Our Take on Quito Ecuador (after living there for 2 years)
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- Опубліковано 27 вер 2024
- For the past 2 years since we left Manta, we have received several messages or comments each day asking where we live. Well, it's finally time for the big reveal, which may surprise you!
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I see some expats complaining about the "cloudy weather" of some parts of Ecuador. Actually we all thank God it is that way. The sun light in this part of the world is so strong that if we wouldnt have those protecting clouds, the plant life would be scorched almost to death, not to mention our skin!
I think it's great that you are experiencing all the different areas of Ecuador and finding the spot that really feels like home. You've always waxed poetically about Cuenca so it's no surprise you're heading back there. Thanks for the update and info and revealing your 'mystery' living location. My curiosity was going a bit bonkers wondering where you have been living. Please share more real estate videos because they are so fun and my favorite content that you post. I adore house hunting and dreaming through your videos.
Quito was quite the education for me in scams. I had the hotel call a cab to take me downtown -- a five dollar ride. He takes me on a tour of the city, pretending not to understand when I ask questions, and charges me $40 at the end. No sooner do I get out than I'm approached by a little old man who speaks English and claims to have taught high school history in the state I was from. He offers to take me on a walking tour of the old town -- no charge but I can give him anything I want if I care to. About 20 minutes later, when he'd led me into the store of one of his cronies where I was expected to buy something, I realized I was being scammed again and left. Gave him $20, which he complained was insufficient. I know -- they saw me coming, so learn from my naivete. Understand that if you are a tourist there you are a mark, pure and simple. Don't get into a cab without making it clear exactly where you are going and what you will pay.
This happens in every country. It’s not unique to Ecuador.
I find that Ecuador is one of the countries where people will rip you off the least… the cabs will rip locals off as well, so most people avoid the yellow cabs and stick with Uber. Sorry to hear of your bad experience, but I do honestly think that most people generally want foreigners to have a nice time and will go out of their way to help.
@@guayaquilindependiente8763 Thank you for the thoughtful reply. I subsequently spent two weeks in Cuenca and no one tried to rip me off, but if I were ever in Quito centro again I'd keep a close eye on my wallet.
As for whether this happens in "every country," Maybe, but doubtful. Cabs are highly regulated in places like Scandinavia. I've taken cabs in about 30 different countries, some at the same level of development as Ecuador. I encountered predatory cabbies in Romania and Serbia (though the Serb cabbies were up front about charging you more than standard). They charged about double the normal rate to go from the airport or train station to your destination. But the only phony, unrequested tour was in Ecuador. And the little old man -- he was a trip. Watch out for the old scoundrel; he'd be about 80 now. He's a smooth operator.
Hahaha ! Bet you DON'T speak a word of Spanish ! This happens in EVERY foreign country, when Americans show up. Most foreigners think we are all RICH, and only on vacation. So they try to gouge us with the "gringo price" and every other scam you can imagine. SPEAKING SPANISH is a NECESSITY if you intend on living full-time abroad. Either that, or plan on moving to an English speaking country. But the scams will still be there.
@@AmeliaAndJPTrue. I'm from Ecuador and I got scammed twice, as a tourist, in Paris.
Congratulations Amelia and JP on reaching 102k subscribers.
Was not expecting all the Juan Valdez cafés - didn't realize they had expanded outside of Colombia.
We'll be in Ecuador next week on an exploratory. Quito isn't even on the radar and this video just reinforces that decision.
You should do a cost of living expense analysis for comparison sake. We have our second Ecuador exploratory trip early next year but just came back from a Spain/Portugal one, and I think Europe is taking the #1 spot. We need to do more research on Spain taxes, but due to where we are from, it would only take two years to obtain citizenship.
Spain's global wealth tax is an absolute no go for us.
I just returned from both places. I might have to look for the next popular (or unpopular) destination as lots of people are piling in.
Love you guys. Your videos are always informative and entertaining. I think your heart is with Cuenca. You needed to try out other places to realize that is where you are the happiest. I wish you both well, and thank you for keeping us updated on your life, and your travels.
Glad that JP kept his distance (albeit small distance) from the speeding bus. It's good to hear about where both of you have been living.
The Quito area was my personal first choice over Cuenca actually! Gerald really liked Cuenca however and Cuenca was a very very close second for me so that’s how we chose it. Looking forward to seeing you around Cuenca at some point in the future!
They’re both good options, but Cuenca is significantly more affordable.
I like Quito and the surrounding area, I'll be there again next year as the big Floral Expo will be there again in 2024. Once I leave the USA I'm still kinda stumped as to where and in which direction I want to go. Working and being part of the Floral Industry I actually have a lot of options.
Congratulations! So glad to see that you all have found a great place that is comparable or perhaps better than Cuenca. If the city works for you, that is wonderful!
The weather in Quito would be a big negative for me. I want warm weather with little rain when I move.
Excuse me guys to correct you about Quito’s weather: Quito’s mornings are most of the year sunny and 22-24 of warm. After 3pm it gets chili. Hope I helped here 🌸
Yes, I ended up near Quito as well, mostly for airport access, but for the reasons you mention. Cuenca is a cool place and its isolated.
Especially if they close the airport for 3 months to repair the runway.
Oy! Thank you for this tidbit.@@AmeliaAndJP
Are they actually closing the airport for three months? That sounds impossible. They can't divert air traffic back to the old airport in Quito as it's GONE.@@AmeliaAndJP
@@AmeliaAndJP wait what? Which airport? Easy airport access is a priority for us as well. Our latest schedule has us at the airport every two weeks (boy am I TIRED). That’s why, for example, I don’t think San Miguel de Allende would work for us.
So glad that you still stay in Ecuador, God bless.
Mr. JP & Mrs. Amelia:
Tks., much appreciated.
I fell in love with Cuenca when I was there. Stayed across the street from Picarri at Alcazar . . . as a chocolate maker, are you kidding me? I got to wake up, walk across the street and eat chocolate in front of a chocolate waterfall in the land of chocolate . . . I mean . . . Ecuador. Yes. Please.
Yum! 😋
Yeah it was a big draw for me considering Ecuador. I'm winding up in Montreal so can score decent chocolate there but not the same!
enjoyed the video, I like to visit the CumBUYa area for a minute now and then but not sure how you guys could stay there for two years! I have a great friend that lives and has a business there but he is an Ecuadorian so it's normal for him. LOT of traffic doesn't even begin to cover it - impossible to explain to anyone that hasn't been there lol - many years ago my Dad made a tape explaining that Italy had the craziest drivers in the world.....but he had never been to Quito
The traffic is crazy!
Hey ...I'm Italian living in the States but traveled to many other countries. After witnessing other countries driving , we Italians are total angels 😇 compared to others ! 😂😂😂😂
Glad to see you guys posting again!
We have been living in la Carolina and it is a delight and quite afordable.
Living in the valle de Los chillos is also very good.👍
9,400'...OMG! We have been at sea level so long that it was an adjustment to be at 5,000' and then later at 7,000' in Patzcuaro, Mx. I guess 9,000' isn't too much of a leap after that but it the altitude changes certainly kicked our butts for a while. We think we're good to go exploring and living in central Mex. but also checking out places like Ecuador in case we decide to go elsewhere... Gracias por tu videos.
let me guess, Orange County, then Denver or Flagstaff area, then MX.
@@azdbuk Nope. None of the above.
yes, too high for healthy life. Up to 2km is ok, but 3km is too much. I feel exhausted walking uphill even at 1.7km.
You mentioned Parque la Carolina in Quito. We lived a block from it when we lived in Ecuador. We were there when John Paul II visited Ecuador and celebrated an outdoor mass in the park.
Yeah, there's no way I'd move to a city. High crime, very dangerous traffic, high cost of living, allergies and add really bad air pollution, I have all of those here. I'm really regretting that I didn't sell my house and do an extended visit in Ecuador (Olon area). I don't know why I think I can't do that this time of the year but, the thought of all of that when it's cold, dark most of the time and bad weather just seems impossible.
I head a few slips into the past tense, so guessing you’re only sharing because you’ve left or quickly on the way to your other international travels! 😉 Smart cookies!
We love Cuenca and we are staying in Cuenca.
It's great that you enjoyed your time there, when you get back from your travels, please take us house hunting with you.
The Guayasamin Museum was the highlight of Quito for me
Greetings from Quito, Ecuador. I have lived here for over twenty years .The city has grown very much over the years,. Quito has gone from a small city, to a medium size city over the years. Much like yourselves Amelia and J.P. I would not go back to live in the states ever again. The recent elections for the president of Ecuador took a turn for the better, and the future looks promesing. Are you a chiropractor , who speaks Spaniish ? We should talk !
I was at Pacari just the other day and loved it!
Come back to my beautiful City Cuenca. ♥️♥️ the weather is beautiful now 😅
We met you on the Chaquiñan when you first arrived and were surprised to find out where you ended up. Glad the secret is finally out.
When you return to Cuenca are you considering a place with lower altitude nearby or the charm of the city? There are some tradeoffs as you know but the the cold damp days were hard on me inspite of the many benefits of Cuenca, If you are traveling I can imagine it will be a great home base, but those bus drivers make it down to Loja and beyond, as you know. Wherever you decide I hope happiness and prosperity are constant companions for the humble Kansas boy and his lovely wife. Do they have Rock chalk in those Andes?
actually Ecuador's biggest city is Guayaquil
Nope did not wonder but nice vid and informative plus educational. Thanks
I've heard a lot about this area. I'm glad you feel safe there. That's very important. Plus it sounds like there is a lot to do, and lots of stores. You guys put in the hard work to be able to live in a more expensive place. So let's hear about your apartment. I'll bet it's pretty. Don't tell where though. Stay safe and I'm glad you're happy.
Amo Ecuador ❤
Guys,
Can we get a video on Ecuadorean restaurant food? I’d love to see if the nation has delicious food.
I was born in Cuenca, but living 37 yrs in NYC, but still love my Cuenca hermosa so much, so always say Cuenca is Cuenca.
Gracias por compartir. Saludos desde el usa 🇪🇨
is it easy to buy Indian food in Ecuador like dal, moong dal, red lentils, sesame oil, basmati rice and so on ?
I thought you lived either in Quito or Cotacachi, good luck on your next move. I think you're going to love Portugal. Muchas bendiciones!
Yay, Cuenca! Still the best, IMO!
Nice video. Well done!
I've been wondering forever!
Like your look in this one, Amelia!
If you prefer safe drivers go to Spain. Pedestrians are respected and I never felt we were in any danger crossing a street.
East Saint Louis! Gah.... I'm such a bad guesser.
This video is the first of yours I have seen so I don't know specifically about your politics but thank you for discussing your life in Ecuador without bashing the United States. It seems so many You Tubers cannot share the joys of their adventures without somehow making it some kind of judgment against another country.
@@elliebellie7816 I think that if anyone should make comparisons, it’s expats and travelers. They’ve experienced those differences. The US lags behind in many things and it’s okay to not be “the best”.
What does one do when one gets to be 80, Move back? 65 years home country, 15 émigré country, and back to home country?
You guys look great! I wanna know if it's the better quality food or do you guys have a training plan?
Thanks! We’ve been eating a whole foods plant based diet for almost 8 years and the quality of produce in Ecuador is much higher than the US.
Yo tambien vivo en Quito es mi lindo Quito ❤
I have been to Ecuador several times over the years. I specifically went to Manta because of JP and Amelia. We went there and came across a new development, Grand Manta Bay. Loved it so much we bought a condo in tower 2. Tower 1 and 2 are nearly sold out. Our condo is going to be completed in January 2025. We can’t wait. Right on the ocean. Quito isn’t for me. Too big of a city.
If you haven’t been to Manta, you should go. The city is growing by leaps and bounds.
Which city is not growing by leaps and bounds? It may eventually be too expensive and have growing issues.
Didn't see that coming!
It’s getting dangerous there and lot of the country. My friend is from there and he left unfortunately.
Always wanted to live in Ecuador but having a Sailboat and helped a friend went there to return a boat to thev USA. The marina on Salinas area were rude a the people also. Was not impressed at all. It is like Costa Rica they charge Americans more. Met a Filipina online when covid was slowing and relocating to the Philippines very early 2024 to Cebu city. Her family
Iives there also. Born in Denver and lived there for many years in Longmont and Fort Collins and earned 2 degrees. Worked on aircraft at the airport there. Most of my recreation was in thev mountains. Would not ever return. The Philippines are not inexpensive as you heard and yes if you are a foreigner prices are inflated. Many old expats live there and traffic very young province Filipinas and money goes to the parents. These old boys have very young Filipinas and brag of it, like 50 years younger. My girlfriend is 40 and younger than myself. My choice to relocate to is Portugal, Spain or Crete.
thanks
Exciting!
Do you have a plan to deal with elevation sickness when you return to Cuenca? I remember JP had some problems.
Elevation isn’t bothering me anymore 👍
Quito is a lot higher than Cuenca, pay attention. 🤣 Some of the questions thrown at them truly crack me up. 🤣
@@sinnombre3855 One of the reasons they left Cuenca in the first place was JP didn't feel well because of the altitude and the weather. My comment had nothing to do with Quito. Some of the responses people throw at others truly crack me up.
I don't know why this comes as a surprise to anyone. Both Cuenca and certain suburbs of Quito are the stereotypical places for Americans to move, in part because they take comfort in the many other Americans who are there too.
I was hoping we would see the house.
Pedestrian blindness, oh, they see you. Pedestrians have no rights in and around Quito. I lived in Quito for a year after three in Cotacachi. I was hit twice by cars while in a crosswalk with the signal in my favor after waiting.
Must mean you are about ready to move again. Portugal?
Excellent video, thanks
Glad you liked it!
Hope you guys saw the Museum of the guy that turned his house into a Museum. It blew me away ...
Is there anywhere else in Quito that's sunny and not as expensive? Lol.
Love this video. Not relevant to say but Amelia ur getting even prettier! If Ecuador doesn't feel as safe? Did Ajijic or Chapala or Guadaljara feel safer?
Omg congrtas, looks amaizing
Curious why you hadn’t disclosed you were there the last two years?
Privacy reasons -Ecuadors a small country everyone will know your exact address just by posting a picture😅
Privacy reasons.
I see, that makes sense! Thanks!
Thanks for this info on Quito. I'd have never guessed you were there all this time.
Sorry for an off topic question, but I have just started planning my exploratory trip and wonder if you think I should avoid traveling in Ecuador this January and February due to El Niño?
It’s difficult to know since we haven’t had an El Niño in several years. They are predicting more landslides but we don’t think it will be too bad in the cities.
What is the political climate in Ecaudor like now, and what were the pandemic restrictions? I was in Vilcabamba in 2010 and loved how it felt like stepping back in time.
They recently had a run of special election and the new President is the youngest in the history of the Country. Looks like he is highly educated in US Universities and is the son of a rich Banana Exporter. We bought a farm outside of Vilcabamba in 2007. I can say the region has changed significantly with an influx of foreign expats from all over the world. I can also say that if I visited now ..I would not advise buying a rural property for a single family or couple , unless you are prepared to face the reality of violent home invasions and can defend yourself. This is not an overreaction and people who have business interests in this country are not going to warn you. Also, the Cartels …I would encourage ppl before they buy to rent and spend time in the community.
Wow & thank you! There had been 1 expat family in Vilcabamba who had been robbed recently as you mentioned when I was there 2010, but I appreciate hearing how much it has changed. Seems like a good option would be to have a local family partner & live with you on the property. However, I do recall hearing about a place there (home) with armed guards.
Sad to hear, and harder to justify with the personal protection restrictions & anti-victim laws in Ecuador.
Vilcabamba is being built up by a bunch of young turks who do lots of vlogs with town merchants looking like they don't enjoy being in something like that as an accessory. There is more crime there post covid I heard. Growing pains. It sounded like heaven to me but in the year I researched it I started reading things on the Facebook groups that made me rethink. As the comment below is elucidating. It's a real shame for Vilca and the old residents
@@whiteraven69 it has been going that way for a while, expats building big fancy developments and affecting the town. Politics and drug map post covid not great... Also people forget the government can change and reclaim your land and home and you are pretty much SOL...
Why did you leave Cuenca?
Before you move full time back to cuenca, visit mendoza.
The city is super nice and your blue dollar goes very far right now.
Time between cuenca and mendoza would be an easy bounce.
Thanks for not telling us about oppprtunities in the Seychelles or Timor Este...:)
Your current living expenses could be almost halved
Ssshhhhh! No need to let everyone know. Last thing we need in MDZ is a gringo influx! At least until our home gets built in 2025. Keep those prices low. Hopefully Millei won't F things up for prices.
Silly me - thought you were in Cuenca!
How is guayaquil
Scala! ❤
Hey guys how about Manta? I heard its beautiful and Safe and not expensive?
Where do you like to live the most? Nice video, and couple.
Enjoy your time in Kansas.
❤❤❤❤❤Amelia. Plz resend WA😊😊
Surprised I never run into you guys!
Do you own a car or just use public transportation?
How is the WiFi in Quito?
You can get up to 1Gb but it depends on where you live and the plan you have.
@@AmeliaAndJP ok thanks for the reply. My situation is I will be doing an online program for graduate study and want to travel during it, spending a significant portion of that time in Quito. Should I expect to be okay to do it there considering that I need reliable internet? Is there any reason to worry about that? Thank you again.
I haven't watched yet, but I'm guessing Quito Ecuador. I've heard very good things about Quito. Now, I'll watch. Ha! I was right! Great move guys.
US expats and/or English speakers where you are ?
There aren't as many compared to Cuenca.
Down sides of living in Quito? Living in Quito.
they moved to a big city...costs? own house?
Have you thought of making a video on how your Spanish speaking skills are coming along?
No. Unfortunately, no one watches those videos on our channel or other non-language oriented channels.
@@AmeliaAndJP After living in Spain and China, I learned that if you genuinely try to communicate in your new home you will find beautiful friendships that develop.
You guys always end up saying Cuenca is better than any other place, why do u guys not move back?
We probably will after our world travels 👍
How do you know Cuenca is better than any other place FOR YOU if you don't go to other places? They did share their reasons for leaving Cuenca. The way the altitude was affecting JP would have been enough for me to be looking for a better place.
Ummm they have been to plenty of places and always say not better then Cuenca. So makes me think Cuenca is where they want to be
Amélia I have been a professional hairdresser all my life and if I may say so I am so happy that you are no longer gray you look fantastic
I'm a bit surprised that you've been in Quito for the past two years. I spent September traveling around Ecuador and Quito was my least favorite area. It's simply too big, noisy and crowded. The good thing about Ecuador though is there is a climate and city for everyone's taste. Can't wait to go back in March.
OK, that's done, now you have to tell us where you get your hair and teeth done and where JP buys his shirts.
//sarcasm off🤣
Amelia and JP- Heard major drug and gang activity in Ecuador.
How nice!
My brother teaches at the university in Cumabaya.
The president of that university died after getting hit by a bus on the roundabout outside the school, so yup, you're invisible.
P.S. NOE is great!
We almost got hit by a bus on the other side of the round about where the physics professor was killed. The bus flew through a red light and we had an audible walk signal. Unbelievable!
Sill lookin for the lover to move out of CANADA! Congrats on your youtube channel! love you guys!
It looks very nice and modern and crisp! Hopefully the new President restores a more secure nation.
Sad to say that is very unlikely.
Have you ever been to the South of Ecuador like Machala, would you have any comments?
sorry, no 3rd world or developing countries for me no matter how cheap...
So you’ll be leaving the US then?
@@AmeliaAndJP ooh, burn 😆
Sitting in Italy... Left Canada@@AmeliaAndJP
A KFC in Ecuador 😂
So, you moved there specifically because you were feeling unsafe in Cuenca at the time? But now you feel differently?
We left Manta where we lived for a year before we moved. We felt safe in Cuenca and we still do.