Cuenca Ecuador Pros and Cons for Expats (Part 1)

[@TheKINGCHUELO]

Hi Guys , I am Ecuadoriam from Ambato and I moved to NJ when I have 18 years, I live 25 years in US and am so proud of you guys like my country, am starting with the vegan life on 2017 and I Loved and also I will like to retire in Ecuador. Your channel is amazing

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Thanks! We do really love your country! It's such an amazing place! 💚💚💚

[@hernansolis3213]

I’m glad you’re enjoying my hometown Everyone is welcome to Ecuador

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Nos encanta su país 💚😊

[@razakitravels1941]

I wish to came there and visit and tour

[@luisclavijo3149]

Thank you for a beautiful report, I laughed listening you two. I'm an ecuadorian living in johnstown Colorado. This report took me back to my 27 years before I emigrated to this wonderful country of wich I am a citizen now, but I'll never forget that amazing country call Ecuador. God bless you and keep reporting. By the way I love those tasty pigs.😄

[@DarkSiders001]

I’m from cuenca and I agree with you guys 100% but I’m so happy to hear that cuenca is getting better day by day with new buses , animal shelters etc etc . Thank you guys for the video 👍🏼😎

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Nos encanta a Cuenca 😊💚

[@JaneHiltbrand1]

Hi Amelia and JP. Cristina told me I should look you up. I agree with you - my #1 favorite thing here is the beautiful sweet generous helpful humble soulful Ecuadorian people! I recently traveled to both Peru and Chile, and just did not feel the same warmth! Hope to run into you soon!

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Hola Jane! Mucho gusto! 😊👍

[@meep0meep]

Hello JP and Amelia- Thank you so much for your channel - it's fantastic. The quality of your videos is far and away much better than most of what's out there in YT Land. So thank you for the high quality content - your efforts have paid off, making your videos fun to watch, providing viewers a first hand idea of life in Ecuador. And you two work well together, great chemistry. I've binge watched many of your videos lately while sheltering in place & avoiding the brutal Arizona heat. I really liked the one w/the drone showing the city & beach overview w/Amelia surfing. That looked like so much fun (either surfing or filming via drone). I"m learning quite a lot about Ecuador thru your channel. It's a great resource of 'infotainment' and provides encouragement to visit with some expectations in place regarding the area, things to do, how to navigate the country, where to shop, eat, etc it's like a visual Lonely Planet Guide :) I"m also a plant-based eater and it's good to know Ecuador is non-GMO (and hopefully stays that way). I"m curious how you set up your banking over there - an account at a local branch or do you continue to use US-based banks? What about brokerage accounts? Maybe these are naive question but I'm wondering how one arranges personal affairs like that when becoming an expat.

[@henryle1940]

Thanks I love to hear about my country from people from the USA my country is nice thanks again

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Glad you liked it 😊👍

[@honeyspringshomestead1411]

Good video. My wife is from Santo Domingo in Ecuador, and we went to some places in Ecuador. Quito, Santo Domingo, Cuenca, and a few other places. Loved Humitas and the Inca Cola too.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Great! We would love to see more of this beautiful country!

[@rdstewart2253]

I’ve watched many of your videos. Now I feel like we are best friends. I love your lifestyle in Cuenca. I’ve learned so much about Ecuador. You Gus are naturals on video! Life looks great!

[@toregister8615]

You got a thumbs up just for being vegan. I came here for info on retiring in Ecuador, but the vegan info was an added bonus. Thank you!

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Haha! Great!

[@tuercacaso]

Hi guys, You said you have no car and have no dedire to own one. Wise choice, certainly, but you said that while living in Cuenca, it was a nice spot to see the variety in the country and you explained it as a distance-in-drive time. Thst works for me very well here at "home" but I do not exactly know how to make sense of that "scale of measurement" when one doesn't own a car. I know you've mentioned a private driver, but then... How far in advance to you make a reserva, how prompt is your driver, and how does that factor in on the "drive times?" Care to clarify? Muchas gracias...

[@eddieg7855]

I’m so glad you like my country, I use to live in Cuenca is so beautiful: I like your videos thanks for share with us . I really miss my culture.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Nos encanta su país 😊💚

[@andy8218]

There's no reason to own a car and pay for the repairs, insurance, gas, taxes, etc! You're information is as always so good! Thanks

[@stevefiorito5379]

Noise does not equal tranquillo. That alone would prevent me from moving there. I don't like it here in the states either ... I carefully search out my moves. Seems like Ecuador has many pros for moving there ... but if I can't enjoy the peaceful use of my residence, I can't enjoy it. I really enjoy watching your videos ... keep them coming.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

The attitude of the people is tranquilo, but not the noise level. Cuenca is a very noisy city. We didn't realize just how noisy until we moved to Olón. It's SUPER quiet here. Except for the tropical birds. They sing very loudly!

[@aniwee17]

Thank you for the info. I enjoy learning about this country.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

De nada ☺️

[@joannecruz1312]

i'm so very interested and hopefully retiring to Ecaudor! Thank you for your wonderful insight!!

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Great! Happy to help!

[@lizmariewest1514]

Thank you for all your blogs JP and Amelia. You are inspiring, i love your recipes. (I am plant based 90% of the time) and hope one day to be fully vegan again. Both are blessed to have chosen Cuenca where vegetables, fruits and food looks so abundant and affordable, unlike here in the states, (i.e California where we live there's abundance but not quite affordable for organic). I loved all your pros. Thank you for keeping it real with all the cons. Hope one day to visit Cuenca. Stay blessed.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Thanks for your kind words. Glad you’re enjoying our videos and recipes 😊

[@Zumbashapeup]

😂🍾 I remember on the others videos you said people in Ecuador work to live, yes Ecuador people will party 🎉 but on the other hand we are responsable and hard working people so the next morning most people will have an “encebollado” for the hangover and go to work it’s cultural 😂, on the other hand as an animal lover I feel the same about the street dogs; every city in Ecuador are working on that it’s slow but something it’s been done I really hope that people that owns pets are more responsable it requires laws and education, hopeful the government and municipals offices bring the new laws for animal cruelty, thank you guys for sharing it’s good to hear the good and the not so good things about the mother country. Please be safe crossing the streets enjoy eating the delicious fresh veggies and fruits and keep it coming with your videos 👍🏻🇪🇨🇺🇸

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Fish soup with onions for a hangover cure?! Yuck! Is it supposed to make you throw up? Is that why it makes you feel better? 😂

[@henryluthor]

@@AmeliaAndJP You should try it, it's delicious, trust me.

[@omarfuentes2856]

Hi, do you guys bought or rent the property? which one is best?

[@RebeccaStropoli]

I've been staying in Cuenca for a month, and it's lovely. I agree with many of your points, but the pig roasts being your No. 1 issue -- well, that's part of the culture of Ecuador, and it's a bit much to criticize that as vegan Americans who are still essentially guests of the country, even as ex-pats. I'm a vegetarian, but I'm not going to criticize the way people in other countries eat, and how they cook their food. I believe that is considered to be quite rude.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Sorry you feel that way Rebecca. We're against animal cruelty regardless of cultural traditions. It's also unsanitary and lots of gringos get sick from eating it. Several of our Ecuadorian friends are equally against needlessly killing animals and cooking them on the sidewalk so we're not alone in our feelings nor are we being rude for pointing it out. Hope you enjoy your time in Cuenca. Best of luck.

[@RebeccaStropoli]

@@AmeliaAndJP You are still a guest in this country. You can't come in as a vegan and then expect the entire country to adopt your eating and cooking practices. Certainly you should choose not to participate in the pig roasts, but criticizing the overall culture of the area where you are a newcomer and outsider is just a bit much, IMO.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

@@RebeccaStropoli I understand your point, and if we were criticizing a cultural tradition like religious practices or national holidays, I would agree with you. But tradition doesn't justify certain actions regardless of our guest status. Do you support the Yulin dog meat festival because it's Chinese tradition? Do you support the dolphin drive hunting that kills thousands of dolphins each year because it's Japanese tradition? Do you support female genital mutilation still performed in some African countries because it's their tradition? Do you support killing or imprisoning gay people in Saudi Arabia because it's their tradition? Would you be a rude guest for stating your disagreement with those traditions? Some things are wrong regardless of location, tradition or guest status. We're not criticizing Ecuadorian culture. We're pointing out the cruelty of certain actions and helping to change those mindsets here and around the world along with millions of other vegans.

[@amyakins1284]

@@AmeliaAndJP I am not vegan, but I also do not agree with the pig roasts. And, by the way, VERY WELL SAID in your reply. In fact, amazingly well said. I don't know that I would have as much composure and collected thought to be able to reply with such clarity and excellent examples of cultural practices that are inhumane and (frankly) barbaric. The Yulin dog meat festival is the best example, and I'm so glad you included it. I support Soi Dog in Phuket, Thailand, and we work very hard to get the dog meat trade shut down everywhere. Thank you for bringing things to light for those who may not know what goes on in the world.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

​@@amyakins1284 Thanks, but I'm curious, what is the difference between a dog or a cat, and a pig other than tradition and perceived cuddliness? Pigs are smarter than both dogs and cats. They also make good companions like dogs and cats. Cows will play with a ball like a dog or cat. Chickens have a language and protect their young, like humans do. If you can see how horrible the Yulin dog and cat meat festival is, why aren't you vegan? Or at least plant-based? The only difference between the roughly 35 animal species humans eat, and the millions of animal species that humans don't eat, is tradition. And that tradition caused the last two pandemics and will likely cause the next one, which could be the last for humanity or at least civilization. Please consider aligning your behaviors with your values by going vegan to save the animals from a lifetime of torture for a few minutes of palette pleasure and tradition. 🙏😊💚

[@lauraarbuckle6119]

I’m curious about variety of art, music and culture. It is a university town so is it mostly native music ( flutes and such) or is it somewhat metropolitan in its offerings.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Cuenca is called the Athens of Ecuador so there is a lot of culture, art and music here.

[@richardgraham7412]

Love your vidios. First time I went to Ecuador in year 2000 they were using very old very worn out paper dollar bills, when i returned in 2008 it was mainly 1 dollar coins, much better .

[@jlb2275]

Forgot to mention about the water. I have a problem with too much chlorine so I got one of those bottles with just the carbon filter (bought it at Sukasa) and love my water now! Delicious!!! Zero chlorine. I use those drops to measure chlorine in swimming pools to test it.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Great suggestion 👍

[@jlb2275]

Can you believe the carbon filter just ran out this morning? Talking about the devil! It costs some 15 bucks at Sukasa.

[@juanordonez9326]

I also have trouble driving down there. and yes roasted pigs its like hot dogs stands in NYC. hopefully you're doing good in this times and keep enjoying the city.

[@adriannaranjo3629]

Never think about it before, we here in Cuenca are likely to be vegan easier. Thanks for pointing at the good thing we take for the ground.

[@docmalthus]

I am NOT vegan and I am so there!

[@stevef4010]

See you at the pig roast!

[@monicaborges4076]

Brazilian vegan here, loved your channel. Never been to Ecuador but I hear is very nice. Good to know there are plenty of vegan options in Cuenca, but terrible with the pigs... that spoils my day... :(

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Hola! Cuenca is a very vegan friendly city but we do hate to see the pigs and other grill stands. They smell awful too 🤢🤮

[@caesarillion]

Eating dead animals on the side walk. Very questionable.

[@Basman59]

I lived in Denver (left 07) never had any Internet issues (least not after dial-up) and I lived Congress Park and Downtown. Seriously, the only issue was during blizzards. You should try Australia for Internet issues - a whole nother level. That was surprising! Great video thanks for sharing such illuminating information. I am on either a 2 year or 4-year plan to Cuenca based on retirement (60 this year) and a possible PhD. Also as a veggie that too very helpful. Great work guys - be healthy and happy!

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Thanks! Glad you found it helpful 👍 We had Comcast in our apartment in uptown and it was awful. It was down a lot and really slow in the morning and evening. We’re thankful for our fast internet here in Cuenca 👍

[@sandytherry8647]

Basa 1959 I live in Australia and I’ve never had any internet problems.

[@jlb2275]

Just watched Part 1 and completely agree with you on both goods and bads. I live close to Calderón and am here to stay (US retiree). Will watch part 2 now. Been to Denver w/Colorado Springs as final destination! Cheers!!!

[@AmeliaAndJP]

How long have you been here?

[@jlb2275]

@@AmeliaAndJP This time around since May 26th. I was in Brazil for about 2 and a half years and before that I lived in Carchi in the middle of a mountain for about 18 months (did my paperwork on my own and got my cedula in 3 months as a US retiree) then got lonely and moved to Ibarra where I stayed for about 6 months then Brazil. I've been here 4 times before but then I couldn't find anywhere reasonable to live. There weren't as many expats here then. This was back in 2012 I think. Long story very short lol.

[@christinecunningham8371]

I'm planning on moving to Ecuador, most likely Cuenca, in August 2021. I want to be a medical interpreter/translator for the ex-pat community. I appreciate your vlog because I worried about being vegetarian and diabetic. But I see that I can find a variety of food to eat and enjoy! Thanks!

[@AmeliaAndJP]

That sounds great! Vegan/vegetarian is growing RAPIDLY here and around the world. We saw two vegetarian restaurants on our short walk around Puerto Lopez yesterday. There are lots of options in Montañita and Olón too. But we think Cuenca must be the vegan/veg food capital of South America! 😊👍

[@nguyenmiket]

Thank you so much for this video! Subscribed and looking forward to more about life in Cuenca!!!!

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Bienvenidos 😊 Glad you enjoyed it 👍

[@elidaedelmann8934]

That is so true! About the drivers...so sad.

[@hakoHiyo271]

Hi Amelia and JP! I am so excited to see your videos. My friend is considering moving to Cuenca and that got me thinking about checking out Cuenca myself also. I have never been to Ecuador. I spent three weeks in Colombia last year and I just love friendless of people in Latin America. Also I am a vegan and glad to find you guys being vegan! And sounds like Cuenca is very vegan friendly! Gracias!

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Hola! Bienvenidos! The people are very friendly in Cuenca and it’s vegan heaven. We love Ecuador 💚😊

[@jeffhunt2778]

I have checked out Guatemala and Panama, both of which I love but am unsure of living in. However, as a retired person I was impressed with the number of expat clubs in Boquete, Panama. Can you tell me (us) what the situation is in Quenca? I am a widower and a bit of a loner so having club friends for hiking, sightseeing, photography, etc. would be very helpful. Love your channel, by the way.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

There are lots of activities and Facebook groups for expats in Cuenca. You won’t be bored.

[@2Travelis2Live]

I'm from Colorado too. I have not been to Ecuador, but I know my daughters went there and loved it. I love leash laws. I've got a bit of a phobia of strange dogs. I love dogs, and I have one of my own.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

We noticed a lot more leashed dogs in Manta.

[@divinaflamingarrow9556]

So, do you have to go to Ecuador banks for change 1st??

[@mikeburns6603]

Do you have a bank account in Cuenca or do you use the ATM to take money out of an American bank? How much are all of the service charges?

[@AmeliaAndJP]

We don’t have a bank account here yet. It’s on the list. We use Charles Schwab for our atm card. They have a checking account that doesn’t charge atm fees and refunds any fees charged by other banks. The fees were adding up before we switched to them. Our other US bank charges 3% and the Ecuador banks charge from $1.50 to $4 per transaction.

[@tomconley4976]

I was on the fence about moving to Cuenca but now that I know about the pig roasts in the street I'm all in! Did you know the Dalai Lama is no longer a vegetarian due to the health issues caused by not eating meat?

[@Mrariesdave]

Please tell about adjusting to 8 thousand feet above sea level...was it a difficult adjustment?

[@AmeliaAndJP]

We moved from Denver so it wasn't much different for us. Some people are fine and others struggle. There's no way to know how it will affect you until you are at altitude.

[@BrutomarsArboleda]

Great Chemistry iam Glad u are enjoying my Country like I enjoy Yours I hope to comeback soon

[@AmeliaAndJP]

¡Nos encanta su país! 💚😊

[@nacionnyc]

the "pig thing" is considered a cultural aspect and is because is one of our traditional dishes same as the "cuy" lol. Don't discriminate! lol It is nice that you are enjoying the city. You won a subscriber. Hope to meet you guys there when I get back someday just for a short visit.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Welcome! Glad you enjoyed our video! As vegans, we don't believe "tradition" is a valid reason for causing unnecessary harm to animals and our environment. We also don't condone female genital mutilation, child prostitution or the annual Dolphin drive in Japan, even though they are "traditions" and part of the "culture" in some countries. Some traditions are inhumane and immoral regardless of cultural acceptance.

[@stevefiorito5379]

It seems like non-smoking restaurants and markets are a "foreign concept" in many countries outside the US. How is smoking treated in Ecuador?

[@AmeliaAndJP]

You can smoke on outdoor patios, but not in restaurants.

[@Falconigina]

I’m glad you guys are enjoying my country! You guys are adorable!

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Thanks! We love your country 😊💚

[@urbanart7325]

Question: what is your term plan? Do you plan to stay in Equador long time as you age or plan enroll on US Medicare and return back to the US? What is your long term status? Citizens?

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Great questions! We plan to stay in Ecuador as long as the political climate is stable. We're getting our permanent resident visas now and plan to become citizens in 3 more years. We currently have no plans to move back to the States because we simply can't afford healthcare for my ongoing spinal issues. If the US sickcare system doesn't improve, we won't be able to move back.

[@urbanart7325]

@@AmeliaAndJP I hope to visit Equator in 2020. I visited Colombia last year, Peru this year. Working on my Spanish. You guys seem like a great couple and present a very strong relationship. I am not sure my wife and I will last another 4 years of the divide in the US, reaching level of hatred.

[@glennmcintosh4802]

Thank you for this - I'm looking a few years down the road at places to live abroad , Cuenca always ends up on the list of best places in terms of cost (< $1600/month, amazing!), health, and lifestyle. I'm also a vegan, so I really appreciate your perspective.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Great! We think Cuenca is the vegan capital of South America. Have you seen our Being Vegan in Cuenca video? kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpjHoJmOq9KUeZY

[@philblackmon4499]

You two are great! ....and fun to watch. Thank you! I am excited about moving to South America. :)

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Thanks! When are you moving?

[@philblackmon4499]

@@AmeliaAndJP I will be coming down around mid April. I am planning to visit Equador and your video has made me very interested in seeing Cuenca....so thanks again for your help! :)

[@AmeliaAndJP]

@@philblackmon4499 Great! Nos vemos pronto!

[@indielindie6282]

You're so gorgeous, Amelia! Those earrings you're wearing are beautiful. I really enjoyed this video. You can only get so much info via google. It's always so nice to hear REAL experiences from REAL people when it comes to travel. 😁😊 You've got this veggie lover determined to make Cuenca a stop on my travel list!

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Great! Glad you're enjoying the videos! Sorry for the slow reply on this one. It went into our "likely spam" tab but didn't show up until today. 🤷‍♂️

[@indielindie6282]

@@AmeliaAndJP Oh no problem! It happens! 😁

[@fleetwood3754]

Do they have golf courses and tennis courts in Cuenca? Also are there gyms? No one has ever done anything on that.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Yes. There's one golf course, some tennis courts and lots of gyms. We did one video on a gym: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYOng6ard9ymrbs. There are all sorts of gyms, from regular 24 hour fitness type gyms to outdoor crossfit style.

[@fleetwood3754]

@@AmeliaAndJP got it, thank-you. Great video.

[@zed9zed]

Great video. I'm sold!

[@andrewsweeny6921]

very interesting channel ... we are Canadians making the move in June 2020 to the Ecuador coast. We have been enjoying your channel and your perspectives. We also are not retiring but moving and working (starting our own business) in Ecuador. We wil be down in Feb and visiting Cuenca for some pottery shopping would love to connect !

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Great! Keep us posted!

[@Doug-zl8nb]

Nice couple. ..I'm checking dominican right now for months ...love to check ur place out...thanks

[@patricianewton4922]

When is the best time/best way for me to start learning Spanish without attending a community college? Help? Por favor?

[@AmeliaAndJP]

We use Duolingo and Memrise on our phones. Have you studied Spanish before or just starting?

[@juanarevalo5885]

If you want, i teach you jeje. I m from Cuenca. I'd like to practice english too. [e-mail]

[@Stinkysock11]

I like your channel, you guys are funny and have a new subscriber.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Welcome! 👍

[@silviag1457]

About dogs, you are right! I always come home heart broken

[@tofuandtravel601]

Great video guys! I feel like I learned so much! I'm curious, do any expats work in Ecuador? Instead of online, or having a job back in another country and traveling back and forth?

[@gillesbelanger1090]

It's possible; however, be aware that with the low cost of living come the low wages.

[@victorbartolome9865]

Can you advise the besgt neighborhoods in Cuena to look to rentals. I will be leaving for Cuenca next year and would appreciate your help and suggestions. I dont like the heaat very much so the climate in Cuena should suit me fine, I think.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Here' a video we did on the Cuenca neighborhoods. kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6ireqGsisiSoKs

[@tsalinas05]

So excited to come visit in June , Thanks for the video ..

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Glad you enjoyed it 😊👍

[@911review]

vegan from New Orleans... just went to Belize looking for Property. is it hard to buy land, or expensive ? i grow rare and tropical fruit trees... my house in the suburbs outside New Orleans and i have 100 + species but lots wont grow well here since we do get light frost from time to time in winter.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Hola Brad! Land is available here and not too expensive compared to the States. It's great for growing tropical fruit trees!

[@911review]

@@AmeliaAndJP good to know. plan on going to Peru in a few months, either i will try to stop on the way, or i will make another trip , probably not till jan-feb, but if i do, i will let you guys know thanks for the response :)

[@ecuadorexpat8558]

I hope to move to Cuenca next year and am always grateful for good information.. I am so looking forward to getting there and living in this beautiful country!

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Great! Hopefully our videos are helpful 👍

[@ecuadorexpat8558]

@@AmeliaAndJP Do you guys still live in Cuenca?

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Yes. We’re in India right now for the wedding of our Cuenca friends from Namaste India. We’re leaving for Amsterdam tomorrow but won’t be back in Cuenca until next weekend.

[@ecuadorexpat8558]

@@AmeliaAndJP Oh thats right.. I saw on your other video.. WOW how exciting.. India.. another place I always wanted to see.. Have fun and be safe.. ! I hope to meet you guys in Cuenca next year!!! Blessings to your friends wedding ! facebook.com/bluesenigmaband

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Keep us posted 👍

[@jessicawaterman2107]

Super excited!! Planning a trip to Cuenca as a vegan!!

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Yay!!!! Please keep us posted about your trip!

[@jessicawaterman2107]

@@AmeliaAndJP Absolutely!! 😊👍

[@soniapena2582]

hi loved your video. very informative. I have a question did you purchase your house or do you rent.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

We rent. We have a whole video about that: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l17GcneNeNJ0sLc

[@teresamacey7039]

What area of the city do you live in? Walkability is important to me as well.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

We lived in El Vergel before we moved to the coast. It's a great part of town and one of the quieter areas.

[@boxer2112]

Great video also agree on the currencies at least i know what i spend keep up the good work on your videos

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Thanks! 😊💚

[@VeganSoulMama]

I want to visit! Great video

[@ripelife2207]

Looks like a beautiful place!

[@AmeliaAndJP]

It is really beautiful. Tuesday’s video is of the National Park near Cuenca. It reminded me of the movie Avatar. It’s incredible!

[@yahunatan7263]

Yes!

[@jennielarimer8500]

My hubby and I will be in Cuenca in July to scope out places for retirement. Can you give me an idea of the best area where we should stay in order to walk to all the cool places??

[@AmeliaAndJP]

How long are you staying? Do you need a kitchen or will you be eating out for every meal? Apartamentos Otorongo is a nice no frills place with a kitchen and walking distance to El Centro. The Victoria Hotel on Calle Larga is more expensive without a kitchen but really nice. We need to do a video about this! Thanks for the idea 👍💚

[@jennielarimer8500]

@@AmeliaAndJP Thanks, JP! I'll look into Otorongo. I usually book thru Homeaway since they are furnished with washer/dryer and coffee pot, so need to know the most convenient area. I think you answered this by telling me El Centro, no?

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Yes. El Centro or on the edge of it is where you want to be. That's where you'll want to spend most of your time. Otorongo has a common washer/dryer, but it's cheaper to take your laundry to a lavanderia and let them do it for you. We went to Lavandería Tomebamba about 4 blocks from Otorongo. They charged $3.50/load. We dropped it off in the morning and picked it up in the afternoon all clean and nicely folded.

[@robertmaddelena7890]

Sounds great. I think i will like it. Glad you taking up pole dancing again. Lol

[@johnhard293]

Pienso que las cosas negativos de Cuenca se pueden solucionar y estoy seguro que en pocos años serán cosas del pasado. Saludos Amelia y JP

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Sí. Probablemente 👍😁

[@josephdubiel7129]

Are there any parts of Cuenca that might be perhaps a little quieter than others?

[@bananapatch9118]

Great video. Thank you !

[@AmeliaAndJP]

De nada 😊

[@VegasNegus]

Very helpful thx!

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Glad it helped!

[@VegasNegus]

@@AmeliaAndJP I have looked at living abroad for several years. After a big financial setback in 2010 I had to postpone. However your videos have sparked a new interest. Ecuador is a much closer expat destination for Americans but with a similar cost of living to SE Asia. I had not seriously considered it before seeing this video. Keep up the good and fun videos and you may see me at a cafe near you soon!

[@AmeliaAndJP]

@@VegasNegus Thanks! Ecuador is a great place to expat! Nos vemos pronto!

[@JorgeMurillo777]

You can always boil the water you know 😉

[@caesarillion]

$2000? Ecuador was the poorest country in the western hemisphere back in the 70s. I'm living on $350 a month out west of Bangkok, Thailannd. Times have changed.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

It's one of the richest now. Switching to the dollar has really stabilized the economy.

[@michaelbradley7447]

I might not to be able to ford tht trip till nexts spring ill be reseatching that place

[@self7506]

#1 reason I would love to live there - pig roasts everywhere! Lol

[@thandekilemusa976]

Kkkkkkkkkk the crazy driving topic,it seems drivers are crazy over there

[@AmeliaAndJP]

The drivers are worse in India. We have a whole new appreciation for Ecuadorian drivers now 😂

[@tulip28dec]

Silly question w/ regards to #10: Do you know where I can find/get the $1 coins in the US? Perhaps the bank??

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Yes. The bank has them. But you can use dollar bills in Ecuador. If you bring a lot of coins through airport security you’ll get flagged for search.

[@tulip28dec]

@@AmeliaAndJP thx

[@teresamacey7039]

Is the noise in every part of the city, I do not know if I can adapt to the noise.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Cuenca is very noisy, but there are quieter parts. It depends on the location of the house relative to streets and clubs.

[@anonymousviewer8443]

How do you wash your fruits and vegetables?

[@AmeliaAndJP]

We follow the science and wash with a 10% salt water solution: nutritionfacts.org/video/how-to-make-your-own-fruit-and-vegetable-wash/

[@norviato1]

My last comment for this particular video. Tipsy Amelia trying to kidnap the neighbor’s dog is very funny. Those raunchy Ecuadorean canines are sooo cute! 🎀 In case you’re still wondering what the owner said when he opened the door was. Entra pronto porque esos gringos son vegetarianos, he went inside willingly lol 🐕🥓💩

[@AmeliaAndJP]

😂😂😂

[@chechokiko7904]

Would it make sense before going to Ecuador to change my dollar bills to dollar coins?

[@chechokiko7904]

ok never mind. I just saw to avoid bringing in coins to avoid headaches in the airports.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Correct. It's a pain. You can get dollar coins from the banks here in Ecuador.

[@ecuadorexpat8558]

Cant ait to eat all that great veggies and fruits.. ! Cu in 2020

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Yay! They are amazing!

[@wandap7832]

how accessible are things for those with mobility issues due to a disability?

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Not great, but we see people in wheelchairs here. The sidewalks are rough and the curbs are steep. And many of the curbs and store entrances don't have ramps. It certainly isn't as accessible as what we're used to in the States and Europe.

[@lizmariewest1514]

I like your earrings Amelia :)

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Amelia says thanks! They're hummingbirds cut into copper. She bought them here in Cuenca from a street vendor. 😊

[@rafaelsolorzano700]

Just great video again .

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Thanks! 😊

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Thanks! 😊

[@norviato1]

Your humility is touching, when you call yourselves humble guests that love it there. That’s so nice, I’ve already recommended you for instant citizenship 🥰 My goodness, if we could only get rid of the pig roasts, that would be awesome 😎 However, it´s like trying to outlaw barbecue here in Dixie lol Maybe if you get a taste of the reventado, you might like it haha Pruebe, pruebe caserita! Just kidding!

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Haha! Instant citizenship would be great! If only... 👍💚

[@norviato1]

Vegans Abroad - I’m sure you qualify for citizenship if you want it. My old cédula goes back to 1979 when I got my libreta militar also. I went into the registro civil website and ran the number. Yep, it’s all there with my entire name and Pichincha as place of birth. In all the chaos those Ecuadoreans are very efficient lol 😝

[@norviato1]

Your explanations of expenses are very simple and precise so it helps a lot of us. You’re able to stay within the budget in spite of your therapy expenses and Amelia’s mop maintenance lol 😶 You’re right the vegetables here in the US look perfect and waxed but taste insipid. The Ecuadorean stuff is ugly but tastes muy delicioso 😋 Ecuatorianos need to be retrained so they can drive properly, I certainly don’t drive like that but I’m a minority in that jungle 🤓 The tranvía of Cuenca is already running on test drives throughout the city, even though there was already a pickup truck that put a dent on the brand new tranvía. My goodness those savages are not to be underestimated. Sorry but I can’t possibly be diplomatic with that. 👺

[@AmeliaAndJP]

You’re ecuatoriano so you can be undiplomatic. We’re humble guests who love it here and want to stay! 😂😂😂

[@norviato1]

Vegans Abroad - I remember even as a kid how ecuatorianos loved foreigners. One of my aunts had a chain of hotels and the gringos were considered the best. She married a German American brewer that left New York during prohibition and moved to Ecuador for a job. The mistaken concept at the time was, if you were of European ancestry you had good manners and was totally honest. This concept prevailed until tons of Chileans moved to Ecuador escaping oppressive military regimes. They looked European for the most part so Ecuadoreans were glad to have them until they started bouncing checks all over the place. haha No longer, now everyone has to be squeaky clean and have proper criminal clearance 🧽 lol

[@norviato1]

Vegans Abroad - one more thing. If you tell an ecuatoriano that he’s always right and good looking, they’ll love you forever and you’ll have them in your pocket haha 🤗

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Amelia said good to know 😁

[@norviato1]

Vegans Abroad - Amelia is a smart woman and knows how the dice rolls lol 😝

[@GaryDeetz]

Great job! I absolutely concur about the drivers and the stinky buses. I had a sore throat for a week from exposure to the diesel fumes on Remigio Crespo when I was there. Thanks for the video.

[@bonniewillow2758]

^ Gary's wife, here. I love your videos too! We will be settling in Cuenca in April. From CO and NC. The process of leaving the US is arduous, and your videos are making us even more eager to get to our new home. We're going to share your channel with two friends who are interested in possibly following us down there. One is vegan, one is not. And OMG those hanging pigs... so hard to deal with that. Old beans don't cook as well - I'll bet the Supermaxi beans are older. Anyway... thanks for helping to educate so many of us.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

We know how you feel! We were depressed for 6 months after we went back to Denver following our exploratory trip. We thought the time would never pass and now we’ve been here 15 months. It’s hard to believe. You’ll be here before you know it! Thanks for sharing our channel. We’re not “in your face” vegans so we have a lot of pre-vegan viewers. We’re having an early dinner at Fratello Vegan right now listening to Depeche Mode on the stereo. Life is not that much different here. It’s shocking sometimes. Please stay in touch and let us know when you get here. We’ll have some delicious drinks and desserts at Zatua Miski. 👍💚

[@norviato1]

I’ve had a sore throat for almost a week myself. I can’t blame it on Remigio Crespo as I’m in Florida 🤣 Those puffer buses are on their way out so hang on tight! 😑

[@saintluke2nd]

GREAT JOB!

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Thanks!

[@norviato1]

Yes, pole dancing, including the dogs 🐕 haha!

[@tjrioux3059]

I imagine that a bicyclist would be at risk. Nice video.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Everyone has to pay lots of attention when walking or cycling. Bikes and pedestrians don't have the right of way here.

[@LianeSpicer]

Hi, this is the second of your videos I've watched and I really, really like them. I think I've fallen in love with Cuenca since I heard about it a week ago--I've watched dozens of videos and read dozens of expat pages over the past few days--but yesterday I came across two posts where people said you have to take medications every few months to control parasite infestations that make you very sick? Amoeba and worms? How true is this of Cuenca? You mentioned that it's safe to drink the tap water there.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Thanks for your kind words 😊💚 We haven’t had any issues with parasites but a couple of friends have. However, they got them from eating unrefrigerated animal products from street vendors. Since we’re vegan that’s less likely to happen to us. We thoroughly wash and cook everything we eat, too. We buy our greens at Supermaxi in packages rather than the mercado. They do have medicine that works very well if you do get one. The US isn’t immune from food borne pathogens either. We hear about the E. coli and other food contamination’s back in the US. You have to be careful everywhere these days. But it’s not something we worry too much about.

[@nancyramsden4130]

LianeSpicer BTW the anti-parasite meds are inexpensive OTC and it's just a pill a day for 3 days, no side effects, no big deal. I've been advised by locals to just make it a habit to use the meds a couple times a year - rather than waiting until you have an actual problem with symptoms. Be proactive! It sounds worse than it really is, but I think a lot of people instantly get anxious when they see the word 'parasite'. I've been eating street food for almost 3 years with no problems and we do buy our veggies in an open mercado, including greens, but we try to clean things thoroughly - just as we ALWAYS did in the states.

[@LianeSpicer]

@@AmeliaAndJP Thank you. I was a bit freaked out for a while there. Amoebas? Ugh. Sounds like being vigilant about what goes in your mouth and where you buy it is the trick. I'm not vegan, but I've been edging in that direction for some time, in thought if not in actual practice yet. Have a great day, JP & A!

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Vigilance is key. I got food poisoning in New York City at a pizza place one time so it can happen anywhere.

[@LianeSpicer]

@@nancyramsden4130 Yes, I was definitely triggered when I saw the word 'parasites'. :D

[@melitonguaman6647]

Great video my friends 😁

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Gracias 😊💚

[@kathythamm6321]

Are there any art supply stores in Cuenca?

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Yes. We've seen several in El Centro.

[@bethanybaker7791]

I'm SOLD! When can we visit? I've seen your house. I know you have space, lol! ;)

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Haha! 😂 We would love to meet you at zatua miski for some delicious café, jugos y postres 😁

[@johnsondutanortiz6442]

lovely video guys

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Thanks! 😊

[@DayanaNYC]

Nice video Guys!!

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Thanks! 😊💚

[@nissannewride]

Is English language common and what are visa requirements?

[@AmeliaAndJP]

English is very common in Cuenca and Vilcabamba. It’s not as common in other parts of Ecuador. We have a video about visas: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJPdYaZveauVmdE

[@williamobrien2000]

We walk everywhere. Usually we get 12,000 plus steps a day. Cuenca is an extremely easy place to walk, as long as you keep your head on a swivel. People just need to be aware that stop signs, lights, linea zebras, and any other traffic control device are merely decorations. And of course, motos can be encountered anywhere. No des nada por hecho!

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Very true! 😁

[@creedstat]

What's the mail system like and can I get my medication that I take in Canada

[@AmeliaAndJP]

There is no mail system in Ecuador. They do have DHL and FedEx, but we've never used them. We don't know much about available medications here. You would need to talk to a doctor of pharmacy about that.