I often reminisce about my arrival in Cuenca, Ecuador, the unexpected city that became my home. It was 2018, and as I rode a bus alone through the freezing, dark skies at 13,000 feet, I felt a growing apprehension about leaving Toronto. Aiming for a year-long adventure in South America, I had started my journey in Colombia but was expelled for overstaying my visa. After a brief backpacking trip around Ecuador with friends, I decided to continue my journey to Cuenca.
Despite my initial fears, I have now happily settled here for six years. Moving to Toronto in 2010 for journalism offered a vibrant arts scene, but I eventually yearned for a more balanced lifestyle, inspired by a friend’s experiences in Colombia. I left in 2018, intending to travel for a year and then relocate within Canada, but my journey became far more transformative.
Cuenca provided me with community, cultural engagement, and a lifestyle I genuinely cherish. I’ve summited volcanoes, celebrated significant birthdays, and immersed myself in local society. Living costs are manageable, and I support local businesses, contributing positively to the economy. Although challenges like political instability and power outages exist, I value the simplicity and connection to nature that characterize my life here, and I appreciate that I can define my personal values on my own terms.