Hola everyone!
We hope everyone one of you is doing well and experiencing fullness of life. Sorry we haven’t written in a while, but we have been busy. Lots to do around the compound, and many social events. We just had a big party here for my birthday and about 25 people attended. Lot’s of good food and lots of great company. Thinking of changing the name of my birthday to the annual “Sugar Fest”.
I have been traveling to Loja each week for Neural Therapy with some of my friends. It is an interesting concept; we will see if it helps my allergies. After our treatment, we walk around the city, shop and go to lunch. Usually we cover anywhere from 3-5 miles walking. It’s a great time of fellowship for sure.
We have lived in Ecuador 18 months now. The big question on some people’s minds; would we do it again? The answer is: absolutely! It is a huge change, and it takes some getting used to. There are all the usual issues of crime, government bureaucracy and of course the cultural differences as well as the language barrier.
In terms of crime; It is much less than the U.S. per capita. Most crimes are crimes of opportunity, where someone’s purse, cellphone or jewelry is snatched. These things typically happen in the big cities and not in our little village. What we do have are break-ins and home invasions occasionally. These things are usually predicated by ignorance of the expat (not leaving doors locked, flashing money or expensive items or just plain talking to much) and expats trying to buy/sell drugs. Occasionally, it is political. Expats can involve themselves in matters that can have negative ramifications. Most of us who live peaceful lives who try to become part of the culture never experience anything negative or life-threatening. I am told that a recent survey done here in Vilcabamba shows that Ecuadorians have a favorable opinion of Expats by 54%. That is improving as of late. The opinion of Ecuadorians can be formed by how well Expats behave in public. Trying to insist that a shopkeeper speak English is a sure way to give us all a negative reputation. An Ecuadorian friend of mine once told me that “we really respect generosity.” That doesn’t necessarily mean you must give them money. Generosity comes in many different forms. Showing them you care, comes from the heart and not necessarily from the wallet.
The bureaucracy is not as bad as the U.S., it’s just different. When you understand the average IQ here and how labor in this country works, then you have much more patience when dealing with government officials. One thing they are diligent about is illegal immigration and drugs. Therefore, we see lots of traffic stops on the highways. Some policemen are kind and courteous and some are not. You must understand that they are not your friends, and they may even want a $10 or more bribe if something is out of order with your car or paperwork. The corruption here is much more transparent than the U.S. We have not had to pay a bribe yet.
All in all, we love this country and have no regrets about moving here. The medical care has been good and much cheaper than the U.S. Medical insurance is a small fraction of what it would be in the States. Electricity, water, gas, internet and cellphone plans are ridiculously cheap as well. Our total utilities are less than $150.00 per month. Our property taxes for our 2.4 acres including 2 houses is les than $80 per year. The expensive items are; anything imported. Add 30% plus shipping to anything being shipped from the states.
We have a shipping service that keeps us from paying the 30%, but we pay $6.50 per pound to ship things here. We live here on less than $10k per year. Others spend more some spend much less. I would never suggest anyone move here because it is cheap.
We believe that we are living healthier than we ever have and that is the reason we wanted to expatriate here. The air, water and food here is cleaner than the states. Lot’s of supplements becoming available here as well as essential oils. The food can be very different from the States and takes some getting used to. There are things like Pizza, Hamburgers, Kentucky Fried Chicken and other fast food available, but we prefer not to indulge. Some people move here, and flourish others get sick and die. Some can’t make the transition and leave while others embrace the transition with bold excitement and a determination of a pioneer while respecting the culture and practices of this incredibly culture-rich society. In many ways, there is much more freedom here to live as you wish.
A few months ago, my good friend told me that I am weird. I was offended at first. Then he said “you have to understand everyone here is weird”. It takes a very different person to sell everything they own, leave their families and come to a country where they know no one and try to set up a home and lifestyle. Everyone in Vilcabamba is weird! There are those who are running away from things like the IRS, police, family problems, and other societal issues. Then there are those who are running to a more laid-back peaceful way of life who are also seeking better health. Every religious sect can be found in this valley. Every political persuasion and many opinions can be found. In Vilcabamba, there are more restaurants per capita than just about anywhere I have ever traveled. We try to celebrate the “weirdness” and make deeper friendships with those whose character more closely aligns with our own.
Our God has placed us in this enchanted, magical tranquil valley and we are so grateful for it. We never get tired of gazing at the mountains, the perfect climate or the wonderful people. Our gardening keeps us occupied several hours a day. Lisa like to paint landscapes and I torment liberals on Facebook. Trips to different towns and lunch dates fill up the rest of our days. Sometimes we wonder how we got so busy for two retired people. Lisa was able to pass the driving test and received her Ecuadorian driver’s license. I am still illegal, but plan to obtain mine in August. In September I will receive my first Social Security check. Yippee!
Healthwise we are great. Lisa is losing more weight on the Keto diet. She has been helping Rosa do the same. I am starting to think I may just live to be 100. Who knows what God has in store for us?
Know that we miss each one of you and think of you all often. We miss our Grandbaby for sure and anxiously await each new picture the kids send.
Until next time,
Dios te Bendiga!
Comments