“Kathleen, I’ve been interested in Ecuador for some time. I feel like now is the time to make the move. But I’m not sure. Is Ecuador really the right place for me?
“Could you help me understand how it compares with other choices?”
— John S., United States
Why Ecuador? I put the question to our man on the scene on Ecuador’s coast, Mike Sager. His reply is good fun and also insightful.
Here’s what Mike has to say about why he chose to relocate to Ecuador nearly nine years ago and why (more important, perhaps) now, all these years later, he considers that the best decision of his life:
I have lived in Ecuador now almost nine 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…maybe. In my book, this is the Perfect World…even though it is not perfect, of course. 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 US$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 US$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. 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.
Continue reading: Import/Export In Ecuador
