Hello Barcode - I'm another one of those gals interested in Cuenca, what's it like? Was it easy to meet people? Have you settled in? I'd be interested in what you have to say.

Hi Barry, it sure would help to have someone to share beauty and daily experiences.. I too, planning to do a solo trip... little scared, but optimist by nature, hoping to find a good friend ...

hope to get there later this year... any info about work permits/crime rate/cost of living etc. would be much appreciated. I am British and have been travelling a while and working in China, I teach English and am also a qualified hairdresser and medical PA. also do catering and lots of other skills

Hey, Barcode,

Well, I'm on my way to check out Ecuador, Costa Rica and Mexico (Merida) in January. Leaving for Quito Jan. 12...then Manglaralto on the coast until Feb. 3, and will stay in Cuenca Feb. 3 through 14. Then on to Costa Rica and Mexico...

So... perhaps, if you have nothing better to do, might you be willing to be my 'man in Cuenca' (or at least a friendly face) when I arrive there? I'm traveling alone, and although I'm kind of an intrepid sort9 by nature, it would certainly be nice to feel not entirely alone everywhere I go! (Perhaps you even know of someone trustworthy in Quito I could call on?)

Anyway, I'm a comin' over there, so let me know if you might be able to show me a couple of the ropes when I arrive??? That would be great if it works for you...

Drop me a line when you have a minute? Thanks and by for now...

Oh, you must meet my friend, Regina, who moved to Cuenca 2 mos. ago. She goes to Happy Hour at one of the ex-pat places....tell her Linda Rose sent you looking for her! She has short silver hair, speaks Spanish well, is about 5'5 & lives centrally, don't know where exactly. I will be visiting her next year....look for her...