Chuck and Nancy - Retirement in Ecuador, American in Cuenca blog, travels, photographs

Chuck and Nancy - Retirement in Ecuador

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A blog sharing our experiences discovering and relocating to Cuenca, Ecuador.

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by: watsontravelblog

My husband and I have moved from Washington state to Ecuador. We bought a condo in Cuenca and have been blogging about our experiences since 2007. We love it here and enjoy sharing our experiences with others.

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Latest posts on Chuck and Nancy - Retirement in Ecuador

Toronto Canada Posted on 23/05/2013

Dear Family and Friends,We spent a few days in Toronto before heading flying back home. This included a trip to Niagara Falls.First, I will share a few pictures from Toronto.Here is a... Read more

FOTO FRIDAY - 5/17/13 Posted on 17/05/2013

Dear Family and Friends,This photo was taken in the Palouse country. (Eastern Washington and Northwestern Idaho) which is rolling hill wheat country. Chuck and I took many scooter trips to... Read more

Across Canada Train Scenery Posted on 13/05/2013

Dear Family and Friends,By far the best scenery of the train trip was when we went through the Canadian Rockies. We left Vancouver about 10:00pm which meant we could not see the countryside... Read more

VIA Rail Canada - Taking the train across Canada Posted on 12/05/2013

Dear Family and Friends,Chuck, Matt and I spent 4 nights and 3 days riding the Canadian passenger train, VIA Rail, from Vancouver, BC to Toronto.We had a fun adventure and Matt and I took a... Read more

FOTO FRIDAY - 5/10/13 Posted on 10/05/2013

Dear Family and Friends,This Friday's photo, taken in 2005, is of Chuck and I enjoying our Singapore Slings. We were at the Long Bar which is located in Raffles Hotel in Singapore. The... Read more

Granville Island Market Posted on 09/05/2013

Dear Family and Friends,Granville island, located in Vancouver, was once an industrial area. Now it is the home to artisans and the public market. We visited this "must see"... Read more

Sightseeing in Vancouver, BC Posted on 08/05/2013

Dear Family and Friends,After a good nights rest we bought tickets on the "Hop on/Hop off" tour bus.There wasn't a cloud in the sky and the sun was very bright. Matt is... Read more

Matt's Vacation Posted on 07/05/2013

Dear Family and Friends,After leaving Minnesota, Chuck and I flew to Seattle, rented a car and drove across the mountains to Richland. We went to pick up Matt to start his vacation. This... Read more

Enjoying Joshua! Posted on 05/05/2013

Dear Family and Friends,A couple of weeks ago we returned to Cuenca. Our oldest grandson, fifteen year old Joshua, met us in Las Vegas. He and Chuck returned to Cuenca via Panama. I, having... Read more

FOTO FRIDAY - 5/3/13 Posted on 03/05/2013

Dear Family and Friends,This Fridays photos were taken in Malaysia. These photos are from a street food market.I get the drumstick and the wings, but what do you suppose the bishop nose... Read more

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Location

Nancy I envy your situation...and am so happy for you and your husband for finding your happy place. I will be retiring in 2 1/2 years but based on what I am reading I may do it sooner. Is it true that I could live there confortable for $2500 a month? Is that realistic or are people making this up?
Thanks Don

By brookd 2013-05-16, 22h40

Hi Janice, answering your question (hope not too late). The answer is YES, Ecuador needs english teachers. Our government has started a plan to really teach English and that generates great demand. Regards.

By Joaquin 2012-08-15, 23h45

Hi Nancy, Thanks for posting all this great information. We are planning a 2 month visit to Cuenca winter 2014 so we have lots of time to plan. Several months ago, I came across a rental owned by retirees from Washington State. Was that by chance you? I'd like to make contact with that couple.

By Mechele Wagner 2012-06-25, 16h17

Hola, que tal? Great blog you got here. Just letting any one out there know I lived in Ecuador for 2.5 years. I lived in Quito, Otavalo, and Guayaquil where I taught English. I noticed most of the comments are about retiring in Ecuador, my knowledge is limited there, but if any one has other questions about daily life, working, etc.. I'd be happy to answer them. Chau, Chau

By deborah 2012-04-23, 20h25

Hi,
My husband and myself are thinking about living in Ecuador.My husband can speak English and Spanish and would like to start a business using that skill.
My question is there a need?
Thank you inadvance,
Janice and Carlos

By Janice 2012-03-14, 19h11

HI Chuck and Nancy: I have followed your blog off and on. I am flying to Quito on 1/29/12 and then to Cuenca. There are some questions I need answered if you could respond to me. My name is Bill and email is: mollyo2us@yahoo.com. Thank you very much.

By sean1996 2012-01-22, 15h32

Hi, Nancy. Wayne, my spouse, and I will be visiting Ecuador from October 26, 2011 through November 16, 2011. We will be visiting Cotacachi, Cuenca, and the coastline. We are newly retired folks and are interested in relocating to Ecuador. We would like to meet some expats while down there. I have seen that expats meet on Tuesdays and Fridays in Cuenca. Do you have any information regarding their meetings. Thanks for your help.

By i_stromberg 2011-10-09, 01h08

That is a different one.. I am all south american living in us! is not easy here.. good luck in your retirement life I really believe you choose the best continent in the world.. sorry for my honesty!

By Nova6197 2011-07-12, 21h30

Hi Nancy, my wife and I spent Dec in Ecuador after a month in Columbia and then a month in Peru. Bottom line is we will return in Nov and stay for 3 or 4 months looking at options. Like you, we have traveled a great deal and have been looking for that "spot" to call home and Ecuador seems good for us. We are similar in ahe I guess me(69) Clancy (54)and would like to exchange mail. My address is arnold_gin@yahoo.com.

By ginarnold 2011-06-22, 20h31

Hola, My wife and I will be visiting Cuenca this April. We are considering a move there next year. How do we go about finding an English speaking guide while we are there?

By rtalley 2011-02-06, 16h21

Nancy & Chuck,
We do appreciate you sharing information about Cuenca. We live in the Austin, TX area. We are planning a trip to Ecuador in May 2011 and the cities we are interested in are Cuenca & Cotacachi for retirement. In doing our research we like both areas. We lived in a small town in N. CA before we relocated to TX, so that is why we want to visit Cotacachi. Also we are looking for an affordable & simplier lifestyle. If you can provide any information about Cotacachi that might be helpful. Also you mentioned that you purchased a condo in Cuenca. If you would share your experiences with dealing with a real estate company, what is the square footage of your condo & HOA fees & a general price. Does it have similiar amendities like US properties. Any suggestions in using a real estate agent that is legite. Also any general suggestions for us would be helpful. You may contact us at: thequailhollowinn@yahoo.com
Sharon

By clos2000 2011-01-04, 20h00

Hi Nancy & Chuck. Ed and I have travleded the world just like you. We want to retire somewhere that will allow us to save money and live a simply life. We are water people so we have chosen Manta for starters. Any suggestions for us. Please write me. Janet2u8@yahoo.com

By offandrunning 2010-09-15, 21h57

Love your blog! I'm from WA State too, though am a coastie (Olympia). My family homesteaded in the tri-cities area though and I've spent a lot of time there. I'm working in Egypt and it's my second favorite to Ecuador. I lived in Archidona for a year and would love to go back. Soon, I hope.

By campingguy 2010-08-12, 13h34

Thanks for the great article about Cuenca. I almost went there myself 5 years ago, last minute changed my mind and retired in Chiang Mai, Thailand instead. I'm glad I did and think I'd like it here better, but Cuenca has the best weather. Very hot here. You're welcome connect to my Facebook - many beautiful photos of Thailand, you should come to visit! Alan Foos

By cusanus 2010-07-20, 04h40

Sorry, I do not know anything about Olon.

By watsontravelblog 2009-10-03, 14h43

Do you know anything about Olon? A famous surfer that owns 4 real estate offices in
Ecuador reccommended it to me as an up and coming laid back place to live.

By dale_ballard 2009-10-02, 16h29

I like the blog. I am seriously considering retiring in Ecuador and need information and contacts about moving there. I am 59, single(divorced)and will be retiring due to my company downsizing here in the states. My email is ncblt842@yahoo.com Any help is requested. I can give more information about me later but will enjoy finding out if I can request some assistance and advice on how to retire there.
Terry

By ncblt842 2009-10-01, 00h43

Kevin, In regards to health care: Chuck and I have a GP who speaks English and was educated in the USA. When we need to see him, it is on the same day we call. He makes house calls if needed. His exams are very thorough. And he refers for services such as stress test, colonoscopy, mamogram, etc. The same as in the states.

There are private hospitals here that are very good. I was a patient a couple of years ago and I couldn't ask for better care. Very attentive staff...hospital modern and new.

The cost of health care: Dr. visit - $30
Stress Test - $70....just to give you an example.

We are pleased with the health care we have received here. This also goes for dental care.

By watsontravelblog 2009-09-14, 14h09

Nancy, Hi. My GF and I are thinking of retiring to Ecaudor in the near future. How is the health system? Thanks Kevin

By golfvek43 2009-09-11, 04h14

Arleenct,

Cuenca is about 8,000 ft high. It takes about a week for me to adjust. My husband less time. It just depends on you body. My husband is more active in general than I am.
Some symptoms of the altitude that people MAY experience are headache, shortness of breath and being sleepy. Like a say, this only lasts a few days.

By watsontravelblog 2009-09-07, 21h44

Love your blogs, my husband and I are considering retiring in Ecuador, and am looking for a nice area. Thanks for all the info and entertainment. Do you know the elevations, and did you have trouble adjusting to the altitude?

By Arleenct 2009-09-07, 19h40

Hi Nancy, I just finished reading an article about You folkes in Ideal living magazine.
I am retired ,and My Wife, Her name is Mayra
was born in Cuba,and came to the U.S. when she was 17 years old.She is currently an Administer in the Newark New Jersey Public School System in the Bi-Lingual program. She and Our Daughter are both fully Bi-Lingual, So Spanish is never a problem for us.Thank You both for the Inciteful article about Cuenca.
God Bless
Nick Meola

By nick meola 2009-07-21, 19h23

Chuck and Nancy - Retirement in Ecuador

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