Don! GREAT to see you! Sad to hear of your disillusionment with Ecuador, but it's not something you haven't related earlier. As always, thank you for your candor and we can't wait to see the next adventure you choose!
The good thing about this channel and you is that you tell the things how they are in Ecuador. You always talk about the pros and cons of moving to Ecuador. Unlike other youtubers on you tube who lies so much just to earn more likes. People needs to be very cautious when traveling in Ecuador. Many bad things going on throughout Ecuador.
I really love your road trip to and from the hospital. Road Trips. 1.) Show us the auto 2.) Chinese you can't get in the United States. 3.) Pet Travel to and from Ecuador. 4.) Travel with Pets throughout South America. 5.) steps needed to by a car, SUV, and Motorcycles Your idea of a Art Gallery would be a great legacy
If you look in my video index, you will see that I did two videos on my car. The video index link is in the description. I'll keep a note of your other ideas and work on it.
Hi Don as a local citycent I like how you show all true things good and bad from our society and people, that's a issue that we have to take over to get better as a country, thank you man ! Nice road trip!
Hello Don! It took me a whole day and to watch this video three times to prepare a response that would not sound too pat and contrived or judgemental. Note that I identify with you as I also took the road less traveled (i.e. we both sold our stuff, said goodbye to our home country, embarked on a new adventure overcoming fear without hesitation and explored a new culture). The only difference is that you chose Ecuador and I chose Panamá. Once you took that brave 'leap of faith' which allowed you to find new friends and connections (i.e. Mark, Dwight, Ace, Stella, etc.), you gained new strenghts and skills. Use them... Why lose your foothold in Manta? - it is already familiar. But forget about Cuenca and the cursed 'altitude sickness' (soroche in Peruvian lingo). Instead of remaining stationery take your vehicle and visit Arequipa (The White City) and Lima in Peru to start. Sip some Pisco Sour just don't drive when you do. Next stop, Chile. (Hell, take Stella with you!) It may sound crazy but I use Panama as a springboard to my roaming. (My next stop is Paraguay) Please note that I am not saying overspend or lose your savings BUT - do you really want to continue saving your 'moolah' for a lavish funeral? Maybe, just maybe you are falling into a rut after being sick and having to handle Mr. Bradbury's situation. My mom taught me that three more important things in life were - attitude, perseverance and determination. Education alone was not as the world is full of educated derelicts. Genius was not because plenty of homeless people are brilliant. Wealth alone was not as it comes and goes. Well, that was my response...I hope that you still count me as a friend and a subscriber. Abrazos P.S. Almost forgot - all those cameras have overheat shutoff issues (GoPro, DJI, etc.) because of the CE regulations (shutoff when temperature hits 48 deg. Celsius) - the new DJI Action 4, which my son-in-law bought, has a way to overcome that in the software and does not shutoff until the battery dies of course.
Don - I wonder what the tipping point is with regard to elevation. Basically how high can you go before you have difficulty breathing. Find that tipping point in elevation and then maybe scope our cities/towns that offer more amenities than Manta and allow to breath normally. If Stella does real-estate, then the valleys below Quito might be promising for real-estate and might have elevation that works for you. (sorry if I offer advice you did not ask for)
@@dianamayfield5615 I can't live in Cuenca because of the altitude. I don't have any interest in Vilcabamba because of too much negative press about crime there and Loja just doesn't interest me based on feedback I've recieved from others. I appreciate your enthusiasm for wanting to live there but we all have different tastes, likes and dislikes and that's what makes the world go round, right?
Actually, statistically, there is very little crime in the Loja province, especially when compared to the coast. The reason there is so much press when crimes are committed is because of the rarity. I'd still love to host you and Stella... You never know. You may just change your mind. @@DonShader
@@dianamayfield5615 I don't understand the argument. I have NO desire to be in that area. Period. I'm not going to explore it and I'm not going to visit. Thank you so much for your invitation, but we will not be going there. I hope it works out for you and I hope you stay well.
Hi Don, I have the same concern here about camera gear, but maybe 2 large gringos are safer than 1 when trying to create good photos. I'll shoot you an email about an idea.
@@canadianeasybid Nope. Not enough there to keep me interested. I can't be open and honest about why I wouldn't want to be there without such heavy critisizing so I'm taking the 5th on this one.
Like driving from Austin to San Marcos....... Did you go to UTA or SWTSU Don? I know that drive fairly well. Did it a few times when I lived in Temple for about 100 years some decades back.
As you drove - and I watched the entire drive - I thought "This road reminds me of sections of the 101 N leaving Los Angeles County. The vegetation, the overcast sky, giving way to sun. Thanks for responding. I know Manta isn't ideal, but if I can remain a coastal dweller, but at a lower temp. at which I've been living here in Northern Colombia it might be my place.@@DonShader
Great vid! Really great roads! Less greenery than I thought...looks like SoCal or Arizona. Yes, you can really move in that "People's Liberation Army Chinese car" lol...I live in northern Mexico...you would NOT like how folks drive here. I noticed the locals there use their signals...here...NOT😮. Speed bumps here are severe. I noticed the highways are VERY well marked with great signage. Don, if you live here where I'm at, you would overheat and pass out with rage the way the locals AND the expats drive.. 😅 Gas here is 22 pesos a liter, about 5.25 a gallon. How bout there? Glad you're feeling better!
From my investigation, "porto" means "gate" or "door." So, "Old Gate." Thanks for the video, so informative. I'll still be looking at Peru, not Ecuador.
Actually, the name Portoviejo was derived from the original name of the village when it was first founded in 1535 by Spanish captain Francisco Pacheco - 'Villa Nueva de San Gregorio de Portoviejo' - in the coastal area. Porto to mean harbor, port or crossing. So it was Old Harbor or Port. The village was moved inland in the early 1620s to its current location due to Indian attacks (Jivaros) who had initially traded peacefully with the Spaniards. The same Jivaro tribes that were known as 'head-hunters' and to do 'shrunken heads'.
I guess the hospitals in Ecuador don't have care transition managers who reach out to the next-level of care facility and arrange the transfer. How can a hospital close on the weekend?
Apparently they don't and that's what you get when you get "free" health care. They close because it's a Govt supplied hospital and they don't have the funds to pay for weekend staff. That's what I've been told.
Of all the people i have asked you might know, Don. What are the basketball looking things on the powerlines? I have heard so many things that make no sense to me.
For the same reason they use them in the US, they are there for low flying aircraft, particularly helicopters, so they know there is a power line that normally would not be seen.
@@jamielivingston7765 I don't understand what you're not understanding. They string those up for low flying aircraft so they don't run into the powers line. This includes small general aviation craft, hang gliders, power gliders, and helicopters.
@@DonShader because I have seen them near bridges and tall buildings. Or on the lowest string of 2 stories worth of line (like around tempe town lake and the 202)
Themselves. I heard some bullshit story that they were being stalked so they fled the city. I don't know the truth. I didn't have the opportunity to get to know them, apparently I didn't donate enough to them while I was following them in the states. Personally, I'm glad they're gone. Especially him.
67% motorcycle accidents actually seems low to me considering how insanely they drive. They follow no rules or laws. Multiple people with kids and stuff. Its crazy. They are really dangerous.
Don! GREAT to see you! Sad to hear of your disillusionment with Ecuador, but it's not something you haven't related earlier. As always, thank you for your candor and we can't wait to see the next adventure you choose!
The good thing about this channel and you is that you tell the things how they are in Ecuador. You always talk about the pros and cons of moving to Ecuador. Unlike other youtubers on you tube who lies so much just to earn more likes. People needs to be very cautious when traveling in Ecuador. Many bad things going on throughout Ecuador.
Thank you so much and yes, you are absolutely correct about that.
I really love your road trip to and from the hospital.
Road Trips.
1.) Show us the auto 2.) Chinese you can't get in the United States.
3.) Pet Travel to and from Ecuador.
4.) Travel with Pets throughout South America.
5.) steps needed to by a car, SUV, and Motorcycles
Your idea of a Art Gallery would be a great legacy
If you look in my video index, you will see that I did two videos on my car.
The video index link is in the description.
I'll keep a note of your other ideas and work on it.
So nice to just ride along while you let your mind wander. Good work.
I always enjoy your road trips. Thank you.
Hi Don as a local citycent I like how you show all true things good and bad from our society and people, that's a issue that we have to take over to get better as a country, thank you man ! Nice road trip!
Thanks for that, I appreciate that.
Hello Don! It took me a whole day and to watch this video three times to prepare a response that would not sound too pat and contrived or judgemental.
Note that I identify with you as I also took the road less traveled (i.e. we both sold our stuff, said goodbye to our home country, embarked on a new adventure overcoming fear without hesitation and explored a new culture). The only difference is that you chose Ecuador and I chose Panamá.
Once you took that brave 'leap of faith' which allowed you to find new friends and connections (i.e. Mark, Dwight, Ace, Stella, etc.), you gained new strenghts and skills. Use them...
Why lose your foothold in Manta? - it is already familiar. But forget about Cuenca and the cursed 'altitude sickness' (soroche in Peruvian lingo). Instead of remaining stationery take your vehicle and visit Arequipa (The White City) and Lima in Peru to start. Sip some Pisco Sour just don't drive when you do. Next stop, Chile. (Hell, take Stella with you!) It may sound crazy but I use Panama as a springboard to my roaming. (My next stop is Paraguay)
Please note that I am not saying overspend or lose your savings BUT - do you really want to continue saving your 'moolah' for a lavish funeral?
Maybe, just maybe you are falling into a rut after being sick and having to handle Mr. Bradbury's situation. My mom taught me that three more important things in life were - attitude, perseverance and determination.
Education alone was not as the world is full of educated derelicts. Genius was not because plenty of homeless people are brilliant. Wealth alone was not as it comes and goes.
Well, that was my response...I hope that you still count me as a friend and a subscriber. Abrazos
P.S. Almost forgot - all those cameras have overheat shutoff issues (GoPro, DJI, etc.) because of the CE regulations (shutoff when temperature hits 48 deg. Celsius) - the new DJI Action 4, which my son-in-law bought, has a way to overcome that in the software and does not shutoff until the battery dies of course.
Thanks Al.
In regards to the video gear over heating, I think my cell phone will run circles around the other devices.
You say you want to move out of Manta, but where else in Ecuador would you want to move to?
Nowhere. There is nowhere else I would live in because of my health.
Awesome Video Don, New subscriber and I am enjoying this channel so far. :)
Don - I wonder what the tipping point is with regard to elevation. Basically how high can you go before you have difficulty breathing. Find that tipping point in elevation and then maybe scope our cities/towns that offer more amenities than Manta and allow to breath normally. If Stella does real-estate, then the valleys below Quito might be promising for real-estate and might have elevation that works for you. (sorry if I offer advice you did not ask for)
This is what I enjoy the most! Thank you super Don.
Glad you enjoy it!
Maybe you should visit Loja?
NO WAY! Thanks just the same.
@@dianamayfield5615 I can't live in Cuenca because of the altitude. I don't have any interest in Vilcabamba because of too much negative press about crime there and Loja just doesn't interest me based on feedback I've recieved from others.
I appreciate your enthusiasm for wanting to live there but we all have different tastes, likes and dislikes and that's what makes the world go round, right?
Actually, statistically, there is very little crime in the Loja province, especially when compared to the coast. The reason there is so much press when crimes are committed is because of the rarity. I'd still love to host you and Stella... You never know. You may just change your mind. @@DonShader
@@dianamayfield5615 I don't understand the argument. I have NO desire to be in that area. Period. I'm not going to explore it and I'm not going to visit.
Thank you so much for your invitation, but we will not be going there. I hope it works out for you and I hope you stay well.
Easy way to approximate km/hr to miles/hr. Just multiply km by 6, then move the decimal. 70 km/hr x 6 = 420. 42 mph.
Oh wow! I didn't know that. Thanks!
Hi Don, I have the same concern here about camera gear, but maybe 2 large gringos are safer than 1 when trying to create good photos. I'll shoot you an email about an idea.
You might consider Loja or Vilcabamba to live in?
NO WAY!
@@DonShader It's only at 5000 ft and Loja seems to have a lot to offer. Why not do a side trip and see for yourself or maybe you have?
@@canadianeasybid Nope. Not enough there to keep me interested. I can't be open and honest about why I wouldn't want to be there without such heavy critisizing so I'm taking the 5th on this one.
Its almost like they designed the city before cars existed! DON! Love you but have you been to Boston?
I was in Boston years ago and loved it!
Like driving from Austin to San Marcos....... Did you go to UTA or SWTSU Don? I know that drive fairly well. Did it a few times when I lived in Temple for about 100 years some decades back.
No, but I grew up in Austin and made that drive many times with my business.
How often is it overcast like in this video? What's the temperature like?
Very often. Most days. Temps are mild though.
As you drove - and I watched the entire drive - I thought "This road reminds me of sections of the 101 N leaving Los Angeles County. The vegetation, the overcast sky, giving way to sun. Thanks for responding. I know Manta isn't ideal, but if I can remain a coastal dweller, but at a lower temp. at which I've been living here in Northern Colombia it might be my place.@@DonShader
Great vid! Really great roads! Less greenery than I thought...looks like SoCal or Arizona. Yes, you can really move in that "People's Liberation Army Chinese car" lol...I live in northern Mexico...you would NOT like how folks drive here. I noticed the locals there use their signals...here...NOT😮. Speed bumps here are severe. I noticed the highways are VERY well marked with great signage. Don, if you live here where I'm at, you would overheat and pass out with rage the way the locals AND the expats drive.. 😅 Gas here is 22 pesos a liter, about 5.25 a gallon. How bout there? Glad you're feeling better!
Gas here today is $2.40/Gal
From my investigation, "porto" means "gate" or "door." So, "Old Gate." Thanks for the video, so informative. I'll still be looking at Peru, not Ecuador.
Actually, the name Portoviejo was derived from the original name of the village when it was first founded in 1535 by Spanish captain Francisco Pacheco - 'Villa Nueva de San Gregorio de Portoviejo' - in the coastal area. Porto to mean harbor, port or crossing. So it was Old Harbor or Port. The village was moved inland in the early 1620s to its current location due to Indian attacks (Jivaros) who had initially traded peacefully with the Spaniards. The same Jivaro tribes that were known as 'head-hunters' and to do 'shrunken heads'.
Thanks for the history lesson Al.
@@DonShader Thanks Don. History has always been my passion.😉
Mine too but was always too lazy to read, so now I just ask ChatGPT and get my information from there. Thanks again.
I guess the hospitals in Ecuador don't have care transition managers who reach out to the next-level of care facility and arrange the transfer. How can a hospital close on the weekend?
Apparently they don't and that's what you get when you get "free" health care.
They close because it's a Govt supplied hospital and they don't have the funds to pay for weekend staff. That's what I've been told.
@@DonShader Amazing
Of all the people i have asked you might know, Don. What are the basketball looking things on the powerlines? I have heard so many things that make no sense to me.
For the same reason they use them in the US, they are there for low flying aircraft, particularly helicopters, so they know there is a power line that normally would not be seen.
@@DonShader but I see them all the time on the bottom strand... I don't understand
@@jamielivingston7765 I don't understand what you're not understanding. They string those up for low flying aircraft so they don't run into the powers line. This includes small general aviation craft, hang gliders, power gliders, and helicopters.
@@DonShader because I have seen them near bridges and tall buildings. Or on the lowest string of 2 stories worth of line (like around tempe town lake and the 202)
How do you like the Chinese car?
I love it. Wouldn't drive anything else.
Who or what chased Amelia and JP from Manta?
Themselves. I heard some bullshit story that they were being stalked so they fled the city. I don't know the truth. I didn't have the opportunity to get to know them, apparently I didn't donate enough to them while I was following them in the states. Personally, I'm glad they're gone. Especially him.
@@DonShader 😂 Yeah, I got a couple of testy responses from him.
67% motorcycle accidents actually seems low to me considering how insanely they drive. They follow no rules or laws. Multiple people with kids and stuff. Its crazy. They are really dangerous.
I agree. I woold hav thought it would be a lot more.