pensionado
Canadian looking for information about Ecuador
Forum posts
52
Contacts
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About me
Canadian
Lives in Calgary
Speaks English, Spanish, a bit of French
Registration: 05 November 2012
Robbed/Scammed By Farmer's Market Vendor by wlae84
This really has been bothering me. I have to get this off my chest... So I went to the farmer's market yesterday. I gave the old lady 50 cents and took 5 oranges. She took the oranges out of my bag, put them back in the bin. And then put her ...
Just to add to the "caveat emptor" theme...recently, while taking a cab in Quito, the driver asked if I wd be willing to change his $20 Bill for 2 $10. So being the trusty Canadian, I obliged...only to find out later at the restaurant, ... Read More
Robbed of Big Bucks in Broad Daylight After Leaving a Quito Bank! by cccmedia
Today on the "Roommate" thread, J K. told us that his wife was robbed in Quito in 2014. "Someone followed her from the bank after she made a large withdrawal and robbed her in a busy area in broad daylight," he reported. This ...
Well,good to be back in Ecuador once again, Quito for a few days in any case before heading out for adventures. Let me just say I learned a valuable lesson on my cab ride from the airport:when the cab driver asked if I had change for a $20 bill. ... Read More
The unofficial web page of the greater Cuenca expat community by Nards Barley
I designate this thread as the unofficial web page for the Cuenca Expat community. I also designate myself as the unoffical spokesperson. It is actually a continuation of my [url=https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=224582]non-blog[/url], ...
Good story, Nards. I did enjoy Vilca, especially the guided horseback ride into Podocarpus ($40) but found a place where the bus drops you off right near the restaurant across from the outdoor mercado...$6/night. I will be visiting Loja later thus ... Read More
The unofficial web page of the greater Cuenca expat community by Nards Barley
I designate this thread as the unofficial web page for the Cuenca Expat community. I also designate myself as the unoffical spokesperson. It is actually a continuation of my [url=https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=224582]non-blog[/url], ...
SJpersonal note: I highly recommend you spend a bit of time in your chosen location before relocating. Your enthusiasm is admirable. But if you plan to retire to Cuenca then flip flops will not be part of your daily wear I can assure you. Great ... Read More
español for Gringos by cccmedia
Let's find out if there's interest in a thread for folks who want to share or expand what they know about the Spanish language. I'm thinking tips, trix, quirks, observations, embarrassing moments, triumphal moments, and other encounters ...
...add to the list of new learnings Dios mio=my God Que hubo?= what's up Hasta la proxima= until next time Read More
español for Gringos by cccmedia
Let's find out if there's interest in a thread for folks who want to share or expand what they know about the Spanish language. I'm thinking tips, trix, quirks, observations, embarrassing moments, triumphal moments, and other encounters ...
CCCmedia Good summary, excellent Spanish hints: don't forget, if the waiter asks how dinner is going/went 'Sabroso!' (Tasty!) Salud Read More
Golf in Ecuador, where are the places to retire and play golf. by bharris345
My wife and I are going to Ecuador early 2012 and would like to know places to visit that have nice courses. How much are memberships? Do they have homes/condos to rent? Would like to live there for some time before investing in a home. Are there ...
CWV123 So where, more precisely, is the touted golf course located? I am traveling Ecuador next month and wd want to check location and amenities. Gracias PS Costa Jama or Coasta Jama Read More
Golf in Ecuador, where are the places to retire and play golf. by bharris345
My wife and I are going to Ecuador early 2012 and would like to know places to visit that have nice courses. How much are memberships? Do they have homes/condos to rent? Would like to live there for some time before investing in a home. Are there ...
CWV123 So where, more precisely, is the touted golf course located? I am traveling Ecuador next month and wd want to check location and amenities. Gracias Read More
Can I use a Canadian Debit Card in Ecuador to draw cash? by kkppwilkinson
We will be visiting Ecuador and travelling throughout the country for a five week period. We would like to use our Canadian debit card at an interac machine to draw USD cash. Is this possible? If so, is there a specific bank in Ecuador that we ...
Just to add to the comments: note that some bank ATM's have a higher 'service charge' than others. So others living in the larger cities, I.e. Quito, Guayaquil May be able to specify which are the best ATM's to use. Note that often, ... Read More
Anybody living in Vilcabamba or Loja? by ActionMgt
You never see anything posted about Vilcabamba or Loja on this forum. Just wondering if anybody lives there that could tell me what it's like, if they like it there, and what the availability might be for renting a 2 bedroom small house with 2 ...
Steve I do not believe you will have much luck re: English school for your son in either Vilabamba or Loja. Just my thoughts but you would be better off in Quito, say, but at least the educational requirements wd be met but at the expense of your ... Read More
español for Gringos by cccmedia
Let's find out if there's interest in a thread for folks who want to share or expand what they know about the Spanish language. I'm thinking tips, trix, quirks, observations, embarrassing moments, triumphal moments, and other encounters ...
...one word Pimsleur Por los que tienen miedo.... Read More
español for Gringos by cccmedia
Let's find out if there's interest in a thread for folks who want to share or expand what they know about the Spanish language. I'm thinking tips, trix, quirks, observations, embarrassing moments, triumphal moments, and other encounters ...
A fun thread, this. Permit me to share some pitfalls to avoid with Spanish. Once, in a cab, the taxista asked what I did for a living before retiring. I said that I was employed in "la empresa de pulpo y papel", clear enough for me that I ... Read More
Chucking out Cuenca by bubbaNsissy
Nancy and I are intrigued, we want to plan a trip to put eyes on Cuenca, we could sure use some guidance on getting the skinny about the ups and downs of retiring here. :cool:
Stick Good point you make regarding stay for 10 weeks: anyone wanting the skinny needs to check out the scene (as opposed to chukking out same), wherever before taking the plunge. Sure goes a long way to learning the lingo, or at least a working ... Read More
An Influx to EC From a So. American Country Where It's All Gone Wrong by cccmedia
. Those paying close attention to this blog for Ecuador may have noticed the more frequent appearance lately of the flag of Venesuela alongside the introductions of new members. Though frequently not English-speakers, these folks are seeking ...
Good comments, James. Appears our amigo from Bethlehem is happy to stay put in his cozy manger. And critic from a safe distance... I generally try to stay away from the expat scene, especially in Cuenca, where the majority of the American expats are ... Read More
The unofficial web page of the greater Cuenca expat community by Nards Barley
I designate this thread as the unofficial web page for the Cuenca Expat community. I also designate myself as the unoffical spokesperson. It is actually a continuation of my [url=https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=224582]non-blog[/url], ...
Just a note to all y'all... Columbia is not Colombia, therefore Columbians are not Colombianos, just sayin' Read More
An Influx to EC From a So. American Country Where It's All Gone Wrong by cccmedia
. Those paying close attention to this blog for Ecuador may have noticed the more frequent appearance lately of the flag of Venesuela alongside the introductions of new members. Though frequently not English-speakers, these folks are seeking ...
ok, mugtech cheap shot about the boring part, trust you have never visited...or watched hockey or ever played our national sport, lacrosse. Maybe a dose of bannock and beans would set ya straight. peace out Read More
An Influx to EC From a So. American Country Where It's All Gone Wrong by cccmedia
. Those paying close attention to this blog for Ecuador may have noticed the more frequent appearance lately of the flag of Venesuela alongside the introductions of new members. Though frequently not English-speakers, these folks are seeking ...
Thx mug tech for your response. I admit my guilt: a truly provocative post on my part. In response to your post - we are all looking forward to cheaper places to retire. That is why I addressed what I thought was an issue in the US when I mentioned ... Read More
An Influx to EC From a So. American Country Where It's All Gone Wrong by cccmedia
. Those paying close attention to this blog for Ecuador may have noticed the more frequent appearance lately of the flag of Venesuela alongside the introductions of new members. Though frequently not English-speakers, these folks are seeking ...
Ok, CC: At the risk of offending my American friends (oops, too late)...could substitute Venezuela's name for (you pick) state or city in the US re: violence, corruption, depletion of company pension funds, etc. hence the migration. Just ... Read More
coastal towns by GloBug
We are considering retiring on the coast of Ecuador and are currently researching towns/cities on the coast to decide where we should visit on our trip next year. If you live on the coast, please post what you like/dislike about where you live. ...
Greetings all! I am excited to be returning to EC next Feb. with trip planned from Quito down the coast to check out the spots folks are kind enough to share on this site. Will end up passing through Cuenca and finish off in Loja before returning ... Read More
Anybody living in Vilcabamba or Loja? by ActionMgt
You never see anything posted about Vilcabamba or Loja on this forum. Just wondering if anybody lives there that could tell me what it's like, if they like it there, and what the availability might be for renting a 2 bedroom small house with 2 ...
Hi Steve I do not think you will find anything in Vilcabamba for English speaking school. Very small town so Loja might be better. I had only passed through Loja on my trip to Ecuador but, unless you all speak Spanish, you will be at a big ... Read More
Ten Best Places in the World: One in Ec, Two in Panama by cccmedia
The Expat-relocation website "Viva Tropical" has put out a list of the 10 Best Places in the World to Live... Says the Viva website: "All of them are in Latin America." Here's the 10 in the order listed online, with ...
CC asks about Colonia...been there, done that, and worthy of a visit: nice restaurants with a vibrant art community. Surprised nothing mentioned about Uruguay. And this space was supposed to be dedicated to Ecuador...seems most are reminiscing about ... Read More
Anybody living in Vilcabamba or Loja? by ActionMgt
You never see anything posted about Vilcabamba or Loja on this forum. Just wondering if anybody lives there that could tell me what it's like, if they like it there, and what the availability might be for renting a 2 bedroom small house with 2 ...
Lighten up, man. Could save your life...just sayin' Read More
Anybody living in Vilcabamba or Loja? by ActionMgt
You never see anything posted about Vilcabamba or Loja on this forum. Just wondering if anybody lives there that could tell me what it's like, if they like it there, and what the availability might be for renting a 2 bedroom small house with 2 ...
So my first question is why anyone would pick Loja or Vilcabamba.... my first impressions, based on my brief stint in the area include - nothing attracted me to Loja. But others may feel differently. My focus was on Vilcabamba because of the ... Read More
How Ecuadorians view expats by Molari
Wife and I intend to visit and maybe invest in a business in Quito. I have read a couple places outside this site that "some" Ecuadorians in Cuenca think that Expats come to Cuenca to retire and (bluntly) die there. My question, is this ...
What, pray tell, is a weeding ceremony? Read More
Moving to Ecuador from Canada by Barbara Suderman
Hi, everyone out there! I am hoping you can help me with some issues and would appreciate your feedback. I am returning to Calgary, Canada on Tuesday to prepare for my move here at the end of June. Yes, I realize it is not the most opportune time ...
Gracias Juan I will be returning to EC in Feb sometime so I do plan to pass through Manta plus other spots I missed on my last journey....Puerto Lopez, Montanita, Bahia. So many places, so little time. Reading the comments on this site, I get the ... Read More
Moving to Ecuador from Canada by Barbara Suderman
Hi, everyone out there! I am hoping you can help me with some issues and would appreciate your feedback. I am returning to Calgary, Canada on Tuesday to prepare for my move here at the end of June. Yes, I realize it is not the most opportune time ...
Hi John Can you provide an update on the status of a golf course that was being planned for Manta? Also, any idea of where the tennis courts are located and what is the cost there to play? Thanks for your help. PS loved my stay in Manta a couple ... Read More
Living off the Grid in Ecuador by Barbproducer
Hi! I am searching for Americans who have moved to Ecuador, who are living off the grid. My name is Barbara Stephans and I am hoping to talk with you. I work for a television production company in Los Angeles and we are developing a documentary ...
very good BTW, Quito is a fantastic city, loved the huuuge park. Will be returning to spend more time on the coast and Cuenca. Saludos y buena suerte! Read More
Living off the Grid in Ecuador by Barbproducer
Hi! I am searching for Americans who have moved to Ecuador, who are living off the grid. My name is Barbara Stephans and I am hoping to talk with you. I work for a television production company in Los Angeles and we are developing a documentary ...
So, let me get this straight: If you are searching for folks living of the grid, how will they know you are looking for them? Met some adventurous folks in Vilcabamba: a couple operate a coffee shop there and they are from the US so they might have ... Read More
This is the Manta we saw by gardener1
For the gringos who dream of beach towns in Ecuador, here is a two minute video of the real Manta. We rode a lot of buses in Manta and I can vouch that this is what it looks like till you get a few blocks farther out, where the plumbing seems to ...
Not a flattering view of this city. What impressed me about Manta -plans to build golf course -tennis -great seafood -a bit to the north of the heart of the city, things are a bit more run down, therefore, cheaper. Great beach, lots of locals hang ... Read More
Amazing ocean view lotes! by VeryRedNeck
Is there anybody interested on buying lotes on the beach? I met a farmer in Puerto Lopez wich is located at Manabi province. He has 12 children and hee gave 1200sm lot to each of them. All lotes has ocean view and has nice elevation, wich warantees ...
To anyone thinking about taking up the offer of lotes mentioned here, watch out! All my senses say this is a scam in the works....just my thoughts. Read More
Moving to Ecuador from Canada by Barbara Suderman
Hi, everyone out there! I am hoping you can help me with some issues and would appreciate your feedback. I am returning to Calgary, Canada on Tuesday to prepare for my move here at the end of June. Yes, I realize it is not the most opportune time ...
Amber Just wondering why you chose Guayaquil. Of all the places I visited in Ecuador a couple of years ago, I found the only redeeming feature of Guayaquil was the marvelous malecon,Plus you can land directly there. Otherwise, all the other ... Read More
Best place to live in Ecuador... by Bazseville
Hi Guys, How's it going? I lived in Ecuador a while back as a TEFL teacher. I lived and worked in Quito. I had a few run ins with the locals but in general I had a great time. What do you guys think is the best place to live in ...
Re: golfing in Ecuador I, too, am an avid golfer so I paid the $0.25 to take the 319 bus to Club de Tenis y Golf ouside Cuenca. Because of the terrain (remember: you are in the mountains), The course is limited to 10 holes, Has beautiful country ... Read More
Best place to live in Ecuador... by Bazseville
Hi Guys, How's it going? I lived in Ecuador a while back as a TEFL teacher. I lived and worked in Quito. I had a few run ins with the locals but in general I had a great time. What do you guys think is the best place to live in ...
Fear not, my friend! The best option, I humbly submit, is a trip to see for yourself. Cuenca is probably one of the safest places I have ever been...just avoid wearing the bling and-or being out past midnight in a drunken stupor (just kidding about ... Read More
Moving to Ecuador from Canada by Barbara Suderman
Hi, everyone out there! I am hoping you can help me with some issues and would appreciate your feedback. I am returning to Calgary, Canada on Tuesday to prepare for my move here at the end of June. Yes, I realize it is not the most opportune time ...
Hello Barbara Sounds like you are ready for adventure in your newly adopted country: do not throw out all your winter clothes as you will need at least a couple of sweaters and a coat...gets chilly in winter when you are there ,south of the equator ... Read More
Is Ecuador a Good Place For a Single 60-Year Old Woman? by Chrisandra
My name is Chrisandra and I am a youthful, fit 60-year old woman thinking of retiring (alone) to Ecuador (Quito?) or Panama in maybe 2 years. I will have about $1,400 a month to live on and am frugal with simple tastes. I hope to rent a small ...
Whoa...seems like a few fellow Calgarians on the Ecuador Forum. I am a retired engineer living in Calgary but will be heading o Ecuador in Jan. 2015. Have spent a couple of months last year in Ecuador and now need to return to explore more of the ... Read More
Golf in Ecuador, where are the places to retire and play golf. by bharris345
My wife and I are going to Ecuador early 2012 and would like to know places to visit that have nice courses. How much are memberships? Do they have homes/condos to rent? Would like to live there for some time before investing in a home. Are there ...
I am an avid golfer so when I was in Cuenca last Feb.,I paid my $0.25 to take bus no. 19, I believe it was out to the Cuenca Tenis y Golf Club. Took approx. 20 minutes to get there. (Their spelling of tennis, not mine). I believe they can be ... Read More
wanting to explore Cartegena, for possible relocation by peggyjune
Peggy here in Denver, Colorado, planning my first exploratory trip to Cartegena, at some point this year. I spent time and lived in Negril, Jamaica for some years; but relocated back to Denver, Colorado. After 7 years, I am looking for another ...
If you lived in Negril, I can understand why you love the ocean. You were interested in my remarks about Ecuador: you are right, price is certainly a huge factor if you are budget conscious as I am. For example, staying at The Hilton or Caribe in ... Read More
wanting to explore Cartegena, for possible relocation by peggyjune
Peggy here in Denver, Colorado, planning my first exploratory trip to Cartegena, at some point this year. I spent time and lived in Negril, Jamaica for some years; but relocated back to Denver, Colorado. After 7 years, I am looking for another ...
Peggy, there is a lot to be said for Cartagena (de los Indios), la ciudad amurallada, as they say,, fascinating city with its history, great restaurants and all. There are a few expats living in Cartagena, the Manga area is particularly attractive, ... Read More
Spanish Schools in Quito or Cuenca by Max Sand
Hi there, i'm new to the forum. I am going to Ecuador next year and I want to spend a few months learning Spanish. Can anybody recommend a good school? I hear there are a few in Quito to choose from but I also like what I am reading about Cuenca and ...
Hey Max i am seriously contemplating moving to Cuenca so I thought I'd bounce an idea off you, as a rookie in the Spanish speaking arena. I was born in Canada and my Dad took a job for an oil company so i grew up in Colombia and Peru. I am fluent ... Read More
The unofficial web page of the greater Cuenca expat community by Nards Barley
I designate this thread as the unofficial web page for the Cuenca Expat community. I also designate myself as the unoffical spokesperson. It is actually a continuation of my [url=https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=224582]non-blog[/url], ...
Hey Zenner Sounds like you are well grounded, appreciate your humour and the abs at the "ambassador".... I had visited Cuenca as part of my Ecuadorian safari a couple of years ago. I love the place. In fact I loved Ecuador altogether! And I have ... Read More
Best place to live in Ecuador... by Bazseville
Hi Guys, How's it going? I lived in Ecuador a while back as a TEFL teacher. I lived and worked in Quito. I had a few run ins with the locals but in general I had a great time. What do you guys think is the best place to live in ...
Hola! You have to be more specific about what you are looking for, amigo. Best for what? Surfing= montanita, city buzz=Quito, chillin' = Vilcabamba, etc. Cuenca is a delight because it has all the amenities of a big city, some find it a bit chilly ... Read More
Open Season on Ripoff Realtors by whytehorse
I came across these forums when I was searching for info for my mom who wants to retire to somewhere with a lower cost of living. Just to give you an idea what kind of person she is: She's a nurse who spent her entire life helping people get well, ...
Cool your jets, Whytehorse. You are getting excellent feedback from responders to your rant, I mean post. And if you call yourself Stinkville, speaks a lot about your outlook. Reminds me of the cartoon character walking around with the cloud over ... Read More
Canadian looking to retire in Ecuador by SarahPin
Somebody mentioned in one post I read, but cannot seem to find again,that International Living Magazine paints an rosy picture of life for Expats in Ecuador. Just how rosy??? I would really like to hear from Canadian Expats about their experiences ...
Hi Sarah You need to see for yourself what a terrific place Ecuador is so I recommend you head there for a couple of weeks to see for yourself. I did and I am heading back for good next year...you will not believe the great people, places and ... Read More
wanting to explore Cartegena, for possible relocation by peggyjune
Peggy here in Denver, Colorado, planning my first exploratory trip to Cartegena, at some point this year. I spent time and lived in Negril, Jamaica for some years; but relocated back to Denver, Colorado. After 7 years, I am looking for another ...
Your idea to check out Cartagena is a good one. I spent 6 weeks in Colombia a couple of years ago. I spent 12 years in SA as a youngster as my Dad worked for a multi-national oil co. so I speak Spanish. Which is to say, having a working knowledge ... Read More
Harleys in Ecuador? by Kurt01
Hey all, I'm a biker and could care less about a car, am wondering what type of motorcycles are available in Ecuador? Are they like the cars and way more expensive? How are the roads in Ecuador? Any info would be greatly appreciated. Kurt......
I was in Ecuador for 2 months earlier this year. Lots of bikes but you will not see too many HD's. As a former Kaw man, I did take notice of the bikes on hand in Ecuador. They are typically of the 150 to 250 cc type, Chinese made I believe. If you ... Read More
Deciding where to relocate by kwevans69
Im not looking for someone to tell me, X is the best place to live but with 200+ nations and scores of overseas territories I need some way to narrow down the possibilities. So, anybody know of any resources I can use to help me narrow the ...
You might try International Living as a resource for places to live. Typical places they have touted include Eastern Europe, France, Italy, Panama, Belize and my fave, Ecuador (cheap for a retiree like me). Regards and good luck in your search Read More
Beaches by Dana Williams
What are the top 2-3 beach locations with respect to beauty/safety/climate in Ecuador?...can be from small communities/villages to larger towns...Thank You!
Hey Dana Here is my experience, somewhat limited. Salinas is very popular: I found that the apartments and condos crowd the beach front. Also, I finished one of the days on the beach with an oily, crude oil type film on the bottom of my ... Read More
first trip to Cuenca by Char57
When we make our first trip to Cuenca is it best to seek a motel/hotel? It will be for 10 days. I see abundant rentals on the internet but often wonder if renting that way is a good idea. I've read often the places are not available when you arrive, ...
Hi Char You will love Cuenca...there are tones of hotels available, very modest pricing as well. For Example, what I wd call the equivalent of a 4 star hotel in Canada is on Calle Larga, (downtown) at $72 (US)per night. Includes breakfast with a ... Read More
Hi we are new on here.... by Diva90
Hello everyone! We are from the north Houston area, and are looking at possibly getting a home or condo in Ecuador. We have heard that Cuenca and Salinas areas are nice. We are looking for the following: Safety Other Americans, Canadians or ...
I visited Ecuador last winter 9(well, winter in Canada that is) but Salinas did not rank high on my fave places: high rises mar the coast line, oily balls from somewhere nearby gave me blackened feet on the beach and there were not any really nice ... Read More