The unofficial web page of the greater Cuenca expat community

mugtech wrote:

gardener1 wrote:

^^^
stop making sense.

One of my favorite Talking Heads songs.

I just had to pull up some Talking Heads music after I read your post.

"You're talking a lot but you're not saying anything."

They were far far better than they got credit for. David Byrne is still a fabulous man.
Thanks for reminding me.

gardener1 wrote:

mugtech wrote:

gardener1 wrote:

^^^
stop making sense.

One of my favorite Talking Heads songs.

I just had to pull up some Talking Heads music after I read your post.

"You're talking a lot but you're not saying anything."

They were far far better than they got credit for. David Byrne is still a fabulous man.
Thanks for reminding me.

My pleasure.  There is a local band called Start Making Sense that plays two hours of TH music, the lead singer looks like DB and has his stage mannerisms down.  They usually play Musikfest the first week in August, you should drop in if you're in the area.

gardener1 wrote:

^^^
Yep, I just went through about a month of posts on their website and the crazy is strong over there. I had no idea what most of them were babbling about, no matter what the topic. The place is totally inhabited by ET's who speak in alien lingo. Jibberish galore.

I agree totally (especially regarding the childish remarks of the moderator and some of her minions). Do they actually think they are helping anyone?

Back in June 2014, there was a news story about a bridge in Paris that was forced to close due to the collapse of fencing caused by lovers hanging padlocks on them.

Not long after I was crossing a local pedestrian bridge that crosses the Tomebama river on the way to downtown called puente Juana de Oro:



It was on this bridge that I spotted a conglomeration of padlocks:



Obviously we got the same thing going on here, but on a smaller scale.

I alway enjoy reading a quote from Lee Dubbs on his fellow expats, since I know there is always going to be some criticism. I wonder if his bookstore has ever taught an expat that actually learned Spanish.  That is not intended to be a criticism of his ability to teach, but my rather my skepticisms about the capability of older adults  to learn to communicate in a new language.

Another Cuenca expat, bookstore owner and retired Spanish professor Lee Dubs, says the emphasis on low cost of living attracts too many expats who are focused solely on living cheaply and are unsuited for life in a new country. He sent a message to International Living following the release of their latest retirement index.

“Will someone please recommend retirement areas abroad on a basis other than cost?” Dubs asks. “My wife and I have lived in Ecuador for 12 years, and we continue to see North Americans move here for no other reason than having read that it is cheap. They are too often unprepared for the huge cultural changes they have to face — especially language — and they are quickly disenchanted, miserable, and often rude to the locals. Now we see them leaving this country as fast, if not faster, than they are arriving.”

Dubs, who first visited Cuenca in the 1960s while he was serving in the Peace Corps added: “There’s more to life than what it costs, folks. Try telling the whole story for a change.”

"...and they are quickly disenchanted, miserable, and often rude to the locals. Now we see them leaving this country as fast, if not faster, than they are arriving.”

If Professor Dubbs is right in the second quoted sentence, then the problems of the first sentence will soon be solved because only 'good' expats like himself will remain.

Several years ago my company hired a custodian who hailed from Eritrea. He had escaped from there and made his way to Dubai, then Brazil, up through central America, and into the US. I used to smoke and chat with him on the curb, his English was almost non-existent. Pretty sure he didn't speak Portuguese or Spanish either. He was just an extremely competent and intelligent person. He seems to be thriving.

I, a native speaker of American English, was in the UK for Christmas a few years ago. I went with my friend to visit her family in Wales. For nearly 2 weeks between London and Swansea I understood almost nothing anybody said, however allegedly all of them spoke English.

Good language skills make life and living easier, but language skills do not guarantee fluency of communication nor competence and happiness.

There was a rally in Quito recently organized  by Alianza Francesa to show support for the victims of the Charlie Hebdo attack.  Many members of the current ruling party including the president attended and vocalized their support for free speech and tolerance.

The irony didn´t escape some attendees:



That sign reads "in this country the criticism and satire are also silenced, not by terrorism but by the government."

That statement is in allusion to the fact a cartoonist known as bonil was sanctioned by the Correa government for drawing the following cartoon pubished in El Universal some months back:

It may very well be true that there is more to life than what it costs...but if you don't have ($$$$) what it costs than life sucks.  What we do with our time here is our own personal decision.  How that is viewed by the local /!\ I AM A STUPID SPAMMER /!\ is of precious little concern to me.

quito0819 wrote:

It may very well be true that there is more to life than what it costs...but if you don't have ($$$$) what it costs than life sucks.  What we do with our time here is our own personal decision.  How that is viewed by the local /!\ I AM A STUPID SPAMMER /!\ is of precious little concern to me.

Oh, so you weren´t swayed by Lee Dubbs (and others) that you have love the people and culture profusely, not to mention speak Spanish and act like a house guest, in order to have a happy existence in Ecuador?

P.S.
He had a follow-up article to that Cuenca Highlife quote in case you didn´t see it. It didn´t really add anything to the discussion that wasn´t already addressed in the Cuenca Highlife article.

https://southofzero.wordpress.com/tag/lee-dubs/

Exactly, Nards

quito0819 wrote:

Exactly, Nards

Good. Then we are both in the camp that thinks moving to Ecuador for only economic considerations is a perfectly acceptable reason.

Nards Barley wrote:

quito0819 wrote:

It may very well be true that there is more to life than what it costs...but if you don't have ($$$$) what it costs than life sucks.  What we do with our time here is our own personal decision.  How that is viewed by the local /!\ I AM A STUPID SPAMMER /!\ is of precious little concern to me.

Oh, so you weren´t swayed by Lee Dubbs (and others) that you have love the people and culture profusely, not to mention speak Spanish and act like a house guest, in order to have a happy existence in Ecuador?

P.S.
He had a follow-up article to that Cuenca Highlife quote in case you didn´t see it. It didn´t really add anything to the discussion that wasn´t already addressed in the Cuenca Highlife article.

https://southofzero.wordpress.com/tag/lee-dubs/

Decent enough article from the Cuenca Highlife. I have seen all this too in other countries - the entitled first world expats who arrived in another country and spent their entire time there complaining about how it wasn't like back home, and meanwhile exploiting the local economy and local people for everything they could get (a lot of them were Brits too, the whiniest of whiners). And ultimately most of them did go back home, whereupon they continued whining about the third world foreign immigrants in their country.

We gardener1's just want to be left alone to feed the pigeons in our old age, in a place that will leaves us alone to mind our own business. We like plumbing and electricity, and I know even that can be a challenge in Ecuador. More than this I do not need or expect. Indoor plumbing and leave me be. Low enough standards, I think we'll be ok.

But I have seen a lot of posters come and go through here over the last two years who are just as Lee Dubs describes. I don't know what they're thinking to begin with?

...speaking of: LEAVING ECUADOR- I am helping a Family return to the US and am looking for 2) Airline Kennels / Crates #700 Series (Giant Size) 48″L x 32″W x 35″H OUTSIDE Dimensions. I am based in Quito, but willing to go anywhere in EC for them.

These are the biggest size Kennels manufactured for Air Travel.
Recommended for: Irish Wolfhounds, Newfoundlands, St. Bernards, Mastiffs & Greyhounds as pictured below: https://www.facebook.com/JourneymanJack … mp;theater

mugtech wrote:

No receipts were issued at Brothels because an itemized bill would be a threat to marriages and the family.  I never realized the love of family was that deep, so all encompassing.  Damn paperwork!!!

Old comment,but extremely funny.  Thank you

sjpersonal wrote:

mugtech wrote:

No receipts were issued at Brothels because an itemized bill would be a threat to marriages and the family.  I never realized the love of family was that deep, so all encompassing.  Damn paperwork!!!

Old comment,but extremely funny.  Thank you

I read that too, Mugtech.   My wife told me that pretty soon they will be sending all receipts via email.  Some guys better up the strength of their password.

Hi to all,

I really enjoy following this thread.  I am planning to retire to Ecuador in about 10 years and I really appreciate the honest assessment of Cuenca and also of the country of Ecuador.  I plan to land in Cuenca because of the large expat community, that way I can network and get my bearings before venturing out to look for a permanent location.  I really do not wish to live in a large metropolitan area and I am definitely NOT looking for a Little America.  I see that you guys are not a fan of IL LOL!  I just purchased a subscription a few weeks ago, it seemed like a good place to start gathering information regarding relocating to another country, and NO I am NOT expecting to live on $800 a month. More like my Social Security and Savings.  If I hit the lotto I will be there sooner.

I just wanted to say Hi, I hope everyone has a fabulous day.
Bye

sjpersonal wrote:

Hi to all,

I really enjoy following this thread.  I am planning to retire to Ecuador in about 10 years and I really appreciate the honest assessment of Cuenca and also of the country of Ecuador.  I plan to land in Cuenca because of the large expat community, that way I can network and get my bearings before venturing out to look for a permanent location.  I really do not wish to live in a large metropolitan area and I am definitely NOT looking for a Little America.  I see that you guys are not a fan of IL LOL!  I just purchased a subscription a few weeks ago, it seemed like a good place to start gathering information regarding relocating to another country, and NO I am NOT expecting to live on $800 a month. More like my Social Security and Savings.  If I hit the lotto I will be there sooner.

I just wanted to say Hi, I hope everyone has a fabulous day.
Bye

Think that most people in some point of time have had a subscription to IL, or have read some of their articles. IL is fine, if you keep things in the proper context. It does have plenty of information on many countries. What you can get, and the lifestyle you can get for a certain income that they tend to promote is not necessarily that accurate. Seems that you have very realistic expectations. Very good idea to consider a place like Cuenca to get your feet wet, and gather your bearings. 10 years is a good ways off, but definitely never hurts to have a long term plan.

j600rr wrote:

sjpersonal wrote:

Hi to all,

I really enjoy following this thread.  I am planning to retire to Ecuador in about 10 years and I really appreciate the honest assessment of Cuenca and also of the country of Ecuador.  I plan to land in Cuenca because of the large expat community, that way I can network and get my bearings before venturing out to look for a permanent location.  I really do not wish to live in a large metropolitan area and I am definitely NOT looking for a Little America.  I see that you guys are not a fan of IL LOL!  I just purchased a subscription a few weeks ago, it seemed like a good place to start gathering information regarding relocating to another country, and NO I am NOT expecting to live on $800 a month. More like my Social Security and Savings.  If I hit the lotto I will be there sooner.

I just wanted to say Hi, I hope everyone has a fabulous day.
Bye

Think that most people in some point of time have had a subscription to IL, or have read some of their articles. IL is fine, if you keep things in the proper context. It does have plenty of information on many countries. What you can get, and the lifestyle you can get for a certain income that they tend to promote is not necessarily that accurate. Seems that you have very realistic expectations. Very good idea to consider a place like Cuenca to get your feet wet, and gather your bearings. 10 years is a good ways off, but definitely never hurts to have a long term plan.

Thanks, I am a little late in the saving for retirement department.I was having fun and shopping shopping shopping, then one day I turned around and I was 50! Still not sure how I jumped from 30 to 50 but Oh Well. Now I am 52 so it is definitely time to start planning.  Initially I was researching Vietnam but then i found out that the government doesn't allow Westerners to retire there and that those that are living in Vietnam are doing Border Runs every few months.  I do not wish to live that way as I would be entirely too fearful of not being permitted back into the country.  So Ecuador it is.  I am just keeping watch in case there are any major changes in that country that would prevent or discourage me from moving there.

mugtech wrote:

Nards Barley wrote:

I updated my profile to make the following statement about the languages I speak:

The 40+ year old adult brain is incapable of becoming fluent in another language

Of course, I am speaking primarily about North Americans who have spoken exclusively English their whole life before moving to a foreign country.

Of course

Oh I am really hoping that isn't true because this 52 year old just dropped over $200 on Rosetta Stone (Latin American Spanish) 

Nards Barley wrote:

[img align=c]http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/multimedia/archive/00446/135611232_bridge1__446743c.jpg[/url]

Back in June 2014, there was a news story about a bridge in Paris that was forced to close due to the collapse of fencing caused by lovers hanging padlocks on them.

Not long after I was crossing a local pedestrian bridge that crosses the Tomebama river on the way to downtown called puente Juana de Oro:

[img align=c]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YsrRwOYyV3w/VFwSQcVd5HI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/RZtOAA9xtWg/s800/IMG_20141106_101828230_HDR.jpg[/url]

It was on this bridge that I spotted a conglomeration of padlocks:

[img align=c]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rWdn_Ad6yJo/VH-GsRte7tI/AAAAAAAAB2Y/Z5EyR81Nx8Y/s800/IMG_20141124_165151353.jpg[/url]

Obviously we got the same thing going on here, but on a smaller scale.

How Sweet, the bridge in Paris is amazing, it is huge.  The last time I was there in 2012 a couple got married right in front of it.  Very Cute

CB48 wrote:

My house is for sale,  my car is sold, most of the furniture is spoken for. A lifetime will fit in a few suitcases in a couple of months. I can't wait! !

How did that feel and how long did it take?  I have lived in my apartment for over 20 years, it is considered large at a little over 1,750 sq. ft. and it is completely full.  Even though I have 10+ years before I leave, I have have opened an online store on Etsy to start selling my huge vintage clothing collection.  I really need to downsize anyway, but just the idea of selling/donating pretty much everything that I own is really daunting.  I am wondering which would be most cost effective, having my furniture shipped (9 pieces that I would really like to keep) or just starting fresh.  Anyway I am responding to an old post so you are most likely settled in Ecuador now.  I hope your move went smoothly and that you are happy.

sjpersonal wrote:

mugtech wrote:

Nards Barley wrote:

I updated my profile to make the following statement about the languages I speak:


Of course, I am speaking primarily about North Americans who have spoken exclusively English their whole life before moving to a foreign country.

Of course

Oh I am really hoping that isn't true because this 52 year old just dropped over $200 on Rosetta Stone (Latin American Spanish) 

You have 10 years to get ready, plus there are plenty of Spanish speaking tv channels in southern Cal.  Just realize it won't be easy, hopefully you will learn to think in Spanish.

mugtech wrote:

sjpersonal wrote:

mugtech wrote:

Of course

Oh I am really hoping that isn't true because this 52 year old just dropped over $200 on Rosetta Stone (Latin American Spanish) 

You have 10 years to get ready, plus there are plenty of Spanish speaking tv channels in southern Cal.  Just realize it won't be easy, hopefully you will learn to think in Spanish.

That is the goal and what Rosetta promised me LOL!

sjpersonal wrote:

mugtech wrote:

Nards Barley wrote:

I updated my profile to make the following statement about the languages I speak:


Of course, I am speaking primarily about North Americans who have spoken exclusively English their whole life before moving to a foreign country.

Of course

Oh I am really hoping that isn't true because this 52 year old just dropped over $200 on Rosetta Stone (Latin American Spanish) 

You don't have to get anywhere near perfect -- just good enough to be (more or less) understood, and to (more or less) understand what is being said -- the latter was the tough part for me.

I found that Ecuadorians are very patient with gringos making an effort to speak Spanish.

The expat community's least traveled gringo arrived in Vilcabamba yesterday evening.  Tierra Madre is where I am staying tonight.

BobH wrote:

sjpersonal wrote:

mugtech wrote:

Of course

Oh I am really hoping that isn't true because this 52 year old just dropped over $200 on Rosetta Stone (Latin American Spanish) 

You don't have to get anywhere near perfect -- just good enough to be (more or less) understood, and to (more or less) understand what is being said -- the latter was the tough part for me.

I found that Ecuadorians are very patient with gringos making an effort to speak Spanish.

Thank you, I am really looking forward to that chapter in my life

Hi I just read on one of the other threads that the only cookware available in Ecuador is aluminum, which is horrible.  Is this true?  I love to cook and I am looking forward to expanding my palate and skills but I will definitely need a good set of cookware.

sjpersonal wrote:

Hi I just read on one of the other threads that the only cookware available in Ecuador is aluminum, which is horrible.  Is this true?  I love to cook and I am looking forward to expanding my palate and skills but I will definitely need a good set of cookware.

Other materials are available. All of it is expensive though, regardless of the material. Might want to slip that favorite saute pan into your suitcase :-)

rsymington wrote:

sjpersonal wrote:

Hi I just read on one of the other threads that the only cookware available in Ecuador is aluminum, which is horrible.  Is this true?  I love to cook and I am looking forward to expanding my palate and skills but I will definitely need a good set of cookware.

Other materials are available. All of it is expensive though, regardless of the material. Might want to slip that favorite saute pan into your suitcase :-)

Ok, thanks it seems that list of items that I will have to ship is growing.  I have a gorgeous 300 yr old hand hammered metal cabinet and several other custom pieces that I will have to ship as well. Oh Well!

Those of you anxiously waiting to get some gold or silver coins minted using gold presumably extracted from the mines of Gringo Tree can now do so. I think owning some of these coins would be  a great way to show your support for Gringo Tree and all those recommendations for restaurants and other services.

http://incamint.com/

Nards Barley wrote:

[img align=c]http://incamint.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/landing_page.png[/url]

Those of you anxiously waiting to get some gold or silver coins minted using gold presumably extracted from the mines of Gringo Tree can now do so. I think owning some of these coins would be  a great way to show your support for Gringo Tree and all those recommendations for restaurants and other services.

http://incamint.com/

Looks like the coins still aren't available if am reading the website right? Does the company have an actual business residence/office that someone could stop in, and see what they actually have, and talk to a person face to face? Not saying this isn't totally legit, but gold, and silver coins are counterfeited, or faked much more than people like to admit.

SJpersonal asked how long it took to get rid of a lifetime  of  stuff.  I think I did it in about 6 months.  I stll have my condo  because  the  real estate market  is  the  pits but everything  except  clothes,  some  art work  and my pots and  pans  and good  knives was either  donated  or sold.  The bigger  question  about stuff  is, "Where will  you  put  it once  you are here?" I am living in a furnished place without a lot of extra space. The hassle of furniture--even beloved  antiques--is out of the  question.  I wish  I had brought  fewer dress clothes and more shoes as I am wearing them out faster  than  I thought  possible.
My  Spanish  is  awful  but  getting  better.  The Ecuadorians are a kind and patient  people. Classes  help  a lot. Glad I came?  Absolutely!

j600rr wrote:

Nards Barley wrote:

[img align=c]http://incamint.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/landing_page.png[/url]

Those of you anxiously waiting to get some gold or silver coins minted using gold presumably extracted from the mines of Gringo Tree can now do so. I think owning some of these coins would be  a great way to show your support for Gringo Tree and all those recommendations for restaurants and other services.

http://incamint.com/

Looks like the coins still aren't available if am reading the website right? Does the company have an actual business residence/office that someone could stop in, and see what they actually have, and talk to a person face to face? Not saying this isn't totally legit, but gold, and silver coins are counterfeited, or faked much more than people like to admit.

My guess is they are legitimate since it appears they have been around to some extent since 2013 and everyone knows who they are and where they are located.

http://www.expatexchange.com/expat/inde … =337905444

However, as a commenter mentioned at that link, the bigger question is what kind of premium are you paying for those coins over the spot rate. I guess you pay a premium for commemorative coins and these would fall into that genre.

I saw this advertisement posted in Cuenca.  Supposedly Celta is one of the top certfication schools.  I don't think they were offering certfications in Cuenca when I got here.

I would have a hard time standing in front of students trying to teach them English when I am incapable of learning the local language. However, since there are plenty of people teaching Spanish who can't speak English worth a lick, there is no reason you Cuenca peeps can't teach English without knowing Spanish worth a lick.

Nards Barley wrote:

My guess is they are legitimate since it appears they have been around to some extent since 2013 and everyone knows who they are and where they are located.

http://www.expatexchange.com/expat/inde … =337905444

However, as a commenter mentioned at that link, the bigger question is what kind of premium are you paying for those coins over the spot rate. I guess you pay a premium for commemorative coins and these would fall into that genre.

Cool. Thanks Nards. Kind of personally like the look of the coins. As mentioned what will the premium be? Only a little over spot price I like them a lot. Well over spot price, not liking so much.

sjpersonal:   I would also suggest bringing whatever flatwear you need. The inexpensive stuff here you can bend easily. And the good stuff is expensive.  A 5 piece set of good stuff will run you between $60 and $150.

There are stainless steel pots and pans here, but as mentioned before they are expensive. These pots and pans sometimes have copper layers on the bottoms. I brought a good one from Canada that cost me $80. If that pan was available here it would cost $150 or more. This is based on the cost of other similar pans I saw at a place called Sukasa. It is a very expensive place to shop and has a lot of imported items.

CB48 wrote:

SJpersonal asked how long it took to get rid of a lifetime  of  stuff.  I think I did it in about 6 months.  I stll have my condo  because  the  real estate market  is  the  pits but everything  except  clothes,  some  art work  and my pots and  pans  and good  knives was either  donated  or sold.  The bigger  question  about stuff  is, "Where will  you  put  it once  you are here?" I am living in a furnished place without a lot of extra space. The hassle of furniture--even beloved  antiques--is out of the  question.  I wish  I had brought  fewer dress clothes and more shoes as I am wearing them out faster  than  I thought  possible.
My  Spanish  is  awful  but  getting  better.  The Ecuadorians are a kind and patient  people. Classes  help  a lot. Glad I came?  Absolutely!

I am concerned about the shipping costs.  I have several really expensive antiques one is a large hammered metal cabinet that is several hundred years old.   I really do not like furnished apartments as their furnishings usually never suit my tastes.  On the other side it will most likely cost several thousands of dollars at least, to ship any furniture.   I know from reading the posts here that I will definitely need to bring my own cookware as I would not ever use aluminum for cooking.  I just laughed at myself actually stressing out about something that is at least 10 years away LOL!    Regarding my non-existant Spanish, I am waiting for my Rosetta Stone to arrive because I do not want to have to depend on anyone to translate for me when I arrive..  I am not even going to think about my clothes.  I am now working on liquidating my Huge collection of Vintage Clothes.  After i arrive there I want to live the rest of my life in flip-flops and tennis shoes, so I will bring only a few pairs of heels the rest will be flats.  Have you found it hard to find clothes that fit?  I read that American sized clothes (??) are difficult to find. 

I am glad you're happy there.  I forgot are you in Cuenca?

MikeGB wrote:

sjpersonal:   I would also suggest bringing whatever flatwear you need. The inexpensive stuff here you can bend easily. And the good stuff is expensive.  A 5 piece set of good stuff will run you between $60 and $150.

There are stainless steel pots and pans here, but as mentioned before they are expensive. These pots and pans sometimes have copper layers on the bottoms. I brought a good one from Canada that cost me $80. If that pan was available here it would cost $150 or more. This is based on the cost of other similar pans I saw at a place called Sukasa. It is a very expensive place to shop and has a lot of imported items.

LOL!! the list of things that I will need to either ship/bring with me just keeps growing.  Yes definitely my flatware and cookware along with my juicer, dehydrator and blender are coming with me.  I should be able to get a cool set of dinnerware and glassware there so I am not worried about that.

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 idea to take up Spanish: have you considered Pimsleur approach to learning Spanish?
You also need to think about what you will really miss about "back home" if/when you relocate. That is why this forum is an excellent source of info so you have landed on the right spot for some of the folks who have chosen Ecuador as their new permanent home.
My personal choice is to visit and travel Ecuador every odd year (while I am still able, the even years are for other SA countries) for a chunk of our winter (90 days max.) and then return home. And I am fluent in Spanish, having grown up in Colombia and Peru.
You will see that there are a number of folks who buy into IL's selling of Ecuador (for example) only to return home after a few months of realizing they weren't in Kansas anymore.
Just my thoughts.