August Visit

Hi

We have been considering Ecuador as a retirement destination.  We have been diligently reading the posts, Blogs( thanks Dano, yours are the best IMHO), and media print for over 2 years.

My significant (very significant, according to her) other, Beth, and I are coming to Ecuador for the first 2 weeks of August.

We are starting in Quito for a International Living Symposium first week of August ( I know, probably a mistake, but decided to start there)

We have rented a car and are planning to tour the country for about 10 days ( I have driven in China, Korea, India, Algeria, Egypt, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Yemen, Chad, Libya, Israel, United Arab Emirates, Syria , Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and the most dangerous Florida)  So, any advise on whether  conditions for driving in Equator are more harsh than the above truncated list would be appreciated.  LOL (Oh, and I have a brand new Flash Drive of South American roads on my GPS) And best of all, Beth speaks Spanish, so when, not if, I get lost, she can get directions.

Although Cuenca is our primary destination, we have read about  other possibilities in Equator that we would like to explore (and, any additional suggestions are appreciated).

I just finished reading Dano's blog on Cuenca expat social life, so we may show up at the “watering holes” mentioned in his latest edition.  Of course, as before, any additional suggestions are welcomed (and I guess “asked for”, seeing I am writing this post)

I searched for hotels in Cuenca, and have found several that look good.  Again any suggestions are appreciated.

Well, there is my introduction.  Thanks in advance for any advice or information

John and Beth