Hi Everybody!!!
Me and my family are thinking about jumping the USA ship for many reasons most of you are familiar with. We are seeking a new life where we could live/play/work comfortably without the stresses associated living where we are.
I am by no means at the retirement age (whatever that is), so I'm looking to support my family, with additional income provided by other family members (there will be four of us... me, my wife, son and mom-in-law). I'm in my late 40's, so there's still many working years left in this body.
I am currently an ASE Certified Master Auto Mechanic, certified in Nissan, Hyundai and GM trained... looking for employment in the automotive field would be paramount right from the get-go. Anybody know any mechanics there? Visit any dealerships? How busy are the shops? Anybody know what the labor rate is to have work done, between small "mom 'n' pop" shops and dealerships? Anybody know someone in the field whom I can speak with?
At first, we were looking at Vilcabamba, but after doing more research, Cuenca may be a more better choice for what we're looking for. What can anyone tell me about living/working in the Cuenca area?
Also.... as an auto mechanic, I have a tool box that weighs about half a car, and shipping would cost a small mint to get it down there. SO.... has anyone here ever DRIVEN down to Ecuador from the States or knows someone who has? Sounds crazy, I know, but I have to ask...
We'll be coming down for a visit at the end of my busy season, and hopefully set something up for both living and working before our return trip....
Any comments would be greatly appreciated... and this is only the beginning of my barrage of questions!
Cheers!
Scott