@suefrankdahl: good to hear from you, glad you have not given up on your plans to retire here. The best way of doing this, is that you can do everything with your documents in the States, and for Americans it is slightly different than it is for Canadians. Best to check it all out first. There are web sites, which will tell you what all you need. The translation of all documents is preferred here, since the Spanish in every country varies I know of a really nice young lady, working for a Notario down-town Guayaquil, and every set of documents was $11 to be notarized. The translator was excellent, a much elderly dude, but ever so good. $20 a page, but done to perfection. Your consulate and the Ecuadorian consulate near you, will also be able to give you a list of requirements for a Permanent Resident Visa. Once you receive that Visa, you will have to go to another Office across town, to receive your I.D. card, and once you are over 65, there are a few advantages, like price reductions. Make sure your passport is still good for at least a full year. Mine expired, while I was here, and it became one of the biggest hassles, spending much time and money. Mia culpa.There are several places for rent in a gated community called "Villa Club" , not far from where I live, and it is close to shopping and restaurants, which are located in a small strip mall. Very convenient. The rents vary from $350 to $500 a mo. depending on the number of bedrooms [these are actual houses]. Their condo fees are less than $50 a mo.
There are "seguro" taxis available and Samborondon is about 15 min. [$4.00] taxi ride away, where there is a large
Mall. Prices for furniture and household items are high, as they are for cars and applicances. I made do without a TV for 5 mos. and then I went with an Ecuadorian friend to the Bahia, which is a fantastic open market for just about everything. We were able to get a 42inch TV for $600 and a DVD for $55. That was my largest expense so far, but it adds up after buying a fridge [$500], washing machine[$300], large fan [$110], etc. My landlady let me borrow a stove and a few other items, thank goodness.
I am not too sure about towns along the coast. I have only seen Salinas so far, and I was not at all impressed. But then again, I am not a beach type. I love it in the lower mountain range near Bucay. The part-time teaching job was sort of a fluke. I had walked into a private elementary school next to where I live, to ask about someone, who might be able to teach me Spanish after school. I was hired immediately as an English teacher for their high-school in Samborondon.. Now, apparently, they are getting a tad stricter with the qualifications. I only did this this for about 3 mos. At my age [close to 70], working was really not on my agenda. But I did it, because I still love teaching and it was a lot of fun. Let me know, what you decide to do. September is not really that far off. Kind regards, Amber
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