Expat Life

By Julia Angwin It’s a little hard to believe that just over a year ago, a group of leading researchers asked for a six-month pause in the development of larger systems of artificial intelligence, fearing that the systems would become too powerful. “Should we risk loss of control of our civilization?” they asked. There was no pause. But...
By Michael Snyder Before they started building Casa Pitaya, a country house on the rainy western slopes of the Ecuadorean Andes, the architects José María Sáez, Florencia Sobrero and Martín Real presented their clients with an image that would guide them through two years of design and construction: a rusted-out car submerged in water, its frame...
By Madeline Holcombe Eating ultraprocessed foods is associated with an early risk of death, according to a 30-year study — but different foods have different impacts. Processed meats and sugary foods and drinks aren’t correlated with the same risks as ultraprocessed whole grains, for example, said lead study author Dr. Mingyang Song, associate professor of...
By Elizabeth Roberts A recent survey by InterNations, the expat networking group, shone a light on the biggest problems that can cast a dark shadow over life overseas. We asked two women well-versed in helping people to deal with such woes, to offer some advice. Dyhan Summers runs a Delhi-based psychotherapy practice, Expat Counseling and...
By Stephen Vargha It’s like the biblical David versus Goliath. For the craft beer industry in Ecuador, it is them versus AB InBev, the brewing company based in Leuven, Belgium. AB InBev has a fourth of the world’s global sales, taking in $59 billion for its last fiscal year. The brewing giant’s mass-produced beers include...
By Barbara Brosco In the midst of graceful surroundings minutes from downtown, lies the newest addition to the Ecuadorean, mountain town of Cotacachi; Club Lomas Residential Community. Club Lomas nestled in a spacious landscape provides assisted living residences for retired singles and couples with various options available. Studio apartments are 300 sq. ft., and suites...
If you’ve been using advanced age or physical limitations as excuses for not getting on a bicycle in Cuenca, there’s a new service in town that might change your mind. eBikes de Cuenca offers bike rentals as well as guided tours to introduce expats and Cuencanos to the many benefits of electric bicycles. The new...
By Stephen Vargha A hidden gem is not immediately apparent. It therefore has received far less recognition than it deserves. On the far west side of Cuenca, three miles west of Av. de las Américas, exists a hidden gem. “I never knew about Casa Hermanos until our Ecuadorian friends recommended it,” said Michael Kaufmann. “We...
By Dana G. Smith According to some estimates, consumers spend $62 billion a year on “anti-aging” treatments. But while creams, hair dyes and Botox can give the impression of youth, none of them can roll back the hands of time. Scientists are working to understand the biological causes of aging in the hope of one...
Even as a very young child, Valentina Leon was more drawn to animals than to her toys. Dolls were just pieces of plastic, while animals radiated love and compassion. This deep bond has come to fruition in her role as founder of ARCA, the Foundation to Protect Animals, Cuenca’s oldest and largest animal rescue organization....
By John Olson From April 17-21, Azuay Community Theatre will perform Noel Coward’s, Blithe Spirit — one of the most enduring comedies of the last 100 years. In this ever-popular comedy, Charles Condomine’s first, now-deceased wife Elvira is accidentally summoned back to life by a medium, Madame Arcati. Back in Charles’ house, Elvira does not...
By Alexandra Villarreal Don’t call Jym Varnadore an expat. Yes, he and his wife, Renee Varnadore, are living abroad. But they left the United States in search of a quality of life that’s no longer in reach for them stateside. Now, the clear blue waters of Rosarito Beach are quickly becoming home. Their condo is...

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The Cuenca Dispatch

Week of May 12

FLiRT Variant of COVID-19 Sparks Urgent Response from Ecuadorian and US Doctors.

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Collaborative Coral Restoration Initiative in Ecuador’s Machalilla National Park.

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Ministry of Labor Seeks to Incorporate Temporary Work Modality.

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Discounts at Gran Colombia News

Hogar Esperanza News