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my pal purchased a place in Ecuador through his lawyer. he has no title, no documentation and no key. his lawyer says he will get the docs upon his my friend's next visit. what us up?
Me parece muy bien que comenten las cosas que les disgusta, muchísimas personas están de acuerdo en todo lo que han mencionado. No es ninguna ofensa en lo absoluto, Ecuador tiene muchos problemas estructurales y reconocerlos es un factor importante para empezar a resolverlos
Tienes razon. Ademas me parece que mencionan la deliquencia como si recien empezo....debido al COVID. No es cierto...la delinquencia y violencia tiene anos que pasa en el Ecuador.
I have lived in Ecuador for over 20 years. The information that JP and Amelia are giving in their videos concerning living in Ecuador is surprisingly accurate. Far to many people do a disservice to the viewing community by painting a rosy onesided picture of life here. Ecuador is a wonderful place to live but, just like everywhere in the world, it is not without its problems. Wonderful, insightful videos.
I live in the USA but visit Ecuador often, everything mentioned in the video is so true ,you need to be very cautious when using pubic transportation and it is always a great idea to compare prices when shopping aside from that ,the country is beautiful and the majority of the people are nice and welcoming to visitors.
As an Ecuadorian person the crime, both serious and petty crime, is what infuriates me the most about this country. But I still love it, and I am glad you enjoy your life here. Thank you for this great video!
Todo pais tiene sus zonas oscuras. Es ahora habitual en los Estados Unidos los actos criminales cometidos por psicopatas en las propias escuelas y universidades con varios heridos y fallecidos
@@ceciliatejada8054 pero casi nadie conoce alguien realmente que fue herrido asi. En ecuador TODOS conocen alguein que fue herrido o matado en un crime
What I Hate about Ecuador is... politics. The presidents we had have always don't do anything for " we the people" usually the politics are the same rich families who have becone rich stealing sonehow... I hate them ! They just want to becone richer...
Very nice! And you are so right, I love my country, but what I would most like to change is the crime, the trash we find sometimes on the streets, and the homeless dogs. Thank you for appreciating my country in spite of the bad things! Greetings from Guayaquil ❤
Trash is in many countries. It represents sorry NFG people who just don't care, or places where the govt cannot afford to police the streets. I've watched videos of early 20th century Germany & Austria - hardly a piece of trash anywhere. Workers were sweeping & washing the streets and walks.
Except Ecuadorians are much more advanced then we are in the U.S.. They already have tall walls with broken glass or electric fences around their homes! We haven't as of yet had to do so. I suspect though that is coming 😭. God bless Ecuador and my homeland the USA!
@@overcastfriday81 Not for long...once the U.S. has free open borders we will welcome them with open arms. Especially if they are criminals in our sanctuary cities!
I spent 3 months in Ecuador more than 40 years ago, when I was in college. I am retiring in the next couple of years, and looking to retire somewhere other than the US. Been looking at Panama, but these Ecuador videos are making me remember how much I loved being there! Thanks!
Many blessings for you. It is so nice that you are thinking of my country as the place for your retirement. Anyway the place you finally decide to live may make you feel in peace and in joy.. I m sure Ecuador has beautiful places you can decide to live. I wish you the best for you. Take care.
Tristes realidades que pasan en mi Ecuador, y que a uno también le molesta, tenemos que mejorar mucho como ecuatorianos. Tienen mucha razón lo que dicen.
En todo el mundo y es peor en los Estados Unidos! Donde yo por desgracia vivo desde bebe. El mundo es peligroso, tienes que encontrar un lugar sin humanos para estar a savo
Well done JP/Amerlia. The company I worked for used to have offices in Ecuador, so I worked there when Managers went on leave to fill in. Later, I stayed in Cuenca in my retirement and now I am exploring less traveled parts although I had the COVID delay. Your videos are respectful, humble and right on target. If I chance upon you, I will send you a (cheap lol) beer. Have a great day. I like every country I go to, but one thing I like alot (there are many) about Ecuador is the food. Colombia will be my retirement residency, but the food here is bland and they DO NOT like spicy food! Ecuador serves you a good picante sauce with meals and just has great food. I have fond memories of the giant market in Cuenca and again, wish you guys a great day. Thank you for the video. And with the surprising amount of Ecuadorians you have following you, it means you are doing something right! To the Ecuadorians, thank you for the hospitality in your country.
In regards to crime in Ecuador, I was warned about the 👜 handbag I was carrying from the local people when I first arrived there. When I was taking a public transit bus people warned me someone might come up with a knife, slash open my purse at the bottom and steal the contents, as they told me it had happened to them. 😲😳 ... which I thought was *really kind* that they would take the time to warn me. ❤️💕 After that warning I would keep all documents and money hidden on my person and only use a purse to carry nonessentials and enough money so the the thief would think they did steal my money. Lol Thankfully this never did happen to me but I always was very aware of my surroundings. Thank you for another great video! 👍😍
@@dianerichards6015 Sorry, but I've lived in 4 countries and travelled to 19 and in other countries I was never having to be alert for this: someone slashing open my bag to steal the contents. It was the local people who were kind enough to warn me of this, not the expat community. 😊 Of course purses are can stolen anywhere. Lol That's not what I was talking about. 💖💗💖 I loved living in Ecuador and I loved the Ecuadorean culture. People in Ecuador are very kind and wonderful to be around.
@EuropeforEuropeans WEWONTSURRENDER Yikes. 😬 Some day I would like to see Machu Picchu and the Nasca Lines... but after friends of my parents went through a harrowing experience I'm not sure I would. Mind you, I tend to be a risk taker so you never know. Lol
I have lived in Southern Colombia for almost 6 years now. I have visited Ecuador many times and the biggest difference I noticed are the indigenous peoples. The men usually have long hair and the women wear their traditional black dresses. The indigenous culture is much stronger in Ecuador. Ecuadorians are more reserved and laid-back. It is a peaceful place and the energy is positive. "Getting gringoed" is expected, but I usually joke about it in Spanish and say something like, how about the normal rate? Or I let my Colombian gf negotiate and no problems. Carry money in at least 3 places - one older foreigner I met showed me a custom zippered pocket on the inside of her pant cuffs - she said she had been robbed so many times and they never looked there. I used to always carry a decoy wallet with some cash ready to throw it in a heart beat and run the other direction (just make sure you throw the decoy not the real).
Hi, I'm Ecuadorian and sincerely I think you were kind in your description of the problems here in my country. Thanks for that. I could easily think in 5 or more issues beside those you mentioned. Nice to have both of you here and I would love to meet you some day in Olon. I live in Guayaquil.
Amelia and JP as a Canadian travelling through the USA I had my car broken into twice, I was mugged once and I was falsely arrested by the police. When I was in Ecuador for the same amount of time I experienced no crime. I found Ecuador to be much safer than the US mostly because like you mentioned you need to secure your items and not become a target. Ecuador is very safe if you're not a target walking around flashing expensive items like cameras and jewellery. I found the US to be much more dangerous than Ecuador. I met a New Yorker in Quito who was mugged for his $50,000 rolex watch and then went on about how horrible it was. The question I had stumped him. " Why did you bring a watch that is worth equal about 5-7 years the average Ecuadorians salary with you? why were you out drinking late at night and stumbling home with it? " he had no answer and clearly after sitting there for a while realized how dumb he was. Bringing and showing off expensive valuables while travelling ( or living ) in a country where the average yearly wage is $ 7,000 you'd have to be a complete idiot. He clearly was. When you live or travel in Ecuador hide your expensive items don't wear fancy watches, rings, necklaces. in public. While out always ( like you would do anywhere ) watch your back. Don't dress up, don't show off your valuables in public. Live local, act local and be local. When I'm in Ecuador I don't dress in a Hawaiian shirt and wear white socks and sandals and dress like I was at Monster truck event. If you don't fit in.. you stand out and if you stand out.. you're a target whether that be in Oakland California or Quito Ecuador. Don't go out and get drunk and party till the late hours at bars, don't do drugs in public and you'll be fine in Ecuador anD ABOVE ALL learn the language and the culture. Fine if you want to buy a big fancy house and live it up but don't expect the locals not to realize that. Great if you have the money for a security system or bodyguards not great if you don't. I live in a small condo complex and live below my means near the Argentinian border in Ecuador. It's a 1 bedroom and I have the basics. Do I worry about getting robbed? No.. and I never have been because I'm low key. I've seen Americans come down to Cuenca and purchase large houses, showing off their wealth to those who can barely afford their next meal and live as they were in Miami Beach and then complain when they get robbed. Oh really? you thought acting like you were in America when you're not was a great idea? Can you blame locals for being jealous and for those who are down and out not to think you're a rich Gringo and then target you for it? Maybe I'm too low key... maybe I should wear my Ralph Lauren Polo Shirt and Hawaiian shorts with white socks and sandals and complain that I can't find a Hot Dawgggg while living in Ecuador. It's very rare that I've met someone who was robbed down here as an ex-pat who didn't make themselves a target. So remember that... you're in another country and you have to live and understand how things work down here. When you don't ... you're going to get robbed.
Not anywhere. The issues of a developing country are decidedly different from a developed one. Packs of stray dogs, as an example, don't roam my neighborhood on the daily. Ecuador today is quite similar to Malaysia of the mid 90's.
No pickpockets in my city. We have other problems but definitely not pickpockets. This is mainly because we drive around in cars, have limited public transport and hardly ever end up in bustling crowds.
In the Gulf Arab countries you can leave your doors unlocked at night and when no one is home, and you could walk down the street with gold, jewels, and money hanging out of your pocket with no worries.
@hunchoz t Wage matters! $6 a month wage means you don’t value stuff and you don’t value good life too! A pig for 50 cents don’t mean you value good life. It also means you’re into damaging stuff. Bad.
The quality of your videos can't be beat. No irritating filler, "you know," "ah", etc., or wasted words. Just non-stop useful information. Although I would disagree with your claims of stunning beauty. Overcast skies and an average looking beach is pales in comparison to the beauty I see in my neighborhood or any photos I would take.
The trash issue reminded me of my experience in Alaska. In rural areas I saw lots of roadside homes with heaps of trash and a graveyard of old vehicles, there is no trash pick up and no place to get rid of an old car or truck, except in towns and the few cities.. I read once that the trash issue is also a cultural thing in that it has not caught up with the times in isolated places. In the past, there were not so many disposable items, most were natural products that people discarded on the ground with no ill effect, banana peel, apple cores, organic matter. But now there is so much prepackaged foodstuff with plastic and the habit persists, but there is no place to put the trash either, same goes for glass and aluminum containers. Petty theft is persistent due to the disparity in wealth and classism. Many natives see foreign tourists as "millonarios." Compared to them, yes we are the wealthy class. I am retired and my monthly pension and other income are 20-30 times the average income in Ecuador, so it pays not to be flashy, else you will be a target.
I’ve been to Venezuela many times befor all this rederick! It’s like that too there with the trash. Beautiful landscape. But oh the litter, glass bottles and everything, everywhere
I enjoy your videos. Well edited and informative. I like how genuine and authentic you two are as well. Your upbeat attitudes are delightful. Thank you for what you do. Well Done Indeed!
First time I come across your channel, I think a lot of the thinks you mentioned on your video are right. I'am Ecuadorian but it has been 4 years since I moved from Ecuador, I love my country but one of the thinks I had to deal every day in the street is the sexual harrassment, as a woman if you walk alone men look at you, they tell you nasti things. I am not telling all the Ecuadorian men are like that but most of them they don't respect a woman, and for you as foreigners for sure if you want to buy something or get a service just because you look so different people will take advantage. For example I know the prices of taxi drivers but when my husband is next to me taxis try to charge more, I always Tell my husband to hide 😅🙊😅 so I can negociate the price.
appreciate the straight-forward heads up.........live on Long Island now, but i'm from Detroit (which I love, by the way) but i understand everywhere we live/visit has its good and bad points. ...as always, you have a nice touch with these videos. Ecuador is lucky to have you.
I'm an expat in Colombia for a couple years now and concur with most everything you've stated. The one thing I'm still not accustomed to is the noise. I had to laugh at that one... they don't hear it the same as we do... how true. And my God, these people know how to party. LOL. Crime? Never been impacted by it. I feel safer here than back in the States. I look at the news and whats happening in some US cities and I thank God I'm down here.
@@relicofgold LOL, I think Brazilians wrote the book on partying . Beer and "chaca boom" music everywhere you go. They generally are a cheerful lot, in my experience .
Thank you for talking about the bad parts of Ecuador in a very positive light. I love your videos and it's true there are good and bad everywhere (things, people, circumstances) I'm sorry your phones robbed. I got my car broken into and my laptop stolen 6 years ago outside of church in salt lake city Utah it really can happen anywhere.
10:00 hola Amelia and JP, talvez sea necesario explicar sobre la temperatura ambiental. Pese a estar nublado, no es frío y suele ser agradable. Entre 18°C y 22°C. Ustedes podrían confirmar la temperatura media. Eso es algo que se puede ver, en el vestuario que usan, fresco y holgado.
Las críticas son buenas para mejorar. Tenemos todavía mucho que hacer para que nuestro país sea mejor. Cada día debemos concienciar a nuestros compatriotas para que respeten el derecho ajeno y cuiden del ornato. Vamos por buen camino, hemos mejorado y cada día tenemos que esforzarnos para que el orden, la limpieza, el respeto a la naturaleza y la vida lleguen hasta el último rincón del Ecuador. Gracias por sus vídeos y por contribuir con su trabajo e ideas al desarrollo del Ecuador. Saludos cordiales
Very informative video. Everything the video states is true and correct. The one thing that your video didnt mention much of is owning a car here in Ecuador. Obviously you guys dont own a car here. But I do and there are things you must watch out for when driving yourself around and keeping it legal to drive and how you do need to be careful when a maestro a master mechanic does or say they do service maintenance to your vehicle. I am in Quito so a person must be aware of the days you drive. Plus many police and military checkpoints. Fines are high and they will take your car away on the spot and you are left on the street. Plus crime on the streets is bad if you own a car. They steal the cars, bags, purses, computers, backpacks must not be seen from outside your car. They will actually break your window while at a traffic light steal what they can grab. Moto's motorcycles do much of the crime here. Hit and run. Very easy getaway. So windows must constantly be up and doors locked. Moto's weave in and out of traffic so you must constantly be on the lookout for them and they get upset if you cut them off by accident. It is against the law to weave in and out of traffic but when you see police officers do the same thing on nonemergency drives, well everyone thinks they can too. Bicycles are getting very popular on the streets nowadays because some people can't drive on certain days...cyclists feel they can rule the roads. Yes there are bike lanes but not many. So you must watch out for the cyclist. They feel they are doing something green to save the environment, and they are, so they feel the rules of the roads do not pertain to them. I thought I might just throw these few things in. But this video was a very important part of Ecuador new expats must know. 7 to 8 people die on the roads and highways in Ecuador every day...according to the news. Ecuadorians have very little patience on the road and do not think of the person in the car ahead of them or to the sides or who is behind. But I must add, some do have courtesy and do think of others. About 5% of them do care...
Just an observation about the taxis in Cotcachi: everyone of them that we have ridden in (for about the last 6 years) have been very safe and NEVER have “road rage”; when someone cuts in front of them, they will react humously with,” estan locos!” And laugh. Yes there is a lot of horn honking, but not aggressive; it is used more as a type of “language” they use to communicate with other cars... we feel SO much safer here than we do in the USA. “Tranquilo” is the motto in Cotacachi. They really live up to that motto! And yes, when we first moved here, we got some of our electronics stolen. They are very expensive in Ecuador. When we called the police, they reassured us that we didn’t have to worry about the burglars stealing our personal information and selling it overseas...most of the burglars steal the equipment and erase everything before selling them to families who have kids that want a computer or smart phone; but they can’t afford to buy one from a store. So we considered it kind of like a “donation” at the time. All of the people we have had do work for us have been honorable, with only 2 exceptions -that in 7 years that we have lived here! Yes, most Ecuadorians think of Expats as having much more money than them (even if we are living on Social Security checks). We have been “gringo priced” but even then, it has been a LOT less expensive than what we would pay in the USA. Just another perspective and our own experience...
Just yesterday my wife and I were on our way back from one of the shopping malls in Quito. A yellow taxi was honking and flashing his lights at us to move out of his way. Traffic was heavy and we couldn't move in any direction. So the taxi driver waited till we came upon an offramp to the right. He sped up threw a huge rock at my vehicle and almost hit the side window. He hit the top of my vehicle. Then spend off and took the offramp. He timed it perfectly so he could get away. It all happened so unexpectedly I couldn't get his license plate number. Terrible...I know not all taxi drivers are like that but I have lost respect for them...
I moved to Quito from Key West 2 1/2 years ago. I rode motorcycles most of my life and I can't believe what motorcyclists get away with here. They weave in and out of cars on the road and follow no rules at all. Another thing I notice is how impatient motorists are here. If you are stopped at a redlight at an intersection and the light turns green and you don't start moving forward in a millisecond the cars behind you will honk their horn for you to get moving.
@@richardeklund7712 You guys must be from a big city in the USA to feel much safer in Ecuador than you do in the United States. I've lived most of my life in the USA and I've never been worried about being gringoed or pick pocketed or had my back pack stolen or cut open to steal the contents. My wife dropped a hundred dollar bill once in a grocery store when she was digging through her purse. When she returned home she realized the money was missing and we telephoned the store and someone turned in the money as lost and found. We didn't expect to have the money returned, but I'd have to say it depends on where you are from in the United States to say Ecuador is safer then what it is here in the USA. You probably think I'm ignorant to say that , but I've lived in Mexico, Central and South America and on various islands and the safest place I've lived is the USA. I've never lived in a city in the USA with more than 30k people in it so that may explain our differences in experiences.
Thank you for your video and balanced perspective. I was in Ecuador back in 2014 and found the people everywhere to be amazing. Walking around Quito near sunset, a young girl and her grandmother approached me and warned me to hide the bluetooth headphones I had hanging around my neck (hadn't even thought about it). Many of the people were this way when I visited Cuenca, Salinas and Manta as well. Unfortunately I did get mugged in Quito because I was having a rough day and let my guard down (someone stole my traveler's wallet; didn't care about the cash but they did get my passport, which created an entirely new experience that was luckily balanced by considerate and helpful staff at the Canadian embassy). I would absolutely travel again and hope to re-visit the friends I made when I do.
I was just outside of Archidona in the early 1990's in the military. We were there to replace a bridge that was in very bad disrepair and was a suspension construction with wood planks as a road/walkway. We replaced it with a concrete bridge. It wasn't nearly as high above the river as the old one. It was the rainy season and the area where I was was very poor. Most of the people were nice and polite and I made a friend who was in the Ecuadorian Army. We flew into Quito. Took a smaller cargo plane to Puyo and then road a bus to where out base camp was. I'm pretty sure that that area has changed dramatically.
There's something about fireworks that some people just love way too much. I lived in Los Angeles for 20 years and it was just in the last 5 years or so that you could not escape them. Fireworks are no longer just for 4th of July. Any time the Dodgers or Lakers win, fireworks for a solid hour in all directions. The closer it is to the 4th, it's happening every night. Literally your next-door neighbors launching mortar shells at all hours. It's ridiculous. My dog was shell-shocked in a constant state of anxiety from May thru August. It was one of the many straws (the main one being the pandemic and work loss) that forced my hand to move. Not out of the country yet but we'll see where 2021 goes....
it is different... It's a beautiful country, and more safe relatively than other countries in the region but it's more dangerous than the US by a lot. Everyone likes to play that 'it wont happen to me' game until it does. Just please be safe and be with someone who knows the area..
It is way different. Everyday crime is way higher than in the US; poverty levels are real and could be shocking, infrastructure is deprecating, buying power for locals is weak. Not trying to say bad things about Ecuador or any South American nation but that is the reality.
These nuisances they speak of are universal and somewhat minor. I would be perhaps more worried about the possibility of a wholesale unexpected deteriorating economic or political climate that Latin American countries have been known for. Look at Venezuela for example , it is in the throes of a rapidly collapsing economy along with a tenuous political system destined for violence.
Well, St Louis is one of the deadliest cities in the United States. However, in my little Midwest town, I've taken thousands of walks alone at night and the most dangerous thing I've seen is a raccoon.
Hello Amelia and JP, I live just south of Chicago and I have family members who will be living in Cuenca for several months 2023. I am visiting Cuenca in Feb. to March of 2023. (Bringing my 18 year old son too!) Your channels are where I have begun my research. Thank You! Subscribed!
Amelia is just so cute. Her beautiful presence will illuminate any dark side Ecuador has. She is a wonderful little star that brightens the lives of those lucky enough to know her. Even via a UA-cam video........
Es difícil esa situación yo soy Ecuatoriana y mi esposo es gringo y a él siempre quieren cobrarle el triple y todos piensan que solo por el hecho de ser de otro país tiene mucho dinero yo siempre les digo que aunque el cabello le brilla no es oro lo que tiene ahí. Seguro habrá alguien que los ayudara a tomar precauciones y no esperar nada a cambio Me gustan sus videos aún no soy muy buena en Inglés así que mejor escribí en Español 😊👍
Learned Spanish over thirty years ago in high school..was almost fluent. Sadly, as an adult I rarely get to practice much any more. At any rate...me gustan sus videos tambien.
Like your positive inkling to smaller darker sides issues in beautiful Ecuador ! My mother lived for a couple of years on the Canarie Islands in Spain and there they had over 50 fiestas a year. One every weak, average, and they made it out so family friendly happy weekends. La Fiesta, lots of noise, lots of fun in the sun.
Yeah go to the slums of Quito, Guayaquil, Northern Esmeraldas. There is a lot of violent cities but you only hear about them in spanish news. A lot gets covered up so that tourism doesn't decrease. A lot of problems that Americans find it hard to understand.
I live in Quito. The crime is very high just like Guayaquil. You must be aware of your surroundings at all times...and no Ecuador is not all that safe. Ecuador has its problems just like any other country. Ecuador is beautiful some of her people are very good. But there are the few that is ruining Ecuador. Drugs, governments, thieves.
Great video! Thanks for describing the good and bad of my country with kindness and respect. We sure have a lot of issues but still we recognize that, bottom line, we love Ecuador.
Glad I subscribed. You guys always bring a great message. The delivery is as good and better than the content. Very cool. Looking forward to sunny videos.
I am from Ecuador and I live 30 minutes from Azuay, Cuenca. I lived in Azogues and there is a part of Azogues that is super safe. The name is called Charasol. and the weather is fabulous and the houses are very luxury. I lost cost. I think better than cuenca
I live in a large Midwest city. Who knew my neighbors are all from Ecuador! As always you give balanced information on the challenges and positives to life in Ecuador. Thanks.
Thanks! We try to be balanced, although we tend to be more on the positive side of things. There's already enough negativity on UA-cam and in the world these days!
Un criterio muy certero y preciso..y más que nada realista de la que hay mejorar algunas cosas y promover muchas otras. Cuando la realidad está pintada no hay nada que criticar de sus criterios.
I was in Ecuador in October of 2019 on a photo workshop/tour and we got caught in the fuel subsidy protests and since the protestors would not let anyone get to the airport, we headed to a nice bed and breakfast in Cumbaya . Spent a few extra days there before arranging flights home when the flights were back in operation after the agreement was met. That was a real mess on the highway leading to the airport that morning. Soldiers, tear gas , burning barricades! Other than our extra adventure, I really love the country. People for the most part seemed nice. Beautiful birds and scenery. Mindo and area had so many interesting places to explore. Cumbaya was interesting and loved Lucia Italia Pasta !! Our bird guide Pancho, who lives in Quito was a great guy! I could see the separation between poor and rich is more apparent and visible and it's always good to be alert and aware of your surroundings! Beautiful country and I would visit again !
The Coast of Ecuador is cloudy most of the time, but not dark. It gets dark at 18:30 like everyplace around the equator. But the coast is a desert with 240mm per year, which mostly falls from December to April which is the rainy season here.
We love, love, love Ecuador. We toured the country, in a tiny rental car, about 9 years ago. Your videos are making us want to come back. The bad side is pretty much the same as in Mexico, where we normally reside in winter. We didn't visit Olon but have been to most of the other places you've figured. Have you ever been to Tena? One of my favourite places we stayed.
The noise and littering here in Los Angeles are two of the reasons we want to move. Over the years, you’re the first ones to mention Ecuador being noisy and having a lot of litter. I never knew. Thanks for the video
I have cousins in Guayaquil, whom I have never been able to meet. When I made a visit many years ago, there were familial misunderstandings, and cultural misunderstandings that made the visit more difficult than it should have been. Even so, I would still like to go back down there, before I am too old to enjoy it!
Hola amigos es lamentable que nuestro país aún le falten ciertas cosas que ayuden a mejorar la flora y fauna en nuestras costas, el estado económico de nuestro país es por las malas desiciones en la política interna, nos gusta la diversión y por eso tenemos muchas fechas festivas abordando que es para mejorar el turismo, somo un país pequeño pero que tiene muchos y diversos microclimas en el mundo justamente por estar en el centro del mundo. Gracias Amelia & JP por valorar mi país. Abrazos fraternos los espero en Crucita a 20 min de Portoviejo.
Hi guys, thanks for sharing. The trash, street noise and crime are definitely such deal breakers, but again, no place is perfect and it is nice that you guys are making the best of it!
I spent a little over a month in Ecuador two years ago. I loved that country and am considering retiring there (I just retired last year). The place was wonderful, but the stress I felt was taking a public bus service from Cuenca to Quito with making stops in places like Riobamba for a few days and also Banos (which I adored!). I heard so many stories of stolen luggage on buses. In Cuenca I tipped the bus driver himself to put my suitcase in the locked underneath luggage department. I had no problems. Sometimes it takes a little extra precaution to avoid problems.
When I lived in Guayaquil (over 20 years ago), mugging was a problem. Although I never got mugged, I know of both Ecuadorian and Gringos who were mugged there.
This is the second video I've watched of you guys and you seem like a very grounded couple. I really liked how you put perspective by giving the wage/ wealth gap disparities. That speaks volumes of who you are as human beings. BEST TO YOU BOTH
I remember when my little cousin visited us in Boston from Guayaquil for the first time and one of the first things he pointed out was “geeez it’s so quiet here, I can probably hear a private conversation from across the street” ... funny thing is that if you listen closely ... you can 🤣🤣🤣
We are very passionate when we talk and we like to have fun and party 😂 🎉
4 роки тому
@@AmeliaAndJP Heheheh... I used to live in a noisy neighborhood; now I live in a private one and things changed a lot; here it is prohibited to make noise!!!! =) =)
This is so true, I lived in Australia for some time and we a group of ecuadorians were having a fun coversation and the neighbors just called us out for being too noisy 😂
As a local, I would say you were actually pretty soft on pointing out the issues. Ecuador is a beautiful country to visit, but not so much to live in (especially with a local income)
We love all videos , my wife and I got out of the storm in Virginia and are in Salinas. We will be going on Tuesday to Puerto Lopez, of course we will stop in Olin, town we enjoyed 4 years ago and love to see you just for a small talk, ' cause our plans to move Ecuador continues.
Sounds just like Colombia! Loved the video and how you talk about the "dark side" but in a really accepting and respectful way. Greetings from Medellín!
My wife and I spent a few days in Olon just a few weeks ago. We are both born ecuadorians, and Olon is by far is the best beach on the coast. We enjoy your videos a lot and the information you share is pretty much spot on. Keep up the great work!!
Hi, thanks for this info. I’m Ecuadorian and I have live in Guayaquil, Ecuador my whole life. Thanks to good I’m from the middle-upper class here, but the criminal rate this days is soooo high that sometimes I am ever scared to go to the center of the city with my phone. I love my country but if there one thing I wish I would change is the criminal rate.
Theft and drug related crime is on the rise in most countries due to the pandemic and the widening wealth gap. When people are starving and/or depressed, they will do almost anything to feed their children or make themselves feel better, even if it's a short term fix with long term consequences. Better education and more economic opportunities leads to lower crime.
I agree with your assessment of the impact on crime rates brought about by the pandemic. However, your message leaves open the suggestion that high crime rates were not present before the current crisis. That is patently not true. Crime, and in particular, violent crime has been a problem in Ecuador for decades. And I must also take exception with another comment you made elsewhere about using reliable statistics. The reality is that most crime in Ecuador goes unreported therefore calling into question the validity of published crime statistics. While the country has made significant progress increasing the professionalism of its police force, the public continues to lack trust in law enforcement.
Two thumbs up for your honesty!! You are right Amelia, feeling comfortable in a noisy environment, it is a cultural thing. After 30 years living in USA, when I visit Ecuador or any other LA country, the noise bothers me.
You nailed it on the head. All you said is so true. I have a home in Jalisco, México and everything you said in your video is so true in Mexico too. The clouds are the only difference. When I leave my house in California to go to Mexico, I have to shut my windows in the summer. The guy near me, has a big black dog, he loves me as I give him left overs, but it seems the wolf comes out at night. He barks only at night. Everything you said about Ecuador is right on about Mexico. I love your videos.
We're doing our part to show the beauty of Ecuador and bust some of the common myths, but we also need to keep it real. No place is perfect, but we love it here and have found that it's nothing like the news and movies portray it.
If you would like to get our weekly newsletter with expat-relevant news from Ecuador in English, you can opt in on our website here and gain immediate access to our Ecuador Cost of Moving and Living Calculator: liveabroadnow.com/newsletter/
Dark side of Ecuador looks like the bright side of Los Angeles.
my pal purchased a place in Ecuador through his lawyer. he has no title, no documentation and no key. his lawyer says he will get the docs upon his my friend's next visit. what us up?
I ❤️ ecuador. Salinas chipipe
How is the humidity? I speak spanish but it's Mexican Spanish so hope it's not that different
@@evaneichenberger845 The humidity is around 75-80% on the coast. You'll be fine with Mexican Spanish :)
Me parece muy bien que comenten las cosas que les disgusta, muchísimas personas están de acuerdo en todo lo que han mencionado.
No es ninguna ofensa en lo absoluto, Ecuador tiene muchos problemas estructurales y reconocerlos es un factor importante para empezar a resolverlos
Tienes razon. Ademas me parece que mencionan la deliquencia como si recien empezo....debido al COVID. No es cierto...la delinquencia y violencia tiene anos que pasa en el Ecuador.
@@krekhorohenian2154 es verdad existe delincuencia pero en USA hay tiroteos hasta en las escuelas así que el paraíso no es allá tbn ....
@@jhamilton560 de acuerdo. Aqui tenemos una categoria unica.....tiroteo a metralladora.
Lo peor es que (con todo respeto al país ) Ecuador es un país muy corrupto, los políticos se tardarán mucho en resolver esos problemas.
@@Camilo_Ballestas si tienes muchísima razón 👍
I have lived in Ecuador for over 20 years. The information that JP and Amelia are giving in their videos concerning living in Ecuador is surprisingly accurate. Far to many people do a disservice to the viewing community by painting a rosy onesided picture of life here. Ecuador is a wonderful place to live but, just like everywhere in the world, it is not without its problems. Wonderful, insightful videos.
Thank you 💕
I'm looking to move here in 90 day's. Getting as much info i can
I live in the USA but visit Ecuador often, everything mentioned in the video is so true ,you need to be very cautious when using pubic transportation and it is always a great idea to compare prices when shopping aside from that ,the country is beautiful and the majority of the people are nice and welcoming to visitors.
@@adrianvernon3538 - I’m curious…..did you make the move?
?
As an Ecuadorian person the crime, both serious and petty crime, is what infuriates me the most about this country. But I still love it, and I am glad you enjoy your life here. Thank you for this great video!
petty crimes are indeed common in urban areas...if you are in a rural area it is a bit different
Todo pais tiene sus zonas oscuras. Es ahora habitual en los Estados Unidos los actos criminales cometidos por psicopatas en las propias escuelas y universidades con varios heridos y fallecidos
@@ceciliatejada8054 pero casi nadie conoce alguien realmente que fue herrido asi. En ecuador TODOS conocen alguein que fue herrido o matado en un crime
What I Hate about Ecuador is... politics. The presidents we had have always don't do anything for " we the people" usually the politics are the same rich families who have becone rich stealing sonehow... I hate them ! They just want to becone richer...
Very nice! And you are so right, I love my country, but what I would most like to change is the crime, the trash we find sometimes on the streets, and the homeless dogs. Thank you for appreciating my country in spite of the bad things! Greetings from Guayaquil ❤
The wonderful things about Ecuador far outweigh the bad! Viva Ecuador! 🇪🇨
Trash is in many countries. It represents sorry NFG people who just don't care, or places where the govt cannot afford to police the streets. I've watched videos of early 20th century Germany & Austria - hardly a piece of trash anywhere. Workers were sweeping & washing the streets and walks.
So pretty much like living anywhere else. No worries
Exactly. Just like everywhere else.
Exactly!!@👌🤣
Some people are telling me the country is being invaded by criminals from Venezuela.
Except Ecuadorians are much more advanced then we are in the U.S.. They already have tall walls with broken glass or electric fences around their homes! We haven't as of yet had to do so. I suspect though that is coming 😭. God bless Ecuador and my homeland the USA!
@@overcastfriday81 Not for long...once the U.S. has free open borders we will welcome them with open arms. Especially if they are criminals in our sanctuary cities!
I spent 3 months in Ecuador more than 40 years ago, when I was in college. I am retiring in the next couple of years, and looking to retire somewhere other than the US. Been looking at Panama, but these Ecuador videos are making me remember how much I loved being there! Thanks!
Many blessings for you. It is so nice that you are thinking of my country as the place for your retirement. Anyway the place you finally decide to live may make you feel in peace and in joy.. I m sure Ecuador has beautiful places you can decide to live. I wish you the best for you. Take care.
@@headlinesgenerator5426 I hear Mauritius 🇲🇺 is nice.
im also thinking Panama
Tristes realidades que pasan en mi Ecuador, y que a uno también le molesta, tenemos que mejorar mucho como ecuatorianos. Tienen mucha razón lo que dicen.
Lamentablemente es así, que pena! Nosotros mismos, ecuatorianos, tenemos que cuidarnos mucho!
En todo el mundo y es peor en los Estados Unidos! Donde yo por desgracia vivo desde bebe. El mundo es peligroso, tienes que encontrar un lugar sin humanos para estar a savo
It's the same in Puerto Rico!!! Although we get paid more, the cost of living Is high.
Well done JP/Amerlia. The company I worked for used to have offices in Ecuador, so I worked there when Managers went on leave to fill in. Later, I stayed in Cuenca in my retirement and now I am exploring less traveled parts although I had the COVID delay. Your videos are respectful, humble and right on target. If I chance upon you, I will send you a (cheap lol) beer. Have a great day. I like every country I go to, but one thing I like alot (there are many) about Ecuador is the food. Colombia will be my retirement residency, but the food here is bland and they DO NOT like spicy food! Ecuador serves you a good picante sauce with meals and just has great food. I have fond memories of the giant market in Cuenca and again, wish you guys a great day. Thank you for the video. And with the surprising amount of Ecuadorians you have following you, it means you are doing something right! To the Ecuadorians, thank you for the hospitality in your country.
Thanks so much!
In regards to crime in Ecuador, I was warned about the 👜 handbag I was carrying from the local people when I first arrived there. When I was taking a public transit bus people warned me someone might come up with a knife, slash open my purse at the bottom and steal the contents, as they told me it had happened to them. 😲😳
... which I thought was *really kind* that they would take the time to warn me. ❤️💕
After that warning I would keep all documents and money hidden on my person and only use a purse to carry nonessentials and enough money so the the thief would think they did steal my money. Lol
Thankfully this never did happen to me but I always was very aware of my surroundings.
Thank you for another great video! 👍😍
I guess it is same in Spain.
Ecuador is not the only place they steal handbags, they do that in the US and everywhere.
@@dianerichards6015 Sorry, but I've lived in 4 countries and travelled to 19 and in other countries I was never having to be alert for this: someone slashing open my bag to steal the contents. It was the local people who were kind enough to warn me of this, not the expat community. 😊
Of course purses are can stolen anywhere. Lol That's not what I was talking about.
💖💗💖 I loved living in Ecuador and I loved the Ecuadorean culture. People in Ecuador are very kind and wonderful to be around.
@@relicofgold Wise. :)
@EuropeforEuropeans WEWONTSURRENDER Yikes. 😬
Some day I would like to see Machu Picchu and the Nasca Lines... but after friends of my parents went through a harrowing experience I'm not sure I would. Mind you, I tend to be a risk taker so you never know. Lol
I have lived in Southern Colombia for almost 6 years now. I have visited Ecuador many times and the biggest difference I noticed are the indigenous peoples. The men usually have long hair and the women wear their traditional black dresses. The indigenous culture is much stronger in Ecuador. Ecuadorians are more reserved and laid-back. It is a peaceful place and the energy is positive. "Getting gringoed" is expected, but I usually joke about it in Spanish and say something like, how about the normal rate? Or I let my Colombian gf negotiate and no problems. Carry money in at least 3 places - one older foreigner I met showed me a custom zippered pocket on the inside of her pant cuffs - she said she had been robbed so many times and they never looked there. I used to always carry a decoy wallet with some cash ready to throw it in a heart beat and run the other direction (just make sure you throw the decoy not the real).
Hi, I'm Ecuadorian and sincerely I think you were kind in your description of the problems here in my country. Thanks for that. I could easily think in 5 or more issues beside those you mentioned. Nice to have both of you here and I would love to meet you some day in Olon. I live in Guayaquil.
You must have never lived in the US! Very dangerous place as is the world.
I'm moving there!!!!
What are your 5 other points?
Hi, what are the 5 more issues that you just mentioned please?
Super good info from both of you. Many thanks will continue to watch your channel later.
That beach is astounding. Beautiful.
You should come and visit. We have lots of beaches like this one
Yes it is! we have a lot of incredible landscapes 🥰!
sea snakes!
Love your videos. You all nail it every time. No fluff, no bs, no crazy music, just great information. Pro and con. Thank you. TC
Thanks so much!
Amelia and JP as a Canadian travelling through the USA I had my car broken into twice, I was mugged once and I was falsely arrested by the police. When I was in Ecuador for the same amount of time I experienced no crime. I found Ecuador to be much safer than the US mostly because like you mentioned you need to secure your items and not become a target. Ecuador is very safe if you're not a target walking around flashing expensive items like cameras and jewellery. I found the US to be much more dangerous than Ecuador.
I met a New Yorker in Quito who was mugged for his $50,000 rolex watch and then went on about how horrible it was. The question I had stumped him. " Why did you bring a watch that is worth equal about 5-7 years the average Ecuadorians salary with you? why were you out drinking late at night and stumbling home with it? " he had no answer and clearly after sitting there for a while realized how dumb he was. Bringing and showing off expensive valuables while travelling ( or living ) in a country where the average yearly wage is $ 7,000 you'd have to be a complete idiot. He clearly was.
When you live or travel in Ecuador hide your expensive items don't wear fancy watches, rings, necklaces. in public. While out always ( like you would do anywhere ) watch your back. Don't dress up, don't show off your valuables in public. Live local, act local and be local. When I'm in Ecuador I don't dress in a Hawaiian shirt and wear white socks and sandals and dress like I was at Monster truck event. If you don't fit in.. you stand out and if you stand out.. you're a target whether that be in Oakland California or Quito Ecuador. Don't go out and get drunk and party till the late hours at bars, don't do drugs in public and you'll be fine in Ecuador anD ABOVE ALL learn the language and the culture.
Fine if you want to buy a big fancy house and live it up but don't expect the locals not to realize that. Great if you have the money for a security system or bodyguards not great if you don't. I live in a small condo complex and live below my means near the Argentinian border in Ecuador. It's a 1 bedroom and I have the basics. Do I worry about getting robbed? No.. and I never have been because I'm low key. I've seen Americans come down to Cuenca and purchase large houses, showing off their wealth to those who can barely afford their next meal and live as they were in Miami Beach and then complain when they get robbed. Oh really? you thought acting like you were in America when you're not was a great idea? Can you blame locals for being jealous and for those who are down and out not to think you're a rich Gringo and then target you for it?
Maybe I'm too low key... maybe I should wear my Ralph Lauren Polo Shirt and Hawaiian shorts with white socks and sandals and complain that I can't find a Hot Dawgggg while living in Ecuador.
It's very rare that I've met someone who was robbed down here as an ex-pat who didn't make themselves a target. So remember that... you're in another country and you have to live and understand how things work down here. When you don't ... you're going to get robbed.
Exactly
Ecuador doesn’t border Argentina. They are on opposite sides of the continent.
Sooo... basically you have to take the same precautions that you have to take ANYWHERE in the world!!!!
Not anywhere. The issues of a developing country are decidedly different from a developed one. Packs of stray dogs, as an example, don't roam my neighborhood on the daily. Ecuador today is quite similar to Malaysia of the mid 90's.
Did you know that the minimal wage in Venezuela is $6 a month. WTF.
No pickpockets in my city. We have other problems but definitely not pickpockets. This is mainly because we drive around in cars, have limited public transport and hardly ever end up in bustling crowds.
In the Gulf Arab countries you can leave your doors unlocked at night and when no one is home, and you could walk down the street with gold, jewels, and money hanging out of your pocket with no worries.
@hunchoz t Wage matters! $6 a month wage means you don’t value stuff and you don’t value good life too! A pig for 50 cents don’t mean you value good life. It also means you’re into damaging stuff. Bad.
The quality of your videos can't be beat. No irritating filler, "you know," "ah", etc., or wasted words. Just non-stop useful information. Although I would disagree with your claims of stunning beauty. Overcast skies and an average looking beach is pales in comparison to the beauty I see in my neighborhood or any photos I would take.
Thanks for the honesty!
The trash issue reminded me of my experience in Alaska. In rural areas I saw lots of roadside homes with heaps of trash and a graveyard of old vehicles, there is no trash pick up and no place to get rid of an old car or truck, except in towns and the few cities.. I read once that the trash issue is also a cultural thing in that it has not caught up with the times in isolated places. In the past, there were not so many disposable items, most were natural products that people discarded on the ground with no ill effect, banana peel, apple cores, organic matter. But now there is so much prepackaged foodstuff with plastic and the habit persists, but there is no place to put the trash either, same goes for glass and aluminum containers. Petty theft is persistent due to the disparity in wealth and classism. Many natives see foreign tourists as "millonarios." Compared to them, yes we are the wealthy class. I am retired and my monthly pension and other income are 20-30 times the average income in Ecuador, so it pays not to be flashy, else you will be a target.
I’ve been to Venezuela many times befor all this rederick! It’s like that too there with the trash. Beautiful landscape. But oh the litter, glass bottles and everything, everywhere
Everything is true !!! I am Ecuatorian and I now exactly what you talking about, 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
I am from India... Ecuador seems like heaven...
I studied in Gujarat. I like it but yes, Ecuador is awesome
Im from ecuador, dont do it lmao
@@danidel98 dont do what?
@@marioleguizamo2704 dont move here its not as good as it looks :c
@@danidel98 why? Reasons pls
Exactly! Warm and friendly people, but from time to time they do tend to take advantage. I still love it there and call it my second country.
i like friendly people ... Hi
I enjoy your videos. Well edited and informative. I like how genuine and authentic you two are as well.
Your upbeat attitudes are delightful. Thank you for what you do. Well Done Indeed!
Hi guys, I'm Ecuadorian living in Chicago for 28 years and I think you were so generous 🥰 describing the worst of Ecuador...
Thanks Nancy!
I'm Ecuadorian, and I approve of this video!
Thanks for sharing that video, we appreciate you guys
Thanks for watching!
I love your videos -- I never thought of moving to Ecuador, but now it's sounding great for retirement!
I’m Ecuadorian and what you just said it’s nothing but the truth
Always love your vids
Happy holly days
Merry Christmas 🎄
First time I come across your channel, I think a lot of the thinks you mentioned on your video are right. I'am Ecuadorian but it has been 4 years since I moved from Ecuador, I love my country but one of the thinks I had to deal every day in the street is the sexual harrassment, as a woman if you walk alone men look at you, they tell you nasti things. I am not telling all the Ecuadorian men are like that but most of them they don't respect a woman, and for you as foreigners for sure if you want to buy something or get a service just because you look so different people will take advantage. For example I know the prices of taxi drivers but when my husband is next to me taxis try to charge more, I always Tell my husband to hide 😅🙊😅 so I can negociate the price.
Para su informacion los taxis en Quito tienen taximetros. No tienen que negociar los precios.
appreciate the straight-forward heads up.........live on Long Island now, but i'm from Detroit (which I love, by the way) but i understand everywhere we live/visit has its good and bad points. ...as always, you have a nice touch with these videos. Ecuador is lucky to have you.
Greetings from Ecuador and thanks for loving my country
I'm an expat in Colombia for a couple years now and concur with most everything you've stated. The one thing I'm still not accustomed to is the noise. I had to laugh at that one... they don't hear it the same as we do... how true. And my God, these people know how to party. LOL. Crime? Never been impacted by it. I feel safer here than back in the States. I look at the news and whats happening in some US cities and I thank God I'm down here.
@@relicofgold LOL, I think Brazilians wrote the book on partying . Beer and "chaca boom" music everywhere you go. They generally are a cheerful lot, in my experience .
Thank you for talking about the bad parts of Ecuador in a very positive light. I love your videos and it's true there are good and bad everywhere (things, people, circumstances) I'm sorry your phones robbed. I got my car broken into and my laptop stolen 6 years ago outside of church in salt lake city Utah it really can happen anywhere.
Great info, guys. I have lived in Nicaragua for 4 years, and your list is almost identical to what mine would be. Sound like very similar paradises, 😎
10:00 hola Amelia and JP, talvez sea necesario explicar sobre la temperatura ambiental. Pese a estar nublado, no es frío y suele ser agradable. Entre 18°C y 22°C. Ustedes podrían confirmar la temperatura media. Eso es algo que se puede ver, en el vestuario que usan, fresco y holgado.
Y más para los que vamos desde la sierra, incluso bajo la lluvia de siente calor
Las críticas son buenas para mejorar. Tenemos todavía mucho que hacer para que nuestro país sea mejor. Cada día debemos concienciar a nuestros compatriotas para que respeten el derecho ajeno y cuiden del ornato. Vamos por buen camino, hemos mejorado y cada día tenemos que esforzarnos para que el orden, la limpieza, el respeto a la naturaleza y la vida lleguen hasta el último rincón del Ecuador.
Gracias por sus vídeos y por contribuir con su trabajo e ideas al desarrollo del Ecuador.
Saludos cordiales
Very informative video. Everything the video states is true and correct. The one thing that your video didnt mention much of is owning a car here in Ecuador. Obviously you guys dont own a car here. But I do and there are things you must watch out for when driving yourself around and keeping it legal to drive and how you do need to be careful when a maestro a master mechanic does or say they do service maintenance to your vehicle. I am in Quito so a person must be aware of the days you drive. Plus many police and military checkpoints. Fines are high and they will take your car away on the spot and you are left on the street. Plus crime on the streets is bad if you own a car. They steal the cars, bags, purses, computers, backpacks must not be seen from outside your car. They will actually break your window while at a traffic light steal what they can grab. Moto's motorcycles do much of the crime here. Hit and run. Very easy getaway. So windows must constantly be up and doors locked. Moto's weave in and out of traffic so you must constantly be on the lookout for them and they get upset if you cut them off by accident. It is against the law to weave in and out of traffic but when you see police officers do the same thing on nonemergency drives, well everyone thinks they can too. Bicycles are getting very popular on the streets nowadays because some people can't drive on certain days...cyclists feel they can rule the roads. Yes there are bike lanes but not many. So you must watch out for the cyclist. They feel they are doing something green to save the environment, and they are, so they feel the rules of the roads do not pertain to them. I thought I might just throw these few things in. But this video was a very important part of Ecuador new expats must know. 7 to 8 people die on the roads and highways in Ecuador every day...according to the news. Ecuadorians have very little patience on the road and do not think of the person in the car ahead of them or to the sides or who is behind. But I must add, some do have courtesy and do think of others. About 5% of them do care...
Just an observation about the taxis in Cotcachi: everyone of them that we have ridden in (for about the last 6 years) have been very safe and NEVER have “road rage”; when someone cuts in front of them, they will react humously with,” estan locos!” And laugh. Yes there is a lot of horn honking, but not aggressive; it is used more as a type of “language” they use to communicate with other cars... we feel SO much safer here than we do in the USA. “Tranquilo” is the motto in Cotacachi. They really live up to that motto! And yes, when we first moved here, we got some of our electronics stolen. They are very expensive in Ecuador. When we called the police, they reassured us that we didn’t have to worry about the burglars stealing our personal information and selling it overseas...most of the burglars steal the equipment and erase everything before selling them to families who have kids that want a computer or smart phone; but they can’t afford to buy one from a store. So we considered it kind of like a “donation” at the time. All of the people we have had do work for us have been honorable, with only 2 exceptions -that in 7 years that we have lived here! Yes, most Ecuadorians think of Expats as having much more money than them (even if we are living on Social Security checks).
We have been “gringo priced” but even then, it has been a LOT less expensive than what we would pay in the USA. Just another perspective and our own experience...
Hmm the drivers in Ecuador sound like the ones where I live in Philadelphia! Always in a hurry and not very considerate!
Just yesterday my wife and I were on our way back from one of the shopping malls in Quito. A yellow taxi was honking and flashing his lights at us to move out of his way. Traffic was heavy and we couldn't move in any direction. So the taxi driver waited till we came upon an offramp to the right. He sped up threw a huge rock at my vehicle and almost hit the side window. He hit the top of my vehicle. Then spend off and took the offramp. He timed it perfectly so he could get away. It all happened so unexpectedly I couldn't get his license plate number. Terrible...I know not all taxi drivers are like that but I have lost respect for them...
I moved to Quito from Key West 2 1/2 years ago. I rode motorcycles most of my life and I can't believe what motorcyclists get away with here. They weave in and out of cars on the road and follow no rules at all. Another thing I notice is how impatient motorists are here. If you are stopped at a redlight at an intersection and the light turns green and you don't start moving forward in a millisecond the cars behind you will honk their horn for you to get moving.
@@richardeklund7712 You guys must be from a big city in the USA to feel much safer in Ecuador than you do in the United States. I've lived most of my life in the USA and I've never been worried about being gringoed or pick pocketed or had my back pack stolen or cut open to steal the contents. My wife dropped a hundred dollar bill once in a grocery store when she was digging through her purse. When she returned home she realized the money was missing and we telephoned the store and someone turned in the money as lost and found. We didn't expect to have the money returned, but I'd have to say it depends on where you are from in the United States to say Ecuador is safer then what it is here in the USA. You probably think I'm ignorant to say that , but I've lived in Mexico, Central and South America and on various islands and the safest place I've lived is the USA. I've never lived in a city in the USA with more than 30k people in it so that may explain our differences in experiences.
I'm in love with your hair lately. It's gorgeous! The curls, the natural colors, complement your face and your personality. 😍
Thank you!
I was thinking the same, I have gray hair and would love that cut, but I guess I would need a perm as Im not that curly!
Thank you for your video and balanced perspective. I was in Ecuador back in 2014 and found the people everywhere to be amazing. Walking around Quito near sunset, a young girl and her grandmother approached me and warned me to hide the bluetooth headphones I had hanging around my neck (hadn't even thought about it). Many of the people were this way when I visited Cuenca, Salinas and Manta as well. Unfortunately I did get mugged in Quito because I was having a rough day and let my guard down (someone stole my traveler's wallet; didn't care about the cash but they did get my passport, which created an entirely new experience that was luckily balanced by considerate and helpful staff at the Canadian embassy). I would absolutely travel again and hope to re-visit the friends I made when I do.
I’m Ecuadorian and I live in Guayaquil samborondon it’s a beautiful place it’s peaceful no thefts or anything illegal will be taken away
Sounds like you guys were talking bout my home here in Ilheus Brazil. Thanks.
Once again, thank you for your comments. I think you've done a lot of research and the information that you provide Is so accurate. Enjoy!
I was just outside of Archidona in the early 1990's in the military. We were there to replace a bridge that was in very bad disrepair and was a suspension construction with wood planks as a road/walkway. We replaced it with a concrete bridge. It wasn't nearly as high above the river as the old one. It was the rainy season and the area where I was was very poor. Most of the people were nice and polite and I made a friend who was in the Ecuadorian Army. We flew into Quito. Took a smaller cargo plane to Puyo and then road a bus to where out base camp was. I'm pretty sure that that area has changed dramatically.
Appreciate you old times helping an old timers like me! Nice channel.
Once again great information, Have a wonderful Christmas you two. Hopefully the New Year will allow us to get there to explore.
Thank you! You too!
Super informative. Thanks for sharing!
There's something about fireworks that some people just love way too much. I lived in Los Angeles for 20 years and it was just in the last 5 years or so that you could not escape them. Fireworks are no longer just for 4th of July. Any time the Dodgers or Lakers win, fireworks for a solid hour in all directions. The closer it is to the 4th, it's happening every night. Literally your next-door neighbors launching mortar shells at all hours. It's ridiculous. My dog was shell-shocked in a constant state of anxiety from May thru August. It was one of the many straws (the main one being the pandemic and work loss) that forced my hand to move. Not out of the country yet but we'll see where 2021 goes....
Great job, good information as always... keep up the good work. We hopefully will see you some day in Ecuador!!!!
A lot of these issues are no different than in the U.S, especially from St. Louis Mo. where I’m from.
it is different... It's a beautiful country, and more safe relatively than other countries in the region but it's more dangerous than the US by a lot. Everyone likes to play that 'it wont happen to me' game until it does. Just please be safe and be with someone who knows the area..
It is way different. Everyday crime is way higher than in the US; poverty levels are real and could be shocking, infrastructure is deprecating, buying power for locals is weak. Not trying to say bad things about Ecuador or any South American nation but that is the reality.
These nuisances they speak of are universal and somewhat minor. I would be perhaps more worried about the possibility of a wholesale unexpected deteriorating economic or political climate that Latin American countries have been known for. Look at Venezuela for example , it is in the throes of a rapidly collapsing economy along with a tenuous political system destined for violence.
Well, St Louis is one of the deadliest cities in the United States. However, in my little Midwest town, I've taken thousands of walks alone at night and the most dangerous thing I've seen is a raccoon.
@@pcproffy yep, because people out here dont live like that
Hello Amelia and JP, I live just south of Chicago and I have family members who will be living in Cuenca for several months 2023. I am visiting Cuenca in Feb. to March of 2023. (Bringing my 18 year old son too!) Your channels are where I have begun my research. Thank You! Subscribed!
Amelia is just so cute. Her beautiful presence will illuminate any dark side Ecuador has. She is a wonderful little star that brightens the lives of those lucky enough to know her. Even via a UA-cam video........
Wow! That's very kind! 😊
I'm 27 years old and completely in love with her x 💕
I am first in line.
I liked what you said about darkness in Ecuador
I always wander why.
If you make a video about it I would greatly appreciate.
Thanks!
Es difícil esa situación yo soy Ecuatoriana y mi esposo es gringo y a él siempre quieren cobrarle el triple y todos piensan que solo por el hecho de ser de otro país tiene mucho dinero yo siempre les digo que aunque el cabello le brilla no es oro lo que tiene ahí. Seguro habrá alguien que los ayudara a tomar precauciones y no esperar nada a cambio
Me gustan sus videos aún no soy muy buena en Inglés así que mejor escribí en Español 😊👍
Learned Spanish over thirty years ago in high school..was almost fluent. Sadly, as an adult I rarely get to practice much any more. At any rate...me gustan sus videos tambien.
No sólo pasa en Ecuador, en otros países sucede lo mismo con los extranjeros.
Like your positive inkling to smaller darker sides issues in beautiful Ecuador ! My mother lived for a couple of years on the Canarie Islands in Spain and there they had over 50 fiestas a year. One every weak, average, and they made it out so family friendly happy weekends. La Fiesta, lots of noise, lots of fun in the sun.
Ecuador sounds safer than 90% of the world. Great channel.
It depends on where you are in Ecuador. The coast, Quito, and Guayaquil are less safe than Europe or Asia. The Andes and the Amazon are not too bad.
@@lvovodessa I live in quito and I totally agree ☝️
Yeah go to the slums of Quito, Guayaquil, Northern Esmeraldas. There is a lot of violent cities but you only hear about them in spanish news. A lot gets covered up so that tourism doesn't decrease. A lot of problems that Americans find it hard to understand.
I live in Quito. The crime is very high just like Guayaquil. You must be aware of your surroundings at all times...and no Ecuador is not all that safe. Ecuador has its problems just like any other country. Ecuador is beautiful some of her people are very good. But there are the few that is ruining Ecuador. Drugs, governments, thieves.
It's always been that way, crime has actually decreased in the last decade
Great video! Thanks for describing the good and bad of my country with kindness and respect. We sure have a lot of issues but still we recognize that, bottom line, we love Ecuador.
As a Ecuadorian I'm sorry that you had your phone stolen, sadly our country is falling into bad habits 😟💔
Glad I subscribed. You guys always bring a great message. The delivery is as good and better than the content. Very cool. Looking forward to sunny videos.
I am from Ecuador and I live 30 minutes from Azuay, Cuenca. I lived in Azogues and there is a part of Azogues that is super safe. The name is called Charasol. and the weather is fabulous and the houses are very luxury. I lost cost. I think better than cuenca
Azogues and Charasol are nice places. Also sunnier and warmer than Cuenca.
What makes your videos most credible. Thank you for informing of both the good and the bad. Ecuador is wonderful but has its flaws.
I live in a large Midwest city. Who knew my neighbors are all from Ecuador! As always you give balanced information on the challenges and positives to life in Ecuador. Thanks.
Thanks! We try to be balanced, although we tend to be more on the positive side of things. There's already enough negativity on UA-cam and in the world these days!
I'm from Ecuador and approved each thing about the dark side of my beautiful country. Thanks for your videos is interesting Who you see us. 👏
Un criterio muy certero y preciso..y más que nada realista de la que hay mejorar algunas cosas y promover muchas otras. Cuando la realidad está pintada no hay nada que criticar de sus criterios.
I was in Ecuador in October of 2019 on a photo workshop/tour and we got caught in the fuel subsidy protests and since the protestors would not let anyone get to the airport, we headed to a nice bed and breakfast in Cumbaya . Spent a few extra days there before arranging flights home when the flights were back in operation after the agreement was met. That was a real mess on the highway leading to the airport that morning. Soldiers, tear gas , burning barricades! Other than our extra adventure, I really love the country. People for the most part seemed nice. Beautiful birds and scenery. Mindo and area had so many interesting places to explore. Cumbaya was interesting and loved Lucia Italia Pasta !! Our bird guide Pancho, who lives in Quito was a great guy! I could see the separation between poor and rich is more apparent and visible and it's always good to be alert and aware of your surroundings! Beautiful country and I would visit again !
I appreciate your honesty ⭐️⭐️💕💕
Thanks!
Most of the comets here seem to be from Ecuadorians. My country is really beautiful I miss it a lot. Thank you for showing it to the world.
I miss Sweet and coffee. Best coffee in Ecuador
Es verdad!
Sweet and Coffee is actually the Worst Coffee in Ecuador.
The best cofee is colombian cofee
@@colombiatotheworld4336 hahaha get out of here!! nobody is talking about Colombia
@@jacf522 the truth hurts you?
The Coast of Ecuador is cloudy most of the time, but not dark. It gets dark at 18:30 like everyplace around the equator. But the coast is a desert with 240mm per year, which mostly falls from December to April which is the rainy season here.
We love, love, love Ecuador. We toured the country, in a tiny rental car, about 9 years ago. Your videos are making us want to come back. The bad side is pretty much the same as in Mexico, where we normally reside in winter. We didn't visit Olon but have been to most of the other places you've figured. Have you ever been to Tena? One of my favourite places we stayed.
How is Tena?
We haven't visited Tena yet, it is on the list!
Beautiful video thanks brother .
Gracias amigos por su video. Como Ecuatoriana q soy creo q hay muchas cosas q tenemos q mejorar para conservar nuestro paraíso llamado Ecuador
The noise and littering here in Los Angeles are two of the reasons we want to move. Over the years, you’re the first ones to mention Ecuador being noisy and having a lot of litter. I never knew. Thanks for the video
Well stated ....these issues are present in many so called third world countries...always like your videos
I have cousins in Guayaquil, whom I have never been able to meet. When I made a visit many years ago, there were familial misunderstandings, and cultural misunderstandings that made the visit more difficult than it should have been. Even so, I would still like to go back down there, before I am too old to enjoy it!
Hola amigos es lamentable que nuestro país aún le falten ciertas cosas que ayuden a mejorar la flora y fauna en nuestras costas, el estado económico de nuestro país es por las malas desiciones en la política interna, nos gusta la diversión y por eso tenemos muchas fechas festivas abordando que es para mejorar el turismo, somo un país pequeño pero que tiene muchos y diversos microclimas en el mundo justamente por estar en el centro del mundo. Gracias Amelia & JP por valorar mi país. Abrazos fraternos los espero en Crucita a 20 min de Portoviejo.
Gracias! 😊🇪🇨
Good video even though you says things that hard to hear but are real. Thanks the way you presented it. Have a blessed stay in Ecuador.
I love to move soon but I need to sale my house and with this pandemic because everything in the state of Connecticut is very expensive
Hi guys, thanks for sharing. The trash, street noise and crime are definitely such deal breakers, but again, no place is perfect and it is nice that you guys are making the best of it!
Ohhh, I do believe I can handle all that. Ecuador still seems worth it to me :) Thanks, you two.
I spent a little over a month in Ecuador two years ago. I loved that country and am considering retiring there (I just retired last year). The place was wonderful, but the stress I felt was taking a public bus service from Cuenca to Quito with making stops in places like Riobamba for a few days and also Banos (which I adored!). I heard so many stories of stolen luggage on buses. In Cuenca I tipped the bus driver himself to put my suitcase in the locked underneath luggage department. I had no problems. Sometimes it takes a little extra precaution to avoid problems.
Thank you for posting another great video Amelia and JP! How is your knee coming along Amelia? JP how is your back and neck?
We are both feeling good!
@@AmeliaAndJP great to hear:)
Ecuador!!! 🇪🇨 What a beach. 🏝 Another great video from you guys! 🎉👍
When I lived in Guayaquil (over 20 years ago), mugging was a problem. Although I never got mugged, I know of both Ecuadorian and Gringos who were mugged there.
You are right,
This is the second video I've watched of you guys and you seem like a very grounded couple. I really liked how you put perspective by giving the wage/ wealth gap disparities. That speaks volumes of who you are as human beings. BEST TO YOU BOTH
Yes, in Ecuador people don’t perceived noise as bad.
I don't think they notice it at all! I never realized it before, but I guess US Americans just prefer things to be quiet 🤷♂️
I remember when my little cousin visited us in Boston from Guayaquil for the first time and one of the first things he pointed out was “geeez it’s so quiet here, I can probably hear a private conversation from across the street” ... funny thing is that if you listen closely ... you can 🤣🤣🤣
We are very passionate when we talk and we like to have fun and party 😂 🎉
@@AmeliaAndJP Heheheh... I used to live in a noisy neighborhood; now I live in a private one and things changed a lot; here it is prohibited to make noise!!!! =) =)
This is so true, I lived in Australia for some time and we a group of ecuadorians were having a fun coversation and the neighbors just called us out for being too noisy 😂
As a local, I would say you were actually pretty soft on pointing out the issues. Ecuador is a beautiful country to visit, but not so much to live in (especially with a local income)
Love Ecuador!! I can't wait to go back 🥰
We love all videos , my wife and I got out of the storm in Virginia and are in Salinas. We will be going on Tuesday to Puerto Lopez, of course we will stop in Olin, town we enjoyed 4 years ago and love to see you just for a small talk, ' cause our plans to move Ecuador continues.
Sounds just like Colombia!
Loved the video and how you talk about the "dark side" but in a really accepting and respectful way.
Greetings from Medellín!
No, not like Colombia at all!
¡Saludos desde Nueva Jersey, Estados Unidos, mi llave!
My wife and I spent a few days in Olon just a few weeks ago. We are both born ecuadorians, and Olon is by far is the best beach on the coast. We enjoy your videos a lot and the information you share is pretty much spot on. Keep up the great work!!
I'm glad the dark side is not too bad - Thanks! I enjoy your videos.
I love Olon but ended up in Bahia de Caraquez for the weather and sun!
Hi, thanks for this info. I’m Ecuadorian and I have live in Guayaquil, Ecuador my whole life. Thanks to good I’m from the middle-upper class here, but the criminal rate this days is soooo high that sometimes I am ever scared to go to the center of the city with my phone. I love my country but if there one thing I wish I would change is the criminal rate.
Theft and drug related crime is on the rise in most countries due to the pandemic and the widening wealth gap. When people are starving and/or depressed, they will do almost anything to feed their children or make themselves feel better, even if it's a short term fix with long term consequences. Better education and more economic opportunities leads to lower crime.
The 1.5% of Ecuadorians have the solutions. Create more jobs for Ecuadorians and pay them more than $400 a month
True
I agree with your assessment of the impact on crime rates brought about by the pandemic. However, your message leaves open the suggestion that high crime rates were not present before the current crisis. That is patently not true. Crime, and in particular, violent crime has been a problem in Ecuador for decades. And I must also take exception with another comment you made elsewhere about using reliable statistics. The reality is that most crime in Ecuador goes unreported therefore calling into question the validity of published crime statistics. While the country has made significant progress increasing the professionalism of its police force, the public continues to lack trust in law enforcement.
@@krekhorohenian2154 I remember to have read that only 16.5% of all crime is reported. Even many expats don’t report robberies.
Great info..you guys are very lovely. Keep up the great work. :)
Thanks so much! 😊
Linda pareja, gracias por escoger a mi País Ecuador.
All great points! De acuerdo!
Two thumbs up for your honesty!!
You are right Amelia, feeling comfortable in a noisy environment, it is a cultural thing.
After 30 years living in USA, when I visit Ecuador or any other LA country, the noise bothers me.
You nailed it on the head. All you said is so true. I have a home in Jalisco, México and everything you said in your video is so true in Mexico too. The clouds are the only difference. When I leave my house in California to go to Mexico, I have to shut my windows in the summer. The guy near me, has a big black dog, he loves me as I give him left overs, but it seems the wolf comes out at night. He barks only at night. Everything you said about Ecuador is right on about Mexico. I love your videos.
Good video. We must improve our image as a country. 👍
We're doing our part to show the beauty of Ecuador and bust some of the common myths, but we also need to keep it real. No place is perfect, but we love it here and have found that it's nothing like the news and movies portray it.
@@AmeliaAndJP Yes! Thank you for your honesty. I wish you the best. 👍