Here we go......again!

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Here we go......again!

by Jeff
(Gainesville, Georgia, USA)

I hope to relocate by June, 2012. I focused on Panama, then began looking at Ecuador.I'm curious as to why the cost of living is reportedly so low in Ecuador. There must be a tradeoff. I would never live in a big city, and I don't want to be terribly hot ever again. I live in North Georgia, and still burnt up this summer! What are the negatives of living in Ecuador? I know that's the typical rookie question, but I'd really appreciate hearing from folks that live there and have no vested interest, ie International Living. My concerns about Panama are primarily that EVERYTHING seems complicated! Even getting there! Crime appears widespread. The govt. is depicted as really corrupt, (but I'm not familiar with one that is not..)I would not like an expat closed community, but need a good shower and a few ameneties.I can't spell it! I'd appreciate your thoughts. I'm a single, retired teacher, with enuff Espanole to get in trouble. Would like to learn local customs. Thanks, in advance for your input!!!

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Here we go......again!

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Dec 03, 2011

Ecuador
by: Len Langevin

As someone in the comments stated, Panama will be very hot and humid. The beauty of Ecuador is you can pick a climate you like as the weather here is based on altitude. I lived on the coast for a year before deciding I'm more of a mountain person than a beach person. I relocated from Manta to Baños and have zero regrets. The Ecuador coast tends to be hot, but seldom do temps get higher than the low 90s. Where I live, the highs are always between 70 and 78 and the lows are around 60. You never need heating or air conditioning.

My suggestion is to visit Ecuador for as long as possible to get a feel for the country and the different communities.

I would take anything said by Anonymous with a grain of salt. The recommendation of Guayaquil makes me suspect they have never been to Ecuador. Guayaquil is does not have a beach...it is not coastal, although it is on a river.

If you'd like to communicate with me directly, search for my name on Facebook, or search for a restaurant called Samurai Sushi in Baños.

Oct 24, 2011

About Cuenca
by: vinny66

Hi Jeff, Cotacachi could be like too quiet, I'm actually living in Cuenca and, I think, is a wonderful place to live.

Medium size city, it has a lot of thing to do and visit and, at the same time, is peaceful and not too crowded.

If you're thinking to move here I can help you with info and contacts.

Vinny.

Oct 23, 2011

Looking for a small town to learn the culture
by: Marc from Florida

Jeff,
I am not an expat yet. We have been researching Ecuador for several months now. I am surprised no one mentioned Cotacachi. I would like to live there from all I have read. Check it out. Unfortunately my wife is a city girl (NYC) and small town living is not for her. We are now considering Cuenca.

Oct 01, 2011

why Ecuador?
by: Janet

Jeff, I understand your question well, and share your interests. I too have had trouble getting below the superficial, and rave comments by those who have a vested interest. Anyone know of other forums, like a yahoo group set-up, specifically for Ecuador, where people communicate genuinely and thoughtfully? (I'm a school teacher from Houston, where I bet it's been even hotter than Georgia).

Sep 28, 2011

Ecuador VS. Panama
by: Vinny

Well, I lived in Panama for 5 years like 15 years ago and my experience is that Panama is hot, hot and humid, the city is ugly and chaotic and there is not a lot of things to do there.

Maybe the country has change, I think is more touristic now.

Now I live in Ecuador again and I loved it. I missed this country for so long that I'm really happy I'm back again.

But I don't live in Quito, is too big, too crowed now, so I living in Cuenca. Small city, peaceful, many places to visit and good food.

Cons: traffic is crazy (like in many South American cities), smog in downtown is bad.

Need more info?? Let me know.

Sep 20, 2011

Thanks
by: Jeff in Georgia

My thanks to Anonymous, for responding to my request for your opinions on Ecuador vs Panama. I hope others will share their thoughts, as this is the only contact I've received so far. Thanks again....Jeff

Sep 19, 2011

CLARIFIED
by: Anonymous

I have read ur reply in ref to living in a closed expat community === clarified ...

Since researching, perhaps MONTEVIDEO, URUGUAY which has a lovely energy and it is located on the beach, should be considered ===

PANAMA CITY is extraordinarily urban, skyscraping and city city... however, coming from Georgia, this might not be appealing ... The one great thing is the fish and the reasonable prices of the daily catch fish and shellfish ...

MONTEVIDEO has a baroqueness, the beach and the open spaces ... could appeal. Not too far, is horse turf, and the mountains == should that be enjoyed ... wine country and beef ...

Guayaquil might be nice as it too is on the beach ... Quito is colonial and I do not know Cuenca ...

Sep 19, 2011

Your input?
by: Jeff in Georgia

Hopefully, I have clarified what I'm looking for, a smaller town and an opportunity to interact with the people. With that said, I again solicit your input. Why Ecuador over, say, Panama? Upon what did you make your decision?Pros and cons of life in Ecuador. I recognize these are broad questions, but I figure info from folks who are "on the ground"would be a reliable source. Thanks again.....Jeff

Sep 18, 2011

ooops!
by: Jeff from Georgia

I believe you misunderstood, or perhaps I communicated poorly. My point was exactly that I did NOT want to live in a big city, or in a "closed" expat only community. The primary impetus for my move IS to learn the culture and people. Otherwise, I would stay in Georgia. excuse me .......

Sep 16, 2011

Closed Community Abroad ?
by: TEFL

Why leave northern Georgia or The USA, if u do not wish to integrate in Ecuador and live in a CLOSED community of expats ?

How sad !

The most rewarding thing about living abroad and teaching English, is the beauty of the Tefl learning too about the culture, people and country they are living and working again --- that is the best part.

STAY IN GEORGIA if this is your attitude to Ecuador.

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Here we go......again!

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Here we go......again!