Gringos find home in Cuenca's Gringoland

From what I understand nearly 5,000 Gringos have made Cuenca their home. The beautiful climate and affordable prices make it a perfect spot to retire (however, you have to get use to missing your kids and grandkids). The Gringos seem to settle in one part of town that the Cuencans call "Gringoland." There are now shops sprouting up to cater to the Gringos, including the Coffee Tree, which has become a gathering place for those from way north of the equator. Before leaving for Ecuador, I emailed Nancy Watson, who writes a blog that I follow, asking her if we could meet. She graciously consented and is pictured in the middle. During our conversation, our English caught the attention of two more Gringos, and Chan and I listened as they told their stories of how the ended up in Cuenca. I would say the common thread among expats is the love of adventure.