Navigating Life's Unexpected Turns: A Raw Reflection on living in Ecuador
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- Опубліковано 8 вер 2024
- In this video, I share a raw and unfiltered glimpse into my day, reflecting on the challenges and unexpected turns life can take. As I sit in my living room, sweating from the heat with the power out, I recount a recent trip to the mall where half was dark due to a generator failure. Amidst the discomfort, I delve into a deeper narrative about my journey to the United States, initially planned as a brief vacation but extended due to unforeseen circumstances. Expectations of motorcycle rides and adventures were met with a reality far different than imagined.
Reflecting on a motorcycle purchase made out of empathy for a terminally ill seller, I share the unexpected discomfort and subsequent sale of the bike. Despite setbacks and uncertainties, including power outages and the ongoing challenges in my community, I strive to maintain positivity and authenticity, offering insights into life's unpredictability and the importance of resilience. Join me in navigating the ups and downs of life, embracing both the challenges and the unexpected moments of kindness and connection that come with living in Ecuador.
#resilience
#unpredictability
#authenticity
Me:
I can no longer share any personal information because of harrassment from trolls.
Links to know:
Facebook - Manta and Manabi Expats and Amigos - / 323275021650751
My Channel Video Index - docs.google.co...
My Google Docs document of useful information
docs.google.co...
Document Links
My Checklist for migration - docs.google.co...
Remember this folks.
A country might look good on paper, or on a UA-cam video, but what about the “Chemistry” between you, the individual and the country and culture as a whole?
This is something we can’t know in advance. We can only make our move, dive in and test the waters…….and see how it goes.
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The views expressed in this video are in no way intended to be taken as advice on retirement, migrating to Ecuador, investing, buying insurance, or getting your immigration documentation.
I am not responsible for any decision you make after watching my videos.
I don't give advice and I don't recommend anything unless it is based on my own personal, verifiable experience.
I want to be sure that the information I provide is accurate information and I don't want people to make a poor choice based on anything I say.
If one person comes here based on my influence and doesn't like it at all, then has to return to start all over again, I have failed.
I love that you can put yourself out there. Not many people can or will do that. As your sister, I’ve seen you grow in so many ways because of your fearless approach to life. If something appeals to you, you try with gusto. Sometimes it works out and sometimes it doesn’t. Don’t be hard on yourself, you deserve happiness and I believe you found it through your move to Ecuador. No matter where you live, there are challenge. I’m glad you at least can refrigerate your food and have access to a fan. Hang in there sweetie. This too shall pass!
The cartels are very wealthy and very powerful. They have their own armies. Ecuador is a convenient base of operations for them. It will take a long time, a lot of money, and a lot of fighting to rid Ecuador of the cartels. I hope, for the sake of all who live in Ecuador, that Ecuador wins the battle against the cartels.
I'm not optimistic. Look at the impotence of the Mexican government. Obrador is a phony who pretends to care about justice but doesn't give a crap to go to war against the cartels. His successor won't be any better. His predecessors were failures. I don't see how Ecuador will eliminate the scourge in the long run. There has to be a joint concerted effort amongst all the countries involved.
Genuinely awesome! Love listening to you!
Brother you had me rolling when you said you wanted to squish the Geico lizard 😂
Thanks for the story time and remember that you still have friends here, I’m still here 😁
hello friend. I was a PC volunteer in Ecuador more than 30 years ago. The PC tried to assign me to the coast. However, I was able to manage have them transferred me to the Andes area. after that. I didn't have no more issues with water shortage, sweating and lack of ac. Also, less crime. Good luck.😅👍
Yes, I am in Cuenca and I am glad now, but many times I was thinking about warmth and sea in Manta, I go there sometimes for few days but then I am always happy to be back in Cuenca. Also apartments or houses are more expensive then in Cuenca.
Thanks for your honesty and telling it like it is. Been in Ecuador almost a year now and even with some of the problems we are staying. Been without water a few times and on the electricity rationing. Been stuck in the elevator once when power was lost and thanks to a good friend with me she pried the doors open and we were able to get out since the emergency alarm didn't work. Ecuador is definitely challenging.
In spite of all the problems, it passes.
Don, I just wanted you to know that you are a good person.
"I've got no makeup on, you're getting the real Don Shrader here" 😂
Joshua, you are right.. the real Don wearing his curmudgeon suit.. 😢😂😂
A good partner is priceless and one can tolerate a lot of outside challenges when the relationship is good. Disfruta Don!
You’ve still got your sense of humour Don the crap will pass , great story on the bike 🤠👍
Thanks 👍
Don ,control yourself, leave that Geico lizard alone. Lol
always good to hear from you Don, stay strong
As long as the beer stays cold!!!!
Thank You Don. Boquete Panama, here we come.
Thanks Don…. Life is easier in the Highlands.
Out of the need for air conditioning and elevators situation’s and scary gun noise.
Some areas have plenty of Expat support ….
You and I are the same age so we are in similar situations, we all need to rethink our situations
I just sold my big touring motorcycle….it was just time
Good deal on the bike! (they call that style a crotch rocket for a reason. lol)
Well it kinda looks like a crotch rocket but it really isn't. It's classified as a sport touring bike.
Hang it there Don. Things may suck right now and they may get worse but they will surely get better. The electricity will come back, there'll be ice cream at the mall and most importantly, President Noboa will defeat the cartels. Ecuador is a beautiful country with a lot going for it.
I like your attitude. Thanks for the encouragement.
Don, for the last 2 days, I watched both of your latest videos and listened to your insightful comments. My take is simple life is about getting the best of it., No matter where you are. You found your nirvana in Ecuador and have a wonderful GF. What else a man would need more?
The cool thing is your not alone on this Don, we are all going thru the same thing together, I think your a boss for riding this out, I'm sure it will be over soon
We got stuck in the elevator today and we have a generator in our building too…Scary! Stay cool Don!
oh my,,,,Rob.
Hey Don, you should be too down and out. At least you have some ice cold beer in the fridge.
It's a complicated world we live in. When the electricity goes , put on a wet t-shirt. It really makes a difference in cooling you off. I'm off to vote SI tomorrow rain or shine 😊
Seriously? That sounds super uncomfortable, unless it was said in jest lol
Hi Don. It’s a sad world we are living in, but we have to make the best of it. We think the grass is greener on the other side, but it is not. We really have to live in the moment. Live and love every moment and everyone with the good and the bad. Enjoy, my friend you’re moments 😊
Don-I wish you well--you appear to be slowing going down hill. I think you need some kind of change--good luck!
Stella is the straw that stirs the drink.
I was soooo close to moving to Ecuador . So glad I did not.
Yeah don't waste your time or your money.
@@DonShader Keep up the good work!
All shall passed!
Al que obra bien le va bien ,esto pasará
I thought it was a great story Don. Thanks for sharing.
You feel the way about that GEICO lizard that I do about SpongeBob SquarePants Lol
Great post--honest and thoughtful, as usual.
Wow. You are back in Ecuador! People are voting for change. Hope the answer is yes to all but 11 question. Is about casinos. They do not do much. Just create poverty. Ask NO in the US of St L.
I don’t want Ecuador to become like the U.S.
Casinos make wealth for a few while creating poverty for many.
Don’t want it, don’t need it.
No ice cream?? The inhumanity! This electricity crisis is out of hand! 😅
Sorry you're sad/down tonight. Put on your favorite musical artist and grab a few beers and relax.
Hey Don, as far as I am concerned, if it sucks, it sucks. Human nature will have you looking for ways to distract yourself or cope if there is nothing you can do to control or fix the situation. I'm thinking, if I were there, I might take a walk on the beach as it might be cooler there. All you can do is pray for rain, I guess. One thing I know for sure is that there are problems everywhere. The drug cartel situation is very serious. But I like to believe that good will overcome evil and it usually does at some point. The question about staying or leaving, as I see it, is why did you choose there in the first place and is it working for you? What you needed 3 years ago could be different from what you need now. And how safe do you feel? I don't know if any of this is helpful. Just know you are not alone.
I don't feel safe here in Manta at all.
Gotta have a conscience, right? I think she is great as well and it sure is nice to have a good friend.
Don, Ace is saying that the blackouts could last even as far as several months off and on. So sad!
You are a good man!!
Be careful, Don. Yesterday, a 70 year old American man was shot to death in Manta over a robbery.
M6 mistake, It's like 15 minutes outside of Manta
It was in Santa Marianita. There are numerous stories about what actually happened and it's a most unfortunate situation. The bottom line is that the guy tried to be a hero and it cost him his life. Around here, it's better to be a live coward than a dead hero.
Not sure what exactly happened in his tragic situation but "resisting" might've been a gut reaction...my automatic reaction when a thief approached me (pulled over on the side of the road having to manually enter my credit card number *i hate iphones now*) was to put it in drive and floor it. Turns out this thing had a gun, pulled the trigger and shot at me through the passenger side window. Bullet ricocheted off the dash and steering column and barely grazed my left bicep. I thank God every day that I got away unscathed.
You’re a good man Don.
Catch the ball Don lmao. Love it!....what do they do with the ice cream after it's melted and refrozen several days in a row? I'd be a little disappointed too, but it may be a blessing in disguise. Cheers
Bought ice cream at an Oxxo in central México the other day and became ill shortly thereafter. Pretty certain it melted and was frozen again right before the taste changed due to spoiling. Suffice to say I won't be buying ice cream there anymore lol
I hope you are visiting the neighboring countries to compare(Peru, Colombia, Argentina, etc).
Hi Don, I hope you're hanging in there.
When you have a moment and an improvement
in the power situation, would you please consider
adding Spanish subtitles to this video.
Thanks and have a good day.
I thought I did. I'll check.
Opps, sorry. I forgot. Fixed now.
@@DonShader Many thanks my friend!
Hang in there Don, it will pass, good times are on the way.
Do you have a pool at your condo? You could sit in the water while sipping a margarita instead of sitting in your hot living room. Or you could go body surfing in the ocean across the street, or get out your camera and drive around with your A/C on taking some cool photos, sound good? I am so envious you live by the ocean its hard to feel sorry for you, LOL!! Keep your videis coming, You’re the best 😊
O M G! Judy, come here. Live here for a year and see if you feel the same way.
The pool is most likely crowded with families and kids. Quite annoying if you're trying to relax.
Don, you have a good heart. 💜 It sounds like you felt compelled to buy the motorcycle, more out of consideration and sympathy towards the man with cancer than your actual desire to have that particular motorcycle. Seems it was meant to be since you were able to turn around and sell it quickly at the same price. Sometimes we just have to do what we feel prompted to do and what we feel is right...we never know how our actions may impact others for good.
This is so true.
Ever since I retired, I felt I was sent to Ecuador to meet my girlfriend, meet and help Mark Bradbury, and I was sent back to Mesa, to help my friend Carmen and help that gentleman sell his bike so he could liquidate his assets. Throughout my life, I was never really known for being the most generous or helpful kind of a guy. I just pretty much stayed to myself and didn't get involved.
I'm not proud of that fact.
Thanks for sharing the story ❤
I’m not a fan of the limey lizard 🦎 as well 😂
Thanks for watching!
Would you be able to install your own eco-go battery backup in the condo?
Sure I could but why bother. It's not my place and I don't think it could handle the AC.
True that ..I try very hard not to invest in other people's property. If worse comes to worse I sit in my car with the Aircon running and watch UA-cam videos.
Best wishes from central Mexico...perfect weather aside from the month of May lol
It sounds to move on, go visit Argentina, I heard the dollar is stronger over there. I can't wait to visit those countries later this year.
Don! With all that heat and no ac, think of it on the bright side! Its got the same effect as a sauna with great health benefits!😅
I'm still interested in your thoughts on Mexico.
Sorry the bike didn’t work out. , Don. Maybe you can try again sometime. Who knows why things turn out like this?!
I would be more pissed off than you are with heat and no ac, particularly on a high floor.
I’m still planning to come when I have time. But these problems make me hesitate moving a little. Just have to come down to check it out.
Take care of yourself, Don!
Be smart and come for a lengthy visit, then you will know.
how long to get drivers license renewal??
Five years
I can't imagine being more miserable than being without AC when it's so hot. You seem to like the warmer weather, though, but maybe not this hot. So glad you were able to sell the motorcycle and not lose money. Hang in there. This too shall pass.
Why don’t you think about moving to colombia
There isn't enough money to make me move to Columbia. There are many more better choices.
Don Shader is MR Positive! When you consider what shit has happened there, consider that we had an insurrection in DC..... There are not any perfect places. Hope you get some relief, soon. Keep well, my friend.
... Add this too will pass.
See you in September 🙂
Looking forward to it.
I know you don't want to hear this - Andes: cleaner, cooler, safer...
Breathing!