Fleeing Ecuador and Visiting Phoenix - An update

I finally made it to Phoenix after a full day of travel so I thought I'd do an update on my status and let you know how things are going.
That's all.
Rudy's BBQ - rudysbbq.com/location/detail/...
Me:
I can no longer share personal information because of Internet trolls.
Links to know:
My Channel Video Index
docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...
My Google Docs document of useful information
docs.google.com/document/d/1A...
Document Links
My Checklist for migration docs.google.com/document/d/1U...
Facebook
Manta and Manabi Expats and Amigos - / 323275021650751
Remember this folks.
A country might look good on paper, or on a KZbin video, but what about the “Chemistry” between you, the individual and the country and culture as a whole?
This is something we can’t know in advance. We can only make our move, dive in and test the waters…….and see how it goes.
If you can't walk on water, freeze it
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The views expressed in this video are in no way intended to be taken as advice on retirement, migrating to Ecuador, investing, buying insurance, or getting your immigration documentation.
I am not responsible for any decision you make after watching my videos.
I don't give advice and I don't recommend anything unless it is based on my own personal, verifiable experience.
I want to be sure that the information I provide is accurate information and I don't want people to make a poor choice based on anything I say.
If one person comes here based on my influence and doesn't like it at all, then has to return to start all over again, I have failed.

[@loud3195]

Welcome back to AZ, I myself am an Ecuadorian-American living in Phoenix. Enjoy your stay!

[@darlinespring4066]

Thanks for the update. Enjoy your time in Phoenix!

[@Whimsey6]

Enjoy your visit stateside, Don. Can't wait for you to do a video with your perspective on the changes since you left. Wait til you go to a grocery store!

[@DonShader]

I've aleady seen what it's like and I certainly don't like it but what am I going to do about it? I'll be back in Manta soon enough.

[@michellemanion7031]

Glad you made it safe and sound.

[@GMAceM]

Looks like you enjoyed that brisket brother! Hope you have fun over there and will stay tuned for more updates 💯

[@exportrus1]

Thanks for the update, Don. Enjoy your time in Arizona.

[@DonShader]

Thanks, will do!

[@janetrobinson8925]

You look great, Don. I hope you enjoy your visit!

[@CarlosLopez-uc1ke]

Hi Don, glad to know you are safe. 🙏

[@SoulWhisperer]

Ah, Phoenix! I used to live there. You look great. Glad you arrived safely. Have fun!

[@DonShader]

Thank you! Will do!

[@bigradwolf5001]

It's so eerie that you're in Phoenix and that the Ecuador's war on cartels is also called Phoenix.

[@Gustavo-wx2yo]

Nice to see you Again DON, You DON'T HAVE AND NOT NEED To Be in Ecuador, Enjoy Life and BE HEALTHY eh? I'm from Manta But I live in Boston Ma. Life is short ENJOY IT!!!🙏🇺🇸🇪🇨👌😂👍

[@craiggardner5525]

My wife and I have been living in Cuenca for 11 years. Even that far back we never considered Manta as it always had a reputation as being a bit dicey. We never considered Salinas, Guayaquil, or Manta.

[@DonShader]

I don't understand why ANYONE would even think about Guayaquil or Salinas.

[@rafaelsolorzano700]

Thanks for your updates Don...

[@edgeofeternity101]

Hey welcome back, but things aren't so rosey here either. Rumblings are that people here are pretty fed up with the BS, keep up with alt sources. The border is a BIG issue and things are going to get interesting.

[@johnneycoon7808]

Glad you made it safely to Arizona. I was thinking it would be a real shocker to you when you saw the prices in the US now. We can’t wait to start saving some money with our upcoming move.

[@BPe-ie9je]

the heat bills this winter are huge $

[@johnneycoon7808]

@@BPe-ie9je I know but what is worse for me is the electric bills in the summer, over $800 per month. I keep my ac at 84. I live in the Southern California desert but will be moving soon to Cuenca.

[@5455cheryl]

Welcome to Arizona. We’re heading down to get out of ice encrusted Oregon in a couple weeks.

[@ginaaresenie3673]

Hi Don I’m glad you are back to USA I always follow up you videos I’m Ecuadorian living in USA for 38 years I would never lived in Ecuador again , no matter what is going but USA is my land I almost retire for USA 🇺🇸 Glad you are safe ❤

[@Flanman113]

USA is not a perfect country by any means, but its the best place to be in the world we live in today. I got married in Ecuador and considered moving there after retirement as we have an apartment in Quito. After surviving some violent encounters with my family during the attempted coo a few years ago that was a wake up call that Ecuador is a different place now and retiring there is no longer an option for me.

[@Labuenavidasurf]

Stay safe Don. I waited a year to go to EC and then cancelled. Too old for all this travel drama 🎭 prefer to chill at home, hope EC finds peace out of these business rackets.

[@pauladuncanadams1750]

Glad you made it.

[@dougdileo4727]

nice to see ya made it safe and sound...did you hear a prosecutor was also assassinated when you left...enjoy

[@DonShader]

See next video.

[@dovygoodguy1296]

About travel I totally agree with you Don!

[@jimkeys7580]

Glad you arrived safely Don! I just had my first experience with "Brisket on a Bun" at a Buc-ees rest stop on the way from Canada to Florida last week. Wasn't aware just how tender it was - so good (apparently Buc-ees is based in Texas so they know BBQ). Impressive for $8.00 too! hehe

[@montebrown9528]

Glad you had a safe trip and arrived safely. Enjoy your stay 😊

[@user-cw6lg3wx5c]

Barbecue ribs was my first craving when I came back. I too hope to return. Steve &Jasmine

[@jerrygarcia4390]

It’s hard to get excellent Texas bbq in las Vegas. Two mango wheat beers and a baked potato with brisket costs $40 in Boulder City, NV. 😢 In Mindo, I had a large picanha steak, bottled water and a sangria for $15.70. Food inflation in the USA is insane

[@Resmith18SR]

Vegas food prices are insane and that's another reason I don't live there again. And how about those Resort fees?

[@kilo2bravo007]

Glad you're safely in Phoenix, Don. Brisket is pretty pricey here too (even the mediocre quality). Probably for the best or I'd eat more of it than I really needed to.......

[@estelamino6356]

Thanks for sharing. Please enjoy. In name of 🇪🇨 .in the USA

[@susanmarling2079]

Enjoy your vacation!

[@pauladuncanadams1750]

According to Luis in Cuenca, they killed a prosecutor in Guayaquil (the one who was prosecuting the guys from the TV station), attacked him in broad daylight.

[@jerrygarcia4390]

Yeah 😢

[@pauladuncanadams1750]

@@jerrygarcia4390 😪

[@a.alexandrajimenez8437]

Good to see you, Don! Have a FUN vacation and enjoy the silence. lol

[@destinationmax]

Don, that barbecue looked sooo good. I am also visiting friends in the USA for a couple of more weeks. I’m going crazy for the giant baked potatoes and all of my favorite store items 😂 I’m also here for my signed bank statements, new debit cards and exchanging my IPhone with ATT. Thank you for keeping us posted on Ecuador. Big hugs!

[@alainbergeron4520]

Don, it is always good to hear from your adventures. Welcome to AZ ..Enjoy your stay in PHX. Thanks

[@DonShader]

Thanks 👍

[@rikksullenberger6864]

I’m originally from Yuma, lived outside phoenix and went to Dysart high school.

[@chancerobinson5112]

Thanks, Don! Up early! You’re still on east coast time….

[@DonShader]

Yes I am!

[@melapam1904]

Glad you arrived safely. Moist brisket is the best. We have a lot of good brisket in Houston Texas. Sauce isn’t even necessary. I don’t know why anyone would prefer the lean brisket but to each his own I guess.

[@Jimmy_Duff]

Enjoy your stay.

[@cot5thorchid551]

The influx of Colombians Cubans Venezuelans are contributing to the havoc. My family lived in Manta in the 40's 50's and I understand it was beautiful.

[@DonShader]

I can't imagine that!

[@alkubbo1291]

Hola Don! Glad to see that you made it to Arizona in spite of the travel day from hell. BTW - that brisket looked really good. Keep safe

[@robertjackson9601]

Welcome back to the USA!

[@710combatvet4]

Phoenix is one of the most dangerous cities in America right now

[@MartineReed]

Do you know why?

[@robertanichols8303]

I used to live in Scottsdale for 12 years. After living abroad for 3 years now, I personally could never return to the U.S. Good luck with the sticker shock! Glad you left Ecuador. I would have too! Maybe Mexico, Uruquay, Brazil would have been better. Well good luck.

[@DonShader]

DOES NOBODY LISTEN??? I DIDN'T LEAVE ECUADOR!

[@inverted3rd]

I’m with you, I HATE FLYING.

[@DonShader]

Yeah, the airline industry sucks really big time.

[@lephilosopheinconnu3952]

I agree with you both guys

[@jerrygarcia4390]

Phoenix is very nice in January. Las Vegas to Panama City to Quito was bad 😞

[@ericrose540]

Agree hate today’s air travel. Much rather drive, take the rails or a cruise ship. Glad you got your brisket (bet you can’t find that quality in Manta) - look forward to your next one!

[@carlosrobertoalsina3882]

Buen provecho

[@Roxanneisrockin]

Wow

[@Lordmij]

Good deal, hopefully u stay back home in AZ, safer, better, cleaner, welcome back

[@paulstein916]

Hi Don. Enjoy your stay in Phoenix. How does the bbq brisket there compare to Texas brisket in Austin? I hate those long travel days between South America and the states. I used to travel from Venezuela to Los Angeles as a kid and those were long days with several stops.

[@DonShader]

Rudy's BBQ is awesome and it's been a long time since I've had Texas BBQ but I know that Austin has some pretty damned good BBQ. Without a doubt.

[@sunriseinecuador]

You haven't been to Cotacachi where Texas BBQ makes delicious bbq and not pricey like the states.

[@eriprel143]

Good Morning Don. Enjoy the fantastic content and news updates. Do you think you could post a link to Phils BBQ in the description? I'm here in the valley too and I'm always looking for good BBQ since leaving the SE coast. Thank you!

[@DonShader]

Absolutely, I'll be happy to.

[@eriprel143]

@@DonShader You're great. Man! Thank you!

[@DonShader]

I actually made a mistake, it's Rudy's BBQ, not Phil's. Opps.

[@eriprel143]

@@DonShader that's cool. I really appreciate the response. I also want to thank you for your unvarnished descriptions of the way things are for you in Ecuador and what you had to do to relocate there. Yours is one of the most valuable KZbin channels I've seen on the topic of moving abroad as a retiree.

[@DonShader]

@@eriprel143 Thanks so much.

[@terryashley4674]

Seems like the weather is nice where you are. 🤗

[@BPe-ie9je]

and then there is summer

[@DonShader]

It's vey nice. Cold at night, nice and warm during the day.

[@DonShader]

Not for me.

[@terryashley4674]

@@DonShader 😅

[@rafaelsolorzano700]

So far,no news is good news.

[@bobdobb9017]

The title was that the guy assassinated was a Guayaquil based “boat captain”. That is, it could be he was associated with the drug trafficking.

[@wtcneverforget8163]

I guess you flew out of MEC? How was it?

[@DonShader]

It was awesome. Great flight. Only took an hour an half.

[@Hi-bt1ef]

Did you let your DL expire? Mine expires in 2025 and I was hoping to renew online before it expires. Maybe each state is different.

[@jamielivingston7765]

In Arizona it doesn't expire until you are 65 (crazy!) But once you are older they want you to come in (probably to make sure you can see! Lol)

[@DonShader]

Mine expired in 2021, shortly after my arrival to Ecuador. Getting renewed was incredibly easy.

[@jamielivingston7765]

Oh the Phoenix area DMV! I am JEALOUS! NOPE! In Cuenca. Hubs is having quite the altitude headaches and weakness. His oxygen is hovering around 90... But it is quite beautiful (if a bit too chilly for my tast and I know this is the warmer time of year.

[@DonShader]

It was a piece of cake. I had an appointment, walked in, signed in, was first in line , did eye test, took pic, and paid $10. I was in and out of there in ten minutes. What's the problem?

[@DJarry394]

I used to live in Phoenix. Was there for last Thanksgiving. I remember a while ago, the cartels there were making life miserable for everyone, and Phoenix became notorious for gang violence. I moved out a long time ago but have most of my family there. I have tons of relatives

[@ztimbo]

What did you do with your car and stuff?

[@DonShader]

What d'ya mean. It's still at my apartment in Manta.

[@ztimbo]

@@DonShader It is possible that you sold everything.

[@DonShader]

@@ztimbo No, I still have my car and all my stuff in my apartment in Manta.

[@friendlyfire7861]

Any roosters? Buzzing motorbikes?

[@DonShader]

No, nothing.

[@lephilosopheinconnu3952]

😅😅

[@patriciaflaherty]

This video is going to get SO MANY views from putting "fleeing Ecuador" in the title...brilliant 😂😂!

[@DonShader]

I guess. I don't think anyone really cares.

[@BPe-ie9je]

What are you doing for insurance in US ? health insurance ?

[@jamielivingston7765]

He is over 65 and a military veteran. So with Medicare and the VA he is all set.

[@BPe-ie9je]

@@jamielivingston7765

[@BPe-ie9je]

@@jamielivingston7765 lucky him. thats my worry comung back to US

[@DonShader]

I have medicare and the VA.

[@robavz5621]

God bless American! I'm looking forward to going back their when they get rid of "The Big Guy"!!

[@ernestojoseavileszambrano3360]

Creo que ya no deberías dar noticias negativas de un pais que te trató bien, no hay un lugar del mundo 100 por ciento seguro ,

[@joserivera7349]

I have talked to people in Manta and Esmeraldas and they tell me the crime is in poor areas. Guayaquil has always been a dangerous city. I live close to Quito and all has been normal here. Stay away from crime areas and you will be fine.

[@Roxanneisrockin]

Please continue to be transparent

[@perrykomick9478]

RUDY'S BBQ....

[@comrade916]

Just stay in AZ.. You're getting older and better to be in familiar surroundings..

[@frankkluz9787]

To hell with Ecuador and their drug problems ! -- Cuenca - 'was' - #1 on my list until all this BS got so real down there. -- Not now - I don't want the uneasy feeling from simply being an American there - out in public ? - - - I changed to English speaking Philippines - an hour or so from Manila - and yet a cost of living 70% lower than the US average ! > Tagaytay is now my new #1 @ 2000 feet above sea level (with cooler weather than sea level) - a beautiful scenic area - super friendly local people some expats and a comfortable climate. - - - I really do wish you well Don - but I just don't have the guts you apparently have. It's '''why''' I won't go to Mexico or Colombia either ! - - - Siem Reap, Cambodia is now my #2 - a 'beautiful city' with Khmer Buddhist English speaking super friendly welcoming people ! -- Really affordable and retirement visas are the absolute best. They even take USD !!! -- Bangkok is a cheap 1 hour flight away - for fun -- or -- superb quality affordable 'state of the art' - medical care. --- Best of luck to you whatever you decide - I truly hope it works out for the very best. 👍 🙏 🤞

[@DonShader]

Don't take this the wrong way but why are you watching THIS channel?

[@frankkluz9787]

@@DonShader Never take it the wrong way. --- I like you and started watching long before I decided where to end up. -- Now - curiosity of the world events keeps me 'informed' and I watch others in Chapala for example even though I won't ever be going to Mexico again ! Cartels are @ work there too. --- INFORMATION is a shorter answer. I am 'cursed' with an inquiring mind !!! Sometimes I forget many others are so narrow minded uninformed & happy to remain ignorant to so many facts ? --- Comprende amigo ? --- Perhaps I foolishly assumed (some) others may be interested in what I found elsewhere in the world - that could interest them - as I would be ?

[@goldgeologist5320]

You are in for a shock of the prices in USA now Don!

[@lephilosopheinconnu3952]

Don said it once..." it's cheap, do you get that ? " Talking about Ecuador

[@lephilosopheinconnu3952]

​@@BlazerLz I'm from Ecuador but I travel often for personal reasons to the US. I just want to say THANK YOU. You're invite to join us on this battle