How Strangers Became Family, Just Because I Said “Yes”
- Apr 7
- 5 min read
Sometimes when you travel, you visit a place.
Other times, you find a home.
I thought I was simply spending a few days in Cuenca, Ecuador. Instead, I found myself welcomed into a family, sitting at their table, wandering markets together, and realizing that the most meaningful parts of travel are rarely the places—they’re the people.
Maria and I met at “therapy camp” three years ago. We shared some of our darkest and deepest secrets and have held space for one another during one of the hardest times of our lives. In that short, intense time together, she was more like family than a friend.
Because Onsite doesn’t allow you to share what you do for a living; I had no idea that Maria was Cuenca Royalty. Her family is huge and every member runs a business or company. I was picked up in an armored car and swept off to lunch at Grandma’s house.
“Elida, I’m so glad you are here. I want to share with you everything about Cuenca,” Maria said. “That grocery store is my Uncle Juan’s. Over there, the building with the giant tea pot, that’s the restaurant my aunt started. She was part of the revitalization of downtown Cuenca.” What I soon learned was that anything you could imagine, her family had a business for it. Cosmetics, tile, ceramics, cars, events, and even a winery and brewery. Oh, don’t let me forget, her cousins own a professional soccer team too. Of course they do!
The lunch at grandmas was served on white linen, glass china and a full kitchen staff waiting on us, including a chef. Grandma had made a cake for a grandson who also attended. Now this was Maria’s paternal grandmother’s house. It was beautiful with Spanish tiled floors, rounded stucco arches and a large collection of artwork. It looked like a scene right out of Architectural Digest, the Spain edition. The lunch was served in courses and the conversation moved into the evening.
Pedro, Maria’s husband, had this brilliant idea for us to all go out that night and for me to try cuy (Guinea pig). Pedro is this really tall and athletic man who loves biking. He bikes almost everyday “for his sanity” and, indeed, he runs the bike distribution program in Ecuador.
Because I am here to say “yes” to every culture experience I can, I joined them for this famous cultural dish. The masculine energy was palpable in the restaurant with lots of TVs playing MMA fights. Then came the cuy. What I didn’t expect was it to be the entire guinea pig, with the head, teeth and claws intact. It was an experience to say the least.
And, yes, it tastes like chicken but the skin tasted like pork, fried like chicharones.
After a wonderful night out in Cuenca, I returned to my beautiful boutique hotel in the historic downtown. The next few days unfolded in the most unexpected way, spending time with Maria, her family, and her friends as they showed me their city.
Over the next three days we explored the streets, markets, and surrounding landscapes that make this city so special. One of our adventures took us high into the mountains of El Cajas National Park, a breathtaking landscape of misty lakes and rugged hills.
Next, we visited a sacred site where there had once been a sighting of the Virgin Mary. Many Catholics travel here to pray. I drank from the sacred stream and prayed for healing over my body and life. Maria’s family actually knew the woman connected to the sighting, which made the visit feel deeply personal rather than just historical.
Another highlight was lunch at her maternal grandmother’s house. I was completely captivated the moment I walked inside. Her home held one of the most extensive private art collections I had ever seen. Among the pieces were stunning paintings by the most important Ecuadorian artist, Oswaldo Guayasamín. I had never seen his work before, but I could immediately feel the emotion in every piece. There was pain, passion, and history. Hands were a prominent feature in each of his pieces. I never realized how much hands could relate to a feeling just by the way they were portrayed.
Her grandmother told me his home and museum were in Quito and I should see it when I visited. She was personal friends with him. Then, I noticed the notes he wrote in some of the paintings to her. “To my carina Clara, with love.” Her house was like a museum but it was also a home. They even had a pub/bar disco because her late husband didn’t want the kids hanging out at clubs, so why not make a club in the house to host all of their friends? I’ve never been in such a rich home that felt so normal. Clara was classy, but not pretentious. She invited me to stay anytime. Her home was clearly the place to be, but it wasn’t the house, it was her. She brought the spirit and energy that drew everyone there. I loved her and I had just met her.
We spent the rest of the days sharing long lunches, wandering through markets, and taking small day trips around the city. On our last night we went to the market where I watched Maria expertly negotiate prices for me as I shopped for ponchos, little gifts for my grandson and silver earrings. There was a pair I really wanted but they were expensive and I had already spent a lot of money on gifts for my family.
My hotel, Hotel Victoria, became one of my favorite places in Cuenca. It sits inside a beautiful colonial building filled with art and architecture reminiscent of old Spain. Every morning I had breakfast on linen tablecloths overlooking a lush garden. Fresh coffee. Fresh-squeezed juice. A plate of fruit followed by eggs and toast. It was simple, quiet, and perfect.
What surprised me most was how affordable everything was. Ecuador felt like a small European town tucked into the middle of South America—but at a fraction of the cost. After four wonderful days, it was time to leave for my next destination: Quito. In such a short time, Maria and her family had become my extended family.
Maria even arranged a driver for me in Quito because she was concerned about my safety. She said she had friends all over South America and that if I ever needed help while traveling, I should call her. She would always know someone who could help me.
These are priceless moments. Travel has a way of compressing time and turning strangers into family. As I boarded my flight to Quito, I felt both excitement and sadness.
I didn’t know it yet, but Quito—and a small chocolate shop—were about to give me a moment I would never forget.
Travel has a way of teaching us about connection and the beauty of stepping into the unknown.
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The next chapter takes us to Quito—the middle of the world.
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