Learn To Blend

by Thor
(Utah)

I lived in various parts of Ecuador 25 years ago. During the 18 months or so I was there, I fell in love with the country, people and culture, and I have dreamed of going back to live there. I even married an Ecuadorian girl.

Unfortunately, the places I'm familiar with are on the coast around Guayaquil, which I no longer consider safe. So I've been looking for somewhere else. Cuenca is an obvious choice since, until now, it's been pretty peaceful and has so much to offer.

But this so-called gringo invasion is killing the whole thing for me. I'm not excited about moving to a tourist town where rich morons who can't/won't speak Spanish or who don't care for the people or culture think they can come down and ruin things for the locals and the rest of us by throwing their money around. I've seen way too many "ugly Americans." Why is it that people with money seem to ruin just about everything they touch?

My basic thought with all of this should be obvious. If you can't blend in and assimilate into Ecuadorian culture, Ecuador is NOT for you. Those of us who love the Ecuadorian people don't want you here!