I love that you can put yourself out there. Not many people can or will do that. As your sister, I’ve seen you grow in so many ways because of your fearless approach to life. If something appeals to you, you try with gusto. Sometimes it works out and sometimes it doesn’t. Don’t be hard on yourself, you deserve happiness and I believe you found it through your move to Ecuador. No matter where you live, there are challenge. I’m glad you at least can refrigerate your food and have access to a fan. Hang in there sweetie. This too shall pass!
The cartels are very wealthy and very powerful. They have their own armies. Ecuador is a convenient base of operations for them. It will take a long time, a lot of money, and a lot of fighting to rid Ecuador of the cartels. I hope, for the sake of all who live in Ecuador, that Ecuador wins the battle against the cartels.
I'm not optimistic. Look at the impotence of the Mexican government. Obrador is a phony who pretends to care about justice but doesn't give a crap to go to war against the cartels. His successor won't be any better. His predecessors were failures. I don't see how Ecuador will eliminate the scourge in the long run. There has to be a joint concerted effort amongst all the countries involved.
hello friend. I was a PC volunteer in Ecuador more than 30 years ago. The PC tried to assign me to the coast. However, I was able to manage have them transferred me to the Andes area. after that. I didn't have no more issues with water shortage, sweating and lack of ac. Also, less crime. Good luck.😅👍
Yes, I am in Cuenca and I am glad now, but many times I was thinking about warmth and sea in Manta, I go there sometimes for few days but then I am always happy to be back in Cuenca. Also apartments or houses are more expensive then in Cuenca.
Brother you had me rolling when you said you wanted to squish the Geico lizard 😂 Thanks for the story time and remember that you still have friends here, I’m still here 😁
Thanks for your honesty and telling it like it is. Been in Ecuador almost a year now and even with some of the problems we are staying. Been without water a few times and on the electricity rationing. Been stuck in the elevator once when power was lost and thanks to a good friend with me she pried the doors open and we were able to get out since the emergency alarm didn't work. Ecuador is definitely challenging.
Thanks Don…. Life is easier in the Highlands. Out of the need for air conditioning and elevators situation’s and scary gun noise. Some areas have plenty of Expat support …. You and I are the same age so we are in similar situations, we all need to rethink our situations I just sold my big touring motorcycle….it was just time
Hang it there Don. Things may suck right now and they may get worse but they will surely get better. The electricity will come back, there'll be ice cream at the mall and most importantly, President Noboa will defeat the cartels. Ecuador is a beautiful country with a lot going for it.
The cool thing is your not alone on this Don, we are all going thru the same thing together, I think your a boss for riding this out, I'm sure it will be over soon
Don, for the last 2 days, I watched both of your latest videos and listened to your insightful comments. My take is simple life is about getting the best of it., No matter where you are. You found your nirvana in Ecuador and have a wonderful GF. What else a man would need more?
It's a complicated world we live in. When the electricity goes , put on a wet t-shirt. It really makes a difference in cooling you off. I'm off to vote SI tomorrow rain or shine 😊
Hi Don. It’s a sad world we are living in, but we have to make the best of it. We think the grass is greener on the other side, but it is not. We really have to live in the moment. Live and love every moment and everyone with the good and the bad. Enjoy, my friend you’re moments 😊
Wow. You are back in Ecuador! People are voting for change. Hope the answer is yes to all but 11 question. Is about casinos. They do not do much. Just create poverty. Ask NO in the US of St L.
It was in Santa Marianita. There are numerous stories about what actually happened and it's a most unfortunate situation. The bottom line is that the guy tried to be a hero and it cost him his life. Around here, it's better to be a live coward than a dead hero.
Not sure what exactly happened in his tragic situation but "resisting" might've been a gut reaction...my automatic reaction when a thief approached me (pulled over on the side of the road having to manually enter my credit card number *i hate iphones now*) was to put it in drive and floor it. Turns out this thing had a gun, pulled the trigger and shot at me through the passenger side window. Bullet ricocheted off the dash and steering column and barely grazed my left bicep. I thank God every day that I got away unscathed.
Hey Don, as far as I am concerned, if it sucks, it sucks. Human nature will have you looking for ways to distract yourself or cope if there is nothing you can do to control or fix the situation. I'm thinking, if I were there, I might take a walk on the beach as it might be cooler there. All you can do is pray for rain, I guess. One thing I know for sure is that there are problems everywhere. The drug cartel situation is very serious. But I like to believe that good will overcome evil and it usually does at some point. The question about staying or leaving, as I see it, is why did you choose there in the first place and is it working for you? What you needed 3 years ago could be different from what you need now. And how safe do you feel? I don't know if any of this is helpful. Just know you are not alone.
Hi Don, I hope you're hanging in there. When you have a moment and an improvement in the power situation, would you please consider adding Spanish subtitles to this video. Thanks and have a good day.
Do you have a pool at your condo? You could sit in the water while sipping a margarita instead of sitting in your hot living room. Or you could go body surfing in the ocean across the street, or get out your camera and drive around with your A/C on taking some cool photos, sound good? I am so envious you live by the ocean its hard to feel sorry for you, LOL!! Keep your videis coming, You’re the best 😊
Catch the ball Don lmao. Love it!....what do they do with the ice cream after it's melted and refrozen several days in a row? I'd be a little disappointed too, but it may be a blessing in disguise. Cheers
Bought ice cream at an Oxxo in central México the other day and became ill shortly thereafter. Pretty certain it melted and was frozen again right before the taste changed due to spoiling. Suffice to say I won't be buying ice cream there anymore lol
True that ..I try very hard not to invest in other people's property. If worse comes to worse I sit in my car with the Aircon running and watch RUclips videos. Best wishes from central Mexico...perfect weather aside from the month of May lol
Don, you have a good heart. 💜 It sounds like you felt compelled to buy the motorcycle, more out of consideration and sympathy towards the man with cancer than your actual desire to have that particular motorcycle. Seems it was meant to be since you were able to turn around and sell it quickly at the same price. Sometimes we just have to do what we feel prompted to do and what we feel is right...we never know how our actions may impact others for good.
This is so true. Ever since I retired, I felt I was sent to Ecuador to meet my girlfriend, meet and help Mark Bradbury, and I was sent back to Mesa, to help my friend Carmen and help that gentleman sell his bike so he could liquidate his assets. Throughout my life, I was never really known for being the most generous or helpful kind of a guy. I just pretty much stayed to myself and didn't get involved. I'm not proud of that fact.
Sorry the bike didn’t work out. , Don. Maybe you can try again sometime. Who knows why things turn out like this?! I would be more pissed off than you are with heat and no ac, particularly on a high floor. I’m still planning to come when I have time. But these problems make me hesitate moving a little. Just have to come down to check it out. Take care of yourself, Don!
I can't imagine being more miserable than being without AC when it's so hot. You seem to like the warmer weather, though, but maybe not this hot. So glad you were able to sell the motorcycle and not lose money. Hang in there. This too shall pass.
Don Shader is MR Positive! When you consider what shit has happened there, consider that we had an insurrection in DC..... There are not any perfect places. Hope you get some relief, soon. Keep well, my friend.
I love that you can put yourself out there. Not many people can or will do that. As your sister, I’ve seen you grow in so many ways because of your fearless approach to life. If something appeals to you, you try with gusto. Sometimes it works out and sometimes it doesn’t. Don’t be hard on yourself, you deserve happiness and I believe you found it through your move to Ecuador. No matter where you live, there are challenge. I’m glad you at least can refrigerate your food and have access to a fan. Hang in there sweetie. This too shall pass!
The cartels are very wealthy and very powerful. They have their own armies. Ecuador is a convenient base of operations for them. It will take a long time, a lot of money, and a lot of fighting to rid Ecuador of the cartels. I hope, for the sake of all who live in Ecuador, that Ecuador wins the battle against the cartels.
I'm not optimistic. Look at the impotence of the Mexican government. Obrador is a phony who pretends to care about justice but doesn't give a crap to go to war against the cartels. His successor won't be any better. His predecessors were failures. I don't see how Ecuador will eliminate the scourge in the long run. There has to be a joint concerted effort amongst all the countries involved.
Genuinely awesome! Love listening to you!
hello friend. I was a PC volunteer in Ecuador more than 30 years ago. The PC tried to assign me to the coast. However, I was able to manage have them transferred me to the Andes area. after that. I didn't have no more issues with water shortage, sweating and lack of ac. Also, less crime. Good luck.😅👍
Yes, I am in Cuenca and I am glad now, but many times I was thinking about warmth and sea in Manta, I go there sometimes for few days but then I am always happy to be back in Cuenca. Also apartments or houses are more expensive then in Cuenca.
Don, I just wanted you to know that you are a good person.
You’ve still got your sense of humour Don the crap will pass , great story on the bike 🤠👍
Thanks 👍
Brother you had me rolling when you said you wanted to squish the Geico lizard 😂
Thanks for the story time and remember that you still have friends here, I’m still here 😁
Thanks for your honesty and telling it like it is. Been in Ecuador almost a year now and even with some of the problems we are staying. Been without water a few times and on the electricity rationing. Been stuck in the elevator once when power was lost and thanks to a good friend with me she pried the doors open and we were able to get out since the emergency alarm didn't work. Ecuador is definitely challenging.
In spite of all the problems, it passes.
A good partner is priceless and one can tolerate a lot of outside challenges when the relationship is good. Disfruta Don!
Don ,control yourself, leave that Geico lizard alone. Lol
always good to hear from you Don, stay strong
As long as the beer stays cold!!!!
"I've got no makeup on, you're getting the real Don Shrader here" 😂
Joshua, you are right.. the real Don wearing his curmudgeon suit.. 😢😂😂
Thank You Don. Boquete Panama, here we come.
Thanks Don…. Life is easier in the Highlands.
Out of the need for air conditioning and elevators situation’s and scary gun noise.
Some areas have plenty of Expat support ….
You and I are the same age so we are in similar situations, we all need to rethink our situations
I just sold my big touring motorcycle….it was just time
Good deal on the bike! (they call that style a crotch rocket for a reason. lol)
Well it kinda looks like a crotch rocket but it really isn't. It's classified as a sport touring bike.
Hang it there Don. Things may suck right now and they may get worse but they will surely get better. The electricity will come back, there'll be ice cream at the mall and most importantly, President Noboa will defeat the cartels. Ecuador is a beautiful country with a lot going for it.
I like your attitude. Thanks for the encouragement.
Hey Don, you should be too down and out. At least you have some ice cold beer in the fridge.
The cool thing is your not alone on this Don, we are all going thru the same thing together, I think your a boss for riding this out, I'm sure it will be over soon
Don, for the last 2 days, I watched both of your latest videos and listened to your insightful comments. My take is simple life is about getting the best of it., No matter where you are. You found your nirvana in Ecuador and have a wonderful GF. What else a man would need more?
We got stuck in the elevator today and we have a generator in our building too…Scary! Stay cool Don!
oh my,,,,Rob.
It's a complicated world we live in. When the electricity goes , put on a wet t-shirt. It really makes a difference in cooling you off. I'm off to vote SI tomorrow rain or shine 😊
Seriously? That sounds super uncomfortable, unless it was said in jest lol
Don-I wish you well--you appear to be slowing going down hill. I think you need some kind of change--good luck!
Hi Don. It’s a sad world we are living in, but we have to make the best of it. We think the grass is greener on the other side, but it is not. We really have to live in the moment. Live and love every moment and everyone with the good and the bad. Enjoy, my friend you’re moments 😊
Al que obra bien le va bien ,esto pasará
I was soooo close to moving to Ecuador . So glad I did not.
Yeah don't waste your time or your money.
@@DonShader Keep up the good work!
All shall passed!
Great post--honest and thoughtful, as usual.
Stella is the straw that stirs the drink.
Sorry you're sad/down tonight. Put on your favorite musical artist and grab a few beers and relax.
Wow. You are back in Ecuador! People are voting for change. Hope the answer is yes to all but 11 question. Is about casinos. They do not do much. Just create poverty. Ask NO in the US of St L.
I don’t want Ecuador to become like the U.S.
Casinos make wealth for a few while creating poverty for many.
Don’t want it, don’t need it.
Gotta have a conscience, right? I think she is great as well and it sure is nice to have a good friend.
Be careful, Don. Yesterday, a 70 year old American man was shot to death in Manta over a robbery.
M6 mistake, It's like 15 minutes outside of Manta
It was in Santa Marianita. There are numerous stories about what actually happened and it's a most unfortunate situation. The bottom line is that the guy tried to be a hero and it cost him his life. Around here, it's better to be a live coward than a dead hero.
Not sure what exactly happened in his tragic situation but "resisting" might've been a gut reaction...my automatic reaction when a thief approached me (pulled over on the side of the road having to manually enter my credit card number *i hate iphones now*) was to put it in drive and floor it. Turns out this thing had a gun, pulled the trigger and shot at me through the passenger side window. Bullet ricocheted off the dash and steering column and barely grazed my left bicep. I thank God every day that I got away unscathed.
Don, Ace is saying that the blackouts could last even as far as several months off and on. So sad!
I thought it was a great story Don. Thanks for sharing.
You feel the way about that GEICO lizard that I do about SpongeBob SquarePants Lol
No ice cream?? The inhumanity! This electricity crisis is out of hand! 😅
You are a good man!!
Hey Don, as far as I am concerned, if it sucks, it sucks. Human nature will have you looking for ways to distract yourself or cope if there is nothing you can do to control or fix the situation. I'm thinking, if I were there, I might take a walk on the beach as it might be cooler there. All you can do is pray for rain, I guess. One thing I know for sure is that there are problems everywhere. The drug cartel situation is very serious. But I like to believe that good will overcome evil and it usually does at some point. The question about staying or leaving, as I see it, is why did you choose there in the first place and is it working for you? What you needed 3 years ago could be different from what you need now. And how safe do you feel? I don't know if any of this is helpful. Just know you are not alone.
I don't feel safe here in Manta at all.
I hope you are visiting the neighboring countries to compare(Peru, Colombia, Argentina, etc).
You’re a good man Don.
Hi Don, I hope you're hanging in there.
When you have a moment and an improvement
in the power situation, would you please consider
adding Spanish subtitles to this video.
Thanks and have a good day.
I thought I did. I'll check.
Opps, sorry. I forgot. Fixed now.
@@DonShader Many thanks my friend!
Hang in there Don, it will pass, good times are on the way.
Do you have a pool at your condo? You could sit in the water while sipping a margarita instead of sitting in your hot living room. Or you could go body surfing in the ocean across the street, or get out your camera and drive around with your A/C on taking some cool photos, sound good? I am so envious you live by the ocean its hard to feel sorry for you, LOL!! Keep your videis coming, You’re the best 😊
O M G! Judy, come here. Live here for a year and see if you feel the same way.
The pool is most likely crowded with families and kids. Quite annoying if you're trying to relax.
Catch the ball Don lmao. Love it!....what do they do with the ice cream after it's melted and refrozen several days in a row? I'd be a little disappointed too, but it may be a blessing in disguise. Cheers
Bought ice cream at an Oxxo in central México the other day and became ill shortly thereafter. Pretty certain it melted and was frozen again right before the taste changed due to spoiling. Suffice to say I won't be buying ice cream there anymore lol
It sounds to move on, go visit Argentina, I heard the dollar is stronger over there. I can't wait to visit those countries later this year.
Thanks for sharing the story ❤
I’m not a fan of the limey lizard 🦎 as well 😂
Thanks for watching!
Would you be able to install your own eco-go battery backup in the condo?
Sure I could but why bother. It's not my place and I don't think it could handle the AC.
True that ..I try very hard not to invest in other people's property. If worse comes to worse I sit in my car with the Aircon running and watch RUclips videos.
Best wishes from central Mexico...perfect weather aside from the month of May lol
how long to get drivers license renewal??
Five years
Don, you have a good heart. 💜 It sounds like you felt compelled to buy the motorcycle, more out of consideration and sympathy towards the man with cancer than your actual desire to have that particular motorcycle. Seems it was meant to be since you were able to turn around and sell it quickly at the same price. Sometimes we just have to do what we feel prompted to do and what we feel is right...we never know how our actions may impact others for good.
This is so true.
Ever since I retired, I felt I was sent to Ecuador to meet my girlfriend, meet and help Mark Bradbury, and I was sent back to Mesa, to help my friend Carmen and help that gentleman sell his bike so he could liquidate his assets. Throughout my life, I was never really known for being the most generous or helpful kind of a guy. I just pretty much stayed to myself and didn't get involved.
I'm not proud of that fact.
Sorry the bike didn’t work out. , Don. Maybe you can try again sometime. Who knows why things turn out like this?!
I would be more pissed off than you are with heat and no ac, particularly on a high floor.
I’m still planning to come when I have time. But these problems make me hesitate moving a little. Just have to come down to check it out.
Take care of yourself, Don!
Be smart and come for a lengthy visit, then you will know.
I can't imagine being more miserable than being without AC when it's so hot. You seem to like the warmer weather, though, but maybe not this hot. So glad you were able to sell the motorcycle and not lose money. Hang in there. This too shall pass.
Why don’t you think about moving to colombia
There isn't enough money to make me move to Columbia. There are many more better choices.
Don! With all that heat and no ac, think of it on the bright side! Its got the same effect as a sauna with great health benefits!😅
I'm still interested in your thoughts on Mexico.
... Add this too will pass.
Don Shader is MR Positive! When you consider what shit has happened there, consider that we had an insurrection in DC..... There are not any perfect places. Hope you get some relief, soon. Keep well, my friend.
See you in September 🙂
Looking forward to it.
I know you don't want to hear this - Andes: cleaner, cooler, safer...
Breathing!