MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT ECUADOR

In my experience the misconception was about crime. The mainstream media publishes bad stuff about Ecuador. "Dont go there, there is corruption, crime, kidnapping, drug dealers, shootings, scams, violence, fascism, communism, misery, etc" it came close to include the magic word: terrorists! LOL. I really felt more unsafe in some US cities than in most the places I have been to in Ecuador...

We have had no misconceptions.  We knew it would be different.  We knew we would learn new things and meet new people.  As a matter of fact almost all of our NEW FRIENDS are not Americans.  We have met people from all walks of life.  We feel very comfortable and very safe here.  The people are friendly, caring and willing to help in any way they can.  We do not speak Spanish but we intend to get into some intense lessons soon.  Enjoy your life, wherever you are.

Loving Ecuador wrote:

In my experience the misconception was about crime. The mainstream media publishes bad stuff about Ecuador. "Dont go there, there is corruption, crime, kidnapping, drug dealers, shootings, scams, violence, fascism, communism, misery, etc" it came close to include the magic word: terrorists! LOL. I really felt more unsafe in some US cities than in most the places I have been to in Ecuador...

you have hit the nail on the head!
I know most people fear the security issue. I have heard so many people asking me if Ecuador is safe to live! To which is safe to say: as safe as anywhere else! Mostly with way things are here nowadays, mass shootings, possibly as safe as we will ever be!
thanks for your input

Tom119 wrote:

We have had no misconceptions.  We knew it would be different.  We knew we would learn new things and meet new people.  As a matter of fact almost all of our NEW FRIENDS are not Americans.  We have met people from all walks of life.  We feel very comfortable and very safe here.  The people are friendly, caring and willing to help in any way they can.  We do not speak Spanish but we intend to get into some intense lessons soon.  Enjoy your life, wherever you are.

nice to hear from you Tom. How long have you been living in EC and where?

For my point of view Ecuador is not Venezuela, even many people think the political process in both countries are the same.

So far Ecuador has never have such a long period in his recent history of economical growing, political stability and reduction in poverty and unemployment.

Also notice no  strikes, demostrations or student marches against  the government had happend in the last years but the coup d'etat lead by the police two years ago.
This shows many people agrees with the social politics of the government.

The real test will be held in February 2013 with the general elections.

Vinny

I echo Vinny's posts. Ecuador needed the changes, which have brought unprecedented growth here in many aspects.
Ecuador isnt Venezuela, just like Correa isnt Chave. The Media tries hard to make them seem the same and sensationalism (creating enemies, spreading hatred) simply sales more. Those of us living here know well that simply isnt true and the country is finally set in the path to progress thanks to such constitutional changes.

Just in. Quite interesting article...The UN confirmed Ecuador's commitment to observe Human Rights.
http://ecuadornews.blogspot.com/2012/12 … ights.html

having been raised in a South American country, I know many countries have to go through changes in order to be more organized.

Even peaceful countries go through turbulent times. Brazil has seen its share of it all - military coup, socialism and communism, so many changes in consitituion, countless changes in its currency, an impeachment,etc... nowadays it is an industrialized country, equal to some major world contributors in manufacturing like India and China. But like many countries in South America, corruption is rampant and government is a joke.

Think! of all of latin American countries, for the most part, only Venezuela has a bad rap for its government. Maybe Peru also has its "loose" and socialist views... but still, nothing like Venezuela where it is a downright dictatorship.

From where I stand, it is really hard to see things going down that path.

There are deeper and multiple reasons why former South american governments failed to fight corruption!  Instability was the desired state for a long time for some. This is changing thanks to the union and commitment of several South american countries to work towards the needs for stability and growth in the region. I would not make light statements about how Brazil and Venezuela are or not fighting corruption, especially since both economies show interesting growing numbers every year (corruption and progress contradict each other!) and nowadays some countries long considered "transparent" have shown to be far from that.

Sure low grade corruption is everywhere, there is no saint Government, but when it is rampant it takes a country down. Whatever the Chinese are doing they must to be doing it well after all they are current major global economical power.
It is funny how the western media goes above and beyond to portray that the non western countries are the ones with corruption issues