Hey Don I’ve been following you off and on. I wanted to say…. You entertain people and I feel make a difference in lives. You make people feel good, that’s a gift. I’m trying to learn to be really like you. Hopefully to make a difference.
As a retired couple it’s impossible to make ends meet on SSI. It’s a sad situation and I can’t wait to get to Ecuador and start living a much better quality of life. Costs have gone through the roof in the US.
Oh my God the prices in U.S.! Wow, I'm having 2 eggs, smoked bacon, sausage, potatoes, toast and jelly, hot chocolate, freshly made juice for $7.50 in Manta this morning. And you know I can do it for even less at the local places.
Absolutely I know. And the sad part is that the restaurants are packed. People are waiting outside in the cold (at least cold for this climate) just to get in and pay the inflated prices. Even worse, the food isn't all that good.
Hey Don, Make sure you stop in to the 40th St. Cafe for breakfast, and also Chompies on Cactus. Chompies has amazing omelettes and pastrami sandwiches.
Thank you for the update. We have family in Guayaquil and Quito. Things are much safer in Quito. The family in Guayaquil is a bit on edge (they're lived there their entire lives, and things have never been like this!). We're planning to go to Quito later this year (our annual visit) but will wait until things are at least as they were October 2023. Florida is a bit cold today, but we're thankful to be safe.
Just came back from 2 week trip to Equador -we were in Quito when it started and were flying out of Quito - last 2 days there. If not for the news and the gates around presidential palace (the guards will still let you walk about and take pictures) I wouldn’t know there was this difficult situation there. People are honest and don’t try to up price you because you are a tourist, they offer lots for the price you pay (4 times less than in Canada). We felt safe everywhere- keep my bag close and don’t walk out at dark - but other than that - no issue. No issues at the airport either. I get more hassle at Canadian airport because size of my shampoo is too big!
For the first time since January 9, some Ecuador schools, public and private, are returning to in person instruction Monday. The Ministry of Education makes the decisions on which schools and released a list of criteria they consider. However, multiple schools in Cuenca appeared to meet all the criteria to return to in person instruction yet were told by the Ministry of Education to remain virtual. Speculation on the reason for this is rampant, but we're still wanting on official information. You just need to look back to the pandemic to see the negative impact virtual school had on kids and families, so hopefully Ecuador can get more kids back in school in person soon. We don't want the medicine to be worse than the sickness.
Don, thanks for sharing this moment with us. The updates are getting to you bit by bit. I heard of an arrest in Cordoba Argentina, not sure about the details. It appears that Fito's family would have found refuge in AR and got caught. You might hear about it.
@@DonShader They are putting pressure on those thugs, but I'm afraid the current situation in ECUADOR 🇪🇨 will last a long time. Your updates are appreciated and very à propos.
im going over there in march and I dont wanna cancel but everyone's telling me I should. They think its too dangerous to go, on other hand I think its even safer now than ever since its under military lockdown ..
Sorry about Equador - I live part time in Brazil where I am know. Please dont compare restaurant costs - Between North + South America as you must know pay down here is wildly different then what workers earn back home. Again sorry about your problems in Equador - a good friend retired to Cuenca
Costs have gone through the roof in most Western countries.. The trick is to save money. Not to go out to eat often. Not to purchase everything in sight.. Not to leave the a/c and lights on 24/7.. People need to save their hard earned cash for a rainy day and retirement!
I could not agree more. I'm seriouslessly shocked at how packed the restaurants are considering what it cost to eat in them right now. Not to mention all the super expensive cars I see running around here. I'm sure Americans are deep in debt right now, more than ever before.
I lived across the street from cold beer and cheeseburgers and all i see when I saw that sign was that the cheeseburgers would be cold! Never could think about affording to eat there!
Don...Do you mean the almost 30 minute video by Newsmakers "Can Ecuador put and end to years of escalating crime and stability" as I don't see a link? Maybe I am overlooking it.
Yes it is. The link I provided is to the FB page that includes the link to the actual video. I'll add a link to the specific video to the description. Thanks for the heads up.
USD$3.78 a US gallon? Hmmm, I wish it was that cheap here in New Zealand. Filled up with 91 octane three days ago, was NZD$2.82 per litre. That converts to USD$6.53 per US gallon. Enjoy your cheap fuel while you can.
@@DonShaderI do enjoy your videos Don. I am also seriously considering retiring somewhere in Central or South America, in three years time. So channels like yours really help. Thank you! Biggest worries I have is healthcare and learning Spanish. I hope things settle down and you can return home soon.
My favorite and habitual eat out experience is always breakfast. I stopped at the store on the way home today and bought Bananas, cereal, and milk. For breakfast.
@don shader we aren't missing Manta too much! We had real Mexican today in Cuenca and took a long walk along the river. But being Phoenicians we are still finding it rather cold! Probably doesn't help that we are in the basement. It's a beautiful building right on the river in old town right near Sunrise. But its COLD.
I can’t go to Ecuador or any other place but “sit in my room” is exactly my life here in Alaska. I thought of going to Mexico just for vacation and then thought what would I do there? Sit in a hotel room for a week? Probably so. That wouldn’t be any different from my life here so what would be the point? Not that I would be able to make such a trip anyway.
I am. I'm very sad and getting seriously depressed. I'm not enjoying this at all. Thanks Terry for noticing but don't worry, it's all going to work out.
I was in Panama October/ November when they had Civil unrest, roads on fire , blocked, border & airport shut , you just ride it out, leaving should not be choice when you have casa, hope you go back , remember they need your $
I'm going back. I never said in any of my videos that I'm leaving for good. I'm taking a much needed vacation which is being extended a little because of the emergency.
![Chino Pacas - Modo Capone (with Drake & Fuerza Regida) [Video Oficial]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/zjv8TQ0gBkg/mqdefault.jpg)
![Oscar Maydon x Fuerza Regida - Tu Boda [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/_ymicn0_GYc/mqdefault.jpg)
Hey Don I’ve been following you off and on. I wanted to say…. You entertain people and I feel make a difference in lives. You make people feel good, that’s a gift. I’m trying to learn to be really like you. Hopefully to make a difference.
Thank you Matt. That made me get a little emotional. I appreciate that very much.
Take care my friend.
-Don
As a retired couple it’s impossible to make ends meet on SSI. It’s a sad situation and I can’t wait to get to Ecuador and start living a much better quality of life. Costs have gone through the roof in the US.
Hi, Don, been looking to see and hear you. Thabks!
Oh my God the prices in U.S.! Wow, I'm having 2 eggs, smoked bacon, sausage, potatoes, toast and jelly, hot chocolate, freshly made juice for $7.50 in Manta this morning. And you know I can do it for even less at the local places.
Absolutely I know. And the sad part is that the restaurants are packed. People are waiting outside in the cold (at least cold for this climate) just to get in and pay the inflated prices. Even worse, the food isn't all that good.
Even though you a little grumpy most of the times, you bring a lot of useful information and always enjoy watching your videos!
I appreciate that!
Hey Don, Make sure you stop in to the 40th St. Cafe for breakfast, and also Chompies on Cactus. Chompies has amazing omelettes and pastrami sandwiches.
Thank you for the update. We have family in Guayaquil and Quito. Things are much safer in Quito. The family in Guayaquil is a bit on edge (they're lived there their entire lives, and things have never been like this!). We're planning to go to Quito later this year (our annual visit) but will wait until things are at least as they were October 2023. Florida is a bit cold today, but we're thankful to be safe.
Thanks Don!
Just came back from 2 week trip to Equador -we were in Quito when it started and were flying out of Quito - last 2 days there. If not for the news and the gates around presidential palace (the guards will still let you walk about and take pictures) I wouldn’t know there was this difficult situation there. People are honest and don’t try to up price you because you are a tourist, they offer lots for the price you pay (4 times less than in Canada). We felt safe everywhere- keep my bag close and don’t walk out at dark - but other than that - no issue. No issues at the airport either. I get more hassle at Canadian airport because size of my shampoo is too big!
Good to hear from you brother and glad things are well. Can’t wait to see the reverse culture shock video if you’re planning on doing it.
Not supposed to work on vacations. But we certainly appreciate it. Enjoy your stay.
It's a working vacation. :-)
For the first time since January 9, some Ecuador schools, public and private, are returning to in person instruction Monday. The Ministry of Education makes the decisions on which schools and released a list of criteria they consider. However, multiple schools in Cuenca appeared to meet all the criteria to return to in person instruction yet were told by the Ministry of Education to remain virtual. Speculation on the reason for this is rampant, but we're still wanting on official information. You just need to look back to the pandemic to see the negative impact virtual school had on kids and families, so hopefully Ecuador can get more kids back in school in person soon. We don't want the medicine to be worse than the sickness.
Don, thanks for sharing this moment with us. The updates are getting to you bit by bit. I heard of an arrest in Cordoba Argentina, not sure about the details. It appears that Fito's family would have found refuge in AR and got caught. You might hear about it.
I did hear about it and I also read that they are being extradited back to EC.
@@DonShader They are putting pressure on those thugs, but I'm afraid the current situation in ECUADOR 🇪🇨 will last a long time. Your updates are appreciated and very à propos.
I heard a car alarm yesterday and thought of you 😅😂hopefully you can enjoy your visit in Arizona ❤
Minimum Wages in Ecuador increased to 460 USD/Month in 2024 from 450 USD/Month in 2023.
im going over there in march and I dont wanna cancel but everyone's telling me I should. They think its too dangerous to go, on other hand I think its even safer now than ever since its under military lockdown ..
Saw Stella in Supermaxi. She looked great. I'm glad she's feeling better. Told her she's welcome to come see us any time
At least you have your Skateboard with ya...
I can just see me trying to ride that thing.
Sorry about Equador - I live part time in Brazil where I am know. Please dont compare restaurant costs - Between North + South America as you must know pay down here is wildly different then what workers earn back home. Again sorry about your problems in Equador - a good friend retired to Cuenca
Hoping to see next video: you on that skate board.
Costs have gone through the roof in most Western countries.. The trick is to save money. Not to go out to eat often. Not to purchase everything in sight.. Not to leave the a/c and lights on 24/7.. People need to save their hard earned cash for a rainy day and retirement!
I could not agree more. I'm seriouslessly shocked at how packed the restaurants are considering what it cost to eat in them right now. Not to mention all the super expensive cars I see running around here. I'm sure Americans are deep in debt right now, more than ever before.
I lived across the street from cold beer and cheeseburgers and all i see when I saw that sign was that the cheeseburgers would be cold! Never could think about affording to eat there!
Don...Do you mean the almost 30 minute video by Newsmakers "Can Ecuador put and end to years of escalating crime and stability" as I don't see a link? Maybe I am overlooking it.
Yes it is. The link I provided is to the FB page that includes the link to the actual video.
I'll add a link to the specific video to the description. Thanks for the heads up.
🎉
Oink is not too bad, costs for food is ridiculous in AZ
USD$3.78 a US gallon? Hmmm, I wish it was that cheap here in New Zealand. Filled up with 91 octane three days ago, was NZD$2.82 per litre. That converts to USD$6.53 per US gallon. Enjoy your cheap fuel while you can.
And it's $2.40 a gallon in Ecuador.
@@DonShaderI do enjoy your videos Don. I am also seriously considering retiring somewhere in Central or South America, in three years time. So channels like yours really help. Thank you! Biggest worries I have is healthcare and learning Spanish. I hope things settle down and you can return home soon.
It has become horribly expensive to eat out in USA. May the restaurants lose business for their greed!
My favorite and habitual eat out experience is always breakfast. I stopped at the store on the way home today and bought Bananas, cereal, and milk. For breakfast.
Im a little skeptical. Not of the price of the dinner, i have been back to visit. But you said you had one beer. Im skeptical
Just joking
Are you missing Ecuador?
Yes, a little.
I would imagine ❤
@don shader we aren't missing Manta too much! We had real Mexican today in Cuenca and took a long walk along the river. But being Phoenicians we are still finding it rather cold! Probably doesn't help that we are in the basement. It's a beautiful building right on the river in old town right near Sunrise. But its COLD.
Did you see as of the 17th there has been 1975 people arrested and $5,698 confiscated. That is $2.88 per person! Enough said.
No, I have not heard that. What's your source?
I can’t go to Ecuador or any other place but “sit in my room” is exactly my life here in Alaska. I thought of going to Mexico just for vacation and then thought what would I do there? Sit in a hotel room for a week? Probably so. That wouldn’t be any different from my life here so what would be the point? Not that I would be able to make such a trip anyway.
Come visit me in Colombia. If exercise, rum and sex won't satisfy you then you may be beyond help.
You seem so sad, Don.
I am. I'm very sad and getting seriously depressed. I'm not enjoying this at all.
Thanks Terry for noticing but don't worry, it's all going to work out.
Don,has jump ship too 😅
You're not paying attention. Don will be very ready to leave PHX as soon as he gets it out of his system.
Another one that pays no attention.
I was in Panama October/ November when they had Civil unrest, roads on fire , blocked, border & airport shut , you just ride it out, leaving should not be choice when you have casa, hope you go back , remember they need your $
I'm going back. I never said in any of my videos that I'm leaving for good. I'm taking a much needed vacation which is being extended a little because of the emergency.