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Well first of all I would be aware of the political instability and it's social and economic consequences. The events well known throughout the world that seemed to come to terms have just began. I'm terribly sorry for Ecuador and it's nice people since I have many friends from there both living in Ecuador and abroad. I widhed I'm wrong and that the country finds it's way but I don't see that happening until the society changes and respects the native indigenous people like they should. Only then can Ecuador be considered a true democracy and country to settle in. Best of luck from the US.
Thanks for sharing your well done video. I have a question. Using your traveling mailbox, do you exclusively list this address for your banking, brokerage, and tax purposes; or do you also share your location on the ground in Ecuador? I understand some service providers have a 6 month rule. For example, one financial company told me, "If you're out of the country for up to 6 months, there are no problems, however at 6 months and 1 day, we may freeze your accounts." Thanks for sharing any words of wisdom.
Saludos, Mi hermana esta casada con un Quiteño y aunque viven en Florida, tiene casa en Quito pero están en el trámite de comprar un apartamento en Cuenca. Si espero pronto cuando me retire de mi trabajo, estar un tiempo en Cuenca.
I lost about 10-12 pounds while in Ecuador last summer (mostly in Cuenca -- did a few weeks in Quito and a trip to the Galapagos as well). I was living mostly on fresh veggies from the mercados, and healthy almuerzos (although I did indulge in a whole milk latte every day as well!), and I felt like the high altitude also had my body working harder, even when just taking regular walks. Love and miss it there.
Awesome video guys! I had the advantage of visiting, and living abroad. After my business closed in San Diego in 2009 I was devastated. I lost not one, but two boatloads of money in that fiasco. first. my business went from awesome to none. Then my 401K was wiped out. So. I had a private pitty party. Then, because of my broadcast history; a friend of mine suggested I teach ESL abroad. Like you I had some fears about living abroad. Especially in China. Mostly because, Chinese culture was so foreign to me. One day. I closed my eyes and threw a dart at a map of the world. Low and behold...it landed on mainland China. I said to myself what the hell! I have nothing left to lose. So I sold my condo and other material things in La Jola, and packed my bags for China. When I arrived in Hong Kong, I gasped, and said to myself...self. what have you done! But like you. I bucked up and began to feel welcome in this mysterious land. As a month or so went by, I became very comfortable there. Secured a teaching job in South East China. I loved teaching the Chinese kids. They are a happy bunch and very teachable. The average Chinese are very comfortable with foreigners, and very nice I might add...to communicate with. I hope this comment isn't to long. I know I tend to talk (write) to much. Love yah both. See you November 3rd in Cuenca...Chao for now
The food there doesn’t have all the additives and preservatives so you eat less and it doesn’t kill your gut flora. When I was in Romania I ate half the serving sizes I would eat in America and was never hungry. Plus you probably walk a lot more.
Not true. Plenty of chemicals, preservatives and pesticides used for almost everything. Look at the labels in Supermaxi on yogurts, ice creams, baked goods. Milk is only ULtrapasterised, tons of chemicals on tomatoes, roses, asparagus, watermelons
Learning Spanish to fluency should be your top priority, in my opinion. You can meet a lot of gringos in Cuenca who've lived there for years and years and can barely order a beer in a restaurant.
For some reason for some people it’s hard to learn a second language. My former boss has been living in the USA for more than 20 years and she can’t speak English. I came to USA 6 years ago and I speak maybe an 80 percent of this language.
Ecuador's Spanish vs Mexico's Spanish? Whatever that means... Once you learn Spanish you'll be able to communicate anywhere in the Spanish-speaking world, regardless of the local jargon or slang.
@@luisrodriguez-jk1tl Well, I guess to each his own. I particularly like the Spanish spoken in Colombia, Venezuela, Argentina/Uruguay and certain parts of Spain. But again, that is my particular preference.
Amelia and JP, what impresses me most is that you both appear healthy and both appear to enjoy your lives in Cuenca. The content of your videos is important too but your demeanor, your smiles, your energy, all very natural, speaks even greater volumes.
En Ecuador, la atención veterinaria es mucho mas económica que en USA, la mayoría de los vets son comprensivos y ayudan a quienes rescatan animalitos en la calle
THANK YOU so much for this video. It couldn't have come at a better time for me. * I am in the process of convincing my wife to relocate to Cuenca middle of next year. We are retired, but I still work part-time online (SS & modest online income). * Affording Connecticut is becoming impossible, and I see the move as adventure as well as being able to maintain our lifestyle all in one. Your comments on healthcare, leaving "things' behind, internet connection, language, food, transportation (I do not want a car), and assimilation have addressed many of my fears. * They will also become future "bullet points" to help alleviate what I believe will be my wife's as well. Sincerely, thank you.
My gf's only real issue with living in Cuenca is that it is a fairly "chilly" climate, being 8500 ft up in the Andes mountains. But if you are used to Connecticut weather, are ok with daytime highs generally in the mid-to upper 60's and lows down into the 50's, you will love Cuenca. That being said, when weather there is nice and sunny, as it sometimes is, temps get to the mid-70's, it is absolutely BEAUTIFUL there! Hope that helps in your decision to move to Cuenca!
I visited there with my family and got to meet my wife's family. I did rent a car and the drivers there are so aggressive! I was a nervous wreck the first two days but then I was advised by her family that just drive as I would regularly do and they will get out of the way. It worked and the rest of my stay was much more enjoyable. I did get a ticket for impeding traffic (I stopped to allow a bicyclist to pass). The ticket cost $50 dollars. We did visit Cuenca in which my youngest daughter and I got elevation illness. A local cafe gave us tea that helped with our illness. Nevertheless, we loved it there and plan on getting a vacation home somewhere in Ecuador in the very near future.
I love your videos! My family is from Cañar Ecuador, and Im going to Ecuador in December for 18 days, I can’t wait to see my country again. Y’all take care !
+Denise Dolores I love your country w all my Heart and soul.. I am happy for you that you ll get to go home again even if only for a visit.. I am moving to the Azuay in 2 months and cant wait to get there ! Saludos desde WA
Twinky McWaddle thank you! Yes I love Ecuador, everyone deserves to see it. When I have my career set, I’m gonna build schools and buildings there. I really love charity work.
Hi..I’m from Cuenca and I miss it so much, I left Cuenca when I was nineteen and I’ve been back only three times. I miss my chumales, this is the way we used to call them when we lived there, but the times I’ve been back, some how I have to call them now ‘humitas’, this is the way people from the coast used to call them. Anyway, I envy you, I wish I was back...sometimes I wonder what would my life be if would stay. It’s been 34 years and I still miss my barrio ‘El Vecino’, lived and raised there, but I was born in house in ‘el barrio de San Sebastián ‘ so, you can see, I am Morlaca. You might see around, little shops, where they sell sombreros, my grandpa was one of them. The Pulla family still in business, actually the Pulla Moreno family is. My dad’s cousin has his paintings exposed in the museum, forget the name, his name is René, very well known as an artist, I remember my father and him used to get along pretty good, but it’s been so many years. Enjoy Cuenca, it is beautiful, say hi to Tomebamba for me and drink some morocho in my name. Call me Martha.😀
I was 8 when left Cuenca. Lived in Parque Miraflores and been only twice. I can't believe how much it changed. I wish the government brings back El Tren Del Austro. Last time I saw was in Chaullabamba back in 1993 or 1994.
You guys should be Very proud of yourselves! Most people Still haven’t visited Disneyland , Disney World ect! And you guys took the biggest step in life & left the USA! I wish you guys the best on truly living your Dream! Being Conservative you guys will Succeed! I just started watching you guys!
You’re a great couple and share information which is useful and reassuring. I have been considering numerous countries in which to retire and you have moved Ecuador way up on the list. 👍🏽
Thanks. You both did a great job on this video. My wife is from Rome Italy and I lived in Rome for 2 1/2 years back from 1997 to 2000. That was a great experience, but the language was a major difficulty for me. I got to a functional level of Italian, but I could never have deep conversations about any subject. I will check out some of your other videos. It is so nice that everything has worked out for you both. Look both ways before you cross the street.
One thing you should remember, JP, is that there is a cathedral in Cuenca that has been there for hundreds of years and is still standing, so the earthquakes in Cuenca can’t be that bad, lol!
Amelia And JP well I grew up in Southern California, so I’m used to rocking and rolling, but for someone who’s never experienced one, it can be pretty freaky! Where do you run to, to get away, when the earth itself is moving? Lol! Thankfully, from what I’ve read, the mountains there absorb a lot of the movement, so the coast gets the worst of them, which I’m sure suits Cuencanos just fine...
I’m from Cuenca , and after watching your channel; It got me thinking of returning to the mother land My son is now an NYP cop married and my daughter she’s in college , soon she’ll be on her own . So definitely “mi Tierra “ it’s a good option
Jp, 20 years ago I had a lumbar fusion reselting in systemic MRSA that was supposed to kill me. I lived in hospitals for 2 years until they developed a new medicine that killed it. I am left with pretty severe disabilities but I soldier on with most of my wealth spent in the battle. I am considering the Philipines, Ecuador and other places to spend the rest of my life coronavirus willing.
MRSA almost killed me 4 times, Michael, but each of those 4 times I overcame it with garlic and colloidal silver. You'll be glad to add these two natural remedies to your life.
Another option is medillin colombia....the climate the medical cant be beat....already a large DOD expat.com community there....we've been there several times already....my family is from Ec. and the wifey from lima peru.....
If medical care is your primary concern, Brazil has the very best in Latin America, followed by Chile. The biggest hospital system in Santiago is affiliated with the Mayo Clinic, and is an international referral center. I was very pleased with the care I received there. If you don’t speak Spanish, their international patient office will send an interpreter to all appointments with you. They also help navigate insurance and payment.
Nice video. I’d love to be the exact opposite of you guys. An Ecuadorian living in the US. I’ve been to your country and I definitely like the American QOL over the Ecuadorian. I guess you have a different point of view having lived there for so long. Another thing that got me is what Amelia said about online income, I’m unemployed for a week now and it sounds like a great option for me. After years of night shifts at the GM assembly plant here in Ecuador I feel like I need a break so I’m subscribing right now and I’ll check your other videos to see what you can share about it. Keep it up, glad to have good people like you in my country
BTW if you‘d like to practice Spanish on a regular basis please contact me. We could do a little language exchange as me and (specially) my wife need to catch up in our English
Hello, I very much like how you present your videos, just subscribed! My gf has lived in Cuenca for about 4 years now, I go there once a year (from FL) for a couple weeks on my vacation, so I do have some awareness of Cuenca. Beautiful city, great place to live... if you can handle the cold climate way up there in the Andes mountains! But the one thing I want to comment on here is about earthquakes in Cuenca. Yes, one sometimes feels mild earthquakes in Cuenca, I experienced one or two while visiting her, but there has NEVER been a seriously damaging earthquake there in its 500 years recorded history! The earthquakes you feel in Cuenca are the residual shakes of stronger earthquakes farther away, like along the coast, or even in Peru. That is because Cuenca is way up high in the Andes mountains, 8500 feet high, and the terrain way down deep under it is more settled than terrain along the coast. Even Quito seems to have more problematic earthquakes than Cuenca. My point here is that is you want to live in Ecuador, and are concerned about earthquakes, the best place to live is in CUENCA!
Great video, guys! You hit on some of my fears too: learning the language being first! Pat is an expert haggler and loves it, so that's ok for us. I'd seen enough places people lived to not worry too much about that and hooray! we found a great place that I can't wait to get into, although Otorongo is terrific (except for the internet!). I was in a tiny earthquake years ago in, of all places, Chicago! I don't think much about that kind of stuff except what you should do if it happens. Great seeing you the other day, looking forward to spending more time together! Buen dia! ❤😘
Thanks Connie! Glad you enjoyed it! Everyone else: Connie has an awesome Instagram profile and shares amazing photos of Cuenca. Go check it out! instagram.com/ccrew62/
You guys are the cutest couple from my country USA in my original country Ecuador. Thank you very much for the nice comments about my beautiful country, I love Cuenca Quito and Manta as well as Galapagos, Buena suerte en todo aspecto :)
Cuenca is a nice little city. I need to go visit again once this pandemic is over. I covered the whole place on a bicycle. Definitely food is great in Cuenca.
Hello guys I’m from Cuenca Ecuador i moved to Ohio usa 17 years old I miss my city and country so bad my family is very nice if you need something or if I can help with something it will be a pleasure to help keep it up 👍 guys 👏👏👏
Thank you for a thoughtful and educational video. ❤️❤️❤️. One of the things that scare me is crossing those busy streets in Cuenca when I visit! Thank you for sharing that is improving! I was wondering if you make a video about the different places people can purchase appliances. One member of the community in Facebook was looking for advise on where to purchase appliances other than Sukaza. I don’t know if he was able to get it! But I think that may be a good video to see. JP feel better!
I decided to go Back To CUENCA, and when we'll return When we feel like, BUT Is a Beautiful City, the weather, his people and a lot of things, that makes it Nice, the food also So Cheap, Very SOON!!!
Thank you so much for making Cuenca your home. You provide so much value and inspiration for others to consider going there and doing the same.... and yes, the driving in Cuenca is crazy!! As far as the price gauging in areas the key is to befriend them. In time you’ll be paying less than others. :) but it takes time.
Hi Guys. Great channel and videos. My wife and I are seriously looking at moving to Ecuador from South Africa. Looking forward to ploughing through many more of your vids to learn as much as possible about Ecuador.
Pro-tips on counter-measures for pickpocketing: For men, buy a long wallet that fits in the front pocket of your pants. I had to keep my wallet in the front pocket of my pants when I was in high school due to a lower back injury, the wallet would make me sit crooked and cause pain and since then I've never stopped. I have lived in a few major cities, NYC being one of them and though I heard lots of stories, it never came up for me. One mistake touristy people make is to wear a fanny pack. The reason for this is that the strap can be easily cut, offering a treasure chest for the cutter with a grab string to boot. Another discipline you can practice is if you get bumped or nudged in a public place, put your hand on your pockets to check for keys, wallet and phone. This does 2 things, 1. If your hands are literally atop the goods, then any attempt to extract your items goes from pickpocketing to assault. 2. You know your stuff is still there or if somehow it is not, you then look at the bumpers or even take a picture of them if you can think to do so. If you really want to be clever, find a credit card/drivers license sized (waterproof) carrying case that you can loop through a simple chain or necklace. Keep your precious plastic in this as well as whatever cash you NEED to carry on you, still carry a wallet, but use it to store business cards and all the other misc things you might put in a wallet that you can afford to lose. There are also fanny-pack-esque (but thinner) that can be worn inside your shorts or pants. I think it might be referred to as a money belt. For the ladies, you actually have more options because your clothing and undergarments are usually at least a bit more complex than man-wear. As strange as this sounds, there are "fashionable" tactical vests. This is essentially a front strapped set of pockets and holders on your chest. www.wish.com/search/Tactical%20Vests (you have to create an account but you can use any google account to do so without going through the long questionnaire.) This one is inexpensive and simple: www.wish.com/search/Tactical%20Vests/product/5d133522c227f602077e0aac?source=search&position=7&share=web . Don't let the name fool you, not all of them look like something from a war movie. You want to avoid protecting your valuables by placing them near any major artery, inner thighs and neck are the most dangerous if they try to cut your valuables off of you. One more thought - biker wallets come with a chain that clips onto your pants somewhere but you can be creative with the chained clutch purse/wallet. You might wear the securing chain around your waist under your clothing. This is good even if you drop it by accident, it will never hit the ground, just bounce of a leg or something. The best solution is going to leave your hands free except when you need access to your valuables. Your hand is the least safe place to control/protect your wallet. There are also purses that are designed to be resistant to cutting/water and you can find some that each compartment zipps closed and locks, so the accessing of a given pocket of the purse takes a few seconds and the know how of unlocking it before it can be unzip. These purses are often referred to as crossbody purses that wear in the front with a strap over the back to the front. At any point if you feel hands or bodies reaching inside your 3 foot personal space either enter a store/shop/safety ASAP or do an about face and head the opposite direction. People who bump into you by accident aren't going to make a 180, if someone does, seek safety in numbers or hail a cab - any proactive choice that will discourage humans that need to prey on other humans to survive. And finally, last but certainly not least, the #1 deterrent to crime in a home are dogs!! If you can take your dog(s) with you on your public missions (let them bark), this creates a level of complexity that most criminals won't attempt to get by. A loud barking dog looking at a would-be pickpocket is REALLY BAD for business. Thank you for your content, it is very inspirational.
Good on your both for facing your fears and taking the plunge! Earthquakes are something we're not used to either. I can imagine that would be scary to experience.
A tip to deter pickpockets: Stick a mouse trap where you keep your wallet.:) Fun aside, velcro your wallet to the inside front pocket, do not use the back pocket for wallet, buy one of my minimalist front pocket wallets.
If you haven't tried it yet, try the naranjilla juice. It's wonderful. It comes from the "tree tomato" fruit from the cloud forest. I had it almost every day when I was in Ecuador. Can you talk about finances? Banking, how to transfer money from the states, paying US bills, internet access to finances, sites that are in the USA. Do you use a VPN or how does that work?
After this video we feel much more Tranquilos and also learned what to order in a restaurant from the menu, to start with, we'll pick: dónde está el baño
I have a friend who lives there.Fred.He is pretty old.He exercises on the steps in the centre of town.he is 82 and visually impaired.Say hi from Mark if you come across him. thnx
Hola Amelia and JP, I just came across your blog a few days ago so I am catching up with your videos. I have been thinking about moving to either Colombia or Ecuador but like Amelia a few years ago, I feel hesitant of selling everything. I need to conquer my fears too...thanks for sharing
@@AmeliaAndJP Thank you, I appreciate it. Now it is a matter of choosing a city in Ecuador: Quito, Guayaquil, Manta, Salinas, or in Colombia: Envigado, or Sabaneta. Thanks
I was in an earthquake in L.A in the 6th floor and it swayed so much I thought the building was going to tip over. So it will happen where ever you go.
I did a 14 day motorcycle tour of Ecuador and Cuenca was my favorite city. If you're afraid of getting hit by a car while walking, imagine riding a motorcycle.
Being able to make enough money is one of our concerns. We are planing to move to Ecuador over the next couple of years. We are in our early 60's, but not quite retirement age. We will be coming down in May for the first time. Our vision of retirement was always to start a farm to supplement our meager public pension (maybe 6 to 800 CAD a month). Unfortunately, land and the cost of starting a farm here in Canada is now way outside our budget. We do have 3 properties on Vancouver Island, and they are worth allot now. We are in the process of downsizing and remodeling to sell our residence to buy our farm in Ecuador. One of our houses we will keep here in Canada as a vacation rental (and a backup...). So the plan will be to have a CD at a bank in Ecuador (maybe 4 or 5 thousand a year...) Income from Canada, pension and vacation rental, and a farm in Ecuador producing at least 10 or 11000 a year. We were going to try to market to expats in Cuenca, chicken, turkey, beef, farmed fish, maybe coffee, and later on vegetables. Maybe a delivery service. At any rate, we will have enough money from the sale of our houses here to live on while we get started. Does that sound realistic to you?
So glad to learn that you guys are plant-based with your diet. This is one of the questions important to me as I consider whether or not to relocate from the states because I, too, am almost completely plant-based with my diet these days. You say non-GMO there: excellent! Is it safe for me to assume that most of the vegetables produce would be grown naturally, i.e. without pesticides, i.e. in an organic manner? Also curious if you have seen a difference in the availability and variety of healthfully grown produce from one place to another (since I think I have seen videos that you no longer live in Cuenca)? Thanks much.
This was wonderful! Thank you for making these videos because I think this is a better way of spreading information and getting information. I've often thought it would be really nice to move to foreign country but all of these issues that you address are issues I've been thinking of so this is really helpful!!
I’m from Ecuador. I lived in Cuenca for 7 years, now I’m in Mexico. Woow I like so much your videos. It’s interesting and nice you appreciate our city and have good experiences. And by the way, I recognize the place where you made this video it’s called “ El Vergel”, very nice neighborhood to live.
I'm use to travel to all inclusive resorts and you really make me want to visit Equador like asap. Look's safe and beautiful! Might take the plunge and visit Cuenca at the begining of 2020! Thank you!
I just discovered you, guys, and I definitely will push that notification button. Also, being vegan in Cuenca is quite easier, yet still a privilege, than in most of the cities in Ecuador. ): You decided well! Keep sharing your experinces and don't forget your B12! 💚
Good content friends!! Enjoy about Cuenca my beautiful city and my country too!! I’m Paul tour guide of Ecuador have a good time here and success over here you’ve a friend 🇪🇨🇺🇸🙌🏼✅
Looks like a beautiful place to live ❤ I'll keep watching your post medical problems are the reason why I haven't moved away I really would love to move I came across this video by accident sounds like a beautiful place to live ..
Hey, Ecuadorian here. For many, including me, Cuenca is the best city of Ecuador and we would like to live there for a while. My best friend is vegan and she also would like to go there for their variety of vegan restaurants.
Thanks so much for sharing. I've been looking to live abroad on my modest retirement income and appreciate facts and figures. One of your vids mentioned Longmont, where I've lived for the last 13 years. Even the wonder of Colorado's beauty can't overcome my disappointment in the direction of this country. I am ready to live elsewhere, and for reasons similar to yours. Best,
Thank you both for this video. I traveled to Cuenca last November and was greatly impressed! I look forward to reviewing more of your videos, to get an idea of the ins-and-outs of the expat lifestyle. It's still a possibility for me in a few years, after retirement!
I traveled the world over for work from 1982 to 2014 and I made my foreign residency in Panama in 1982. I did it to avoid paying tax. Most if not all of my income was free of tax. I learned 8 languages during the process. I live in Volcan and it is safe. I have my own water and power.
You guys are awesome! It would be so great to connect with you two in person. I am also a plant-based American expat from the midwest, currently living in Ecuador near Gualaquiza :) Maybe I can give you Spanish lessons!
I am happy that you found the right place for you. I retired and moved to Boquete, Panama this summer for many of the same reasons you found in Cuenca. It mattered to me that an English-speaking Bible-believing Christian church existed in Boquete and there are many ministry opportunities here to be involved in. I, too, sold or gave away nearly everything but don't regret it. Cuenca seems to be a larger place than Boquete and there are times I wish I could find some items and medicines here that were easy to get in the States but there are solutions to everything. I, too, have no car but am able to catch rides from fellow church members and the taxis are $2-5 each way depending on how far they take you. I'm going to check into your traveling mailbox. Best wishes.
I sure remember those mountain roads! The drivers do drive fast, and when I was there they would tend to cross themselves when they were coming up on a particularly tight curve, which was disconcerting! Also, there were crosses put up at the sites of crashes where people died, and there were A LOT of them. One time on a bus, at night, in the mountains I was so worried, but then I thought "there is nothing I can do," and I survived.
I am from Texas and lived in Medellin, Colombia for my first year in South America and travelled to many places in Colombia. After that, I lived in Cuenca for almost 2 years, lived in Guayaquil for 9 months, Salinas for a short time and after Cuenca, I moved to Peru and iived in Lima, Tingo Maria (Haunuco not Lima), Mancora Nazca and now Arequipa Peru. I have been in Peru for 4 years. Of all the places I have lived in South America, Arequipa is the safest place in South America. There is police on every street and every street corner. I got lost my first week in Arequipa and walked up to two police officers to ask directions to my apartment and they pulled out their cell phone to show me a map and then they talked to each other and told me they would walk me to my apartment and they gave me a police escort. Oddly, I never experienced earthquakes in Ecuador but have here in Peru about the same time line as your videos. Earthquakes have been on the rise. I know several gingos both in Colombia and Cuenca and they tend to party their asses off, gringos have that reputation in South America. There are not many here Arequipa but they do exist.
you can live with one thousands dollars every month in Ecuador.😍 that is great, comparing to the States. If you want to live over 100 years old go to Vilcabamba....no to far from Cuenca!
Just don't be an ignorant expat, respect that you're in a spanish speaking country with different traditions. Vilcabamba has been overrun with Americans who move there, don't try to learn spanish, expect the locals to change to suit their lives and expectations they've imported from their entitled, first-world lives in the US, buy up property and driving up costs far above what the locals can afford, start stores and restaurants with high American costs for service again that the locals can't afford, and still pay staff, maids, etc low wages effectively blocking the locals from participating and enjoying success in their own economy.
@@robertgeorge2170 ah so like reverse of what happens in the States because politicians and corporations deliberately flood the US labor market with cheap labor from south of the border including Central and South America driving down wages and a large majority of those people refuse to learn or speak English?
Personally I think you are very brave. My son would like me to move there and live with he and his wife. It’s hard to learn another language. Of course understanding culture is far harder than the language. Then learning numbers in Spanish I found hard while there for a few months. I get too homesick and it costs thousands to get home to my country. But my biggest problem was being unable to put toilet paper down the toilet but rather having to put it in a plastic bag that is collected every day. I wonder how you find that? Sewerage pipes are badly layed so one doesn’t want to clog the system up. I too enjoyed my few days in Quenca. I too found their butcher skills in presenting well cut meat are non-existent. But it is a truly beautiful country.
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Amelia And JP hello dear’s
Well first of all I would be aware of the political instability and it's social and economic consequences. The events well known throughout the world that seemed to come to terms have just began. I'm terribly sorry for Ecuador and it's nice people since I have many friends from there both living in Ecuador and abroad.
I widhed I'm wrong and that the country finds it's way but I don't see that happening until the society changes and respects the native indigenous people like they should. Only then can Ecuador be considered a true democracy and country to settle in. Best of luck from the US.
Hello 👋
Thanks for sharing your well done video. I have a question. Using your traveling mailbox, do you exclusively list this address for your banking, brokerage, and tax purposes; or do you also share your location on the ground in Ecuador? I understand some service providers have a 6 month rule. For example, one financial company told me, "If you're out of the country for up to 6 months, there are no problems, however at 6 months and 1 day, we may freeze your accounts." Thanks for sharing any words of wisdom.
Hi Love Your Videos
Hi,
From Puerto Rico.
I went to cuenca last summer with my wife and my sister, it is "precioso". I'm going back again next year .
Que bueno 😊
Venga para navidad, o mes de noviembre o fin de año hay mucho q ver, comer y hacer, saludos.
Im from Ecuador, ive been in PR, beautiful island
juan padilla xd yo soy de cuenca
Saludos,
Mi hermana esta casada con un Quiteño y aunque viven en Florida, tiene casa en Quito pero están en el trámite de comprar un apartamento en Cuenca. Si espero pronto cuando me retire de mi trabajo, estar un tiempo en Cuenca.
The guy kinda looks and sounds like Jeff Bridges. Nice videos.
You're right! He's The Dude, His Dudeness, El Duderino!!
@@sailingnuestravida Long live The Dude!
Well that's your opinion, man!
(JK)
Nice marmot
I don’t see it.
I lost about 10-12 pounds while in Ecuador last summer (mostly in Cuenca -- did a few weeks in Quito and a trip to the Galapagos as well). I was living mostly on fresh veggies from the mercados, and healthy almuerzos (although I did indulge in a whole milk latte every day as well!), and I felt like the high altitude also had my body working harder, even when just taking regular walks. Love and miss it there.
It almost sounds like you did not miss any of your stromboli, lasagna, pesto. Just kidding Rebecca.
Awesome video guys! I had the advantage of visiting, and living abroad. After my business closed in San Diego in 2009 I was devastated. I lost not one, but two boatloads of money in that fiasco. first. my business went from awesome to none. Then my 401K was wiped out. So. I had a private pitty party. Then, because of my broadcast history; a friend of mine suggested I teach ESL abroad. Like you I had some fears about living abroad. Especially in China. Mostly because, Chinese culture was so foreign to me. One day. I closed my eyes and threw a dart at a map of the world. Low and behold...it landed on mainland China. I said to myself what the hell! I have nothing left to lose. So I sold my condo and other material things in La Jola, and packed my bags for China. When I arrived in Hong Kong, I gasped, and said to myself...self. what have you done! But like you. I bucked up and began to feel welcome in this mysterious land.
As a month or so went by, I became very comfortable there. Secured a teaching job in South East China. I loved teaching the Chinese kids. They are a happy bunch and very teachable. The average Chinese are very comfortable with foreigners, and very nice I might add...to communicate with.
I hope this comment isn't to long. I know I tend to talk (write) to much. Love yah both. See you November 3rd in Cuenca...Chao for now
Wow! Thanks for sharing that story! We're both really excited to meet you! Nos vemos pronto!
@@AmeliaAndJP Thank you for all the fun, and informative videos... likewise, nos vemos pronto!
Go you. I'm sure you are a happy man now.
The food there doesn’t have all the additives and preservatives so you eat less and it doesn’t kill your gut flora. When I was in Romania I ate half the serving sizes I would eat in America and was never hungry. Plus you probably walk a lot more.
Go on yt and find John Rose... thank me later
Not true. Plenty of chemicals, preservatives and pesticides used for almost everything. Look at the labels in Supermaxi on yogurts, ice creams, baked goods. Milk is only ULtrapasterised, tons of chemicals on tomatoes, roses, asparagus, watermelons
@@ommni24 In Ecuador?
Learning Spanish to fluency should be your top priority, in my opinion. You can meet a lot of gringos in Cuenca who've lived there for years and years and can barely order a beer in a restaurant.
For some reason for some people it’s hard to learn a second language. My former boss has been living in the USA for more than 20 years and she can’t speak English. I came to USA 6 years ago and I speak maybe an 80 percent of this language.
Ecuador's Spanish vs Mexico's Spanish? Whatever that means... Once you learn Spanish you'll be able to communicate anywhere in the Spanish-speaking world, regardless of the local jargon or slang.
slavejv Ecuador’s Spanish is more clear and easier to understand. Mexican Spanish in most places is faster and harder to hear and understand.
@@luisrodriguez-jk1tl Well, I guess to each his own. I particularly like the Spanish spoken in Colombia, Venezuela, Argentina/Uruguay and certain parts of Spain. But again, that is my particular preference.
Same here, in the U.S.
My favorite City in my beautiful Country .God willing i am going to retire in Cuenca. Missing so badly my Ecuador. 🤗❤🙏
Cuenca es muy hermosa!
I came to Cuenca to teach English as a second language back in March. I really like it here
Great! It's an amazing city!
Hello! I will be studying abroad in Cuenca this upcoming fall semester! Any tips?
I would like to do the same
Amelia and JP, what impresses me most is that you both appear healthy and both appear to enjoy your lives in Cuenca. The content of your videos is important too but your demeanor, your smiles, your energy, all very natural, speaks even greater volumes.
Awesome! I was born in this nice city and love it. Right now I'm learning English.
En Ecuador, la atención veterinaria es mucho mas económica que en USA, la mayoría de los vets son comprensivos y ayudan a quienes rescatan animalitos en la calle
I’m from Cuenca and now I live in the US !
Same here, live in Chicago since I've been 8 but now want to go back to Cuenca. I'm impressed how much it has grown.
I have no ideal how i ended up here but my god... that is a beautiful woman.
I totally agree!
How True! JP Is A Truly Blessed Man!!😏
What?
Yeah.. she is bad ass.
She itt! You’ve got to be kidding!
THANK YOU so much for this video. It couldn't have come at a better time for me. * I am in the process of convincing my wife to relocate to Cuenca middle of next year.
We are retired, but I still work part-time online (SS & modest online income). * Affording Connecticut is becoming impossible, and I see the move as adventure as well as being able to maintain our lifestyle all in one. Your comments on healthcare, leaving "things' behind, internet connection, language, food, transportation (I do not want a car), and assimilation have addressed many of my fears. * They will also become future "bullet points" to help alleviate what I believe will be my wife's as well. Sincerely, thank you.
Thanks for your kind words! And we're really happy this video helped! Keep us posted on your travels!
My gf's only real issue with living in Cuenca is that it is a fairly "chilly" climate, being 8500 ft up in the Andes mountains. But if you are used to Connecticut weather, are ok with daytime highs generally in the mid-to upper 60's and lows down into the 50's, you will love Cuenca. That being said, when weather there is nice and sunny, as it sometimes is, temps get to the mid-70's, it is absolutely BEAUTIFUL there! Hope that helps in your decision to move to Cuenca!
@@larry1754 Thank you for the info. That temperature range sounds ideal. * Now we just need some political stability :-(
I visited there with my family and got to meet my wife's family. I did rent a car and the drivers there are so aggressive! I was a nervous wreck the first two days but then I was advised by her family that just drive as I would regularly do and they will get out of the way. It worked and the rest of my stay was much more enjoyable. I did get a ticket for impeding traffic (I stopped to allow a bicyclist to pass). The ticket cost $50 dollars. We did visit Cuenca in which my youngest daughter and I got elevation illness. A local cafe gave us tea that helped with our illness. Nevertheless, we loved it there and plan on getting a vacation home somewhere in Ecuador in the very near future.
I love your videos! My family is from Cañar Ecuador, and Im going to Ecuador in December for 18 days, I can’t wait to see my country again. Y’all take care !
Great! We LOVE your country! It's an amazing place! 😊💚
+Denise Dolores I love your country w all my Heart and soul.. I am happy for you that you ll get to go home again even if only for a visit.. I am moving to the Azuay in 2 months and cant wait to get there ! Saludos desde WA
Twinky McWaddle thank you! Yes I love Ecuador, everyone deserves to see it. When I have my career set, I’m gonna build schools and buildings there. I really love charity work.
Denise Dolores why you leave?
Really !
If you get robbed please don't resist you life is more valuable.
That’s true anywhere on earth, including right here in every inch of the good old US of A!
Your videos are so well researched, presented and informative. No filler and straight to the point. Thank-you.
I hope your health is better JP
Hi..I’m from Cuenca and I miss it so much, I left Cuenca when I was nineteen and I’ve been back only three times. I miss my chumales, this is the way we used to call them when we lived there, but the times I’ve been back, some how I have to call them now ‘humitas’, this is the way people from the coast used to call them. Anyway, I envy you, I wish I was back...sometimes I wonder what would my life be if would stay. It’s been 34 years and I still miss my barrio ‘El Vecino’, lived and raised there, but I was born in house in ‘el barrio de San Sebastián ‘ so, you can see, I am Morlaca. You might see around, little shops, where they sell sombreros, my grandpa was one of them. The Pulla family still in business, actually the Pulla Moreno family is. My dad’s cousin has his paintings exposed in the museum, forget the name, his name is René, very well known as an artist, I remember my father and him used to get along pretty good, but it’s been so many years. Enjoy Cuenca, it is beautiful, say hi to Tomebamba for me and drink some morocho in my name. Call me Martha.😀
I was 8 when left Cuenca. Lived in Parque Miraflores and been only twice. I can't believe how much it changed. I wish the government brings back El Tren Del Austro. Last time I saw was in Chaullabamba back in 1993 or 1994.
I had been wondering for some time what it would be like to live in Ecuador. Now I am really finding out. Thank you.
You guys should be Very proud of yourselves! Most people Still haven’t visited Disneyland , Disney World ect!
And you guys took the biggest step in life & left the USA! I wish you guys the best on truly living your Dream! Being Conservative you guys will Succeed! I just started watching you guys!
Welcome to Cuenca every one, dont worry about lenguage dont worry any thing!
Thanks!
Hi! Im from Cuenca, Ecuador. So nice to hear your experiences, enjoy Cuenca! :)
Hola desde Cuenca! Nos encanta su ciudad! 😊💚
You’re a great couple and share information which is useful and reassuring. I have been considering numerous countries in which to retire and you have moved Ecuador way up on the list. 👍🏽
Thank you!
I hope you back to live in Cuenca. There is no other city in Ecuador with it's advantages. Good luck guys.
Amelia sounds just like Cheryl from Curb Your Enthusiasm. I knew I liked her for a reason.
My wife and I are considering living abroad for a year. I'm glad I found your videos.
You guys are awesome and transparent. Thank you so much.
Thanks!
Thanks. You both did a great job on this video. My wife is from Rome Italy and I lived in Rome for 2 1/2 years back from 1997 to 2000. That was a great experience, but the language was a major difficulty for me. I got to a functional level of Italian, but I could never have deep conversations about any subject. I will check out some of your other videos. It is so nice that everything has worked out for you both. Look both ways before you cross the street.
Thanks for sharing!
Your so lucky to live in Ecuador Cuenca, I miss ecuador so much it’s truely a blessing living there a blessing
Nos encanta Ecuador! 😊💚
I live in New Jersey I miss my country Ecuador 🇪🇨😭
Ecuador is a wonderful country!
Why did you moved?
@@m.williams3497 most people move to the states looking for work
M. williams Probably work
I live in NY,been here all my life,non of us in my family miss Ecuador lol
One thing you should remember, JP, is that there is a cathedral in Cuenca that has been there for hundreds of years and is still standing, so the earthquakes in Cuenca can’t be that bad, lol!
Great point! Thanks for bringing that to my attention!
Amelia And JP well I grew up in Southern California, so I’m used to rocking and rolling, but for someone who’s never experienced one, it can be pretty freaky! Where do you run to, to get away, when the earth itself is moving? Lol! Thankfully, from what I’ve read, the mountains there absorb a lot of the movement, so the coast gets the worst of them, which I’m sure suits Cuencanos just fine...
I’m from Cuenca , and after watching your channel; It got me thinking of returning to the mother land
My son is now an NYP cop married and my daughter she’s in college , soon she’ll be on her own . So definitely “mi Tierra “ it’s a good option
You guys are so cute! I just discovered your videos and am now binge watching. Love it, don't stop what you're doing.
You two make me feel good. Thanks
Our pleasure!
Entertaining is good. Informative is better. Inspiring is best of all. Your video was all three. We are deeply appreciative.
Wow! That’s really nice! Thanks! 😊💚
Jp, 20 years ago I had a lumbar fusion reselting in systemic MRSA that was supposed to kill me. I lived in hospitals for 2 years until they developed a new medicine that killed it. I am left with pretty severe disabilities but I soldier on with most of my wealth spent in the battle. I am considering the Philipines, Ecuador and other places to spend the rest of my life coronavirus willing.
MRSA almost killed me 4 times, Michael, but each of those 4 times I overcame it with garlic and colloidal silver.
You'll be glad to add these two natural remedies to your life.
Another option is medillin colombia....the climate the medical cant be beat....already a large DOD expat.com community there....we've been there several times already....my family is from Ec. and the wifey from lima peru.....
If medical care is your primary concern, Brazil has the very best in Latin America, followed by Chile. The biggest hospital system in Santiago is affiliated with the Mayo Clinic, and is an international referral center. I was very pleased with the care I received there. If you don’t speak Spanish, their international patient office will send an interpreter to all appointments with you. They also help navigate insurance and payment.
Nice video. I’d love to be the exact opposite of you guys. An Ecuadorian living in the US. I’ve been to your country and I definitely like the American QOL over the Ecuadorian. I guess you have a different point of view having lived there for so long. Another thing that got me is what Amelia said about online income, I’m unemployed for a week now and it sounds like a great option for me. After years of night shifts at the GM assembly plant here in Ecuador I feel like I need a break so I’m subscribing right now and I’ll check your other videos to see what you can share about it. Keep it up, glad to have good people like you in my country
BTW if you‘d like to practice Spanish on a regular basis please contact me. We could do a little language exchange as me and (specially) my wife need to catch up in our English
Hello, I very much like how you present your videos, just subscribed! My gf has lived in Cuenca for about 4 years now, I go there once a year (from FL) for a couple weeks on my vacation, so I do have some awareness of Cuenca. Beautiful city, great place to live... if you can handle the cold climate way up there in the Andes mountains! But the one thing I want to comment on here is about earthquakes in Cuenca. Yes, one sometimes feels mild earthquakes in Cuenca, I experienced one or two while visiting her, but there has NEVER been a seriously damaging earthquake there in its 500 years recorded history! The earthquakes you feel in Cuenca are the residual shakes of stronger earthquakes farther away, like along the coast, or even in Peru. That is because Cuenca is way up high in the Andes mountains, 8500 feet high, and the terrain way down deep under it is more settled than terrain along the coast. Even Quito seems to have more problematic earthquakes than Cuenca. My point here is that is you want to live in Ecuador, and are concerned about earthquakes, the best place to live is in CUENCA!
Thanks for putting the earthquakes in perspective! It's an irrational fear :(
Great video, guys! You hit on some of my fears too: learning the language being first! Pat is an expert haggler and loves it, so that's ok for us. I'd seen enough places people lived to not worry too much about that and hooray! we found a great place that I can't wait to get into, although Otorongo is terrific (except for the internet!). I was in a tiny earthquake years ago in, of all places, Chicago! I don't think much about that kind of stuff except what you should do if it happens. Great seeing you the other day, looking forward to spending more time together! Buen dia! ❤😘
Thanks Connie! Glad you enjoyed it!
Everyone else: Connie has an awesome Instagram profile and shares amazing photos of Cuenca. Go check it out! instagram.com/ccrew62/
Thanks for loving my beautiful country🥰 I’m from Guayaquil city
Thanks for the videos, so helpful. Heading to Cuenca for 2 weeks at the end of August. Maybe I'll see you around town!
You guys are the cutest couple from my country USA in my original country Ecuador. Thank you very much for the nice comments about my beautiful country, I love Cuenca Quito and Manta as well as Galapagos, Buena suerte en todo aspecto :)
Thank you! 😃
Cuenca is a nice little city. I need to go visit again once this pandemic is over. I covered the whole place on a bicycle. Definitely food is great in Cuenca.
Hello guys I’m from Cuenca Ecuador i moved to Ohio usa 17 years old I miss my city and country so bad my family is very nice if you need something or if I can help with something it will be a pleasure to help keep it up 👍 guys 👏👏👏
You’re a good couple.
Thank you for a thoughtful and educational video. ❤️❤️❤️. One of the things that scare me is crossing those busy streets in Cuenca when I visit! Thank you for sharing that is improving!
I was wondering if you make a video about the different places people can purchase appliances. One member of the community in Facebook was looking for advise on where to purchase appliances other than Sukaza. I don’t know if he was able to get it! But I think that may be a good video to see.
JP feel better!
Thanks for the idea!
I decided to go Back To CUENCA, and when we'll return When we feel like, BUT Is a Beautiful City, the weather, his people and a lot of things, that makes it Nice, the food also So Cheap, Very SOON!!!
The winters are cold without heat. And many homes and apts have mold it is an issue
with the rain.
Thank you so much for making Cuenca your home. You provide so much value and inspiration for others to consider going there and doing the same.... and yes, the driving in Cuenca is crazy!! As far as the price gauging in areas the key is to befriend them. In time you’ll be paying less than others. :) but it takes time.
Thanks!
Thank You for make it Cuenca as your new home. I am very happy to hear the pros and cons of our city. Saludos 👏🤗🌸 👏
I love these two, they’re so honest and nice
Just got to Cuenca..... absolutely love it. With the corona going around in the States, thinking of just staying. Luv ur vlog
Thanks!
JUST REMEMBER, FEAR STANDS FOR FALSE EXPECTATIONS APPEARING REAL! THANKS FOR THE VIDEO. BLESSINGS.
Except when the expectations are real...
Hi Guys. Great channel and videos. My wife and I are seriously looking at moving to Ecuador from South Africa. Looking forward to ploughing through many more of your vids to learn as much as possible about Ecuador.
Pro-tips on counter-measures for pickpocketing: For men, buy a long wallet that fits in the front pocket of your pants. I had to keep my wallet in the front pocket of my pants when I was in high school due to a lower back injury, the wallet would make me sit crooked and cause pain and since then I've never stopped. I have lived in a few major cities, NYC being one of them and though I heard lots of stories, it never came up for me. One mistake touristy people make is to wear a fanny pack. The reason for this is that the strap can be easily cut, offering a treasure chest for the cutter with a grab string to boot.
Another discipline you can practice is if you get bumped or nudged in a public place, put your hand on your pockets to check for keys, wallet and phone. This does 2 things, 1. If your hands are literally atop the goods, then any attempt to extract your items goes from pickpocketing to assault. 2. You know your stuff is still there or if somehow it is not, you then look at the bumpers or even take a picture of them if you can think to do so.
If you really want to be clever, find a credit card/drivers license sized (waterproof) carrying case that you can loop through a simple chain or necklace. Keep your precious plastic in this as well as whatever cash you NEED to carry on you, still carry a wallet, but use it to store business cards and all the other misc things you might put in a wallet that you can afford to lose. There are also fanny-pack-esque (but thinner) that can be worn inside your shorts or pants. I think it might be referred to as a money belt.
For the ladies, you actually have more options because your clothing and undergarments are usually at least a bit more complex than man-wear.
As strange as this sounds, there are "fashionable" tactical vests. This is essentially a front strapped set of pockets and holders on your chest. www.wish.com/search/Tactical%20Vests (you have to create an account but you can use any google account to do so without going through the long questionnaire.) This one is inexpensive and simple: www.wish.com/search/Tactical%20Vests/product/5d133522c227f602077e0aac?source=search&position=7&share=web . Don't let the name fool you, not all of them look like something from a war movie.
You want to avoid protecting your valuables by placing them near any major artery, inner thighs and neck are the most dangerous if they try to cut your valuables off of you. One more thought - biker wallets come with a chain that clips onto your pants somewhere but you can be creative with the chained clutch purse/wallet. You might wear the securing chain around your waist under your clothing. This is good even if you drop it by accident, it will never hit the ground, just bounce of a leg or something.
The best solution is going to leave your hands free except when you need access to your valuables. Your hand is the least safe place to control/protect your wallet. There are also purses that are designed to be resistant to cutting/water and you can find some that each compartment zipps closed and locks, so the accessing of a given pocket of the purse takes a few seconds and the know how of unlocking it before it can be unzip. These purses are often referred to as crossbody purses that wear in the front with a strap over the back to the front. At any point if you feel hands or bodies reaching inside your 3 foot personal space either enter a store/shop/safety ASAP or do an about face and head the opposite direction. People who bump into you by accident aren't going to make a 180, if someone does, seek safety in numbers or hail a cab - any proactive choice that will discourage humans that need to prey on other humans to survive.
And finally, last but certainly not least, the #1 deterrent to crime in a home are dogs!! If you can take your dog(s) with you on your public missions (let them bark), this creates a level of complexity that most criminals won't attempt to get by. A loud barking dog looking at a would-be pickpocket is REALLY BAD for business.
Thank you for your content, it is very inspirational.
Good on your both for facing your fears and taking the plunge!
Earthquakes are something we're not used to either. I can imagine that would be scary to experience.
A tip to deter pickpockets: Stick a mouse trap where you keep your wallet.:) Fun aside, velcro your wallet to the inside front pocket, do not use the back pocket for wallet, buy one of my minimalist front pocket wallets.
😆
Thanks for talking so well about my Birth home
Love the US tho
But i always go back and enjoy the beautiful scenery.....
If you haven't tried it yet, try the naranjilla juice. It's wonderful. It comes from the "tree tomato" fruit from the cloud forest. I had it almost every day when I was in Ecuador.
Can you talk about finances? Banking, how to transfer money from the states, paying US bills, internet access to finances, sites that are in the USA. Do you use a VPN or how does that work?
Hi Kirk, we have a blog post about banking liveabroadnow.com/money-and-banking-in-ecuador/
Hope this answers some of your questions!
After this video we feel much more Tranquilos and also learned what to order in a restaurant from the menu, to start with, we'll pick: dónde está el baño
I have a friend who lives there.Fred.He is pretty old.He exercises on the steps in the centre of town.he is 82 and visually impaired.Say hi from Mark if you come across him. thnx
Hola Amelia and JP, I just came across your blog a few days ago so I am catching up with your videos. I have been thinking about moving to either Colombia or Ecuador but like Amelia a few years ago, I feel hesitant of selling everything. I need to conquer my fears too...thanks for sharing
Best of luck!
@@AmeliaAndJP Thank you, I appreciate it. Now it is a matter of choosing a city in Ecuador: Quito, Guayaquil, Manta, Salinas, or in Colombia: Envigado, or Sabaneta. Thanks
I was in an earthquake in L.A in the 6th floor and it swayed so much I thought the building was going to tip over. So it will happen where ever you go.
I did a 14 day motorcycle tour of Ecuador and Cuenca was my favorite city. If you're afraid of getting hit by a car while walking, imagine riding a motorcycle.
Being able to make enough money is one of our concerns. We are planing to move to Ecuador over the next couple of years. We are in our early 60's, but not quite retirement age. We will be coming down in May for the first time.
Our vision of retirement was always to start a farm to supplement our meager public pension (maybe 6 to 800 CAD a month). Unfortunately, land and the cost of starting a farm here in Canada is now way outside our budget. We do have 3 properties on Vancouver Island, and they are worth allot now. We are in the process of downsizing and remodeling to sell our residence to buy our farm in Ecuador. One of our houses we will keep here in Canada as a vacation rental (and a backup...).
So the plan will be to have a CD at a bank in Ecuador (maybe 4 or 5 thousand a year...) Income from Canada, pension and vacation rental, and a farm in Ecuador producing at least 10 or 11000 a year. We were going to try to market to expats in Cuenca, chicken, turkey, beef, farmed fish, maybe coffee, and later on vegetables. Maybe a delivery service. At any rate, we will have enough money from the sale of our houses here to live on while we get started.
Does that sound realistic to you?
I really love you guys, and I'm sending my best regards and thank you for the videos.
As always thank you for the videos.
Glad you like them!
Very good video, you addressed a lot of things people would be concerned about. Nice disco ball ear rings too!
Thanks!
Love you Guys you are encouraged an Ecuadorian to comeback toy Beautiful Country!
Thanks! 😊👍
So glad to learn that you guys are plant-based with your diet. This is one of the questions important to me as I consider whether or not to relocate from the states because I, too, am almost completely plant-based with my diet these days. You say non-GMO there: excellent! Is it safe for me to assume that most of the vegetables produce would be grown naturally, i.e. without pesticides, i.e. in an organic manner? Also curious if you have seen a difference in the availability and variety of healthfully grown produce from one place to another (since I think I have seen videos that you no longer live in Cuenca)? Thanks much.
This was wonderful! Thank you for making these videos because I think this is a better way of spreading information and getting information. I've often thought it would be really nice to move to foreign country but all of these issues that you address are issues I've been thinking of so this is really helpful!!
Glad it was helpful!
I’m from Ecuador. I lived in Cuenca for 7 years, now I’m in Mexico. Woow I like so much your videos. It’s interesting and nice you appreciate our city and have good experiences. And by the way, I recognize the place where you made this video it’s called “ El Vergel”, very nice neighborhood to live.
I'm use to travel to all inclusive resorts and you really make me want to visit Equador like asap. Look's safe and beautiful! Might take the plunge and visit Cuenca at the begining of 2020! Thank you!
I just discovered you, guys, and I definitely will push that notification button. Also, being vegan in Cuenca is quite easier, yet still a privilege, than in most of the cities in Ecuador. ): You decided well! Keep sharing your experinces and don't forget your B12! 💚
Thanks Ars! We always take our B12! That's good advice for everyone because lots of non-vegans are also low on B12 👍
Thank you folks. That's what I was looking for. Terrific!
Cuenca Ecuador is a beautiful city and is declared one of the most safetys city’s in South America
Yes it is 😊👍
Not for much longer I'm afraid
Agustin Enzoa why?
@@agustinenzoa4447 there are plenty of US cities with high crime and always has been
You guys have got me just absolutely burning to go there.
Good content friends!! Enjoy about Cuenca my beautiful city and my country too!! I’m Paul tour guide of Ecuador have a good time here and success over here you’ve a friend 🇪🇨🇺🇸🙌🏼✅
Thanks! We love Cuenca! 😊💚
Looks like a beautiful place to live ❤
I'll keep watching your post medical problems are the reason why I haven't moved away I really would love to move I came across this video by accident sounds like a beautiful place to live ..
It's so nice to see my country through your eyes!
Hey, Ecuadorian here. For many, including me, Cuenca is the best city of Ecuador and we would like to live there for a while. My best friend is vegan and she also would like to go there for their variety of vegan restaurants.
You should see the vegt. here wow and such a variety.
Thanks so much for sharing. I've been looking to live abroad on my modest retirement income and appreciate facts and figures. One of your vids mentioned Longmont, where I've lived for the last 13 years. Even the wonder of Colorado's beauty can't overcome my disappointment in the direction of this country. I am ready to live elsewhere, and for reasons similar to yours.
Best,
I read that while Ecuador bans the cultivation of GMO products, they do allow the importation of them - so it isn’t completely GMO-free.
Thank you both for this video. I traveled to Cuenca last November and was greatly impressed! I look forward to reviewing more of your videos, to get an idea of the ins-and-outs of the expat lifestyle. It's still a possibility for me in a few years, after retirement!
Glad you found it helpful!
Good topics. These are the questions we ask ourselves. It’s good to know things can all work out.
Life is all about managing risks, not hiding from them.
I traveled the world over for work from 1982 to 2014 and I made my foreign residency in Panama in 1982. I did it to avoid paying tax. Most if not all of my income was free of tax. I learned 8 languages during the process. I live in Volcan and it is safe. I have my own water and power.
Amelia I love your earrings! This was a very informative video. I really enjoy how detailed your explanations are.
You guys are awesome! It would be so great to connect with you two in person. I am also a plant-based American expat from the midwest, currently living in Ecuador near Gualaquiza :) Maybe I can give you Spanish lessons!
You bet! Do you know Charlotte who lives at Frutis? We just saw her at Zatua Miski on Thursday.
Thank you both for all you do, and the open sharing of your life challenges as expats.
I am happy that you found the right place for you. I retired and moved to Boquete, Panama this summer for many of the same reasons you found in Cuenca. It mattered to me that an English-speaking Bible-believing Christian church existed in Boquete and there are many ministry opportunities here to be involved in. I, too, sold or gave away nearly everything but don't regret it. Cuenca seems to be a larger place than Boquete and there are times I wish I could find some items and medicines here that were easy to get in the States but there are solutions to everything. I, too, have no car but am able to catch rides from fellow church members and the taxis are $2-5 each way depending on how far they take you. I'm going to check into your traveling mailbox. Best wishes.
We want to visit Boquete. We've heard great things about it.
I sure remember those mountain roads! The drivers do drive fast, and when I was there they would tend to cross themselves when they were coming up on a particularly tight curve, which was disconcerting! Also, there were crosses put up at the sites of crashes where people died, and there were A LOT of them. One time on a bus, at night, in the mountains I was so worried, but then I thought "there is nothing I can do," and I survived.
We've felt that way a few times! We had the same experience on a bus to Puerto Lopez.
I enjoy watching your channel, Thanks for loving your dogs❤️
I am from Texas and lived in Medellin, Colombia for my first year in South America and travelled to many places in Colombia. After that, I lived in Cuenca for almost 2 years, lived in Guayaquil for 9 months, Salinas for a short time and after Cuenca, I moved to Peru and iived in Lima, Tingo Maria (Haunuco not Lima), Mancora Nazca and now Arequipa Peru. I have been in Peru for 4 years. Of all the places I have lived in South America, Arequipa is the safest place in South America. There is police on every street and every street corner. I got lost my first week in Arequipa and walked up to two police officers to ask directions to my apartment and they pulled out their cell phone to show me a map and then they talked to each other and told me they would walk me to my apartment and they gave me a police escort. Oddly, I never experienced earthquakes in Ecuador but have here in Peru about the same time line as your videos. Earthquakes have been on the rise. I know several gingos both in Colombia and Cuenca and they tend to party their asses off, gringos have that reputation in South America. There are not many here Arequipa but they do exist.
you can live with one thousands dollars every month in Ecuador.😍 that is great, comparing to the States. If you want to live over 100 years old go to Vilcabamba....no to far from Cuenca!
How gud can you live with 1 grand a month? 🤔
Tony Montana you can afford a made that’s how good. Lol I’m really thinking about it lol
When COVID-19 reaches Vilcabamba, you'll have to subtract 10 years. ;)
Just don't be an ignorant expat, respect that you're in a spanish speaking country with different traditions. Vilcabamba has been overrun with Americans who move there, don't try to learn spanish, expect the locals to change to suit their lives and expectations they've imported from their entitled, first-world lives in the US, buy up property and driving up costs far above what the locals can afford, start stores and restaurants with high American costs for service again that the locals can't afford, and still pay staff, maids, etc low wages effectively blocking the locals from participating and enjoying success in their own economy.
@@robertgeorge2170 ah so like reverse of what happens in the States because politicians and corporations deliberately flood the US labor market with cheap labor from south of the border including Central and South America driving down wages and a large majority of those people refuse to learn or speak English?
I can't Express how great your content is
Thanks!
You guys are a great couple. Very positive enjoying life.
Personally I think you are very brave. My son would like me to move there and live with he and his wife. It’s hard to learn another language. Of course understanding culture is far harder than the language. Then learning numbers in Spanish I found hard while there for a few months. I get too homesick and it costs thousands to get home to my country. But my biggest problem was being unable to put toilet paper down the toilet but rather having to put it in a plastic bag that is collected every day. I wonder how you find that? Sewerage pipes are badly layed so one doesn’t want to clog the system up. I too enjoyed my few days in Quenca. I too found their butcher skills in presenting well cut meat are non-existent. But it is a truly beautiful country.