A New Kind of Blog

There is a world of information about Ecuador. It is one of the most popular countries for people who want to retire to a place where the dollar goes much farther than in the US, a place for adventuresome families who want to experience a new language and exciting culture. However, much of what you read or hear does not touch on the practical, the problematic, or the local information necessary to make things work. There are many blogs which are basically daily diary’s from people who live here. But this blog will be different. We know how hard it is to get accurate and timely information. We have been through it. All of us who live here have learned step by step and we question whether it is necessary to have every newcomer reinvent the wheel. We hope this blog will help shorten the learning curve. There are many hurdles but all are surmountable. What is required is patience, an understanding of local ways, and a realization that you are going to live in a country which is not the same as the US, Canada, or Britain. Our choice was to live in the wonderful city of Cuenca in the Southern Sierra but this may not be your decision and you will therefore have to look further to find the answers you need for different areas like the coast or the Amazon. Please realize that all the suggestions and ideas are based on our experiences. Ecuadorian regulations change rapidly and must be checked before you make any investments or major decisions. Please email us at Sailorburr@gmail.com and let us know if you have any questions or comments.

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Ecuador unrest


We were at the gym late this morning and noticed the TV was unusually on with the news. Vivid photographs showed President Correa in Quito being doused with water and tear gassed by members of the National Police. He had gone to a street rally to mediate a misunderstanding over police promotions and benefits. It turned ugly and the President was tear gassed and attacked then taken to the hospital for a checkup as he had been roughed up and was still recovering from leg surgery.  It is late afternoon now and a state of emergency has been declared until the situation winds down. The pivotal Ecuadorian Army has stayed on the sidelines and its only presence is guarding the closed airports and national infrastructure. If they stick with Correa it will blow over quickly. If not, we don’t have a clue what the next step will be.  We have been advised, and it makes good sense, to stay indoors until we know what is happening. The internet, TV, and cell phones have not been effected so we have communicated to our family that all is OK. Looking out the window, the city is quiet like a Sunday afternoon. Latin Americans have been through this a number of times and seem to have a more casual attitude than we gringos. But, we too, have been calmed by their stoic response. 

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