Sungodess
Introduction
I quit my job as an insurance broker in the US and moved to Cuenca, Ecuador. I was initially happy but realized after about a year that it wasn't a good fit for me. I discovered cheap travel and have been completing an online degree program while traveling in various countries but mostly Southeast Asia. I just discovered Ubud, Bali and feel I have found my home.
I joined expat.com on 13 February 2011.
-
Sungodessposted on the thread Black Americans
-
Sungodessposted on the thread Cheap Airfare?
-
Sungodessposted on the thread Cheap Airfare?
-
Sungodesscreated the thread Cheap Airfare? forum on the Ecuador forum
Pictures by Sungodess
Expat experience
I just arrived in Ubud and have fallen in love with the area. I will be looking for a more lon- term living situation, ideally with roommates/housemates.
All the things I love about San Francisco wrapped up into a lovely tropical island package. Plus I love the local culture and art.
Rental prices are a bit steep, looking for someone or several people to share a villa.
Taught English, took Spanish lessons, salsa lessons and raw food prep classes. Enjoyed traveling around the different regions of Ecuador and Peru and being part of a big welcoming Ecuadorian family.
The food, the people, the opportunity to learn Spanish and the cost of living.
No expats my age, many grumpy/miserable retired expats trying to convince themselves and others that they were happy and refusing to adopt the local culture and trying to bend it to meet their standards from home. My personal values clashing with the local population (ie, single woman in her early 30s, not looking to get married or have babies). Please don't get me wrong, there were a decent handful of truly happy retiree expats, but don't listen to "the streets are paved with cheese" blogs and make sure you visit and spend some time there before you uproot you life and zap your retirement savings relocating. You won't make it if you aren't adaptable to other cultures and you think you can maintain or upgrade your current lifestyle regardless of what the bloggers are saying.
