4 YEARS LATER, UPDATE-12 Annoying Things about Cuenca Ecuador

Update to the 12 annoying things Cuenca Ecuador. discovercuencaecuador.com
www.gringogoodsamaritans.com

[@williamhubschwerlin3096]

I live in Ecuador and love it! There have been some minor problems, but all due to cultural differences. There are only two seasons on the coast, (or close). So many good thing. Fish is great here and shell fish! Meats are not the same here...you adjust. There are places other than Cuenca to live here. Mail and customs stink!

[@HMFamilyLife]

yep and 4 years later mail and customs are still no good.

[@NatBenHarte]

Love hearing from and about your family! Keep the videos coming!

[@EisBlade]

Your internet browser can't "see" certain electronic items because the country blocks them? Go to CoolProxy and grab an IP address from there, then edit the browser network settings - insert that IP address in as the Proxy and restart your browser. Your browser will now see the internet as if it's physically located in that country from which you pulled an IP for on CoolProxy. Buy what you need, just have a compatible shipping address.

[@bendigorider1799]

You just better hope they never fix the bad things about Ecuador because the place will be flooded with people and you will lose some of the really great things.

[@HMFamilyLife]

People are starting to flood into Cuenca again and it stills hasn't fixed the mail system and the tram is still not done and people are still going...

[@JourneymanJackinEcuador]

Nice work as all ways Frank & Angie, Season's Greetings from Quito:)

[@eddenoy321]

At least these 3 sons haven't become locked onto their devices with World of Warcraft or .... become enchanted with real guns. They seem nice. I wish them well.

[@fabolishus]

Thank for the update, this is all good to know stuff. funny i saw another lady recently who moved to a different climate and she said her body has adjusted better to it over time. Peace & love to you all 💙

[@HMFamilyLife]

Thanks for commenting Lisa. Blessings....:-)

[@brize15]

Interesting project! As for uncalled feedback, I'd recommend visiting some other cities in the south as they can be much more fitting for your take on frugality, my hometown of course is not as big but it still has a particular charm to it. Of course I talk about Loja, I am not biased BTW ;)

[@jolifarms-Ecuador]

Beto....My wife d I are considering Loja. We would love to learn more about it. We are visiting in March. You can reach me at [e-mail] if you would like to share.

[@scooterdude17]

For the connectivity issue your son mentioned, I recommend Hotspot Shield VPN freeware. I had similar issues and this software helped me listen to Pandora and other services like this. Regarding movies, it might be practical to get the $1.50 DVD's that you can find in Ecuador and rip it to a hard drive. Share it on your network so anyone in your home can watch it as well.

[@HMFamilyLife]

Thanks for sharing and commenting.

[@randyramey5847]

Thanks for Sharing, It's good to see perspectives or your points of view. from you about expat living . I recently went to Mexico to go sailing with a friend In the Isle of women off Cancun you were speaking of friends or people wanting to meet you and asked if you needed anything. Well the airlines sure hit you hard for luggage now so9 most now have to pack light or get nailed at the airport. Thanks Guys randy

[@HMFamilyLife]

Yes, the airlines are even worse now, most do not let you have one free baggage. Copa still does though, for now.

[@head4ever]

You should do the 12 annoying things about the states.

[@HMFamilyLife]

+Cattom Rud Go ahead. We're too busy here.

[@rachelmcadamslover]

are your children dating at all in Ecuador?

[@gustavobedoya6898]

Cattom Rud Comeback TO YOUR WONDERFUL USA. your KIDS MISS THEIR COUNTRY, eh?

[@anadel26]

I don't understand...Why are you living there? Go back to USA. Cuenca is the best city, and have the best people. You are not happy there (I just can see your faces) Go back and be happy in your country.

[@spudnikc6832]

excellent. Thanks for sharing

[@scooterdude17]

Great post guys!! The postal service is 10 times better than it was years ago (80's and 90's). At least today, you can get stuff sent directly to your home and not have to pick it up at the Correos and pay storage fees. I think all of South America has similar issues though. I think many expats have similar issues as you guys. I find your videos very interesting and it looks like you guys have assimilated well. You seem to appreciate many of the same things I do. Weather is not perfect, but it's the closest you'll get to perfect. Although Quito and Cuenca are just slightly below the Equator, I've always considered Ecuador a "seasonless" country. They use the words "verano" and "invierno", which are actually just dry and rainy seasons. I never even noticed these two seasons at first, since the change is not too dramatic. I was unaware that Cuenca was warmer this time of year. In Quito, it is chilly/rainy from September-May and warm/dry from June-August.

[@HMFamilyLife]

Thanks!!

[@CareETsu]

Thanks for the video! My family is coming to Cuenca in 4 months. Where can I find these sites to buy expat furniture for sale?! Thanks!

[@mikejunior211]

Great Video, very informative. The most important things that all these expats videos don't stress out is how imperative is not to ever go to the coast lands. The flatlands are dangerous with capital D...specially guayaquil.

[@HMFamilyLife]

Guayaquil is dangerous but in the tourist areas on the Malecon walk it is VERY policed and quite safe but I wouldn't venture off the beaten path.

[@edge845]

Thanks for updating your thoughts on your new home. It is helpful to hear and I think you have good, practical perspectives. Do you stand by the claims that life there is drastically less expensive than the US? I am always curious about healthcare there. Can you comment on your experiences? What about interaction with other gringos and locals? Do any of you drive or own a vehicle? If not, do you find it a major hinderance? I have to say - that shipping tax would be a huge downer for me.

[@HMFamilyLife]

Keep watching our videos...next video is going to be the cost of setting up a home in Cuenca. No, it is NOT drastically less expensive; it is what it is. This is S. America and the other is N. America; people really need to stop comparing. If folks come here thinking they are going to live in luxury for less, it's not going to happen. We have NO experience whatsoever with healthcare. We live a healthy, natural life and have no need of their services. We LOVE not owning a car, but that's just us.

[@phillisik4426]

How do the 5 of you support yourself?

[@SHurd-rc2go]

Coming from November, 2019. Would have to be improvements? Air pollution is bad here. This week a faint smell of burning rubber. They must be burning tires at a kiln in the outskirts of the city, at the opposite end of town from me.

[@musclebottm]

Great video, I really enjoy your videos, Thank you! The guys really don't want to be in this video, they do look annoyed.

[@HMFamilyLife]

they're alright with it. lol

[@Sightseer-ep9yg]

Hey guys been following you guys for years now (keep up the good work) I love this video because it shows what things might get to you at first and than later ... or the whole time. One thing I don't seem to hear you all talk about (or can't) is the big brother effect, is it just that relaxed in Ecuador ? cause the grip seems a little tight up north these days. What is the political feel in Cuenca ? can one freely express their feelings or .....?

[@HMFamilyLife]

Thank you,.,..glad you like our videos...thanks for watching!

[@julierodriguez7593]

your family is funny and real!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! cnt wait to talk

[@HMFamilyLife]

Julie Elliott lol

[@marinema2]

You make me want to move there for my retirement which is coming very soon! I'm just not as brave as you guys are. That's a lllooooonnnggg way to go!! But I sure to love your videos! Thanks for sharing your lives with us!

[@HMFamilyLife]

thanks!

[@ravekingbitchmaster3205]

Haha! Your kids are like my oldest son: they suck! Always put out, and thinking of gaming. Same as my son. We're up in Chiangmai, Thailand. I like your videos though. Keep up the good work :)

[@HMFamilyLife]

thanks!

[@karroum1961]

It is great that you guys rent. You most likely are always on the move exploring the great country. Good move. I am more of a small town guy or coast person. Loja , banos inland and Guayaquil on the coast.

[@rbruin123]

your sons look "annoyed" just to be there in your room....

[@HMFamilyLife]

Yeah, well, we put them on the spot and made them sit there and be in the video and share their take.

[@m4a4c4]

too much echo. what about year round weather difference with cuenca, cottachia or the beach

[@pierinacolltorres4716]

THE GUY IN BLUE IS SO CHILL

[@mousym6764]

Very nice video.

[@HMFamilyLife]

Rocio Gordillo Thanks!

[@okiedragonlady2]

I'm 64 and hubby is 65 - we are retired but it is getting worse and worse here - do you think we would survive Equador?

[@HMFamilyLife]

+okiedragonlady2 Well that's up to you isn't it? That's why we give you all the nitty gritty details so you can make a more informed long term decision.

[@mikejunior211]

+okiedragonlady2 Go for it. AS long as you remain in Cuenca, maybe some other cities in the Mountain region like Riobamba, Ambato or Loja...just stay away from the dangerous cities of the coast.

[@keepcreationprocess]

airpolution. Ecuador needs to take care of their environment. Do not make the same mistake as other countries have gone through.

[@alaylaanajacks5647]

Fps are terrible? I used to video game online my hubby still does but I'm glad because I really dont want my boys playing. I want them to get out and do things .

[@ecuadorexpat8558]

+Retire Earlier and Better Hi Frank and Angie I am 6 weeks out from moving to Cuenca.. found an incredible house near Cuenca in the Azuay.. 300 a month for 3000 sq ft Quinta with 2 acres of Parklike gardens.. ! Are you guys still in Yunguilla? Hope to see you all .. Thanks for all your hard work on the vids over the years !! much appreciated..

[@HMFamilyLife]

great on the house rental, sounds nice! No we don't live in Yunguilla anymore. Thanks, glad you like the videos.

[@ecuadorexpat8558]

@@HMFamilyLife Daaaang you sure move around a lot.. where did you guys move this time?

[@HMFamilyLife]

@@ecuadorexpat8558 We're in ITALY right now.

[@ecuadorexpat8558]

@@HMFamilyLife In ITALY?? WOWEE you are getting around.. Are you coming back to EC?

[@HMFamilyLife]

@@ecuadorexpat8558 of course, we have family in Ecuador! A grand daughter and a son and his family! We feel Ecuador is still our home too! We're just not there at the moment.

[@kazpawlik9426]

Very nicely done ! Thank You ! Nice healthy Family,congratulations. I would love more direct contact. I'm receiving information thru different channels. Most pretty open and honest...but You really sounds trustworthy.

[@HMFamilyLife]

Thank you for your kind words. Go to the Discover Cuenca Ecuador blog and you can contact us from there. Thanks for commenting.

[@vicklinger6415]

Cuenca is beatiful 🇪🇨♥️♥️🇪🇨

[@Shishanco]

lool peeing on the street is very common here in toronto and new york. especially after a night out.

[@truthinspector4430]

Thought you might like to know this: Steve Quayle website: Forced Vaccinations at the airport: " I live in Ecuador and a friend of mine has an American girlfriend who visited from Honduras. She came down for a few days and on trying to return this morning, she was told that she would have to cancel her flights because she needed to get a Yellow Fever vaccination, a process that takes 5 days to obtain. Very odd. No notice was ever given previously, and I have had numerous people I know who flew in and out of here from Central America without ever needing this. So this is a new requirement. Your readers in the U.S. will think that this doesn't apply to them, but this is how it starts: they sneak in these requirements on the periphery and work their way to all the "First World" countries. IF YOU DO ANY TRAVELING INTERNATIONALLY, this is how they are sneaking in getting everybody vaccinated and chipped at the airport. Perhaps this is a cautionary tale that you need to find the place you're going to hunker down through the tribulation and stay there. It is now no longer safe to travel across national borders. Soon, it will be state borders. Remember: this is a mandatory requirement and you get no prior notice. No vaccination and chip? Fine. You don't get to return home or otherwise continue on your journey. The sad part is that this woman is dead set against vaccination or chipping but now she has no choice. I wouldn't have written this if this were not an extremely serious development. G.C." Jan 26, 2015

[@HMFamilyLife]

Appreciate you sharing all that, thanks. Everyone do your due diligence before traveling...

[@D_Marrenalv]

Not all of South America is the same. As an example, the countries of Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, & Brazil have a good normal postal system compared with Ecuador & a few other countries. They also have far better infrastructure than Ecuador. The one negative thing, however, that most South & Central American countries have in common is inefficient & corrupt government and the lackadaisical view of law & order & of following the rules.

[@scriptorium-in-candelight]

I know I want to keep all of your post without sharing them...How can you drive there-just say you wanted to travel see the world. Go through other countries -go to sights along the way to moving to ecuador. From where I am it is about 3,500 miles ...through great sights of mexico and the coast :) sounds beautiful with a camera and make a photo book ! I watch your videos and think your very lucky to live there and have a beautiful house and family. ...!) problem is the water way of panama and the cost across. DO YOU KNOW ANYONE WHO HAS TRAVELED AS SIGHTSEEING ALONG THE WAY....because last time I did--I ended up in QUEBEC (FRENCH) CANADA and I loved every single minuet of the journey ....from california to florida to virginia to canada all driving down the coast and all the way from the tip of florida to the mountains of quebec across canada :) back into the US down all the way to almost san diego :) ---for me its a breeze ..beautiful sight seeing and travel ....got to say I had to tie myself to my room ....lolol..so I didn't end up at your door step asking you question about renting something or other :) I LOVE DRIVING AND LOOKING AT DIFFERENT PLACES INCLUDING THE FRENCH IN CANADA :) great their really kind people HAD A AMAZING TIME --even shopping:) ...this is long of course better then just getting it in my head to drive to where you are and rent a house:) so thanks for listening and I like all information you post :) you a great life JOURNAL IT AND TAKE PICTURES:) .....constance

[@HMFamilyLife]

Hi Constance; Thank you for sharing and watching our videos.

[@scriptorium-in-candelight]

HMFamilyLIfe FrankandAngie your welcome

[@JCElzinga]

I live in GYE and am killin it with maybe 50 down 20 up. super rad.

[@alaylaanajacks5647]

Trust me that's no even close enough for online gaming if that's what you want to do there but I find why go to Ecuaodr to play video games. Your in a beautiful country. Get out and explore forget video gaming

[@exmerc58]

I want to move there ,I'm single retired Military so not much money but all heart . How much money should I have banked ? Plus moving there , How much can I ship and is there a laundry service ? I do not clean my own cloths . Will I meet friends ( English specking ? Soon after . Lol this is a move I am doing all on my own and I'm very excited about

[@mpolo]

seriously? you're so spoiled that you can't do laundry? lol

[@exmerc58]

I did my laundry on the banks of the Imjin river between North Korea and South Korea for a year as a Special Forces operator . Not found of doing laundry really . Spoiled ? Would love to be . Your still not answering my questions thought . Leave the sarcasm out and help a guy out please

[@mpolo]

take it easy bud, former military here also, just giving you a hard time.. thinking about moving there myself.. it's between there and colombia

[@mikejunior211]

+bloodyBill You should be fine with your military pension. Be always aware that the place is nice, but surrounded cities in the coast are not very friendly, lots of gangs, crime, and so forth.

[@exmerc58]

lol I got ya , Use to watching my back and my surroundings . Thanx

[@jeanp716]

I am not living in Ecuador since years but I can assure something, if you are moving to another country with empty pockets do not expect to be surrounded by great life style. The poor still is poor everywhere and the rich is rich everywhere. Sorry but that is the truth so, if somebody goes to Ecuador and complain for everything, think about your pocket and what can you do with that exact money in the u.s.

[@mikejunior211]

+Jeancito Prada Grow thicker skin friend, they are NOT complaining, they are making an informative video for those considering making the move to a retirement haven that is located in a developing country. Great video.

[@exmerc58]

+Jeancito Prada I'm hearing the dollar is very strong in Ecuador . I make a Military retirement that is not to bad but sux trying to make it by in America , causing me to look abroad . And every time This country comes up on the top

[@mikejunior211]

I would say, military retirement should be enough in Cuenca, just stick around the city or in the Mountains, you do not want to move around the coastline.

[@exmerc58]

Thanx , Mountains are my life . Born and raised in them and would love to find me a nice little lonely cabin with a beautiful few . I'm not looking to impress , I'm looking for peace . Had my share or war and all the ugly of the world

[@DavidWoroner]

Now Im positive id like it there...... Salinas?

[@alicelam3334]

Well now that I know Cuenca is no paradise and is horribly smoggy I wont' be living there. I cant' breathe deisel fumes in the slightest. How long do you think you will be living there?

[@mikejunior211]

+GRETA MALL Great to know that this videos are giving you information to make an informed decision. I've been in Cuenca and yes, is beautiful, but the smog is bad, hopefully with the electric light rail. the problem can subside.

[@alicelam3334]

I see myself in 10 years somewhere affordable and free and filled with scenic beauty! I hope you guys are all doing well. You seem so well adjusted.Most Kids might have a hard time with that. Everything still good?

[@exexpat11]

You have the same complaints as most that live in Third World Countries. Thailand, lots of smog and diesel fumes. Internet, iffy. There is an importation tax on products mailed in from outside of the country. So, same things. In Thailand the most corrupt people were the other Expats. Now, how much is clothing, food, petrol (gas), banking, crime, dangers? I am thinking of Ecuador, Peru, Paraguay, or Bolivia in the future. A retirement. I am a professional traveller and have lived all over the World. Europe and North America is out. A company I am doing business with has a satellite office in Ecuador and they love it.

[@mikejunior211]

+exexpat11 Exactlly, many complaints arise because the place is so nice, people tend to forget they are indeed in a developing country.

[@travelingman9763]

Thailand ...depending on where you live. No air pollution and great internet here. Corruption is being destroyed by the current regime. Many drive like idiots though! As a US military retiree ,I have a A.P.O box in BKK and get stuff sent to me with no tax!I also am 75% medically covered in any situation.Paperwork and upfront payment is desired but I never have been sick enough to use it. I pay for cheap regular dental and checkups out of pocket. Daily running, changing my diet and losing weight have all helped. Ive lived /worked in several countries and US states. It's not bad here and again in my particular location that's so close to any requirements.

[@alaylaanajacks5647]

There is no such thing as first class ma system. Not even in america. I've had the worse service in america. It takes a month for me to get stuff from another city a 100 miles away. Uae is terrible. They break your stuff steal it loose it. The Philippines not that great either. Sorry but I dont agree America mail is terrible and I've lived abroad. I havent found any mail service good. Better off with DHL. Ups or fed ex in america. When we lived in UAE we just decided not to recieve mail. Honestly these days it's not necessary. I dont mind waiting a while for things in the mail. As long as they get to me. It's been a year and half and my friend in the Philippines still hasn't gotten my book. We chopped it up as a losy

[@HMFamilyLife]

Thanks for your opinion but the United States mail system is stll the best I've ever used, even comparing to Europe. I've always got my mail, packages, and it's speedy.

[@scariote2012]

Jajaja you didn't see pee in United States on the street.. ? jajajaja

[@jorgemendez5176]

Go to Manhattan after 2 am and see what happen .

[@jacknicholson476]

Question.. what do you do for a living ..... I hope you are not american terrorists ...provably is a silly question but you don't really look like a people who really have too much time to do something different.

[@pierinacolltorres4716]

DUDE THEY GOT TIME TO MAKE THIS VIDEO AND THE KID SAYS HE GOT FREE TIME. I DONT REALLY HOW THEY ARE SURVIVING.