12 countries in 12 years

Sunday, December 30, 2018

What's It Like to Live in a Village? Behind the Scenes Look for Adventurous Folks

What's It Like to Live in a Village? Behind the Scenes Look for Adventurous Folks!

        

Thursday, December 27, 2018

This is Yunguilla Valle - We Live in a Little Village in the Andes Mountains of Ecuador

This is Yunguilla Valle - We Live in a Little Village in the Andes Mountains of Ecuador

          

Sunday, December 23, 2018

A Holiday Update 2018-19 From Us to You!

A Holiday Update 2018-19 From Us to You! Merry Christmas! Feliz Navidad! Holiday Update 2018-19.

Thursday, December 20, 2018

Before Moving to Mexico, Panama, Ecuador, Latin America Make Sure You Understand This Pitfall

Before Moving to Mexico, Panama, Ecuador, Latin America Make Sure You Understand This Pitfall. And now since you know about this you can't say, "no one told me".

      

Tuesday, December 18, 2018

Is It Riskier to Drive Your Own Car or Take Public Transportation When You Live Abroad?

Driving a car or going without when you live abroad-Which One is Riskier?



          

Sunday, December 16, 2018

It's 10 Days Before Christmas and This is What's Happening in Cuenca Ecuador Today! 🎄

I'm back in Cuenca! It's 10 Days Before Christmas and This is What's Happening in Cuenca Ecuador Today! 

 

Thursday, December 13, 2018

PANAMA CITY Compared to QUITO - Transportation, Crime, Weather, Rentals 🇵🇦-🇪🇨 2019

Panama City compared to Quito Ecuador, including transportation, crime, healthcare, rentals, and more with pros and cons. For the complete article on the comparison of these two cities, click here.



           

Tuesday, December 11, 2018

The Dumb Things You See Online! 🤣 Meet People Travel VLOG

This is how to meet people? Really? Crazy! The dumb things you see and read online! This is one dumb thing I saw online awhile back and I thought I'd share it with you today. Guys, we have a info packed video coming up that you will want to watch (next video) about Panama City versus Quito Ecuador on the issues of transportation, health care, crime, food and rental costs, and more....so stay tuned for that!

          

Sunday, December 9, 2018

During the 'Live Abroad' Honeymoon Phase These Little Things You Sweep under the Rug and Forget About!

During the 'Live Abroad' Honeymoon Phase These Little Things you brush aside, Sweep under the Rug and Forget About!

      

Thursday, December 6, 2018

Going Abroad, Stay Out of This Business! 🤔 Just Another Day in the Life!

Going Abroad, Stay Out of This Business! Just Another Day in the Life! 🤔  



       

Tuesday, December 4, 2018

12 Great Hours in Panama City Panama VLOG 2018 🇵🇦😎

      12 Great Hours in Panama! Panama City VLOG 2018  

        

Sunday, December 2, 2018

Just When We Thought Prices Were Back to Normal, the 'Retire Abroad Media' Are At It Again!😦😟

Just When We Thought Prices Were Back to Normal, the Retire Abroad Media Are At It Again folks, pumping Cuenca Ecuador! 😦 They found out Cuenca is cheap again and here they come! Be ready for price hikes by the end of 2019! The big IL conference is going to be the mid part of August 2019!  You've heard of "first come first serve", right? Well in this case it's "first come, first best price deals" in Cuenca Ecuador. You know how it works!

       

Thursday, November 29, 2018

Should You Go to Europe or Ecuador or Both? This Is Our Last Vlog for November 2018

Should You Go to Europe or Ecuador?  We think both! Travel, if you can and live abroad, if you want! Enjoy the last vlog for November 2018!



          

Tuesday, November 27, 2018

Latin Women Like This about American Men - A Lesson in Love

What Really Attracts Latin Women to American Men? Well, for starters Latin Women really like this about foreign men  but we also have to share a lesson in love.

            

Sunday, November 25, 2018

The Silly Reason WHY My Gringo Friend Won’t Move to Latin America! // Cuenca Ecuador VLOG

We're going to tell you the silly reason why my gringo friend won't move to Latin America!  Let us know what you think in the comments under the video on YT.   There is no right or wrong answer guys, it is what it is.

 \

Tuesday, November 20, 2018

This Is What It’s Like to LIVE in Cuenca Ecuador - Day in the Andes Life, VLOG!

We've got a lot of stuff do to today still and we're bringing you with us! So this is what it's like to live in Cuenca Ecuador! A Day in the Andes Life, VLOG

        

Sunday, November 18, 2018

16 Hours in Guayaquil Ecuador 2018 the Best Part!

We had to go back to Guayaquil to finish up some documents we're taking care of. So, here is our16 Hours in Guayaquil Ecuador 2018 the Best Part.  How much is a Dunkin Donut Where you live?        

          

Thursday, November 15, 2018

The Most Undervalued Asset in Ecuador - Cuenca Ecuador Commentary

The Most Undervalued Asset in Ecuador - Cuenca Ecuador Commentary.How important is this to you?



      

Tuesday, November 13, 2018

This Store Manager Put the Rest of Them to Shame! Super Day in Cuenca Ecuador

This Store Manager Put the Rest of Them to Shame! Another Super Day in Cuenca Ecuador! Do you think getting good customer service is an important aspect of living abroad? We pose this question under the video on YT.

         

Sunday, November 11, 2018

Here Comes Gringo Caravan in Cuenca Ecuador! - A Day in Paradise VLOG

Yep, that's right it really is a gringo caravan in Cuenca Ecuador, however these gringos went through the proper channels to get here. We're eating lunch at a gringo hangout in a very touristy hub of Cuenca Ecuador. We're just enjoying another day in paradise.

          

Thursday, November 8, 2018

Inside Look! Watch Us Play Like the Locals in Fabulous Cuenca Ecuador City, Lovin It VLOG

Here's an inside look just for you! Watch us play like the locals in fabulous Cuenca Ecuador city. We've been living like this for almost 8 years and we're lovin it vlog! 


       

Tuesday, November 6, 2018

Is Mexico a Third World Country? If It Does NOT Provide THIS, It Is!

Is Mexico a Third World Country? Does the Place provide THIS? I got the idea for this video when yesterday a YT creator said in a video to thousands of viewers that Mexico is a first world country? Here's what we have to say about that.

    

Sunday, November 4, 2018

The Gullible Gringos of Lake Chapala, Ajijic Mexico But Not You!

We were not going to make any more video reports about this issue in Ajijic, Lake Chapala Mexico but so many people are in denial that the lake is really contaminated that we are compelled to bring more facts out in the open. We spent several days collecting data and translating Spanish documents detailing the terrible hidden truth about Lake Chapala. Wow, it's absolutely incredible that so many people have been duped by one gringo guy telling them the lake is safe. The whole thing truly saddens us. It's really all about the children but no one seems to notice; they're having to good of a time enjoying their eternal spring in paradise and making postcard YT Videos about the place. I guess.
       

Thursday, November 1, 2018

The Terrible Truth about Ecuador's Amazing Country that You Need to Know!

The terrible truth about Ecuador's amazing country is this...We love to get right down into a matter to find out what's really happening. It's no secret, Ecuador has massive earthquakes and in this video we didn't even talk about the one in the Andes by Quito that killed over 60,000 people and flattened whole cities. That was before 1900's. We only spill the beans about the last big quakes over the past 110 years! Most people know Ecuador has earthquakes but this one big fact about Ecuador that we talk about, most people don't know! Watch the video to find out what it is. 

 

Tuesday, October 30, 2018

I Shocked the Guy! -- Last Video for Cuenca Ecuador in October 2018

You should have seen his face; I shocked the guy! This is our last video for Cuenca Ecuador in October 2018. Seeya in November! Hasta Luego!

          

Sunday, October 28, 2018

Escaping the U.S Because You're Sick and Tired of the Money-Grubbing Culture

So you are escaping the U.S because of the money-grubbing culture? How many times have we heard that. A lot of people escape; the ones who escape usually end up leaving their newfound country and the ones who come for the adventure and cultural experience and the change are more apt to stay for a while. When your attitude is not expecting then differences are more adaptable...but leaving one negative to go to the same negative usually doesn't work...at least not in the long run. 

          

Thursday, October 25, 2018

We Just Want You to Know Some Things Are a Pain in the Neck - *Cuenca Ecuador* VLOG

Hey guys, we just want you to know some things are a pain in the Neck...LOL...figuratively speaking of course. Cuenca Ecuador VLOG. Today we're walking and taking a taxi thru the city of Cuenca while we vlog!

        

Tuesday, October 23, 2018

When You Move to Latin America Your Life Will Never Be the Same!

When You Move to Latin America, Your Life Will Never Be the Same! What do we mean by that? Well, for just one example, we tell you all about it in this video. That can be a good thing or a bad thing, depends on the people and how they handle cultural differences.      

       

Sunday, October 21, 2018

24 Hours in Guayaquil Ecuador - Part 2

Here's the second half of our visit in Guayaquil Ecuador in part 2.

         

Thursday, October 18, 2018

24 Hours in Guayaquil Ecuador 2018 -- Vlog Part 1

We literally spent just under 24 hours in Guayaquil Ecuador because we had a government errand to get done and we got there early enough to do some sight seeing and we made the trip quite enjoyable. Here is part 1.

           

Tuesday, October 16, 2018

We Can See Right Through This, But Can You? Cuenca Ecuador Vlogging

Today we're vloggin it up in Cuenca and Azogues Ecuador. We can see right through this, but can you? 

       

Sunday, October 14, 2018

These Little Things Can STOP You COLD in Cuenca Ecuador – October 2018 VLOG

These Little Things Can STOP You COLD in Cuenca Ecuador – October 2018 VLOG. Frank and Angie's videos provide real life reports, insights and entertainment about everything traveling and living abroad in Ecuador, Panama and Beyond!  Our mission is to show you "what it's really like to live abroad" without any agendas!  Support our YouTube Channel and have access to more videos every month that go a bit deeper than what's uploaded on our YT Channel!   https://www.patreon.com/HMFamilyLife.



        

Tuesday, October 9, 2018

Beat the High Cost of Computers in Ecuador and Build Your Own High Powered Computer!

Beat the High Cost of Computers in Ecuador and Build Your Own High Powered Computer. This is the first time Angelo has built his own gaming computer so it is not a "how to". If they sold such computers like this in Ecuador (they do not) he would have spent twice the money to buy it, even when counting the shipping costs of the parts to Ecuador.  

         

Thursday, October 4, 2018

Talking with John Wayne in Medellin Colombia: "We got scammed"!

It's easy to get scammed when you're new to an area and when you are too trusting. It happens all the time. It happened to the fella in this podcast you're going to be listening to next.  Talking with John Wayne in Medellin Colombia: "I think we got scammed!"



        

Tuesday, October 2, 2018

Are You Sure Number #1 Retirement? Cuenca Ecuador 2018

Are you sure number #1 retirement? Frank and Angie's videos provide real life reports, insights and entertainment about everything traveling and living abroad in Ecuador, Panama and Beyond! 

        

Sunday, September 30, 2018

Amazing Cuenca Ecuador Last Video in September 2018

This is our last Video Log  (VLOG) for September 2018. Frank and Angie's videos provide real life reports, insights and entertainment about everything traveling and living abroad in Ecuador, Panama and Beyond!  Our mission is to show you "what it's really like to live abroad" without any agendas!   
        

Thursday, September 27, 2018

To REALLY Make America Great Again, You Need THIS from Latin Americans!






To REALLY Make America
Great Again, We Need the Secret Sauce from Latin Americans! Latin America is home to some of the friendliest and happiest people in the world! Why do you think that is?   What's the secret sauce? What do Latinos cherish dear to their hearts that provides them with so much contentment and happiness?

      

Tuesday, September 25, 2018

What Are Gringos Doing to Rental Prices in Cuenca Ecuador, Mexico, D.R, etc... 2018-2019?

What Are Gringos Doing to Rental Prices in Cuenca Ecuador, Mexico, D.R, etc...2018-2019? We update our viewers with the latest rental prices in Cuenca Ecuador for both markets, the gringo market and the local market. We don't leave out the other touted countries like Mexico and the D.R, both heavily traveled by permanent resident gringos.  
         

Sunday, September 23, 2018

Tens of Thousands of Gringos Move to Developing Countries for THIS Very Wrong Reason, You Too?

If you ask expats "why" they moved to a certain Latin American country, whether it is Mexico, Panama, Ecuador, Colombia, etc...95% of them will tell you for THIS reason. However, a good portion of them leave and go back home" and that's because they were enticed to go there. When a person is lured by hyperbole and not told how something really is, they will have certain expectations already conceived in their mental state; the person will base all of their thoughts upon this hype and will envision something not the way it really is...and well, you know the rest of the story, disappointment will obviously set in, sooner or later...

This is not a new concept to us...if you want to read more about this subject, take a look at the article we wrote back in 2011 about not moving somewhere based on price: Do Not Move to Ecuador Just Because It's Cheap!

      

Thursday, September 20, 2018

Why We Didn’t Accept "House Hunters International" Feature Offer - UPDATED September 2018




This article was first published on January 25, 2012. Today we bring you the updated article and the video to go along with it. 



UPDATE 2018: Everything in this article still applies. House Hunters has done three shows in Ecuador since writing this article, that we know about. 

         




Last week House Hunters International asked Frank and me if we would like to be featured on one of their shows doing an episode about house hunting for rentals here in Cuenca. 



This version of HHI is a spinoff of the house hunters show. It was pretty exciting to be asked to do one of their shows and we gave it some careful thought. But we are not the type of people who just jump into something without doing the due diligent research first. What would the consequences of such a move be?




We did our research and investigation about this show and it is a very contrived reality show. Viewers do not realize that when they watch this show the people in it our actually “acting”! But that is not the scary part, the scary part is how they can and will slant anything they want from the four day shoot into their favor and say and do whatever they want. It's pretty much like watching the news or reading the newspaper. Is that what you want? we don't think it is. As our readers already know, we have our own show already.



Update 2018: In fact during the considerations we called them several times with our questions and they said we had to stick to their script and that's when things began to fall down hill from there and is why we decided not to do their show. 



We have a reputation to uphold for our readers and YT viewers and for ourselves and we feel it will do more harm than good. We have a pretty large readership now and our readers truly have an expectation from us, and we believe we owe our readers the low cost Cuenca, not the hyped up Cuenca with inflated rents. 




HHI is a very popular and well-known cable television show and for us to go on this show and pretend we like the hyped up rents and real-estate prices would be contradictory to what we teach people about how to live in developing countries.


We believe that if we were to go on this show it would inflate rental prices even more and that is something we are not willing to do. We cannot stop others from hyping up Cuenca with high priced rentals and real estate prices, but for us it is not an option. We love being the Frugal blog about Cuenca and we love being able to tell our readers about how not to be a gringo target and how to find good rental deals.


We live in a pretty nice rental now for only $250 a month and we know there are other rentals out there in the local rental market as well. If we were to go on the show we would be asked to look at high priced rentals that are actually out of our price range and that is not who we are.


This is how the show works and why we won’t do it: They open the show up with how we moved from the U.S all the way to Cuenca to make a new life for ourselves. Then they show us three rentals in Cuenca, one being the home we are in now. They take everything out of our house and pretend like it is just one we are looking at to possibly rent. We would be expected to act the whole time. (If it were our show our slant would be how to find three nice but economical houses or apartments between the price ranges of $250 to $400. We would want to talk about the three factors to look for when searching for these rentals. And the three things not to look for when finding these rentals)


The shows slant would be to show us expensive, gringo inflated rentals that in reality we would never consider in a million years looking at or telling our readers about. They would get a very popular real-estate agency involved like Caldwell Banker or Remax, both of whom are actually here in Cuenca and they would show us $500 on up rentals. Frank and I would have to “act” like these overpriced gringo rentals are something we would consider renting. Of course, in the end we’d have to say they are not really in our budget and we choose the $250 rental, the home we’re really in.


The bottom line is the show is really contrived and artificial, which is nothing like our videos we already have on YouTube. The videos we make for our viewers are never rehearsed—what you see is what you get…To see us on television would be like watching two people you already know and have become accustomed to seeing on YouTube and then be expected to not really know them once you saw the show. We know that are readers would be disappointed and we’d probably lose much of our devoted fans if we did the show.


You see, we already know that if you do your due diligence you can find a decent rental at the local prices of between $300 and $400, unfurnished. At least at this time in Cuenca. Things are changing, however in that area but we do not want to have any part of that new change. Prices are going up, yet we still rent for $250 per month.


Anyway, in the end of the show we would obviously pick out the house we are in now as the one we choose. They pretend like its 3 months later and they put all the furniture back and they show how we have adjusted to our new home, ladda, ladda, ladda.


We want to know what you think. Are we making the right decision by forgoing doing House Hunters International, or do you think we should do the show? What you think means a lot to us—we wouldn’t have this blog if it wasn’t for our devoted readers. You can leave a comment at the end of this post, or email us directly and tell us your thoughts.




Update 2018: As our long time followers know, we have now lived in three different houses, in three different locations of Ecuador and have never spent more than $300 on 4 bedroom houses, and we do not intend on doing anything of the sort for a long time. 




Stay tuned for our price update about the cost of living in Cuenca Ecuador for 2018! You're going to be surprised.
Here's the DIY Cuenca Landing Guide! 

Tuesday, September 18, 2018

Oh My Gosh! It Feels Like We’re Living in the 70’s Era in Cuenca Ecuador VLOG

Hey guys, we're enjoying our afternoon and we're ready to share with you. We Spotted That '70's Show and a Little Bit of Argentina in Cuenca Ecuador Today.  We just went back in time! Frank and Angie's videos provide real life reports, insights and entertainment about everything traveling and living abroad in Ecuador, Panama and Beyond!  Our mission is to show you "what it's really like to live abroad" without any agendas! Here it is!

       

Sunday, September 16, 2018

This Tragedy Was Not Happening Before in Ecuador, Why Now? September 2018 VLOG

I was scared to death, seriously. This Ecuador tragedy wasn’t happening before, why now?  Frank and Angie's videos provide real life reports, insights and entertainment about everything traveling and living abroad in Ecuador, Panama and Beyond!  Our mission is to show you "what it's really like to live abroad" without any agendas! Check it out.   


           

Thursday, September 13, 2018

Let There Be NO Doubt What’s Really Happening to Panama, D.R and Mexico vs. U.S

Let There Be NO Doubt--What’s Really Happening to Panama, D.R and Mexico vs. U.S. The.truth shall set you free! You do want the truth don't you? We mean, you really don't want to keep getting lied to, right? Well then better subscribe to our YT channel and...we have a lot of great information coming up!

 

Tuesday, September 11, 2018

Insider's Guide to Mercado Shopping in Latin America

Curiously, after watching all the YouTube videos with gringos bragging about the cheap prices at Mercado’s around the Latin American world, you’d think that they were the cheapest food finds. But contrary to that popular belief, Mercados are NOT always the best place to find bargains on food.
 


When are Mercado’s the best place to find food bargains? 



1.  When they do not have a big gringo market
2.  When gringos are not giving out tours of the Mercado’s to other gringos
3.   When you speak enough Spanish to be able to negotiate prices
4.  When you realize it’s a game between the seller and you
5.  When you take the time to know all the store prices and know the rule of buying at the Mercado

                                    Gringo Price Level
 


When many gringos go to the Mercado and do not negotiate and talk real loud in English about how cheap everything is, vendors end up raising their prices to the gringos.  She figures, if one gringo will pay a certain amount for her produce then the next gringo will too, and usually they will! 


The price is now at a gringo price level, at least for awhile, until she hears in English real loud, “Wow honey that’s cheap”…and she again raises the price once more. Pretty soon, the prices are no longer cheaper than the regular grocery store.
 


1. Never compare prices in Latin America with North America
2. Mercados are meant for negotiating, so negotiate!
3. If you do not speak Spanish then you can’t negotiate and Mercados are not for you!
4. If you are not willing to play the game then grocery stores are a better fit for you.
 


When prices at the Mercados start to become as high or higher than the grocery store, it’s time to say, “Bye-Bye Mercados.
 


In most of Panama and in Argentina prices are marked on all the fruits and vegetables at the Mercados; that means, everyone pays the same price and that’s what we’re waiting for Ecuador to do, once they start putting set prices on the produce, it will make shopping there a much less tedious and stressful shopping experience for everyone.
 


                                   Favorite Gringo Foods
 


Here’s what we’ve noticed. When favorite foods the gringos like are cheaper at the Mercado like sweet potatoes, blueberries, shrimp, etc….what happens is the great price ends up on a gringo forum and then all the gringos go to that vendor in the Mercado and what do you think happens next?   



That’s right, she gets a steady gringo traffic and so raises her prices, again, and again, and again…until these favorite gringo foods are no more good priced at the Mercado. In most cases the prices rise to the level where you could just go to the store and buy the item…amazingly, in some cases with favorite gringo foods, the prices go higher than U.S prices! We have shown you this price anomaly in videos and articles.
 


One such example is shrimp. Gringos brag about the price of shrimp at the Mercado like it’s so cheap…and that’s because they are comparing shrimp prices to North America! We already know what the price of shrimp should be at the Mercado… so we checked around town and actually found shrimp cheaper at the beautiful, clean, grocery store than at the Mercado! See our video about that below.

          



You know there is a problem with gringos mentioning prices on social media when that product becomes higher than the North American style grocery store sells it for!  That’s just one example but there are many that we could talk about, really.
 


              Buying Seasonal at the Grocery Store!
 


One way to stay ahead of the shopping game and keep your food bill low in these countries is to learn which fruits and veggies are in season. You can buy seasonal produce at the regular grocery stores and keep your food costs down that way. Or, sometimes the wheelbarrow vendors will give you a good price if you negotiate. But you will have to negotiate; otherwise they’ll give you the price the gringos are willing to pay. It’s a game and you’re the target but if you negotiate, you really aren’t a target. You see?
 



Negotiate with Street Sellers
 

Sometimes, not all the time, you can actually find a street seller that will give you a good deal on whatever they are selling, especially if it is a seasonal fruit or vegetable. The best way to get the local price is to listen to what she is selling it to the locals for and then get that price. If she won’t go that low because you’re a gringo, play the game and walk off.
 


Vendors on the street and at the Mercados are more likely to give you a better deal when you buy “more for less”. Most people only buy a half a pound or one pound for the asking price, but buy three pounds and ask for a lower price per pound and they’ll think about it for a second and then say, “ok”. It’s because they are getting more money. You’re thinking “value” and their thinking “more money” at the moment.
 


If You want to be Treated Like a Local, Stop Acting Like a Gringo!
 


The most important thing about shopping for food in local Mercados in these Latin countries is this. Just have fun playing the game; we’re never disrespectful; in fact, the best way to “play the game” is smile real big and say, “no gracias” and walk away!  You might end up walking away a lot. Next week, go back to that same vendor and watch what she does. Nine times out of ten, she lowers the price!  



And folks, these are our gringo secrets for paying local prices at the Mercados! 



Of course, if you're just a tourist and only staying a few months you probably don't want to spend all this time developing relationships with the food sellers. But if you live anywhere in Latin America and if you want to be treated like a local when it comes time to pay, stop acting like a gringo. (We're being facetious of course...LOL)



However most gringos don’t have time for that, so then again,  you really are better off avoiding the Mercado and going straight to the grocery store. 
 


Unfortunately, with all the silly YouTube vidoes out there about gringos paying way over the going price, Mercado’s are over rated!   And now that they’ve been showcased on social media and on RAMM magazines (Retire Abroad Media and Magazines), we seldom use them now a days and besides we don’t recommend them for hygienic reasons.



We know that gringos will pay a bit more for stuff at the Mercado and we're willing to pay that little bit more but when it becomes "outrageously more" that's just plain silly.


We hope you got something out of our Insider's Guide to Mercado Shopping. We want to share our secrets, tips and tricks with those who actually appreciate the work we do to bring you the best updated information available in the travel abroad world.




 Here’s a few more articles below about shopping and prices you might find interesting. Thanks for your patronage.






Sunday, September 9, 2018

Going Local in the Ecuador Amazon - El Oriente VLOG

Going local in the Ecuador Amazon. Our son Brandon and family spent a week visiting relatives in the Ecuador Amazon. Ecuadorians call it the "El Oriente". Thankfully, he took lots of photos and allowed us to share them on our YouTube channel. Here's their adventure. 

         

Thursday, September 6, 2018

Where Are All the Gringos? --- Cuenca Ecuador VLOG

Where Are All the Gringos?  We spent most of the day on Saturday in El Centro and only saw a few gringos. Where did they go? Are they leaving Cuenca Ecuador? Not sure but we'll find out!       

Tuesday, September 4, 2018

The Terrible Secret about Mexico’s “Best Place to Retire” Lake Chapala - Exposing the Truth and Hype!

Hello gullible travelers! How can a place be claimed the best place to retire knowing this! The Terrible Secret about Mexico’s “Best Place to Retire” Lake Chapala! What you don't know can hurt you. Do your in-depth research! We considered moving to Lake Chapala-Ajijic Mexico but ended up moving to Cuenca Ecuador instead.  Telling it like it is!

      

Sunday, September 2, 2018

Silly Things Gringos Love to Do Abroad, But Not You

There are some really silly things gringos love to do when they move abroad. Yes, we gringos do some silly things....and no, we're not saying we've never done these things before. But, after being here a few years and understanding that these behaviors have ramifications, you realize it's time to give them up for good and start blending in better. 



        

Thursday, August 30, 2018

What Valuable Quality Do Ecuadorians Have that Americans Don't?

Ecuador still holds the values that were once present in the U.S back in the 50's and 60's. Wow, times have changed over there. Here in Ecuador there are some values that we cherish and this is so beautiful and amazing. So, what valuable quality does Ecuador's young people have that the U.S young people don't...but really, really should? It's a striking difference.     

Tuesday, August 28, 2018

You can ask me anything you want...except That! -- Cuenca Ecuador VLOG

The young Ecuadorian waiter said to us, "You can ask me anything you want"! So, we asked him, "How much do you make per month".  hehehehe...We seriously asked him how he learned English without ever taking classes or stepping inside the U.S. Here's what he told us.  BTW, he was an exceptional waiter...very attentive to his customers.      


      

Sunday, August 26, 2018

The Venezuelan Effect in Cuenca Ecuador August 2018 VLOG

What kind of an effect has the influx of Venezuelans entering Ecuador had, if any? Venezuelans have been migrating to Ecuador since 2016 and curiously, statistics say violent crime has improved. Bigger-better police force accounts for the improvement. However, petty crime is still alive and well in Cuenca and if you do anything to make yourself a target, you will become a victim. 



Quito has more Venezuelans that live there and are trying to eke out a living for their family...so you're going to notice more of an impact over there than in Cuenca. There are Venezuelans that are passing through Cuenca to get to Peru right now where it has been said, "easier to find work".  



Since creating this video we are now finding out that Venezuelans (without passports) are once again allowed to enter into Ecuador using valid ID that is recognizable by the government of Ecuador. Source: https://www.efe.com/

 August 26, 2018.          

Thursday, August 23, 2018

Sneaky Ecuadorians...life in Cuenca Ecuador VLOG

Why in the world would we call Ecuadorians sneaky? Watch our life in Cuenca Ecuador vlog and we'll tell you.

       

Tuesday, August 21, 2018

House Rental vs. Condo Rental in Cuenca Ecuador - Which is BETTER for You!

House Rental vs. Condo Rental: Each person and or family has different needs and preferences when it comes to renting abroad and this video shows you some of those differences that some people might like to know, such as advantages and disadvantages of renting either a detached house or a condo with 24/7 security. Only you can decide which is BETTER for you and your situation and preferences. 
        

Which is BETTER? House Rental vs. Condo Rental in Cuenca Ecuador

Which is BETTER? House Rental vs. Condo Rental in Cuenca Ecuador? This video details the differences between a house rental vs. condo rental in Cuenca Ecuador; and we list the main advantages and disadvantages that most expats and travelers would want to know when they come to Cuenca Ecuador to visit or to stay. To see the complete and more detailed article about this subject, go here.



        

Sunday, August 19, 2018

Why Wait Until You're Too Old, Sick and Tired? Have the LIfe You Want Now!

Why wait until you're too old, sick and tired? Make Your Money Work for You Today and Have the Life You Want Now! What can you do to start enjoying your life more now? Well, you can let go of one expenditure that is costing more than you would like every month on your budget. 



Ask yourself, "Do I really need this"? But it's not really about the things we have as much as our attitude that we think we need all of these things in our life to make us happy...that's why letting go of one thing at a time and little by little, you'll likely come to know that you really can do without it. Frugal lives a comfortable lifestyle but not extravagant. 



Example: When we moved abroad, giving up our car and all the expenses that came along with it, was not just a huge burden off our shoulders but a huge, huge expense out of our budget. At first not having a car was a bit strange because in the U.S we NEED them to get around, but most places abroad the transportation is so good that we don't need them...so we said bye, bye car. It was one of the best decisions we've ever made. 



There are many examples of materialism and wastefulness that people can do without and actually be happier without it/them. For us keeping our rent low has been a blessing and we still use all of the furniture we built almost 8 years ago! We could go on and on but we're living the good life, what about you? 



Watch the video, which is an outline of "Why Wait for Retirement?" If you want more details, the complete article can be found here.





 

Friday, August 17, 2018

How Your Offshore Freedom and Privacy Are at Stake

How Your Offshore Freedom and Privacy Are at Stake



INTRODUCTION - 15 Minutes with Frank talking to the Offshore business community

1:33 – New regulations for owning an offshore corporation (article)

6:17 – What I think about the article and what it is really saying.

8:59 – Definitions of the types of people who have taken away financial liberty and personal privacy.

10:30 – REAL Definition of transparency - Criminal vs. non criminal in the business world (and yet they are lumped together like they are the same)

11:52 – Who are the two types of people that actually get to remain financially private (obfuscate themselves) in the world.

12:52 - Proper use of PRIVACY

14:34 Conclusion - What this whole transparency thing has led up to and has become for you, "the people".



          

Tuesday, August 14, 2018

Anyone Can Buy Property Abroad with Little Money, Using This Real Estate Hack!

Yes, it's true, anyone can buy property with this real estate hack! It's something to consider; of course it does have its pros and cons, but I see it could work if you have the right people involved!  But you have to consider everything before making such a move, such as contemplating the "what if's".  

         

Sunday, August 12, 2018

There's No Place Like Home...There's no Place Like Home - Cuenca Ecuador VLOG

Most people think "there's no place like home".  You would think by seeing and hearing about these pumped up places abroad that all American retirees were moving abroad but surprisingly, only 5% of American (USA) retirees go abroad to live permanently.  Are you going abroad or staying home? There's no right or wrong thing to do when it comes to your retirement, just do what feels right for you.       

Thursday, August 9, 2018

Where is the Most Expensive City to Live in Latin America? It's Not Where You Think!

Ever wondered where the most expensive city is in Latin America? 77 cities are ranked and compared around the world and this city had the most expensive cost of living for a family of 3 in Latin America. It's not where you think! 

         

Tuesday, August 7, 2018

Cheap Pickpocket Prevention for Hot Travel Destintions! VLOG

Cargo shorts are not necessarily going to keep you from getting pick-pocketed but ever since I got my wallet stolen on the Cuenca city bus back in 2012, I now have zippers sewed into my shorts and the zippers attach on the inside of the shorts and pants which prevents a pickpocket from getting into your pockets! That was the first and last time I ever got pick-pocketed traveling abroad!

          

Sunday, August 5, 2018

Heavy Drinker vs. Alcoholic in Expat Circles Abroad - Invasion of the Body Snatchers!

           Are You an Alcoholic or just a Heavy Drinker?



The heavy drinkers think they’re fooling people and maybe they are fooling some people, but they’ll say things like “Yeah, I can drink a lot but I’m not an alcoholic because I can stop at anytime".  That’s an interesting deduction but not entirely accurate. So, if you’re not an alcoholic, why drink at all? Why do you have to drink if you’re not addicted to alcohol?
 


Being marriage encouragers for over 25 years, we’ve heard the old song and dance many times before.  One of the major causes of divorce in the world is alcoholism by one or both spouses. We have heard all the drunken stories and have even lived inside the stories as an alcoholic and enabler, so no one can pull the wool over our eyes when it comes to addiction.  Please scroll below the video to read the rest of the article.

        

 


Alcoholics may say things like, “I only have a couple glasses of wine, sometimes three”.  But what the person forgets to mention is how they drink every single night and their glasses of wine are filled up more than the usual amount a non-alcoholic would consume with a meal.  
 


Alcoholism is an extremely serious health issue that affects not just you but all of the people you love and even those you don’t love but may interact with on a daily basis.  In the United States alone, 14 million adults have an alcohol problem or 1 in every 13 adults.  It goes without saying then that some of these adult alcoholics, who are still somewhat functioning, will be taking vacations abroad or moving abroad.
 


In the 7 plus years we have lived in Cuenca Ecuador and had occasion to meet gringos, several of them had drinking problems. When it’s only 10:00 am in the morning and their breath already smells like alcohol, which their trying to cover up with breath mints, you know there is a problem. And then there is the lady who actually got inebriated in front of us, and let’s not forget the older couple who couldn’t wait for their highballs in the evening, foregoing looking at good-priced rentals for their evening booze binge.  There’s more but we’ll spare you the details. 


 


Addiction by alcohol is one of the most sought out treatments in the addiction arena and yet it is also the most swept under the rug health problem world-wide.   That tells you something; it tells you how enormous the problem of alcoholism really is; and while many seek help, many prefer to keep it the family secret. Good luck with that.
 


           Americans Heavy Drinking Reputation Abroad



It’s well known in the expat circles and by the locals that many Americans from the U.S who come to these countries to set up house are ‘heavy drinkers”. Locals never use the term “alcoholic” because they do not really know what it means to be an alcoholic.  They think the alcoholics are people who pass out on the streets at night.
 


It’s quite amazing really, even if an expat humiliates himself because of his drinking, locals do not realize the guy cannot handle his alcohol.  They just think the guy is having a good time, after all, a real drunk wouldn’t be walking around wearing fancy clothing, jewelry  or have all that money he’s waving around to buy drinks for everyone.  People with drinking problems are bums, street hoodlums, thieves, right? NOT…very much NOT.
 


We all remain ignorant to issues in life if we do not get the education we need to understand them and alcoholism is one misunderstood problem in most developing countries and even in developed countries. Only in the last decades have developed countries started looking at heavy drinking as an addiction or what some folks call, a disease.
 


     Heavy Drinker vs. Alcoholic – What is the Difference
 


It’s ironic how some alcoholics like to say their only “heavy drinkers” and not alcoholics; but think about this for a moment:  Why does the heavy drinker NEED to consume so much alcohol and what constitutes heavy drinking?  Ironically, the heavy drinkers will be the first ones to speak up and tell you, heavy drinking is not addiction. Why do they have to even tell you this?
 


The truth is heavy drinkers are what they call “functioning alcoholics”.  We know functioning alcoholics very well. They can get up in the morning (they hide the hangovers well), go to work, interact with the colleagues in a normal way, stay sober all day, come back home and start the drinking process all over again.  They can live like this for years until one day, something triggers or changes and he bottoms out and at that moment he/she admits to him/herself he has been an alcoholic all along.
 


Just because an alcoholic can stop drinking after 10 beers or not pass out on the floor, doesn’t mean they are not alcoholics.  Calling oneself a “heavy drinker” is a form of denial from the addiction. You see, as long as he is just a “heavy drinker” he can continue to drink but if he is an “alcoholic” then he would be expected to quit drinking by everyone he knows.  It’s flat out denial. 



The thing an alcoholic fears the most is having his drink taken away from him and is exactly why the first step of denial is difficult to overcome.
 


                     Alcoholics Moving Abroad



So, whether you’re still in denial or the person that goes to AA, you have a few things to consider before moving abroad. Moving abroad will not necessarily help you to get sober or to remain sober, unless you are a long time sober person who does not need AA anymore.  If you still need AA for staying sober, it’s probably not a good idea to move abroad and go outside of your familiar surroundings and that is the person we’re talking about in this situation. Long-timers will do fine, usually.
 


In fact, for the newly sober (2 years or less) or for those who still need to go to AA, quite the opposite will happen; going abroad and all the things that go with such a move will exacerbate drinking.  Single, newly sober people are especially at risk of drinking when moving abroad because they tend to go out more and do not have anyone at home to be accountable to.
 






10 “I Need a Drink” Triggers Abroad
 



AA people know all the triggers that tempt them to drink, but what are the triggers when you go abroad?
 


1. Being stressed from the move and unwinding with drinks
 


2. Unable to speak the language and feeling frustrated and disconnected
 


3. Being around other expat drinkers at restaurants and bars
 


4. Being retired or semi retired and not staying busy with work anymore (idleness)
 


5. Not needing to be accountable to anyone but self
 


6. Being outside of usual AA meetings and familiar faces at the meetings
 


7. Feeling homesick or alone
 


8. Going out with friends that drink
 


9. Having a quarrel with your spouse or other
 


10. Going thru a bad experience with the local people
 
    11 Unintended Consequences that Can Happen
                          to an Alcoholic Abroad



1.  Suffering a health problem related to alcohol addiction
 


2.  Affairs and abusive marriages abroad (we know of one couple who separated because of this exact thing happening in their marriage when they moved abroad)
 


3.  Making a fool out of yourself in front of your new friends
 


4.  Becoming too trusting with strangers and
 


5.  Getting robbed or pick pocketed while inebriated
 


6.  Getting assaulted (raped, date rape) while inebriated
 


7.  Getting robbed by so called friends who take advantage of you while drinking
 


8.   Becoming hostile and abusive while drunk and going to 

jail in a foreign country
 


9.  Getting robbed of your important documents (passport)
 


10.  Drowning or other serious injury while drinking abroad
 


11.  Suicidal thoughts and depression when living abroad (alcohol really messes with your emotions and can cause depression and negative thoughts.




NOTE: In all of these problems, they are only exacerbated by being outside of your familiar surroundings and moving to unfamiliar territory. 



This is a very serious subject: Travelers to foreign countries are scammed, ripped off, abused, and assaulted every day in these places abroad because of their drinking in public.  And especially when they can’t speak the language, look and act like a newbie and are too trusting.  Bad things happen to foreigners who are not drinking and so how much more will it be compounded for a foreigner who is drinking and doesn’t have their primary senses on guard?
 


Do you seriously think moving abroad is a good idea after knowing this? Bottom line: For the alcoholic and or newly sober alcoholic (less than two years) moving abroad can end up being a nightmare in hell. Why compound dependency problem?
 


In our experience and in the experience of thousands of others, the addicted person needs to come out of himself and receive the spiritual healing he needs for total sobriety to take place.
 


For those people who actually recognize their alcohol dependency and are trying to quit drinking or if you are still patronizing AA meetings back home, we strongly advise not to move abroad until you have stopped attending AA Meetings and have been sober for at least 2 years!
 


Long time sobers should have no problem traveling or moving abroad and there are English-speaking AA meetings in Cuenca Ecuador for travelers and residents who need it. 
 


Source
Project Know - https://www.projectknow.com/