“I’ve been interested in Ecuador for some time. I feel like now is the time to make the move. And I’m wondering…why isn’t Ecuador one of your six top retirement havens?”
— John S., United States
Our man on the scene in Ecuador, Mike Sager, replies:
“Great question. I think I need to talk with Kathleen about that!
“I have lived in Ecuador now almost three years, and I couldn’t be happier with the decision I made to call this place home. I am one of those Baby Boomers who was looking for a foreign paradise where I could hang my hat…and that is exactly what I have found in Ecuador.
“Third World…not exactly. In my book, this is the Perfect World…even though it is not totally perfect. That’s part of the charm and the appeal.
“I hear again and again from people back home in the States that they are looking for a place where their dollar will go far and, at the same time, where they will not be bored to death for lack of things to do. Enter Ecuador.
“Let me list some of the reasons I love this country. I’ll use the name itself…
“E is for Excellent places to call home… from a hacienda in the Andes to a bungalow hidden away at the beach and available at incredible prices (compared to “those other havens”)…
“C is for Cost of Living. We spend less than $1,000 a month on ALL our expenses, including lots of travel in the country, eating out regularly, and our full-time maid/housekeeper…
“U is for Untouchable Fresh Fruits and Seafood. We live on the coast and daily have our fill of shrimp and fish, fresh juices, desserts…how about a mahi mahi lunch for $2.50…
“A is for Awesome Vistas Atop Ocean Cliffs Overlooking the Pacific…
“D is for Delicious Seafood. Oh, yeah, I mentioned that already…
“D is for Diversity in Climate, Culture, Geography, and Lifestyle…
“O is for Outrageous. So many people don’t even know where Ecuador is…so they definitely don’t realize how outrageous a country this is. What do you want to do? Kayak amongst whales, surf some of the best waves in the world, ride zip lines across the tree tops in the coastal jungles, hike to recently discovered ancient ruins, dine is some of the best restaurants your taste buds have ever experienced, dance the night away in a town square while the local orchestra accompanies you with world-class music, or relax in a hammock as the sunset paints the sky every color imaginable…?
R is for Relaxation, Retirement, and Restoration. Relaxation is a word too many of us have swept under the carpet…it’s time to throw that rug back and dust off that marvelous idea. Retirement…frankly, for me, Ecuador is the only real choice. Restoration is something I guarantee you will experience when you come here. Your mind, your body, and your spirit are revitalized in a way that just doesn’t happen in many places around this planet of ours.
“So why isn’t Ecuador in the Top Six…I can’t begin to imagine…
“Maybe it’s because something bigger than all of us is protecting this paradise for those who are just a bit more adventuresome, interested in searching well outside of the box, and not interested in going where everyone else is going.
“Come visit, but don’t tell anyone where you’re headed…”
