carlmiller1944

Less than 1 hour without traffic. I solicited the services of the guy who drives for Hogar de la Abuelo in my neighborhood. That way I had flexibility to also visit other places in Yunguilla without the hassle of waiting for a taxi or standing on ... Read More

Rob supports my efforts to provide healthy organic fruits and vegetables to the children. One of his venues for marketing is next to my house so as a courtesy to me he delivers every Monday. I too am looking forward to the eggs from his free range ... Read More

OrganicMom, You are correct. I never thought about it but southeast would be a good description. By the way, I provide food for underprivileged children as well as health and dental care that is not covered by the government. You might be ... Read More

I can't believe some of posts I am reading here suggesting that my rent is so low because I live in a dump or that a family could not live as cheaply. Let me explain how I came to live in Cuenca and specifically el Vergel. Prior to formally ... Read More

Barrio el Vergel is just south of the Tomebamba roughly bordered by 12 de Abril on the north, Las Herrarias on the east and avenida Solano on the west. I don't know the exact boundaries but it is south of Parque de la Madre. I have lived in el ... Read More

I am extremely happy in Cuenca. Every day I wake up looking forward to new adventures and interacting with the local people. All of my needs are taken care of from maintenance to healthcare. Someone else always works on my behalf to solve any ... Read More

The defining issue is healthcare and since that is the case, my recommendation is definitely Cuenca. I can walk a short distance to the clinic or the hospital and my healthcare is provided free of charge as a permanent resident. In an emergency I ... Read More

My friends and I could not entertain the thought of living anywhere else. We are especially impressed with the free health care system the government provides for us and you do not even have to be over 65. Life here in Cuenca is tranquil, safe and ... Read More

Wow! You can get exactly the same in Barrio el Vergel for $380/mo fully furnished all utilities, WiFi, cable in high end, secure, tranquil neighborhood with house keeping, laundry service available for extra $20. Read More

Culture shock, what culture shock ? I have traveled around the world and someone else said it before me, the only culture shock experienced was living in America. A salesman from Brazil told me before coming to Ecuador, "use a lot of gracias ... Read More

Good for you AMIGA! I happen to be living in the now and not some alternate past or future universe ! Read More

I'm sorry to hear of your plight Nataly. I know a few Columbians who work hard and make a good living. I know only one Cuban, a heart surgeon. The only Mexicans I know have high end restaurants and are married to locals. I have heard anecdotes ... Read More

I live in Cuenca, Ecuador. Know what you must pay ahead of time. Ever since the government required taxis to have meters the service has improved with no ambiguities. I know how much to pay from point A to point B. Some rentals will charge more for ... Read More

I have no complaints concerning my life in Ecuador. Every time the government passes a new law that might effect me negatively, I find an alternative. The pollution from diesel engines of buses is a problem and one that I hope someday the government ... Read More

I am happy to say I have never had this experience, although, one time I felt the cashier at the market did not give back the proper change, I had already put it in my pocket mixed with other coin and I decided it was my responsibility to have ... Read More

You need to supply more info as there are many factors to consider and every bank has it's own rules. Are you retired and over 65 ? Do you have a cedula ? Where in Ecuador do you live ? Do you have a checking account in the U.S. ? I can go to ... Read More

If your coming to Cuenca the person to contact is; Carlos Heredia 0996110620 072455156 cherediaf@gmail.com He worked for me and took care of everything. I did however follow the instructions from the Ecuadorean Embassy in DC and visited the ... Read More

I would never withdraw a large sum of money anywhere in Ecuador. That having been said, my friend whose purse was rifled on a crowded bus after withdrawing a large sum was informed by the investigating officer that you need only dial 911 and request ... Read More

Dear Dan & Annette, Hi ! My name is Carl Miller and I live in Cuenca, Ecuador. I have been here 18 months and love every minute it. First off, let me say that you can email the Ecuadorean Embassy in D.C. and they will send you a downloadable ... Read More

I wholeheartedly agree with Cuenca. I am in my second year here in this tranquil and beautiful city. I would not want to live anywhere else. I am happy from the moment I awake to the time I go to bed. Sometimes I just sit and marvel at the beautiful ... Read More

The Tranvia is being built as we speak. I have been inside the cars and control console and it is fabulous. The French engineers are building it but I don't think it will be operational until 2016. San Francisco is said to be a very difficult ... Read More

Paul, During the week I usually eat at La Peseta. The food is very good and consists of the following; Large bowl of soup steaming and a large bowl of popcorn with homemade Aji on the side. Always 2 choices every day of chicken or beef or pork of ... Read More

Your more than welcome Paul. I studied retirement locations for 3 years before deciding on Cuenca. You can spend as much money as you want especially if you want to live in Gringolandia, but that's not for me. I love the locals and if there is ... Read More

I wouldn't need a maid to clean one room. I have a large kitchen with lots of natural lighting, a new GE refrigerator and gas stove. My landlord makes certain I never run out of gas. I have a separate bath with shower. My living area contains my ... Read More

First of all, let me say my son is from China. Secondly my gut reaction is yes, you need a cedula. Read More

I have been in Ecuador for over a year now. I cannot imagine living anywhere else in this world. I could give you 100 things I like about Ecuador, but let me just say this; my monthly rent, which includes all the needs and amenities for living, ... Read More

Hello Janet, I do not understand why you would need a coffee grinder. You can buy freshly ground coffee at any number of places. Yes, small bills are important but depending on how much money you are bringing, they can be cumbersome. I brought ... Read More

I am not suggesting anyone show up without an apostille attached to a birth certificate and marriage certificate and as a matter of fact, I suggested everyone be prepared just in case. I am only relating my experience as well as those who went ... Read More

No I did not have to submit either. I tried giving both to my attorney who said I didn't need them. Still I am cautious and was prepared to give both upon request, which never happened. Carl Read More

I have just been through the process. Because of Presidente Correa's initiative to cut red tape, the Ministerio no longer ask for birth certificate or marriage certificate, instead they will ask you to pay $4.00 during the final stage of receiving ... Read More

There are alternatives to prescription drugs. I've had acupuncture and there is a lady here in Cuenca where I can get treatments. There are herbs, leaves and plants used in traditional healing. I have not had any problems in Ecuador and do not ... Read More

Depends on his definition of drugs. I walked into a farmicia and ask for a pain reliever for my knee. The doctor, yes he has a PhD, made up a compound in the form of a topical cream that I rub into my knee and I can use it on my feet as well. He ... Read More

I have been to Cebu several times and never missed having a car. Same can be said for Cuenca. I have a senior bus pass that cost 12 cents per trip. We visit small towns around Cuenca and spend hours touring in some cases for a total transportation ... Read More

Before I left Texas, I called the local SS office, explained what I needed and they sent proof of income as well as documented history of payments from the time of eligibility. My bank notarized for free and I walked a couple blocks to the Secretary ... Read More

Hola Neil, I called you on the 25th from Guayaquil and again on the 26th from Cuenca. I got the impression you were very busy. My paperwork was approved by the Ministerio and submitted. Just waiting for that email appointment for my visa. Got my ... Read More

It's practical to stay in a hostal to save money. If you want a recommendation based upon my personal experience, send me a private message. I have been in a hostal since July 24 and will probably move to an apartment next week. Everyone here has ... Read More

I'm sure there are tourist places to visit and you will pay tourist prices. My advice. Buy a bus pass and take different bus routes to see the city. Stop at places that interest you. Be adventurous. The entire city has many places of interest on ... Read More

Cuenca is very comfortable and safe in my opinion. I actually like to see the military roaming the streets and I have never seen any weapons except for the bank security. It is colder here than I expected but I just put on more clothes and enjoy ... Read More

Bob, Do your homework. I studied the idea of moving to Ecuador for 2 years. I don't speak Spanish but determined to learn and contacted the school in advance, however, there are enough people who speak English that make you feel comfortable. I have ... Read More

Neil, I did a background check with DPS here in TX for my apartment and job. Fingerprints were taken and submitted to the FBI. I am not taking a chance. I will go the FBI in May and inquire as well as DPS. The email I received March 7 indicated ... Read More

Just heard about the FBI criminal background check and went to their local website. Looks like this is the way to go since it would cover all juristictions in the last 5 years, as apposed to going to each state police entity if you lived in more ... Read More

Theresa Hi! Are you in Cuenca? I was planning on using Neil's Attorney for my 9-I visa. She charges $1,300.00, so if you have an alternative I would appreciate your connection. Thanks, Carl Read More

Edd, Always the voice of reason. I will arrive in Cuenca on July 24. My life will be simplified and Spanish will be a priority. Perhaps you can recommend a language school or teacher. Academic studies for me included 3 years of Latin, so I can ... Read More

Sparticous is correct. I contacted the Ecuadorion Consulate in DC and they sent me all the info I needed for an 9-I visa, and yes, they want the criminal background check no more than 30 days prior to arrival. Carl Read More