Life in Ecuador vs. the States:My Honest Experience

Life in Ecuador vs. the States: My Honest Experience
In this video, I delve into my recent return to Ecuador after spending time back in the States. I share candid thoughts about various aspects of life in both places, touching on:
* Cost of Living: Reflecting on the stark difference in living expenses between Ecuador and the United States, including shocking observations about grocery prices and dining out experiences.
* Quality of Life: Contrasting the tranquility and affordability of life in Ecuador with the hustle and bustle of urban living in the States, including noise levels and overall peace of mind.
* Challenges and Obstacles: Discussing personal challenges encountered in Ecuador, such as dealing with bureaucratic hurdles like the transit system's corruption and the frustration of dealing with legal issues like cloned license plates.
* Prospects and Opportunities: Despite the challenges, I highlight the opportunities and positive aspects of life in Ecuador, including affordable housing options, real estate developments, and the overall safety of the country.
Join me as I provide an unfiltered look into the realities of expat life in Ecuador versus the United States, offering insights and perspectives based on firsthand experiences.
#Ecuador Expat Life
#cost of living abroad
#expat experiences
Links to know:
Facebook - Manta and Manabi Expats and Amigos - / 323275021650751
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...
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.
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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.

[@tomg1247]

Not wanting a car, we old country folk chose Cuenca for its climate, culture, walkability, relative safety and cost of living. We certainly feel safer here than we would in most US cities. I'm amazed at the friendly smiles and greetings we receive here at the mercado, in restaurants and from so many people we run into. ¡Amor por Cuenca!

[@BPe-ie9je]

wow!, Tom. great to hear.

[@sweetart9905]

We agree with you. Cuenca is the best!

[@chancerobinson5112]

I understand that Don lives in Manta due to altitude sickness, but would prefer Cuenca.

[@tomg1247]

@@chancerobinson5112 Yes, at over 8,000 feet not everyone can handle it. Fortunately, we never had any issue other than huffing and puffing up the 97 stairs from the river to el centro! 🙂

[@DonShader]

You're absolutely right about that.

[@hoochiecoochie571]

Hi Don. Good to see you back. We were just in Manta and Olon…Manta for five days and Olon for nine. Manta was nice enough for a city…good food, nice beach, great weather…but it’s a city and we’re just not city people. Olon, on the other hand, was fantastic…small town with great restaurants, nice beach, great weather…and we liked it so much that we bought a piece of property there to build a house. This was our first trip to Ecuador and we made more friends in a week in Olon then we have in my home town now. We also never felt unsafe in Ecuador. Everyone was friendly, even in Manta. I honestly don’t know why people are so scared to be there. Just like any city or town, just don’t go to the bad areas and you’re fine. Anyway, glad to see you’re back and looking so darn happy.

[@DonShader]

I hope it works out for you. You bought a piece of property here? Do you have your Visa? I personally think you came to some pretty bold conclusions for only being here 14-days. I wish you well, please keep in touch.

[@hoochiecoochie571]

@@DonShader Bold right? LOL Well, how I move is not for everyone that's for sure. I see what I like and I do it. As soon as I learned years ago to trust my gut and to not second guess myself I've never been wrong. I got a super deal on property so I took it. I will for sure keep in touch and let you know how it all turns out. Anyway, welcome back and I look forward to more of your videos.

[@alainbergeron4520]

Hello Don, gosh I missed your videos 😂I'm a long time listener. Ecuador is your home. Your life is good there. In USA and where I live in WA state life is horrific and soooo expensive ! I would change life anytime!

[@crjetpilot]

Don, it’s probably for the better that they don’t have all the grocery frozen prepackaged foods. They’re full of chemicals, and very bad for you! Eat fresh foods instead. I have an Instant Pot at home that I use all the time to cook fresh veggies. Our veggies and fruit are probably marginally better than prepackaged food, because of all the chemicals and pesticides sprayed on them, but where you’re at, you probably don’t have to worry about it. I’d be wearing those markets out! Enjoy real food! Glad you made it back home safe and sound!

[@carmenmancheno5817]

You wrote for me!, nothing like organic food.

[@dantheman11121]

How about he can eat what he wants daddy 🙄

[@andrewsmith9174]

Just going to weigh in on the misinformation here for a bit: 1) everything is chemicals. So don’t think that anything at all is “chemical free” that’s science ignorance. 2) organic often uses more pesticides because the ones that are “organic” are less effective. Organic is nothing more than a marketing buzzword and nothing founded in any truth. A carrot is still a carrot. 3) frozen veggies are that way in a huge country like the USA because of the insane distances of transportation. They are thoroughly prewashed and flash frozen to preserve freshness. A frozen carrot is still a carrot when it’s cooked. They are cleaner than the ones off the self.

[@user-vs8ni2yi4t]

Glad to see you back in your home

[@frankcentofanti9317]

What a great view, should be great to have coffee every morning

[@rajina8150]

We already missed ur voice please make more videos we love mr. Don....

[@tmcdon]

Don! As always, GREAT to see you. Thank you for the candor in your video, and we hope to tune in to many many more!

[@montebrown9528]

You sure sound grumpy but that's what it's all about isn't it? Enjoy Manta weather, the beach and the ocean for me! 😊

[@juligrlee556]

Somebody stole my plates up here in Indiana and ran up tons of tickets with my stolen plates. It's crazy. Another time someone entered my locked garage and stole my Buick. I found it parked about a block away from a large High School. I called the cops and they put in in the city pound. The motor had been sugared. It pisses me off when people do this kind of shit.

[@tomg1247]

Before we moved to Cuenca, we lived in a 55+ mfg home community in Florida. It should have been extremely safe, but while we were there, two golf carts were stolen along with a lot of smaller stuff. We heard from an old neighbor this past week that two more carts were stolen--right in broad daylight! One lady had just spent $9K to get hers. Neither have been recovered as were none of the items previously.

[@kathyandthedogs626]

Here in Florida, those “ghosts” are palmetto bugs! Don’t think they have those in AZ, or at least I’ve never seen them there. Who knows? Might have been a ghost! I laughed out loud at the horn. Perfect timing!

[@Jetmab04]

Good to see you back. Don and yes, you DO look happy and not least relaxed - I'm happy to see that 🤗🌹🌹🌹

[@Matt-ty6pq]

That car honking right on cue 🤣🤣

[@maryc1952]

I agree with you about the frozen food choices. I lived in Cuenca for 3 months.

[@anniesshenanigans3815]

I just back from a cruise.. where I ate food that I would NEVER go out to eat and pay for. I am counting the days until I can get the heck out of the US. 1 year and 29 days.

[@BatcaveManta]

🤣 🤣 Don, I think that was my horn honking at the 5:40 mark... Welcome home. 😁

[@lindaoralia4757]

I'd love to hear more about that ghost, Don. I believe 'ya. We once rented a house in EntreRios in Guayaquil, just after we sold our house in Aquamarina while we waited for the kids to finish out their school year before relocating to Costa Rica. And lemme tell you, that house was haunted! It was an older three story house with a long dark corridor on the second floor where the bedrooms were located. Not only was my oldest son terrorized by whatever that entity was, but also one of our maids who slept in a little room next to the kitchen kept seeing shadowy figures walking around after everyone else had gone to bed. Oftentimes in rental properties, previous tenants leave weird energies behind for whatever reason.

[@tsalinas05]

Glad you made it back safe . Me and the family will be heading to Cuenca in July ! super Excited Love Ecuador.

[@DonShader]

You'll most likely LOVE Cuenca. as long as you can handle the cooler weather and the altitude, you'll be Okay.

[@OllieCat7]

You are great fun! I'm a gringo & I know Latin America well, & I'm spending most of my time there now for a multitude of reasons. Give it some more time, you'll miss Arizona less & less. One thing you should be able to already sense is that the USA feels "pasteurized".

[@anotherabeer4341]

I’m glad you’re back your videos are interesting to watch. 😊

[@DonShader]

Yay, thank you!

[@karreytweten2701]

Love you Don! You are hilarious! (Also, have had my own ghosts I had to get rid of. They can be a damn nuisance)

[@billkipper3264]

Glad to see you back home Don. Obviously you miss the States but as you say, it's getting crazy expensive here and the politics are off the hook. I'm with you on the ghost thing. I've got a really good ghost story that happened while working on a plane that was supposed to be haunted while in the Air Force. As far as food in Ecuador goes, I was in Super Maxi's in both Cuenca and Loja when I was there back in Oct/Nov and was impressed. They were just as well or even better stocked than my local grocery stores in the US. Didn't look at frozen dinners but I would bet they were there. Plus, the restaurants in Cuenca were amazing. Pretty much name a cuisine and it was there and being run by the natives of the foods origin. I wouldn't rule out living in Ecuador, I really enjoyed it, but a traffic stop by the police while we were with some expats in their car kind of put me off. I mean, I know you can't trust the cops even here but this was a next level encounter. Anyway, always love watching your videos and look forward to more. Thanks.

[@user-qn1hi9wq7z]

Don, I live in Long Island, NY, and believe me, Im sick of living here. I can't wait to leave the USA. Our first choice was Ecuador, but we await what happens. We will travel to Europe, like Spain, Italy or Portugal. Like you said, we can't afford to live! I don't understand why many people think the USA is the American dream, but it is not anymore. You are going to work to survive.

[@tomg1247]

Portugal (beautiful!) was at the top of our list, and we made two exploratory trips (including Madeira). As far as the visa process, it is much more complicated and time consuming. We finally ditched the idea over rapidly rising housing costs, general inflation, EU politics, the visa process and long-term concerns for the exchange rate. (And Spanish is a lot easier to learn than Portuguese.) I just couldn't see how we could really gain any financial security. On the second trip we flew back to Miami and straight to Cuenca. It took us one day to say, "This is it."

[@user-qn1hi9wq7z]

@@tomg1247 Thank you for the information.

[@dovygoodguy1296]

@@tomg1247 You sound like the way I am thinking without even having traveled to either place yet. My only advantage is that my wife has a European citizenship which makes a residency for me with her alot easier. But I agree with your points. And European regimes adopt the idiotic Woke idea at. So nauseating......

[@carmenmancheno5817]

After reading those comments I feel very lucky to be born in Cuenca,❤❤

[@Travel_Explore_Grow]

I'm now a believer of ghosts after visiting Porto Portugal last year. It grabbed my right toe at 2:00am and lifted my foot up off the ground until I yelled because it hurt. Crazy! Never had an issue since at home. We were in the old town right near the catacombs.

[@BoydJones]

Groceries are now a luxury good in the USA!

[@sergiodelgadillo8624]

Thank you for your story I love to hear more about the ghost in your home I live in California I'm 62 years old and I am struggling to stay alive I own my own home if it wasn't for an apartment I have downstairs I will be homeless the apartment makes my mortgage payment but I'm trying to survive on 1200 a month food is way too expensive now I find myself staying barricaded in my home and not even leaving I bought my home for $80,000.93 it is now worth 1.2 million dollars but the government will take a big chunk of that if I sell or even if I sell my home and move somewhere else I will still have to pay for rent I won't have the apartment to help me so I feel trapped enjoy your time there be safe but I do have a question do they have lobster there since you're next to the ocean

[@timschwartzbauer6481]

You are the best Don. Straight and to the point. Do not ever change.

[@michaelbrown641]

WELCOME BACK! Grumpy as ever. I thought I was grumpy 😳. It’s noisy in Cuenca. There’s other towns n cities to check out along the coast if you can handle the heat and humidity. I can’t. My gf in Machala. Not my thing. Good to see ya. MB

[@profdg7945]

I love this version of Dr Shader! I am laughing so hard. Welcome back! We missed you!

[@DonShader]

Oh thank you!

[@KB3TLE]

Arizona has got so much more expensive & did u notice or see all the homeless in the Phoenix area ? -- So many seniors can't afford the rent either ? > Not just food !!! - - - I say Arizona - because as an example: a Big Mac 'meal' ( fry & coke ) in Az. is $13.99 + tax. --- Near Lexington Ky. it's $8.47 w/tax - where I moved to !!! -- A nice 2br apartment here is $725 - much more in Az. > Min wage in Az. is now $14.35 - Ky. remains at $7.25 - yet most pay about $11/hr. -- (( I'm looking at the Philippines ? It's up to 70% cheaper there....and they speak English.)) - - - All the best.

[@whacked00]

Every path has its plusses and minuses. We choose which way to go based on our priorities and constraints. If I can't afford to live in the US, I will put up with inconveniences elsewhere. But I should also look for the beauty and magic of my new home vs stew in disappointment and envy.

[@darlinespring4066]

Good to have you back, Don!

[@mad-madam-mimosa]

I can attest to the fact that NY City is Crazy Loud! Think CONSTANT construction noise, jack hammers, etc. going on starting at 12 am in the streets due to the fact that the only time construction can get done is when there is no traffic. You are lucky you didn't live in NYC! Editing to add I'm with you on the price of food in the US. Luckily for me I like to cook ( and from what my friends tell me, I'm an excellent cook as well ) and even though the grocery stores are getting expensive it's MUCH cheaper to cook at home than eating at restaurants. ( Also I don't have to put up with obnoxious Karens and their noisy brats spoiling my quiet meals either! LOL )

[@tomg1247]

In Florida we almost never ate out the last couple years as restaurants just got too expensive. Since getting to Cuenca, we rarely cook, and our food bill per month is quite a bit less than eating at home. I don't know how long it will last here, but we're enjoying it while we can!

[@gregoriopuro]

Yes,, the cost of living in the US is astronomical compared to Latin America.. in 10 minutes after arrival Sticker Shock snacks you right in the face.. but for me the difference that I notice more than anything is the sterility of life in the US .. everything is homogenized and over-analyzed.. always searching for more efficiency.. I for one enjoy the cacaphony of life in Latin America.. the horns, the music, the roosters .. it's REAL Life..

[@BeyondBorders202]

Welcome back

[@user-fd7vg4yx1x]

Don good to see you back in Ecuador. Did you bring any of that popcorn you like back to Ecuador.

[@andresgiz9666]

Hi Don glad to hear from you I'm in miami if you ever a lay over miami I can show you the city 🎉

[@DonShader]

Cool, thanks

[@whacked00]

Dude. This cracked me up as usual. Great video. And I think, as usual, you have some great points.

[@patriciaflaherty]

Have you ever watched the channel "Big Super Living in Arizona"? He's done many videos showing how difficult it is for senior citizens to make it these days. There are lots of seniors living in their cars and in hotels. With as much money as the USA generates, no one who worked hard for their whole lives should be in that situation. Every one of them would be happy with a studio or one bedroom apartment... they're not looking for anything fancy, just safe, affordable housing. The situation is shameful 😢. Last night i saw a man who appeared to be in his late 60s picking up a food order he was delivering for door dash...he still had his Walmart vest and name tag on from working there all day.

[@ralphgillies8614]

Don, if you Want to resolve your issues with living in Ecuador, move to Colombia. I lived in Ecuador 4 years, owned a restaurant, visited Colombia and never looked back. Try guatape, Colombia. Suerte amigo.

[@robertmiur2388]

I. Agree I’m so Trish and live in Colombia 38 years and have loved it

[@robertmiur2388]

Sorrry meant to say Scottish not Trish

[@whiteknight7wayne493]

I was in San Diego for 3 wks and it beautiful and i enjoyed all my special interractions with my friends there... all the activities were tops...however costs are for the wealthy to an alarming extent. I hope to visit other times but making financially upward strides is definitely part of the equation. I stayed at my host's place and of course contributed informally , but i also saved a lot of cost. A crap basic meal was about $15 so one day in Phoenix i bought an angus beef on for $17- better deal. On way back the airline in Houston took 2800 air miles for a burger and fries and a drink equivalent to about $60!!! Pretty crazy. Twice as expensive as when i was there in 2019.

[@edsedlak6827]

Hey Don, you can pick any two countries and make a list of good and bad things about it. But if you can't afford to live there, that makes it a deal breaker. I just came back to Canada after being in Ecuador for two months. I had no problems there and enjoyed my stay. I am researching Portugal now and people are talking about the exact same bureaucratic issues as Ecuador has.

[@tomg1247]

Portugal was at the top of our list, and we made two exploratory trips (including Madeira). As far as the visa process, their bureaucratic issues are far worse. We finally ditched the idea over rapidly rising housing costs, general inflation, EU politics, the visa process and long-term concerns for the exchange rate. (And Spanish is a lot easier to learn than Portuguese.) I just couldn't see how we could really gain any financial security. On the second trip we flew back to Miami and straight to Cuenca. It took us one day to say, "This is it."

[@Coolman1985]

That ocean view is top bro

[@jerrygarcia4390]

I ain’t afraid 😱 of no 👻 😂 Good to see you’re doing ok, Don

[@birdsinparadise3113]

Yes city but also the downside of ocean side or malecon. I moved off malecon about 4 streets and went from 90 percent noisy to 10 percent . My stress level went down that much too. Im in Salinas tho. I agree about the mexico thing, ti me they did the right thing. Guy's a crook. Go get him.

[@mindin2941]

Definitely grumpy. Definitely real talk. Appreciate

[@EMALAWEY]

Hey Don….what’s happening with you? I hope you’re OK‼️

[@user-xu9kj3cc7l]

I totally agree with you about the cost of living in the U.S. I have always spent about 20% or less on housing. I usually live in poor states or the poorer areas of a state because I refuse to pay a lot for housing. It’s impossible to save any money if you’re spending 50% of your income on housing. I’ve been working in Phoenix, AZ for the last 7 months and noticed that food prices are 2 to 2.5 times higher than where I live in West Virginia.

[@Jimmy_Duff]

Welcome back Sr Don

[@destinationmax]

❤ Hi Don!

[@alkubbo1291]

Hola Don! Glad to see you back and doing well. Abrazos

[@bigcity2085]

Don, tellin' it like it is ...good on ya, dude. Some good laughs ,too.

[@mikeA2010]

DON!!! Great to see you " back in the saddle!" Missed your great sense of humor! Two questions...wasnt it 5pm, time for your beer?...and who watered your lonely plant on the balcony while you were gone?😅😅😅

[@DonShader]

Yes it was and my girlfriend and the rains keep my one plant watered.

[@jytou]

Prepared food kills you slowly on the long run. So be happy you’re actually eating healthier. :)

[@terryashley4674]

I truly believe you, Don. 👍🏽

[@dougdileo4727]

yes prices in the u.s. are out of control...

[@magnusb6311]

Welcome home. Itngotnquiet after you threatened the ghost. Youbsee, in our dimension we rule and they simply have to our rules. If you ever have issues again. Just talk to it with your inner voice and tell it to be quiet, stop disturbing you etc.

[@jamielivingston7765]

You can probaby rent a park model in a RV park for $450 and then rent the lot for another $800.

[@tomg1247]

We considered a park model option once--looking both in Austin and Albuquerque. We could buy the unit and be done with that, but as you say the lot rents (four years ago) were $650 and no lock on that from year to year. I'm sure they are well $800 now. They wouldn't even lock in an inflation max. SO glad we didn't fall into that trap!

[@dgdw]

@@tomg1247so many people have gotten absolutely screwed by investors purchasing mobile home parks and increasing the lot rental price to completely unaffordable levels. It’s also not cheap to just move one of those homes to a new location so then they lose whatever they put into it as well. It’s insane. That said there are some mobile home parks that are going condo (you buy the lot, you put the home there and you pay an HOA)

[@BPe-ie9je]

new shirt. you look good in RED

[@RM-ud5yv]

It takes guts to talk about ghosts messing with your sleep. Where are those ghost busters when you need?. Enjoy the seafood, friends and a fine glass of wine as you think of more to share with your fans, many coping with completely different challenges .

[@tonioarceamorrortu9223]

Ecuador is not perfect but it is the best country in South America to retire.

[@carmenmancheno5817]

Thank you for referring to my beautiful little country that way ❤.

[@Lost1nTranslation]

​​@@carmenmancheno5817Ecuadorians are wonderful people 🇪🇨 -Respect from 🇺🇸

[@animalhousealways]

LOVE YAH SHADER

[@neosan82]

Having a car complicates life (and is expensive) in both countries. Cost of routine maintenance, license and registration, insurance, repairs, etc. Every time I see you in front of that ocean I ask myself what you would want to leave that beautiful place.

[@DonShader]

Not expensive here. Don't where you get your data. My car and related expenses are a third of what it was in the States.

[@neosan82]

@@DonShader ... Glad to hear it. My data are based upon my personal experience of working in the Andes twelve years. I used my car every day for work. I hope you never have to get major parts, like a transmission, in the Andes.Your experience is different, since you don't use your car for work. If my car had been parked most of the time, my expenses would have been less, too!

[@BPe-ie9je]

Don, i went out for simple breakfast this am. I fell on ice so wanted simple.... breakast $22. one egg, double potatoes w onion, green pepper, two biscuits, lg. coffee $22. + tip

[@robertmiur2388]

That’s crazy unbelievable in Colombia that would be about 4 dollars

[@jesseornelas6600]

Don, I assume you are from Arizona? I love Arizona, in particular Tucson! In my bucket list is to live in Tucson. Im in Houston and am 56 and am squeezing five more months from a job I don't care so i can get my pension. I am moving to Tucson in 2025 until my child support ends in 3 years then moving to either Central or South America. I have been visiting Honduras and El Salvador the last few years and loving it! Im visiting Ecuador, Argentina, and Colombia this fall. I hate to hear you left the beautiful state of Arizona. I also want to explore Neveda. Utah and all the surrounding states.

[@DonShader]

Good luck to you. I wouldn't go to Ecuador just yet. Give it some time for things to settle down.

[@dgdw]

Random points. Where we lived in Chicago was louder than where we are in Cuenca today …. And we’re closer to the Tranvía than we were to any of the el lines. Welcome to the typical conversation I had with people about living in Chicago. “Yes it’s fine here” 🤣 I am right there with you in missing the variety of foods we could get in the USA The constant uphill battle to get simple things done in Ecuador is really irritating. Once things are done they’re done but the path to that ….. 😫

[@tomg1247]

Love Tranvía! $0.17 ride for us old folk! And we've been very fortunate on task front. We've not had a single frustration--so far. Most recently we had an electrician, Wilmer, come by to some work. He came one day to look at the job and was back the next to do the work. Most all our furniture was made locally. Same great experience. Far quicker than ordering it back in the states, very well made and quite affordable. Shout out to Monica @ Atelier for coordinating all that. She's super and put us onto Wilmer too.

[@DonShader]

I couldn't agree more. It's two steps forward, one step back for everything.

[@KenFisher1936]

Welcome back you old GRUMP. Ken Fisher

[@celestecarrera2963]

Where I live in Florida we pay $2800 p/month.

[@DonShader]

Ouch.

[@rafaelsolorzano700]

I think it's not a big deal and they're making a federal case out of it....😊

[@EMALAWEY]

Wish I knew you were in Miami for two days….I could have helped you out with a place to stay‼️

[@DonShader]

When I was there, I was stressed out beyond belief and could hardly think straight. If I was younger, I would have been a lot better off. Thanks for your kindness.

[@BWowed]

It might be time to start checking into panama.

[@gdon2897]

Hi Don, what'd you have for breakfast at that price, a piece of toast? lol Always nice to sleep in your own bed my friend.

[@DonShader]

Two eggs, half waffle, one sausage patty, coffee.....

[@arthurwied1126]

Hi Don, When the dollar is in crisis, interest rates will hurt countries that need to buy dollars for foreign exchange. In one of your videos, you mentioned CDs. Could you share the name of the bank you use in Manta? I'm thinking about CDs.

[@DonShader]

JEP Cooperative

[@CassieDavis613]

Don, my dog died this morning. I said I wasn't going anywhere while he was living. Time to clear out and visit a few overseas locations. I am being taxed and insuranced out of my home in the USA. The bastards.

[@lewiscollins2580]

Why eat anything processed, frozen or coming out of a package when the alternatives here are so much healthier and cheaper.

[@DonShader]

Because it's my choice. There's not much else to say about it.

[@dovygoodguy1296]

Don, how can things blow over in six months if the struggle against the cartels continues indefinitely and gets worse? Won't the country become more unstable and fragile? How can the embassy issue blow over among Latin American of countries with Ecuador? Isn't it compounded because people like Obrador themselves are powerless against the cartels?

[@Flanman113]

Obrador is not powerless, hes complicit with the cartels.

[@tomg1247]

The last three presidents (and maybe more before them) turned way too much of a blind eye to the growing problem. At least Noboa is doing something about it, and we have several initiatives later this month for the people to vote on long term measures. I'll be very surprised if they don't pass. To be frank, I expected the crackdown to be far more violent. The murder rate is way down and the military and police don't go in with all guns blazing. (I just read of a 26-year-old in Chicago shot 90+ times.) I was most impressed with how quickly and peacefully they reclaimed control of the prisons. And for all the MSM news coverage of the takeover at the live TV news program, it too ended quickly and peacefully. At their core, it seems to me, the people of Ecuador want peace. I have to wonder if the latest uptick of Ecuadorians trying to get into the US isn't a lot of gang members getting the hell out of Dodge.

[@dovygoodguy1296]

@@tomg1247 How do they know the cartels won't start up again with help from the Mexican cartels? Especially since Obrador is such a hypocrite about the drug trade? And what about the embassy issue that was opposed by many countries in Latin America?

[@tomg1247]

@@dovygoodguy1296 It seems the point of the upcoming voting initiatives is to assume Ecuador has to be in this for the long haul. I agree on Obrador. I have zero respect for him.

[@dovygoodguy1296]

@@tomg1247 The next Mexican president won't be any better. He shows no regional leadership to fight the cartels, and has the gall to condemn Noboa.

[@dovygoodguy1296]

What has been the experience of expats in adjusting to the altitude issue in Cuenca? What are the health conditions that have prevented people from adjusting? Is it as difficult an issue as it sounds?

[@DonShader]

I can only speak for myself. I have COPD and I was not able to adjust to the altitude in the one month I was there. Some people take medication for it and others advise drinking tea made from Cocoa leaves.

[@josephgarceau6753]

I'm in decent health, but the first 2-3 weeks in Cuenca just go slow. Walking for one mile feels like Walking 3 miles. Even after 1 year, I'm breathing hard from walking up stairs. I run, do sprints, swim, and I'm fatigued a lot easier.

[@dovygoodguy1296]

@@josephgarceau6753 In other words an older person can just abstain from excessive physical activity, take the medication for a few weeks and they can adjust unless they have a significant cardiac or pulmonary problem.....??

[@josephgarceau6753]

​. Yes, there are a lot of senior citizens here who live here. You can purchase Coca leaves or tea to help with the symptoms as well for the first month along with altitude medication.

[@dovygoodguy1296]

@@josephgarceau6753 Wow, isn't that from cocaine?! Do you get high from the tea of the leaves?!

[@leslierose1563]

Oh you have to share your ghost experiences! We all find them fascinating!

[@stushader7431]

Boils down to Manta = Noise, Gun Fights, Corruption < Cheap Food, Cheap Housing. Do I have that right?

[@DonShader]

Not necessarily right on the cheap housing, you have to go inland for that.

[@dovygoodguy1296]

But besides issues of safety in Manta even we with the war against the cartels, there are the other issues, especially peace and quiet along the beach that you have complained about for a long time, and gave you reason to think about going elsewhere??

[@jamielivingston7765]

We live in a gated community next to Dons neighborhood and it is quiet. Sure a few car alarms but not much.

[@dovygoodguy1296]

@@jamielivingston7765 Do you have the same problems as Don, with noisy parties late at night on the beach and early morning? Motorcycles? Don said these were factors for wanting to leave. But besides that remains the issue of political stability with the gangs and cartels. Noboa obviously works harder than Obrador, but the drug trade won't disappear and can destabilize the government sooner or later. Don said the situation was causing expats to leave Ecuador or decide not to come there, so what does it all mean??

[@jamielivingston7765]

@@dovygoodguy1296 we can't hear any parties on the beach. The large parties on the Murcielago beach are thrown by the government. They are fairly rare. (4 times a year?) Occasionally a house will throw an all night party. Last evening someone was singing Karaoke and she was bad. But it ended by 8 maybe. And closing the windows would have made it not audible inside. Near the Poseidon is where the parties happen. Motorcycles, yes all day long as people get everything delivered via motorcycle. People need to learn how car alarms work (like it was in the US 15 years ago) People are quick to use their horns and taxis let pedestrian know they are free with a honk. You saw what Don was used to. If you lived in a 55 gated community on a golf course then any city is going to sound loud to you. We lived in the center of Phoenix on one of the busiest roads, so Manta, in this neighborhood feels very quiet to us. We have always felt more safe than in Phoenix. I would bet there is more war on drugs and cartel/gang activity there than here any day.

[@joeyzhang]

Hi Don, glad to see you back in Ecuador. Yesterday, my family of three went to a restaurant for dinner. We ordered one dish, a medium pizza, drinks, etc. It is no exaggeration to say that the main dish was a "mountain of meat". The three of us spent only about 30 bucks in total, and took almost half of the food home (I live in a small town in Quito). The prices here are really amazing. By the way, did you notice that you sometimes speak unclearly, forget the pronunciation of words and something in the video? I hope you check your cardiovascular and cerebrovascular system and cranial nervous system frequently. Because I am worried that it is a precursor to cerebral infarction or cerebral hemorrhage. I wish you good health.

[@frankcentofanti9317]

How much is that condo per month with that view

[@DonShader]

$700

[@frankcentofanti9317]

thats great

[@arthurnewton4031]

Hey Don, Any thoughts about the tens of thousands of Ecuadorians entering the USA illegally? I have some thoughts about it.

[@tomg1247]

I have to wonder if at least some of the latest uptick of those trying to get into the US aren't gang members getting the hell out of Dodge. Of course, no small part has to be all the news these days that if you make it that far you can walk right in. Tyson and many others are all too glad to hire on the cheap.

[@DonShader]

Nope, I have none whatsoever. I could care less. I don't don't know what these people think they're going to do there but let them find out and if the US continues to let them in and give them social services, then maybe I'll join them.

[@arthurnewton4031]

Wrong answer Don. Yeah I know "Bite me".

[@michaelbrown641]

I had a ghost only once. No other explanation for it. I prayed it away. Only took once. I was amazed. I lived with my mortician medium gf at the time in Oregon. NOT NO MO!

[@CarneyFelonLawyer]

Stay grumpy I am 70 years old today and we grumpies need to tell it like it is.

[@DonShader]

Happy birthday!

[@CarneyFelonLawyer]

@@DonShader Thanks

[@catsmeow4264]

There is that damn red shirt again while Iran is attacking Israel, can't say I'm looking forward to Monday morning. We will see. If you were to mention the ghost in the description and maybe the thumbnail it may bring more clicks!

[@jamielivingston7765]

I don't think Don is aware of what color shirt he is wearing on which day of the week.

[@DonShader]

What the hell do I care about "clicks"? You think I make money on this shit?

[@catsmeow4264]

@@DonShader C+ TOTAL GRADE 869,773rd SOCIAL BLADE RANK 11,915th SUBSCRIBER RANK 3,308,923rd VIDEO VIEWS RANK 1,462nd COUNTRY RANK Ecuador 4,729th PEOPLE RANK 40 33.3% SUBSCRIBERS FOR THE LAST 30 DAYS $5 - $77 ESTIMATED MONTHLY EARNINGS 19.143K 58.9% VIDEO VIEWS FOR THE LAST 30 DAYS $57 - $919 ESTIMATED YEARLY EARNINGS KZbin STATS SUMMARY / USER STATISTICS FOR DON SHADER - GRUMPY OLD GRINGO (2024-04-01 - 2024-04-14) DATESUBSCRIBERSVIDEO VIEWSESTIMATED EARNINGS

[@catsmeow4264]

@@DonShader Not much. But at least it goes further there!

[@DonShader]

Proves my point, eh? I don't understand any of this.

[@CassieDavis613]

What is your definition of personal information?

[@DonShader]

Personal information refers to any data that relates to an identifiable individual. This can include but is not limited to: 1. Biographical Information: Such as name, date of birth, address, and contact details. 2. Demographic Information: Such as gender, ethnicity, nationality, and language. 3. Financial Information: Such as bank account details, credit card numbers, and income. 4. Health Information: Such as medical history, health conditions, and insurance information. 5. Online Identifiers: Such as IP addresses, usernames, and email addresses. 6. Behavioral Information: Such as browsing history, purchase history, and preferences. 7. Social Information: Such as social media profiles, connections, and interactions. Essentially, personal information encompasses any data that can be used to directly or indirectly identify a specific individual. It's crucial to handle personal information carefully and in accordance with relevant privacy laws and regulations to protect individuals' privacy and prevent misuse. For example, sharing someone's medical history without their consent would be a violation of their privacy and could have legal consequences. Any more questions?

[@CassieDavis613]

@@DonShader But several of those things happen just being on KZbin. Don, I love you like a brother.

[@user-ik6vc5en2y]

You can afford the lawyer in nanta. Also your playboy lifestyle.

[@DonShader]

In the first place, it's MANTA, no nanta. Second, who the hell says I can afford a lawyer? Third, what "playboy" lifestyle. You obviously do not know me.

[@benchoflemons398]

Eating in the United States is very cheap, you just have to know where to look.

[@user-xj4ij1jn9j]

Yes if you want to go to the ghetto to eat

[@philipjanek3864]

McDonald's big Mac meal in Saigon is $4.20 $5.20 if you have grab Delivery 🛵. Condotel with a fridge aircon electricity etc everything included is 330 usd per month 🎉🎉🎉. Youll become a fat grumpy old man 😂. What's your rent there? 🤔 Circle K pre made dinners that they microwave for you are 1.50 ok

[@DonShader]

I had a few of those Circle K meals when I was in jail once in Scottsdale, then the bastards had the nerve to charge me $150 for my one--night stay.

[@philipjanek3864]

@@DonShader these you can purchase with your visa card 😂😆