Kris and Mike - Kris returns to Cuenca, will she move there?

[@tomg1247]

As an old farm boy and living 13 years in the Chihuahuan desert surrounded by many thousand acres of cattle ranches, I too love country living. But not having to drive and with all the conveniences of Cuenca, I'm thrilled to live here. I miss zero things from the USA.

[@KrisandMike]

I totally understand. Once your here there is no going back. We love it here.

[@ladiascc1934]

Lol, I also have a fascination with doors, old beautiful ones. Specially the ones in Cuenca.

[@tmcdon]

My wife and I stayed for just under three weeks in Cuenca last summer and it was absolutely wonderful! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@KrisandMike]

👍

[@debraprescott6144]

My hardest decision is Cuenca, Cotacachi or the coast! Each has so many positives and no negatives! I want to go to Loja but I’m afraid to be even more confused as to where to stay. Lol. I may end up with a couple months in each place for the first couple winters to figure it out! Glad you had a great time Kris! I can’t imagine being on the 7th floor with no elevator. You are a rock star!!!

[@KrisandMike]

Try them all out. They are all so different and beautiful.

[@thebucksstophere8870]

I need the city every two months ! Just sayin

[@kristiG5259]

We visited Cuenca and Cotacatchi in May '22. Loved them both!

[@KrisandMike]

That's great 👍 thanks for watching

[@user-lc5cg6gd5o]

If you do the trip as a couple to Cotacachi, then you should definitely stay and dine at the Mirage. The hotel is beautiful and the restaurant is spectacular.

[@KrisandMike]

That sounds very good. Thanks for the tip.

[@eternitywithjesus777]

I lived in Cuenca for a year in 2015. I went back a few more times because I absolutely love Cuenca. I, like you Kris, could go back and forth from coast to mountains to even dessert beaches. Very emotional to watch this video. I married a farmer four years ago here in Alabama, so, yeah, probably won't be back. You def have to be on the same page.

[@KrisandMike]

Life is so much what you make it. And yes being on the same page is important. Take care.

[@randallfulcher3963]

We have had the pleasure of Sebastian and Victor's help for the last two years . Fantastic people!

[@KrisandMike]

That's great. Thanks for spreading the word.

[@1Grandoptimist]

Cuenca is beautiful I love it there

[@KrisandMike]

👍

[@magnusb6311]

Thank you for the nice shopping trip story. I always enjoy your videos. Cheers from Sweden

[@KrisandMike]

Thanks 👍

[@BPe-ie9je]

dishwasher. stairs atthat altitude...wow, thanks for your, info. Moving there soon.

[@KrisandMike]

Your time is coming soon.

[@BPe-ie9je]

Kris.....did you notice altitude ?

[@KrisandMike]

She noticed the altitude for a day.

[@kathyandthedogs626]

I really enjoyed Kris’ photography and trip to Cuenca! Thanks for sharing!!!

[@KrisandMike]

Thanks 🙏. She had some great shots.

[@JoePescatore]

Great video again! The city and the ruins looked amazing. Happy you returned home safely.

[@KrisandMike]

Thanks 🙏

[@msbeecee1]

Yesaa pls make a video of doors! Thanks for the relaxed convo & wonderful info on Cuenca

[@KrisandMike]

Thanks 🙏

[@SophisticatedBob]

I recognize Sebastian, very nice fellow. Good video, thanks.

[@KrisandMike]

Thanks 👍

[@gamthrax]

That is SO good to know about the flight from Guayaquil to Cuenca. From previous research I thought I would have to fly back up to Quito. And I might have mentioned before that I brought $200 in two-dollar bills last January and they went over so well! I'll do that again this February.

[@KrisandMike]

That's great. Enjoy!

[@CAMcCoy]

I am looking forward to visiting Cuenca one day; especially now having seen the baths there. I have heard about Cuenca for years, as I used to subscribe to a magazine which highlighted it along with the Expat Community. My wife and I retired early to Lima, Peru and we’ve been there for ten years now (she’s from there). We also have visited a number of other countries in South America and have really enjoyed our jaunts to Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Ecuador & Colombia. . .we’re hoping to hit Brasil next. . .but are not sure when at present. Thanks for the great job on your videos. We have also enjoyed the coast in Ecuador, but stayed in Ayampe (north of you guys). Incidentally, you guys should come south to the Northern Peru beaches, you’d love them. . . Punta Sal & Vichayito are a couple of our favs. Enjoy & keep exploring you two!!😊

[@KrisandMike]

Thanks for your kind words. You have been on many adventures. I bet you have a few stories to tell.

[@CAMcCoy]

Oh yeah, forgot to mention that I can relate to your dog comments as well. . .we have three at our place and they get a bit barky at times due to their follow canines in the hood.

[@dennisolson3667]

Way to go Kris. My wife and I were in the apartment on the 6th floor the first 2 weeks of June. The landlord was wonderful and prompt in answering questions. It was our exploratory trip and we are Moving down next July. Did you see Pete the cat prowling the rooftops across the street? Those stairs will make you strong!

[@KrisandMike]

That's so funny 🤣. What a small world. No Pete was not in sight. Glad your exploratory trip was a success. Enjoy your new life.

[@tomcorridan5236]

We had. Wonderful time in Cuenca..we also did the spa day....AMAZING...WE went for the full delicious lunch and 1hr massage.....Fantastic.....I would like to stay just outside Cuenca....but Cuenca is so beautiful and walkable....thank you for your videos

[@KrisandMike]

Thanks for watching.

[@maryjanehorncastle870]

That spa looked amazing!! So glad you were able to share your experience there. What an awesome little getaway!

[@KrisandMike]

I had a great time!

[@jerrym3261]

What I liked seeing was the motorcycle. What I liked hearing was you can travel around Ecuador to a different climate. I think what I would like is the ability to have a home base and be able to travel without it being ridiculously expensive or complicated.

[@KrisandMike]

That's possible to do that. Renting a home base with nothing fancy . Go for it.

[@alejandroadrian2003]

Ecuador 🇪🇨 ❤

[@KrisandMike]

Ecuador si 👍

[@Expat-happy-hour]

Enjoyed the show , I see why Cuenca is so popular, a lot to experience there looks like.

[@KrisandMike]

Thanks, great to see you today. Check out frecuento and megakywi.

[@tomg1247]

Glad to see Victor and Sebastian getting a plug. Victor has been a huge help to us not only driving, but helping us when we needed someone to translate for us. 👋👋👋👋

[@KrisandMike]

Yes we help who we can. They are amazing. Highly recommended.

[@robertmelius2025]

Narrated, I would certainly watch a video of doors, Kris and Mike. :)

[@KrisandMike]

We probably have 30 doors right now. 😂

[@kathybastianelli6982]

Loved this video. I also love doors and take pictures of them😊. We are in our 50s, and we're in Banos last year, hired a local private driver for a day, best money spent! He showed us SO much, and so fun, no real lines to wait in.

[@KrisandMike]

Yes private drivers for the day are well worth the investment plus your helping a family out. Everybody wins.

[@tomsaxton970]

I like to photograph ecuadorian doors too. So many beautiful handmade doors here.

[@KrisandMike]

Yes you are right. Lots of very special ones out there. Hope you are doing well Tom. Take care

[@raiz91]

Glad Kris is back, Mike looks great in that shirt.

[@KrisandMike]

Thanks my friend. Hope your well.

[@TravelwithJoshandJess]

Kris, isn't it crazy how fast a checked bag fills up? Lol! Loved the video Mike!

[@KrisandMike]

Thanks my friends.

[@lstone3633]

My husband does not like to travel. So sometimes I would go and he would stay home and take care of the house and the garden. It's nice to have a little break and something new to talk about. What did you buy on your trip Chris? Show and tell? I encourage you both to explore together. Do it while you can! Especially if you have someone reliable to house sit. Cheers from Canada.😊

[@KrisandMike]

I bought clothes and decor for my house. If you ever need a travel companion just shoot me a message. lol. It sounds like Mike is hunkering down here on the coast. 😉 lol

[@lstone3633]

@KrisandMike Thanks! Amazing thought:) Enjoying the adventures of Kris and Mike. And I would totally use cash as well! 😁

[@mikeA2010]

You guys are great...entertaining, informative and funny! Youre one of the last youtubers left on the coast. Our dear friend in Manta has " punched out" from doing videos. We sorely will miss him greatly!😢 So we only really have you! Dont leave us!

[@KrisandMike]

Thanks for your kind words. We have no plans of stopping anytime soon. Yes we haven't met Don yet but watched regularly. He will be missed but I have a feeling he might be back. I don't think Manta is a good fit for him. He might be happier if he tried another place in Ecuador. All part of the journey. Take care.

[@MSWcryptoworker]

Im 70 yrs and recently widowed and will come to visit this year. It Aug 2024 now. I do speak perfect Spanish having grown up in Mexico City from the age of 11 to 30. Might live there part time.

[@KrisandMike]

That's great. Check out Cuenca. Most popular for expats but many more depending on what you like.

[@robindurham346]

Mike, I love doors too. The most beautiful ones I have seen are in Spain, so tall. I saw a book on doors once, should have bought it.

[@KrisandMike]

Thanks for watching.

[@martincampozano1557]

❤❤

[@KrisandMike]

🙏🙏

[@chriscastello3922]

Nice video and good info. Planning to do 3-4 weeks in January, split about evenly between Cuenca and the coast (eg Olon). Trickiest part seems to be travel between the two. Would you recommend flying into Cuenca (coming from the US), then flying to Guayaquil, then private driver to Olon? Any other recommendations? TVM!

[@KrisandMike]

Ok perfect time to see the Olon area at its best. Yes best use of your time is the flight from Cuenca to Guayaquil. Then either driver or bus. Driver will be about 100. I have a driver who can meet you there. Let me know a week before and I can hook you up with him. You will have a blast.

[@chriscastello3922]

You’re the best! Thanks

[@n-xplorer]

Kris, thanks so much for sharing your shopping adventure with us! I was curious if they have any online shopping sites there similar to Amazon? If you do any shopping online from out of the country, how much is the import tax?

[@KrisandMike]

Thanks for watching. There are lots of online shopping opportunities here. A new video coming soon will cover our top 5.

[@user-lc5cg6gd5o]

In the last 5 years, I have seen every video that has been done about Ecuador and you guys are the best. Since my wife and I will soon be moving there, your video raises an important question. Are you guys still using credit cards from Canada or did you get Credit cards in Ecuador? If you are using cards from Canada do you pay them with money in a bank in Canada or Ecuador?

[@KrisandMike]

Thanks for all your kind words. So we kept our Canadian bank accounts and credit cards with RBC. We signed up with their RBC cross border package which got us an account out of their Georgia USA branch with a USA credit card and debit card. We also have a bank account at banco Guayaquil. We transfer money accordingly based on our financial needs. We pick the appropriate time with exchange rates to move money from Canada account to US account. We use US credit cards for major stores in Ecuador. We use debit card for ATM machines here. We use banco Guayaquil account for paying bills and transferring money to companies and people who don't take credit cards. Also for getting cash out of machines.

[@user-lc5cg6gd5o]

@@KrisandMike Are you paying transfer fees, or have you been able to avoid that?

[@KrisandMike]

​@user-lc5cg6gd5o You always pay transfer fees to get money into an Ecuador bank. Not huge at all. Use Xoom or Wise or something similar to limit fees. But in the whole process from getting money from Canada to Ecuador using any process the biggest cost is the exchange rates you get from the banks. The banks will add in significant costs to the exchange rates buried in. You will get a much better rate by moving at least 10K and converting to us dollars. Larger amounts are better using external services like Knightsbridge

[@user-lc5cg6gd5o]

@@KrisandMike Thank you. Your help is always very much appreciated.

[@carolartis2149]

Very interesting

[@KrisandMike]

Thanks 👍

[@DavidAyotte-p5u]

Hola Mike and Kris, I chose to spend my first year in Ecuador in Cuenca. Think I may have been exploring the coast about the time you were here. My favorite discovery was . Ecuadorians seem to be the same no mater where I go. Secret I haven't shared. Just between you and I. I walk into any bank. With a smile and respect. Slip a $20 under the window and ask for 20 coins. PS.I'm thinking of videoing some of my experiences. Do you have a opinion on using a Go Pro ? For me. Simplest would be best. Gacias

[@KrisandMike]

Thanks for watching. Interesting about the bank for getting change. In Canada you can't get service without an account there. Incredible eh? Yes action is great for KZbin. We use the DJI action 3 for all our video footage. More expensive is the DJI osmo pocket series which the latest is excellent 👌. These are great they are small and can fit in a very small back. Great for walking around.

[@DavidAyotte-p5u]

@@KrisandMike Sopping on Tiendamia. They only offer the DJI 2. Being clumsy. Thought the Go Pro looked rugged. As for change at banks. In Manta one bank turned down my request. Went to another and was helped happily.

[@mbwahaha]

If you like doors, you should come to Toledo in Madrid/Spain, where jewish, christian and muslim cultures coexisted a long time ago. The next time i go to Ecuador, im gonna make sure i visit Cuenca.

[@KrisandMike]

Thanks for the suggestion. And thanks for watching

[@heidicuesta6380]

Yes… i thought it was going to be a video about shopping in Cuenca with the lead in! 😂

[@KrisandMike]

The taxi couldn't make it up our hill with all the weight from stuff Kris bought in Cuenca. True story.

[@kennethshamoon7589]

Hi shalom dear family ,im a servant of God from Pakistan im coming to Ecuador with my family .

[@KrisandMike]

Welcome. Enjoy 😊

[@kennethshamoon7589]

@@KrisandMike I would like to join your church I'm a pastor ☺️

[@MSWcryptoworker]

Question: are these mud baths in Cuenca Ecuador?

[@KrisandMike]

Yes just north of Cuenca.

[@MSWcryptoworker]

Did u say shlomo? My doggies were name Hannah and Shlomo

[@KrisandMike]

No Our dogs are Willow and Henry.

[@dosdas2060]

If you constantly have to say you feel safe it’s probably not

[@KrisandMike]

Tons of people ask because of the international media. It's all good. We love it here.

[@MSWcryptoworker]

Where do u live now?

[@KrisandMike]

We live just north of Olon on the coast.

[@proyectonuevo7487]

Hello foreign friends who read, I am Ecuadorian and I live in the Galapagos Islands, I have seen many videos about expat stories, I must say that Ecuador is not for everyone including Ecuadorians who even having been born in Ecuador do not feel comfortable in Ecuador therefore they migrate to Europe or the USA, that is why I say that Ecuador is not for everyone, you must adapt to a different culture, different climate, internal problems, just as there are good things there are bad things

[@proyectonuevo7487]

There are expats who cannot adapt to Ecuador to live but they can adapt to tourism and that is a better option, in addition the high-altitude cities have the. Altitude problem, Ecuador is really for those who feel one. Immediate connection in Ecuador, either you love it or hate it, it's that simple, if you're going to believe that over the years you're going to adapt to Ecuador, that's not going to happen, with Ecuador it must be love at first sight for everything to work hehe if you don't like it at first you won't like it in the end 😂😅

[@KrisandMike]

I guess that's why we call it paradise for us. Lol. Love at first sight. Thanks for your comment and watching.

[@KrisandMike]

Thanks for watching and that's why it's important for people to come and look around and see what they think. Thanks for your comment and advice.