New members of the Ecuador forum, introduce yourself here – 2nd quarter of 2015

Hello everyone,
My name is Vern and I have been looking into relocating to Ecuador. I am 55 yrs young and interested in self employment there and just started checking into the possibilities to do so. This is a very exciting choice I have made and I am looking forward to info and advice for for moving and working there.

Thank you,
Vern

Hi all. My name is Wesley Thompson and I currently live in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA. I have been practicing medicine as a physician assistant for 28 years with a focus on HIV/AIDS. I am a board certified HIV Specialist through the American Academy of HIV Medicine and board certified in primary care. I have been teaching in the local universities and medical schools as well for the last 15 years. I have also been a clinical reseracher in over 60 clinical trials for new HIV medications. My spouse and I are planning on relocating to Cuenca, Ecuador and I am interested in finding a position utilizing my experience and skills.

Fellow cake eaters;

   Greetings & Salutations! M y name is Mark. I am 52, single, currently living in southwest Missouri. During my life I have traveled to over 20 countries. Been to EC a half-dozen times in the last 5 years. I'm a medically retired paramedic\firefighter. Went to law school in 2009.


I'm looking to relocate to EC by the end of 2015. I would like to be near Cuenca, but not rite in it. Would like to be able to go into Cuenca to shop, dine etc. Starting the paperwork roundup for my Visas, looking at facilitator's etc.

  Anyway glad to be on the forum. I've been on a couple others that were just to venomous to suit me. I'm not here to judge or be judged. I just want to interact with people that have a common interest on how they want to live out their life.they

Welcome, New Members Vern, Wesley, and Mark -- the cake-lovin', banjo-playin' single guy from Missouri.

Vern, I've asked the Home Office in the Mascarene Islands to move your (second) post on renewable energy to another thread so you can possibly get some feedback.  The island-office prefers that the New Members thread be reserved for introductions only.  Update: that new thread is titled "renewable energy in ecuador" and is accessible using the Expat.com search rectangle at the top of this page.

Wesley, for the same reason, I've made my comments on your possible visa challenge on a new thread titled Can Wesley Thompson Bring His Medical Skills to Ecuador?  Here's the link:

  https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.p … 55#2529459

And Mark, I suspect you'll be breathing new life into this old República, whether you manage to bring your big fuzzy friend or not.

cccmedia in Quito

Thank you! I'll check out that thread.

Wes

my name is mike and i´m from dallas,texas.no i don´t have any horses or oil wells and i´m not 6 foot tall with a cowboy hat.i´m currently living in guayaquil ecuador with my wife of 7 years.she is ecuadorian.i´m a viet vet,retired with a steady income and am 67 years of age.got an extended stay for my passport until september.all of the papers are in for the residency but the fbi finger print and the apostille which is being done for me by my friend.i used to live in the country and this is certainly a dramatic change.well that´s about it yall

Hi all, i am from Newcastle in the uk, and have been living here in Ecuador for 5 years, i am married to an Ecuadorian and have a son together, i currently work as an internet marketer and also developing my new businesses, one being a new business directory called "Ecuagenda", i love it here, wouldn't change it for the world for more information about me,i have kept a blog, which i believe will be of use to most people who want to learn about Ecuador and my uptake of things ecuadorlivingparadise.blogspot.co.uk/ thanks for your time, look forwrad to interacting with you all

Hi everyone! I have never been on a blog before so bear with me!! I am currently living in Keswick Ont Canada. I am turning 47(ugh...) next month and up until recently, enjoyed my job.  I do not enjoy Canadian winters and I regret not staying in Costa Rica 20 years ago when I had the chance.  Thanks to the wonderful information I have read on various websites, I have decided to make a drastic change and move to Ecuador.  I have a home that I am planning on selling and will be bringing some of my furniture once I find where I want to live.  My boyfriend Tony has a great skill set and he will have no problem finding a job there (welder, home renos, chef). I however do not know what I can do there.  I was thinking about TESL but I really don't know.  I was reading about others that have been doing import/export there and that really interests me.  I am extremely energetic and creative so I am hoping this will assist me.  I am also not a princess and will take on any task. I welcome any suggestions you all may have.

Welcome new members Mike and Kendrick -- both already living in Ecuador -- and Lauree, who is coming here soon.

Lauree, we can do some brainstorming about your work situation, but not on this thread which is restricted to introductions-only by the Home Office in the Mascarene Islands.

So please visit Expat.com Ecuador's new thread titled Tony & Lauree Heading to Ecuador:  What's a Gal to Do?  Teach English?

Here's the link:
https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.p … 57#2548731

cccmedia in Quito

HiVern!
I'm not new here to the forum  but I too have some interest in visiting EC. I thought it would be important to share what I just read today about the EC- is now Ecuador is requiring expats to take a language proficiency test in order to stay or become a resident of EC. What do you think about that? I'm not in EC yet and I don't know how expats not being fluent in Spanish effects expats or their surroundings.

Sunnystars wrote:

I just read today about the EC - is now Ecuador is requiring expats to take a language proficiency test in order to stay or become a resident of EC?  What do you think about that? I'm not in EC yet and I don't know how expats not being fluent in Spanish affects expats or their surroundings.

Welcome to Expat.com's Ecuador forum, Sunny.

The fact is you've been misled.

There is no literacy test for Expats short of an optional citizenship test that nobody takes before their fourth year living in Ecuador.  (There's even a strategy for passing the motor-vehicles 'written' test without knowing español.)

The nonsense about a supposed Spanish-literacy test or tests was originally posted three weeks ago (3/28/15) on another website by a couple of knuckleheads in Cuenca who thought it would be a brilliant idea to play a pre-April Fools joke on Expats and potential Expats.

They wrote up an article in straight-faced journalistic style, with a clue at the end of their post referencing April Fool's Day or the importance of the beginning of April.

They quoted a respected Cuenca businessman -- who apparently wasn't even in on the "joke" -- to lend credence to their porquería.

More than you'd ever want to know about this sad episode in Ecuador Expat history was posted by the masses on an Expat.com thread titled "Gringos go home!!!  No Spanish no stay..." 

The direct link to that thread is currently unavailable, but you can navigate on over there by typing "no spanish no stay" in the Search Expat.com box at the top of this page, and then click on the search icon to the right of the box.

Let's move any further discussion of the travesty to that thread, so we can avoid annoying the good people in the Mascarene Islands who have to monitor this New Members thread.

cccmedia in Quito

Hi
My husband and I are moving to Cuenca after visiting twice. We are currently living in Florida. I have a few questions about shipping our items, if anyone can help with the answers?  We are moving in about 6 months.
Thank you

Fireymom wrote:

My husband and I are moving to Cuenca after visiting twice. We are currently living in Florida. I have a few questions about shipping our items, if anyone can help with the answers?  We are moving in about 6 months.

Welcome to the Ecuador forum, Firey.

Please visit our active thread titled Shipping Information and post your questions there.

We're under orders from the Home Office not to clutter the New Members thread.

You can click on the link below in blue, or type the thread name into the Search Expat.com box at the top of this page, then clicking on the search icon....

https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=450331

cccmedia in Quito

Hi, my name is Judy Bowden and I am planning to move to Cuenca by the end of the year and would like very much to make contact with someone willing to be a mentor/guide or direct me to someone who would like to do that.  I am alone, single, and a little uncomfortable going there without knowing one or more before doing so.  I moved to Costa Rica in 2006 (stayed over 2 years) without proper guidance and support and it was somewhat of a nightmare.  Hope to avoid that with a mentor.  Thank you!!  Judy

judybowden wrote:

I am planning to move to Cuenca by the end of the year....I moved to Costa Rica in 2006 (stayed over 2 years) without proper guidance and support and it was somewhat of a nightmare.  Hope to avoid that with a mentor.

Welcome to the Ecuador forum, Judy.

I suggest you contact the Expats at the unofficial Cuenca page.  Just type cuenca expat community into the Search Expat.com box at the top of this page, and then click on the search icon to the right of that box.

cccmedia in Quito

message deleted

Hi, my name is Pam, lived in the US all my life, and raised three children (now all grown) on my own while working various jobs (including Spanish teacher high school level), I speak Spanish fluently, although a bit rusty at the moment.  I am currently am not working.  I guess I just got tired of doing the hamster dance....  My significant other is about to retire this August, and we are looking at Ecuador, as well as other places abroad, for relocating after he retires.  At 61 and 62, we are NOT ready to just settle down, we can fly for free (thank you American Airlines, his employer) and we've been looking for a good, affordable place where the people and the life style are more laid back.  I'm happy to have found this forum!

pammyfour wrote:

I'd like to post, but am unsure how.....?

Welcome to the Ecuador forum, Pammy.

You have inadvertently succeeded in putting your first post on the forum. 
Congratulations.

why, thank you very much..... I'm historically very accomplished at inadvertency... LOL

Hi, I am Bonnie. Single female in my 50's looking to possibly retire in Ecuador or move sooner if anything should happen to my job. Right now I am looking at the Loja area but that could change before the time comes. I would like to live somewhere not too hot, not too cold, with a low cost of living, where a vehicle is not a necessity. Any suggestions on anywhere else I should research?

Bonzai, we suggest you exit New Members and visit a place whose boundaries are those of imagination: the Loja-Vilcabamba Zone.

The cosmic link to that venue has disappeared.  So enter "Loja and Vilcabamba" into the Search Expat.com box at the top of this page, and then click on the search icon to the right of said box.

Good luck, Bonzai !

un cordial saludo......................
gracias por la recectivida
soy venezolano , esta de mas decir  que en mi pais las cosas no estan bien
...soy tecnico dental ,y me gustaria saber que oportunidad tengo  alla

gracias

juan .c.f wrote:

soy venezolano...
...soy tecnico dental ,y me gustaria saber que oportunidad tengo alli.

Haznos el favor de...oops...I mean, please post in English on this Angliphone forum.

Or visit one of the español forums of Expat.com.

My name is Kaden. I am finally retired and eager to arrive in Quito with my dog on the evening of May 14 2015. From there we are traveling to Cuenca to begin the Residence Visa process. Beyond that we have no plans or expectations.....just rollin the dice...cheers

thanks
I arrived eight years ago in Ecuador. Unfortunately, no one said here on -English, and even more so in Russian.
I came as a tourist, and rented an apartment on the coast. He explained by riltorom dictionary. Then he met with other instrantsami. I went to school Spanish (by the way, is very remarkable and Hospitable headmaster still friends families). I start looking for a job, but no Spanish was hard. any foreigner who wait)))
their relatives not to put where.
He went to work as a volunteer in the local airline
To teach Spanish in practice. I made friends with the staff. It opened a new acquaintances. Then he got a job in an office Vestnik Union - operator.
For several years working realtor. I am a personal guide for the Russian-speaking clients and investors.

Greetings all,my name is Bob and i'm from Minnesota.I plan on wintering in Ecuador this year to see if I would like to retire there.I have left MN  for 4-6 months every winter for the past 27 years (Mex,CA,SE Asia) and now I'm looking for a permanent place to retire.My spanish is so-so depends on the dialect but i usually can get by without offending anyone.
i plan on looking for a place in the coastal lowlands or the lower foothills,I have a slight problem with copd so no more mountain climbing for me.Espero a ver los pronto.Bob

Hello everyone,
I've been to Ecu for 3wks and traveled from Quito to S. of Esmeraldo by way of the coast and back to Quito.
Have been thinking about buying 8 or more Ha close to the Pacific to grow coconut palms.
I found the people to be friendly and tolerant with my Spanish and mostly helpful.
Plan to  take another trip with the wife in the near future to decide where we want to stay.
Wantobe

bonzai47977 wrote:

Hi, I am Bonnie. Single female in my 50's looking to possibly retire in Ecuador or move sooner if anything should happen to my job. Right now I am looking at the Loja area but that could change before the time comes. I would like to live somewhere not too hot, not too cold, with a low cost of living, where a vehicle is not a necessity. Any suggestions on anywhere else I should research?

Hi Bonnie,
Welcome.  I have pretty much decided to retire to Ecuador also.  I am in my 50's and currently living in Los Angeles.  I am looking at making that change in 2028 the latest.  But I keep up with all of the goings on in Ecuador to stay informed.  I would really like to take a look see sometime in the next couple of years.  I will be using Cuenca as my initial home base until get to know the lay of the land.  Ideally I would love to live in a beach town. 

Anyway Hi

Hi, I am Mary Lee, age 74, just getting started with life.  I currently live in Cuenca, Ecuador, beautiful city;however, looking at maybe moving to Panama, north of the big canal.  I am originally from Hamilton, MT, eons ago graduated from high school there, moved to Seattle, Washington (Woodinville) and lived there for 50 years while working.  Then moved to Tucson AZ (way too hot), and moved to Ecuador in August 2014.  I am a retired accountant/tax preparer with 4 cats (brought 2 from States, 2 more from Cuenca).  I am an avid gardener and because Cuenca is at 8500-9000 ft is somewhat restricted for a broad spectrum of gardening, so looking for a better climate.  Single, learning to be "retired" and explore the world.

Hello everyone, I am Bob, a 63 year old retired educator.
I have explored multiple options in EC.
A wise woman, Patti, a current resident     Cuénca has given me more help than I will ever deserve. Destiny brought her to me.
She planted the seed of being free in EC.
Day after day she has shared her every step of the process to help me prepare to be free.
In her words "you are so blessed to be able to do this now rather than later".

Without her inspiration, I would have died in the U.S. from the stress of watching the insurance auto pays eating me alive.
With Patti's help and several others, I will be in EC ASAP.
Thanks to all who have and will help me to be free!!

Thank you to Patti H., Dana, Susan F., Charlie, Abby, Paul, Danna, and cccmedia!!!

Respectfully and Greatfully,

Bob F.

Good for you! I too decided after losing my job that I had better do what makes me happy now! Best of luck  with everything!

LaureeJ, Thank you and good luck to you. Today is the best time to move forward. Ask and the great people of EC will answer. I will C U soon.

WTGo June I know your excited!!

bonzai47977 wrote:

Hi, I am Bonnie. Single female in my 50's looking to possibly retire in Ecuador or move sooner if anything should happen to my job. Right now I am looking at the Loja area but that could change before the time comes. I would like to live somewhere not too hot, not too cold, with a low cost of living, where a vehicle is not a necessity. Any suggestions on anywhere else I should research?

Hi Bonnie!  Loja is a beautiful city and there's a lot to consider for moving there--so much that I wrote an e-book about it (Live Like a Local in Loja).  There isn't a tremendous amount of information about Loja online, and what is available is not always accurate.  I personally love Loja and know others who feel the same, but I have also talked to several people who really didn't like it.  If you speak Spanish already, Loja will be easier to move to.  If you do not speak Spanish it may be a challenge at first. 

The weather in Loja is very nice, such that you can get by without a heater or A/C...though it can get pretty cool during certain times of the year.  The cost of living is very reasonable and it is also very easy to get around without a car, especially if you're not in a real hurry (although people with jobs and busy schedules may find it easier to have a car).  I felt very safe in Loja and everyone I've talked to has said the same. 

There is a single woman expat living there whom I interviewed, and she was very honest with me that there were some cultural differences she has learned about the hard way.  Loja has more of a "small town" feel to it even though it is a fairly large city, but it's more conservative than Cuenca and so as a single woman you especially need to be careful not letting men visit when nobody else is around, etc. because certain assumptions might be made--by the visitor and by others--even if you might think nothing of it.  The lady I talked to wasn't really aware of this before and it caused some problems for her until she figured out how the locals see it. 

Anyone looking at moving to Loja just needs to be aware that due to the lack of an expat community there you will need to learn to live like a local, learn the local customs and make some local friends, otherwise you may be a little lonely.  All of this is much easier to do if you speak Spanish or are actively learning the language.   

Loja is a great city, especially if you're active (there are some wonderful hiking places all around) and if you like music (Loja has many musicians and a symphony that puts on regular free concerts, and other frequent music performances around town).  Whether or not you choose to live there, I highly recommend it as a place to visit!  I completely fell in love with the place.

I've posted a few times around the forum already, but then I realized I'd never actually properly introduced myself...oops, sorry.

My name is Lily; I'm originally from Washington state.  I love Latin America and grew up in Mexico (for 5 years) with my single mom and sister.  I feel like I'm back home when I return to Latin America and especially felt that way last year when my husband and I lived in Ecuador for 2.5 months.   (I had also traveled to Ecuador previously.)  We spent most of our time in Loja, and I have since written an e-book about Loja (it's called "Live Like a Local in Loja"--currently just a PDF e-book on my website but I'll be publishing it on the Kindle soon).  We loved it so much that we are considering making a permanent home base there. 

Besides Mexico and Ecuador I have lived in about a dozen different U.S. states and at the South Pole Station in Antarctica (for work).  My husband and I do not have a permanent house anywhere.  We have a storage shed and some property in Kansas where his family lives, and we are permanent nomads, working on contract jobs around the country and traveling the world between jobs--so far we have made it to every continent except for Asia.  We live in a motorhome with our Maine Coon cat (who stays with my husband's family when we are traveling abroad).  Like every lifestyle, it has its pros and cons, but we really enjoy it for the most part.  I am getting to the point where I would like a house I can keep going back to for at least part of each year, with consistent friends and a place to have a garden...so Loja is looking pretty appealing to me.

There's lots more I could say but I'll save my novel for a book!  If anyone has any questions about Loja feel free to hit me up and I'll do my best to answer or talk to one of my local friends who can answer.  I also have plenty more to learn about Ecuador so will be asking some questions in this forum, too!

Greetings all,
We (Paul & Ginette from Québec, Canada) are a well travelled (retired) couple.  We are presently residing in the Greater Montreal area but we have seen much of North America.  An Ex Canadian Military Engineer we have seen all of Canada's provinces and Territories, and have set foot in the USA, Mexico, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador, and much of the larger Caribbean-island countries .  All are interesting places to visit but none is seen as a good place to retire. 
Ecuador seems to fit that bill and we are now looking to maybe settling in Ecuador.  From what we read, Ecuador seems to be the best retirement destination and a good place to perfect our limited Spanish.
We are not “big city folks”, but we do enjoy the comforts of modernity and readily available services.  From our travels, we enjoy mingling with the local population.  We are not looking to holding down a job as we are comfortable with our present retirement income. 
Our knowledge of Ecuadorian geography is still embryonic, at best, but we understand from our readings that the country offers everything from large cities to the humble pueblo.  We hope to find a mid-sized community that offers medical services, banking, internet, minimal shopping opportunities, and reasonable transportations services to be able to get out, at times, and explore, get to know our new country.
The problems we envisage but have not yet solved are: Immigration issues; International banking; zeroing in on a town or village where to set up camp and Negotiating rental accommodations from 15,000 km away. 
We are looking for to rent a furnished flat for some two to four month to start with and then we will see and adjust.
Those are our concerns for now, more will be added as time goes on.

P&G-Boy wrote:

The problems we envisage but have not yet solved (include) Negotiating rental accommodations from 15,000 km away.

Welcome to the Ecuador forum, Paul and Ginette.

This thread is reserved for new-member introductions.  However, for a discussion of whether to negotiate EC rental accomodations from the far north, you can visit the thread "...living in Vilcabamba or Loja" by typing the thread name into the Search Expat.com box atop this page.  Then click on the search icon to the right of the box and scroll about halfway down page 6 of that thread.

cccmedia in Quito