More Living with Less Stuff in Ecuador

Last activity 24 April 2012 by GaryV

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ecuadorgeorgeActive member18 April 2012 14:52:43

I remember when I was young and had my entire life ahead of me. There was never a reason to look back, only forward to all the possibilities. Then, at a certain age, I stopped looking forward. Instead I started looking around to see what I had accomplished in my life, at my savings and retirement account, at my things, my home, my loved ones, and then figured this was it. I was comfortable and would finish the game with a respectable retirement and complete my life just like my parents did and their parents did.

Then something happened. A sort of restlessness that comes from standing still. I began traveling more, first around the United States, and then some international travel. This travel experience opened up the possibility of moving somewhere else, overseas, to a foreign country, maybe to Ecuador.. Moving to Ecuador somehow got on a short list of things we might actually do in our retirement

So, now what? Do we sell all our stuff and start over or do we move all our stuff to a different continent? Just thinking about the coordination of such a complex operation was causing me anxiety. How much do I really care about all this stuff?

You know, I look back on my youth and I can only think of 3 or 4 things I wish I still had.

My cool lunch boxes (Green Hornet and The Rat Patrol) and my Schwinn Stingray bicycle with that big 5 speed stick shift.

I wish I still had my Zenith Transoceanic Radio. I can still remember that radio cost me $36 and it took me months and months to save for it.

And my Aurora HO Scale Race Cars. I was the kid with the 4×8 plywood table with the track attached. My little racetrack had banked curves and miniature street lights, mountains, and all the scenery.

Of course, all these things went out the door when I got my first car. To bad about that

Now lets fast forward to 20 years from now. At 76 years old am I going to have any regrets that I sold all the furniture, that special chair or those dishes in 2012. Will I be crying a tear because I didnt keep that antique flower vase or stuffed teddy bear? I dont think so. I believe my regret would come from not challenging myself to have new experiences, visit new places, and meet new people.

As I look around my home now, I would keep photos and family videos, a few keepsakes, and that is it. The art work, the furniture and electronics, and the cars are all nice but it would not break my heart if most or all were gone tomorrow. The more I think about it, I like the freedom that traveling light gives me. Nothing to weigh me down

So, for me, future memories, untethered by things and stuff is what I am most comfortable with.
I have been hauling these things around long enough. I want more experiences and less stuff.

Anyone else feel this way?

bholtbyActive member18 April 2012 15:28:04

Wow! We sure do.

We've sold just about everything. All the stuff we are taking would just about fit in the back of a pickup. We're taking the piano because we could never get another one in Ecuador, and we're taking our TV and computer because they would be too expensive to replace. We can do without them for the 4 to 5 months it will take us to get our visas and then have the stuff shipped down to us. We are also taking stuff made by family members and some other collectibles. But other than that everything else that hasn't already sold, and can't be given away, is going to the landfill. It's a pity but it is just 'stuff'.

The house is empty except for the kitchen table and chairs (which the new owners bought from us), our bed, and this computer I am working on. We're still in the house until next Tuesday and so it is really surreal to walk in straight lines and listen to the echoes of our voices.

We're excited about leaving but at the same time anxious about all the paperwork that still has to be done before we leave (the dogs, the shipping lists, sending it all to the Ecuadorian consulate, yadda, yadda).

Our new home is ready for us in Cuenca and we have been working with a local service company there to get our power, electric and gas all set up including a gas hot water heater. They are also buying us a mattress. We'll do the rest when we get there.

Will I miss anything? No. I think back to all the stuff I have collected and think 'oh, maybe I should take that' but then I realize I have not used it or even looked at it for many years and so it goes to the landfill with everything else.

Our new adventure awaits us...

Bruce

shellyrNew member18 April 2012 20:03:54

We will also be selling most of our household objects as soon as our house itself sells. We will be moving into our condo here in KY until our 2 youngest kids are done college about 4 years, then we will be off to Salinas where we bought a home in 2011. Very few material objects will be coming with us only those things that are too expensive to buy in Ecuador along with a few personal things. Let us know how your move goes. Take care and Happy Travels.

GaryVNew member24 April 2012 18:00:19

Forest Falls..... Yes!

I appreciate your insights and share your perspective. I liquidated back in 2006, sold my home, saved a box of books, photos, and my guitar, and went to China for one year. I'be been living light every since. It makes it easier to move the next time!

I've spent time in Costa Rica, Spain, Germany, Turkey (loved it!), Japan, and China.

Now I'm ready to come to Ecuador with a suitcase, a carry-on, and my laptop..... the guitar, photos, and books (those precious few) will room with my brother if I need them. I suppose I'll accumulate a few domestic things living in Ecuador, but mostly just practical stuff. A good well-made guitar is my primary interest along with learning more Spanish, good coffee, good converstations, and a good chess game every day.

GV

ecuadorgeorgeActive member24 April 2012 18:26:15

Hi Gary,
San Bartolome will certainly be your first destination when you get Cuenca... The town is famous for its guitar making... here is a youtube link.... http://youtu.be/HZTB1Bg7QGk Maybe we will see you in Cuenca someday.... hoping to be nomadic soon...

GaryVNew member24 April 2012 18:30:36

Thanks George.. I have seen that video and it's on my list. :-)

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