street smile at us, and one day a family in their predecessor Toyota stopped on the street as we were walking just to shake hands and welcome us. At Hutchinson, we’d just be another person to ignore like everyone else. That is also very real for us and not a superfluous reason. Ecuador wins.
…Cost of living…Cuenca and Hutchinson align very well on the issue of cost of living. Some things are a bit higher in Hutchinson, but this would be mitigated by the much wider availability of used items at goodwill stores, swap meets, Craigslist, and online auctions that we used to enjoy participating in. Another hobby that not only pays for itself, but provides abundance on a small budget.
The allure of having a maid, cook and gardener in Ecuador is a strong draw for some, but we really don’t want or need people waiting on us hand and foot, creating a kind of idleness of spirit, it would take some time. enjoy life.
The ability to run a micro-business in Hutchinson, such as home repair, painting, carpet cleaning, buying and selling rummage, sewing, cleaning, etc. In order to supplement your income it should not be overlooked. These would be practically impossible in Ecuador. This could make all the difference financially for some. And the lack of availability of big chain stores like Lowe’s, Home Depot and Wal-Mart is a sore spot here in Cuenca. So it looks like a washout on this one between Hutchinson and Ecuador.
…Mobile/vibe…There’s no denying it. Especially the historic district, Cuenca feels like you are in Disneyland. If one has an adventurous spirit, the differences in environment can be a welcome change and medicine for boredom. If you can laugh at things and keep a flexible attitude, you’ll be able to enjoy all the culture has to offer, something you can’t do by looking out the window of a condominium building, however.
In that sense, Hutchinson can seem, well, a little small and boring. But then again, not so much, especially if you enjoy everything else and can keep yourself entertained, especially in the library. For us, Cuenca wins in this…
And last but not least… Politics… this is a hot topic and it is important to say that our position is A-political. Just like in biology class, we learned about beings that were A-sexual, that is, reproduced without sex, we reproduced without politics. (joke) We don’t mind talking about political parties and discussing politics with people. We do not participate in politics.
That being said, politics stinks to heaven in the United States unless you’re among the kind of highly exalted, politically correct groups that subsist on the benefits of those policies. In that case, politics for you is sweet. Translation: politics exalts one group while vilifying another group. Pit people against each other.
Politics is what happens when an apparently nice person comes to your house and is nice to you, and then makes public statements that they disagree with you. You can always tell a political person that they are looking at you through their political glasses. Politics creates smokescreens, and smokescreens create confusion. A confused person always says no, not really… that we should spend our time loving each other.
In that sense, it’s nice to be in Ecuador and away from all the noise. There has only been one case of attempted political dialogue here in Ecuador by Ecuadorians. It was when another gringo and I got into a taxi. The taxi driver asked us if we gringos are a proud people and if we were in favor of the current administration. I proceeded to explain flatly that we do not get involved in politics. We say no to politics.
Please, if you are trying to be our friend, leave your politics at home. Just say no to politics. Here in Ecuador at least, we’re not surrounded by all the noise, that is, as long as we don’t turn on Yahoo news.
Well, that sums up our main reasons why we appreciate Cuenca Ecuador over Hutchinson Kansas. We could say more, but we’ve already said enough about ourselves… what about you? What would make you choose one or the other? Cuenca Ecuador or Hutchinson Kansas? Would you give Hutchinson Kansas any serious thoughts?
