[BRADLEY WILCOSH]

Sounds like it would be far more affordable than the $75 / day we are paying currently. This cost becomes a major consideration for us and other pet owners when planning vacations, so it sounds like it will be much more reasonable in Ecuador. Thanks for the info, Suzan …

[BRADLEY WILCOSH]

Is it a common practice there to employ a house/dog sitter (staying full-time) when away on vacation? If so, any idea what the cost is per day?

[BRADLEY WILCOSH]

Sounds like fun! Ed, we would love to take you and your wife to dinner while we are there if you are available. We are in Cuenca from Oct. 25 thru Nov. 4 to get a feel for the city and surrounding areas. Let us know if you are interested in getting together.

We will also be looking for a realtor to show us different areas on the outskirts of Cuenca and surrounding towns – can you recommend an English speaking realtor who can help us out?

[BRADLEY WILCOSH]

Ed & Suzan, thanks for the feedback. We will be staying in Cuenca for 8-10 days to try to get a feel for the area. We plan to view different areas on the outskirts of the city (6 dogs make this the best and perhaps only option) and try to identify potential areas/developments that would be of interest. We are open to building if we can find a drop-dead gorgeous lot, but wouldn’t rule out existing homes. Once we get our “boots on the ground” we will get a much better idea of what would be practical for us. If you have any suggestions or experience in areas outside of the city limits, we would greatly appreciate your feedback.

Also. do you have any thoughts on the Villa Nova Inn by the river?

[BRADLEY WILCOSH]

Suzan, would you recommend this hotel for a one-week visit to Cuenca or more for a month or longer stay? We will be looking earnestly at Cuenca as a potential city to relocate. In reading the guides (Owners Manual, Ecuador Insider, etc.) they generally suggest a three-day stay. My gut instinct is that at least a week would be required to get a feel for the city and surrounding areas. What are your thoughts on a reasonable length of stay to evaluate Cuenca?

[BRADLEY WILCOSH]

A related question: If a couple is not married, can the partner be claimed as a dependent if they rely on the other partners income? Or do both need to qualify separately under the income restrictions?

[BRADLEY WILCOSH]

I have always had good luck starting my airfare searches using Hotwire.com, and then checking out the airline sites that display the best fares on Hotwire. For last minute bookings (usually within a few weeks prior to departure date), LastMinute.com often has low fares from the major hubs. My problem has been trying to get to Cuenca the same day as my departure, but I have noted that most travelers suggest over-nighting in Quito or Guayaquil and taking a local airline the following day.

[BRADLEY WILCOSH]

Thanks for the information – it will be very helpful to get to talk with fellow gringos and get a real feel for living in the region. Gracias!

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