An Introduction

Hello to all.

I am a 61 year old male from Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA (Land of 10,000 Lakes,) considering a move to the Ecuador in the next year or so and doing the research to see if it is feasible. I have been reading the post on this board for some time now, and greatly appreciate the information and efforts of the contributors, and the staff, there's a lot of information here to digest.

I was born In Los Angeles, California where I lived until I was 16. I love the ocean and miss it, however, Minnesota is a beautiful place with lots of lakes and forest. I lived on the Iron Range in the north, in a small town and at the lake for a number of years and prefer the small lake community to the City.
I am drawn to Ecuador for its overwhelming beauty, climate, and low cost of living. I plan to make a trip around the 4th of July 2011 to check it out, but only have a week or so to explore. For that reason, I am trying to predetermine the area that best suits my needs.

I would like to be as secluded as possible with good Internet Access, and reasonable proximity to banking, shopping etc. Cheap, quiet, serene, low crime, mild weather, grey poupon…. Yes, I want it all! But I'm adaptable.
My interest, so far are in Vilcabamba, Loja, Cuenca and Cotacachi.

I just wanted to make an introduction and will be reading with interest.

Peace, Prosperity and Health,

Quinn