THIS CITY IS *BETTER* THAN WE EXPECTED! (Loja Ecuador)

[@AmeliaAndJP]

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[@arturolecaro6166]

My grandfather was mayor of Loja 80 years ago! I'm proud to know that he had something to do with what Loja is today!

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Que chevere! 👍🇪🇨

[@JetFire9]

My grandfather was his assistant, Juan Valdez!

[@francolu7660]

Qué nombre tenía tu abuelo

[@consueloenlatierra6680]

Cuanto robaría jajaja politicos todos corruptos lol

[@susans7091]

Awesome to have such a family connection:)

[@antonioescobar1335]

Sigamos el ejemplo de Loja y su gente. Ordenada limpia trabajadora y honrada. El Ecuador puede ser un paraíso

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Sí! Es verdad! 😊👍🇪🇨

[@Josho4096]

Te corrigo amigo. "No puede ser..." NO..., ES un paraiso. Me Retiro ahi.

[@alexzolik1133]

What a beatiful city! I also noticed how clean it looks. I wanted to retire in Cuenca, but it looks like Loja may be even better!

[@jamescardoza1062]

Amelia & JP: I've been watching your videos for a couple of years now. I enjoy visiting the various towns in Ecuador. Loja was especially pretty. I'm 70 years old and have a hard time getting around but like to travel. It is a pleasure to be able to join you on your journeys. I feel like I know you personally. Through you I'm getting to know Ecuador too. Thanks again for all you do. I even like Indian food and try to live a vegan life. Like JP, I have a hard time with elevations. A few years ago when we visited Flagstaff, Az (7,000 ft) I felt like a cat was sitting on my chest most of the time. Thanks again and I'll continue to enjoy your videos.

[@kaizen5415]

never mention/admit age..we're timeless..once we exist..we always will..just in a different form..furthermore..age..cycles around the sun🪐..its sooo subjective..there's no point in counting..some kids are mature as adults..some adults behave as kids..the # of orbits..irrelevant..time is an illusion..there is only one moment in space-time..the present center🌀

[@latgra1332]

Qué lindo es Loja, nunca he estado en esa ciudad. Soy ecuatoriana y no conozco mucho de mi país. Con ustedes estoy conociendo lo hermoso que es mi Ecuador. Será chiquito pero muy bonito! ❤️Gracias por recorrer el país y mostrarnos su belleza y gracias por hablar tan bonito de él. Son unos gringos bacanísimos! 😊💋

[@catskillsonline]

Me parece una ciudad MUY LIMPIA. No hay basura en las callles ni las aceras. La gente debe ser muy ogulloso de su pueblo...y se muestro, Saludos de nuevo york.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Sí! La ciudad es muy limpia! 😊🇪🇨

[@normaquinde9050]

Si de hecho Loja es la ciudad más limpia de Ecuador

[@marytica123]

WOW - Loja is quite a metropolis ! In Costa Rica, we were used to a SINGLE large city (San Jose - the capital), with virtually all the other cities fading in comparison. Thanks for another fun adventure in Ecuador !

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Glad you enjoyed it! 😊👍

[@1000tonsal]

Now u live in my country and me living in yours in NC haha

[@1000tonsal]

I’m live in Charlotte 18 years beautiful city

[@deborahgilburn4334]

I visited Loja in 2015 with my then 10-year old son. He brought his skateboard and enjoyed the largest skatepark that we’ve found in our travels through 16 countries (in Parque Jipiro). Lojanas are SO friendly! My son sat in the violin section during one of the symphony rehearsals, and we found the most delicious tea- it’s called “horchata,” but its not the Mexican rice drink; it’s a special blend of flowers. When we were there we saw only one other “obvious” expat family, but that may have changed now. So happy to see you post this video.

[@jenniewilliams1668]

Loja is extraordinary - I so love the restaurant with the magic realist paintings of the older women. Yay crones! Appreciating older women is an indicator of a healthy society. Just looks so alluring. Thanks Amelia and JP for this great introduction to this beautiful place.

[@donminecuador6044]

Based on this video and compared to living in Cuenca, the buildings look to be in better repair and have a fresher look in Loja. Exteriors are more brightly painted and cleaner. Walkways and streets look to be much easier to walk. In Cuenca, you have to train yourself to watch where you walk. I was very impressed with El Centro Loja from what I saw in this video. I hope you can give more comparative analysis based on the many places you have visited and lived over the last 5 years. Thank You!

[@AmeliaAndJP]

We have more videos about Loja in the queue 👍

[@silvanavelasco1147]

Esta ciudad ganó un premio a la ciudad más limpia " en Sudamérica creo hace 3 años

[@perfectlylonely]

After two years of following you, this is the first city/town that I really like. Maybe it was the sunshine? Or it's cleanliness? I'm headed to EC in September. Loja will now be added to my bucket list. Thanks

[@Jetmab04]

And to my list!! I sometimes speak to the people in the EC Embassy in London and, they warmly recommend Loja.. Like the lovely people from Loja so. The city is my no 1 to visit and, maybe live..if I don't end up in Zamora.. Let's see what happens.. I can barely wait to get there.. 😊

[@8675-__]

I've studied Ecuador and this is an ideal spot for American transplants! Especially if education or the Arts are high on your priority list.

[@BPe-ie9je]

@@Jetmab04 totally agree w you. My thoughts, too.

[@dianamayfield5615]

So glad you finally made it to Loja. Lovely city. Lovely people.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

We thought so too!

[@texaslu2001]

On my exploratory tour in April I was very pleasantly surprised by Loja. It quickly made it to eing in top two choices to move to in 2023. Loved the family park and they even have botanical gardens and a zoo.

[@juankukis]

I hope you guys enjoyed your stay in Loja. It's a quiet yet beautiful city with warm people. I think you guys missed the zoo and the Botanical garden.

[@winona1977]

I live in Germany and with my Husband we are thinking about buying something for our retirement and altough I am from Quito I want to buy something in place with all commodities but not so expensive and chaotic like Quito/Guayaquil. The coast (Manabi) is where I wanted but my husband thinks, it is better a place that is not too hot. Your video opened my mind and Loja is a really good option. The only thing that I don' t like that much is that it is far away from Quito but I guess it is worth it.

[@8675-__]

There's an American from NYC down there selling real estate...his name is Jesse. I'm sure you will find him easily. 🙏🙏🙏

[@leonardomera121]

@@8675-__ There is an airport in Catamayo,not to far from loja.

[@rachelvelezeacaa1942]

JP and Amelia, I so much enjoy watching you videos. I met a wonderful lady from Loja about 2 Yrs ago. I told her next time she goes back to Ecuador to visit I would go with her. Her family now lives in Guayaquil. She’s invited to travel with her this November and I am so exited I will get to visit a country I have fallen in love with through your eyes. Thank you.

[@mariescott9853]

Wow, Loja is nice. So well-kept, with all the lovely parks, and all that fruit. Amazing. Fun to see you enjoying your visit.

[@andresloaiza7426]

Oh wow, that is my city, Loja. Disfruten Ecuador!!!!

[@isabelgronda314]

I am Ecuadorian and I never been in Loja, it is beautiful and clean!!! Thanks for sharing.

[@badspasm1]

Loja looks amazing and as I can see online they have some very nice homes for sale at great prices!!! Thanks for showing us loja ecuador 🇪🇨!!!

[@lorenzanob]

Thank you JP and Amelia! I Enjoyed the tour very much! Loja is definitely on my list when I go back to visit Ecuador. 👍

[@baarai]

Thanks for sharing. I was just in Ecuador for a month, and had planned to visit the Andean cities of Loja and Cuenca, but it wasn’t possible due to the Paro Nacional strikes which blocked the roads from the coastal region, where I was, to the mountains. In lieu of that, I’m enjoying your video with a steaming cup of Loja coffee at home in the USA (Cafecom brand: good stuff!) Next year, I’ll make it to Loja, and I have been advised to check out the music scene there, since some have referred to Loja as the City Of Music. Next time!

[@oscitancia]

So nice to see you in my city. We, the lojanos, are really proud of our city, we love to see tourists here and everyday we have more and more expats coming to live here. My heart jumped when I saw the thumbnail of this video. I would have liked to have seen you on the street to greet you.

[@Mexicobeanpole]

I fell in love with the beauty of this town. Obviously the locals have a lot of pride in their home. I’m awaiting your pros and cons video!!

[@maujo2009]

Dear Amelia & J. P. : After learning of JP’s misadventures with the US healthcare system, why don’t you make a video about Ecuador’s healthcare system, it’s advantages and disadvantages and how have you benefitted from it. Thanks for your videos!

[@albertobolivarcocinaconfre6370]

Y no es tan solo apreciar los espacios de nuestra querida ciudad.!. es ayudar a preservarlos y dar el ejemplo de civismo ante todo.!!.lo digo como un inmigrante que desde hace años adopte loja como mi segunda casa.!!.gracias por tan hermoso video.!.

[@chrystalholley5545]

This is Chrystal and Larry Holley. We were so pleasantly surprised and excited to run into you in Cuenca a few days ago. We thank you again for your generosity in having a picture with us when you were so obviously trying to have some fun alone. We repeat, we began watching you when you were still Vegans Abroad, and we have followed you ever since. Thank you for always being positive yet realistic. You are both very special people!

[@sussyorozco124]

Thanks Amelia and JP for all your wonderful videos about the different cities you have been to in Ecuador. You have helped me make a decision of moving to Loja. Thanks a lot!!

[@briscoedarling3237]

Lojanos are special. They are fiercely loyal to their city and very proud of the improvements that they have made there, while keeping its’ historic past intact. They still curse the alcalde who paved over their cobblestone streets many years ago. Glad to see you went to the Mercado San Francisco where, in my opinion, the finest selection of cooked, ready-to-eat traditional Ecuadorian food can be found. The best empanadas morrocho/al vento I have ever had came from here. Your videos are making me second-homesick!

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Loja is a beautiful city! 😊🇪🇨

[@BOULDERGEEK]

Super cool. Originally I was dead set on Cuenca, as that's the only town I spent extended time in. It imprinted positive memories for me. Now, I am researching and also interested in Loja and Vilcabamba. Hoping to do three months rental in Cuenca and three months somewhere else in 2023. Very helpful, as always!

[@exploringdimensions4all853]

Hi from Vilcabamba! Don't miss it!

[@bobogigio9072]

I always like JP's hats! 🎩 And what a friendly looking, super clean looking city. It's now on my list.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Gracias!

[@raiz91]

Wow, Loja is a wonderful, clean city, thanks Amelia and JP for posting. Excellent job.

[@garydavisguatemala6185]

One thing you mentioned that caught my attention-the turbulence. I travelled to Ecuador over the years with my job and noticed that was always an issue when flying between cities! Quito to Guayaquil or Cuenca etc! I’m sure it’s the Andes mountains (which I also noticed in Bolivia!). Those mountains create drafts and I did NOT likely traveling on airplanes between cities in those two countries!

[@earthlytable]

We traveled around Ecuador and Loja was my favorite city. So full of culture and energy. Good food.

[@shawnwright5332]

By watching your videos I find the infrastructure just like a common thing like sidewalks are so much better than when I was in Panama

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Interesting observation! Thanks for sharing!

[@Almabe621]

I love it! Thanks for showing it is a beautiful city and very clean, next time I go back to my country I will try to visit Loja.

[@paulabaker8403]

Good to see you Amelia and JP. Loja looks vibrant and peaceful. I like the parks, especially San Franciscan park. I loved all the little shop with vintage ware and the availability of healthy food options. The paintings that was shown at that very romantic Cafe' I fell in love with. Just great content. As always It's been awhile since I have seen you two. I need to look you up when I don't get you in my KZbin feed. I lost track of you. You both look healthy and happy and I am excited to catch up with you. See you next video my friends. My husband and I are still trying to make a decision as to where to retire. Mexico was huge on our list but because of recent changes, Mexico is off our list. Sooooo, we are looking at other countries in Latin America. I am excited more now seeing you two for the last 4 years and feel a sense of peacefulness about Equador. Thank you for all the work you put in into your videos to bring great information and contact persons to help us that are honest, credible, and seem so welcoming. Until next time.😊

[@robertwilson3368]

Wow!! I can't begin to describe how Loja has changed since the 1980s. It was a great place to live then, but it looks fantastic now. Thanks for sharing. Great video.

[@claramera4160]

I did not realise my Ecuador has such a beautiful city, Loja, thank you for sharing in detail…. Left my. Country many decades ago…. It is an inviting city to live in….♥️❤️

[@garysnider3000]

The best walk around video of Loja I have seen yet. Thanks!

[@force10jc]

Loja appears to be a 2nd possible relocation destination for me within Ecuador. It appears to have nearly all the amenities you would need while slightly more affordable. Also slightly lower elevation but I doubt that would make a difference if you truly suffer from chronic altitude sickness.

[@marjowag8806]

We have wanted to check out Loja for years. We are so glad you guys filmed there!

[@indiraespinel8631]

So beautiful! Thanks for sharing awesome videos about my country. 💖

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Glad you enjoy them!

[@asdrubalvivanco2301]

Amelia and JP, finally you got in Loja. As a Lojano I feel excited and very grateful for bringing this beautiful video of my unforgettable and beloved Loja. Hope you liked it and I'll be waiting for more. Thank you.

[@Jetmab04]

Loja is stunning Asdrubal and, on my list for my retirement home in a few years 😊

[@asdrubalvivanco2301]

​@@Jetmab04 I think you will like the city of Loja. Hope you stay there for a long time. J. A, If you can learn Spanish a little bit now, your adaptation will be easier there.

[@Jetmab04]

@@asdrubalvivanco2301 😊 I am sure I will love Loja...

[@asdrubalvivanco2301]

@@Jetmab04 If Loja is not for you, don't worry because there are more great cities might like you, such as Quito, Manta, Ambato, Cuenca and much more. Take care, JA.

[@Jetmab04]

@@asdrubalvivanco2301 Thanks millions Asdrubal... I can feel the Ecuadorians already.. Feel I will be coming home from home.. I know you know what I mean 🤗 I tried to contact you on your site here as agreed but, couldn't be allowed.. 😒 We will find a way Astrubal!! When are you planning to come home to EC?

[@yardex]

Se podría decir que es un Quito pequeño? Se parece muchisimo 😯

[@Jetmab04]

Thanks so much! Loja looks as beautiful as I have been told it is 😊 I cán't wait to see more from there 😊 Thanks again for sharing 💕

[@charlysview]

I visited Loja and it rained the entire time I was there unfortunately. I understand that Loja does get quite a bit of rain. The city didn't look as nice all rainy and cold! I also heard they are big into recycling and have been recycling for quite sometime now. If you notice they have recycle bins all over and they don't allow their city buses in the Centro area due to the pollution they are capable of producing.

[@ursulasanabria8813]

What an awesome place!! I can't wait to see more videos. I want to research more this place! Love, love this city! Thank you for going there and sharing your experience 🥰

[@malenadenaranjo]

Loja along with Cuenca are the nicest cities in Ecuador! Great People and amazing food! 👏👏👏

[@Mrbynby]

Nice job showing us Loja. Quite a large city from the looks of it and many beautiful buildings. I wish the US had used the art deco to a greater extent.

[@rafaelsolorzano700]

Thanks for showing the wonders of Loja....

[@johnnymidas5879]

DESERT GREETINGS FROM CALIFORNIA GUYS!!.. I ENJOY YOUR JOURNEY. 😃👍🌴

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Hola! 👍

[@canyourwebsite]

Great video you two (as always!) Loja has always been of great interest to me. Gave me a good view of it and enjoyed your take on it. Thanks. You two are a treat.... 🙂

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@TravelingTheWorld1993]

Amelia and JP , another great informative video!

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Gracias! 😊

[@gettothepoint_already3858]

Great video. I'd no idea how beautiful this city was

[@user-xp5qx8wg9x]

Another winning video. Thanks for taking us along for the ride😀

[@suesusana2289]

Thank you for this vedio it's touches more of my career line the coffee shop thing.hope to come this place one day .you are lovely couple

[@mars54mars54]

So happy you finally made it to Loja, it is a wonderful small city. It's cool to see so many of the places I enjoyed while living there, through someone else's eyes/camera. A lot of wonderful art all over the place. Yeah, what is up with those slippery tiles for sidewalks? 🤣They are really a challenge on the hills when everything is damp, which is often!

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Glad you enjoyed it! 😊

[@niko_walks]

I enjoyed all the videos from the Olon and Manta days . . but now that you're in the highlands again, I feel like you're back home.

[@TheAntares41]

Hi Amelia and JP. I met you in 2019 when I was living in Cuenca, and walking along the Tomebamba. I recognized you from your videos which I really enjoy - they continue to get better and better. I hope to get back to Cuenca this year and live there for 6 months and home in California for 6 months. I had no idea that Loja was like this. I took the bus from Cuenca-Villcabamba last time I was there and the driver let off a gal outside Loja to walk into the city. I thought it would be a quaint little village - sure was surprised! It will definitely be on my place to visit when I return. JP - did I hear you mention Kansas? Rock Chalk.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Rock Chalk Jayhawk! 🥳

[@jpsmusicandmore5457]

I want to go to Xuenca first for a long visit but Loja may be second.. What a beautiful place. Thanks for sharing

[@Vivi30908]

Love it, it's beautiful, clean and affordable. You're changing my views from Manta to Loja. I saw a video of Vilcabamba last week, it's also nice. Thank you for educating us about Ecuador.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

We really liked Loja! If it was more conveniently located to the airport with more flight options, we would consider a move there. If we ever retire from KZbin and don't need to travel, it's on our shortlist.

[@juliebabin]

I love all of those colourful constructions and churches !!

[@bobhinley5410]

Very clean looking.

[@aylex1974]

This place looks great and feels peaceful. I love how well you guys treat each other. Keep making memories together more adventures together ❤

[@jackieonate3439]

Thank you Amilia you do an amazing job showing us various parts o ecuador, Pj also does a terriic job with the video. ty both

[@davidwright9318]

We will be there mid Sept…. For me it’s been 8 years and I’m picking up where I left off in 2014…I spent 2 1/2 years in Cuenca or Vilcabamba..and this time want to check out other areas…I hope we meet you guys there …That would be a treat…Gracias amigos!

[@RM-ud5yv]

Mr Rock chalk, thanks for sharing Loja with your lovely lady. At 6,800 feet was it easier to get around than Quito or Cuenca or did you miss the small hills of Manta. That park looks so relaxing as you made friends with the geese. What direction are the wind turbines and did you encounter much traffic during their rush hour? I found the curvy road to Zamora interesting about 10 years ago. Look forward to your other videos on the area. Thanks for all you do to educate us about life in different places in Ecuador.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

The turbines are on the west side of the city. Traffic was heavy during rush hour.

[@robertsimmons5575]

loja looks wonderful , I really liked the buildings. thanks for the video I always look forward to see your videos. JP the hat looks good

[@aveguevara]

I love your videos - Amelia - you'd be SO FUN to shop with! Loja DOES keep calling me.

[@stevenschrift2761]

Great to see you in Loja but don't miss out on Vilcabamba to the south the valley of longevity is beautiful and one of Ecuador's gems.

[@karenw8929]

Thanks, I'd never seen a walking tour of Loja before ... nice finds. Thanks!

[@gringoviejo8023]

In 2014 Ecuador gave a grant to all of the major cities to do three things - underground their electric wires and systems, put street names up throughout the city, and build a supplemental energy system to support their area through energy droughts. Loja took the money and did the work. No nests of power lines, street names everywhere, and the wind turbines happily spinning on the mountain tops. Cuenca also took the money and did nothing - now Cuenca pays a $12,000 per month "fine" on the money taken until the work is done. I love Loja. It's not perfect by any means but it's getting better every time I visit.

[@ecuadorious]

That last park totally reminded me of Overboard!

[@GM-cq6ez]

You guys are looking healthy and happy. Are you having the same problems as Panama with the gas shortage? The price of food is so much lower than in the US - not to mention the beautiful colorful cities, especially Loja. You have made a wise choice leaving the US, and seem to be thriving. Loja is a beautiful city! Thanks for sharing.

[@mrs.rogersneighborhood]

My husband loves “Pumpkin” everything, too!

[@javiermoran8412]

Linda la ciudad de Loja. Siempre me gusto , de mis ciudades preferidas del Pais.

[@noahsandoval1390]

Love your choice in background music. Suites the "tranquilo" vibe in Loja

[@Ravenlight_303]

Pumpkin?!?! Yes, the fear of no pumpkin/pumpkin spice is what was holding me back. I'm packing up and on my way!!!

[@AmeliaAndJP]

😂🤣😂

[@craigharting9217]

Very true about park central/ I use parks as guide points to remember we're my hotel is 😁

[@edl6398]

Love how Amelia is always scouting for the Indian restaurants! Why didn’t you stop at the Samosa place?? Arghhh! I would have bought 10 of those!!

[@priscillabenavides7824]

Hermosa ciudad

[@hawkeye5829]

Your adventures continue. What a great way to spend a life.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

We are very thankful for our unconventional life! 😊👍

[@badspasm1]

Also looks very clean and green!!!

[@ceciliacardenasrojas3401]

Ciudad hermosa y culta, sus ciudadanos hablan el mejor español de la región.

[@wernerdanler2742]

What is the elevation there and the average temperature? looks like a beautiful city. you guys do a lot of walking. I guess you sleep well at night.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

6700 feet and 60s to 70s.

[@davebonar1]

The food looks so good and your words and showing the city really are interesting. Wish I was as organized and adventuresome as both of you . The next best thing is watching you sharing it with everyone.

[@aaronml8298]

I'm starting to really like Loja, clean and pretty. Thanks for the video

[@twil7849]

Enjoyed your video of Loja. you showed us much more than we saw when we were there about 8 years ago!

[@davidc1961utube]

Catamayo and Loja are really different microclimates. The difference is like SF and LA, and only 45 minutes apart. Nice ride from Loja to Vilcabamba as well. There is a cool store on one of the squares that features all Loja and local goods and foods. Coffee!!!

[@philsarkol6443]

Wow ..it looks beautifull and the streets are so clean...nice walkable city!

[@jhonnyfernandoencarnacionc5436]

Tank you travel to Loja, wood look.Animo a visitar mas partes del Ecuado. Un abrazo Lojano.

[@RainbowSerpentBrony]

The Indian restaurant is in Vilcabamba. Paradise Indian Restaurant. Same chain owners as the the one in Cuenca if you're interested.

[@anivalcuenca651]

My beautiful city I miss a lot. Greents from London Thanks for sharing it

[@RG-xk7eu]

Jaja, I do the same thing. I go out to buy groceries then go out to eat at restaurants. I think because restaurant food is so inexpensive here in Quito. In Ecuador in general..nice video of Loja...you need to visit Cevallos. City of shoes. 👞 👟 👡 👢 close to Ambato...for Amelia 😁👍Zapatos!!

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@watchlifewithcharles906]

Great video ... really liked the looks of Loja.

[@robbienorton9522]

Wow that airbnb is immaculate!

[@landyandrade3104]

Thanks, JP and Amalia, Fabulous video! I have never been to Loja. I owe myself a week in Loja next trip to my little paradise Ecuador. By the way, Lojanos speaks pure Castillian (perfecto Espanol) Gracias, Chao Chao

[@sgt.grinch3299]

Looks beautiful. Thanks for sharing your wonderful adventures.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Gracias!