[ANDREA LYMAN]

Susan,
Which brand of sheets have you found to fit your Ecuadorian queen size bed? This actually is something that IS important to me, so I’d be interested in trying to bring the right brand that seems to fit.

[ANDREA LYMAN]

Susan,

Thanks! I was looking for an Ecuadorian tax lawyer – we plan to buy a farm and I want to know some info before we actually buy it, in terms of tax responsibilities and other related things. I already talked to my expert here in the US and of course, she knows about US tax law, but not Ecuadorian tax law.
I will check out the link you provided. I am also interested in the details about moving a container there. I know a few of the parameters, but a highly recommended ‘door-to’door’ service is what I’m hoping for. As always, your feedback is a treasure!!

[ANDREA LYMAN]

Thanks! It sounds like we have extremely similar likes and dislikes – so I trust your opinions and thoughts on things. What insect repellent do you use? Is it a ‘natural’ one or the full on Deet stuff? When we were in Bahia in March, I got a few bites at night with my skin exposed since we had no air conditioning in the hotel we were at! But it wasn’t too bad. I’m one of those people who, out of a crowd of 100, the mosquitoes single me out!!!
The ocean water situation is as I thought and it’s good to know when to avoid it, although I, too, am not a big ocean swimmer!

BTW – I checked the box where it says notify me of follow-up replies via email – I’ve yet to receive an email notification!!

[ANDREA LYMAN]

Thanks, Susan, Yes, I DID mean to say, ‘NOT suitable to drink’. I, too, prefer small towns – hands down. We’re not big partiers and like coastal areas for the…..coast! Sunshine, gentle breezes, Mother ocean and a slower pace. Speaking of the water, is the coastal water clean? Is it polluted at all from runoff, garbage or any other things you can think of? Is there an area in general where it is breezy but not windy? I read about a place that is great for windsurfing, which would be too windy for me. Tons of mosquitos? There were quite a few in Bahia when I was there this spring. Is dengue fever a problem along the coast? Are the fruits and veggies as relatively organic and ‘clean’ as they are in other ares? I know many farmers can’t afford chemicals and so they are organic by default. I know this is a lot of questions, and we do plan to scout more in the area, of course, but if some things are in situ in a location, they may be deal breakers from the onset and we would not bother to consider it.
Thanks!!

[ANDREA LYMAN]

My husband and I are visiting Cotacachi for 10 days in March and would like to rent a place (I’d pay for 2 weeks if that’s necessary) that is furnished and has a kitchen or kitchenette. I don’t know of any hotels or hostels that have this – any ideas who to contact or suggestions?

Also, we will need a driver to pick us up from and take us back to the (hopefully new) airport. Suggestions?

Thanks!! Andrea Lyman

[ANDREA LYMAN]

I find that most of the website weather info gives the generic overall 24-hour average. So if there is going to be 5 hours of rain or fog in the middle of the night, it shows up as being cloudy and rainy. It is true that there may be some cooler overcast for PART of the day and almost every day. BUT, there is almost always part of every day that is sunny, too. At least it’s not hot and humid in Cotacachi!! At least, not when I’ve been there.

[ANDREA LYMAN]

Charles, That is correct. I took an unlocked iPhone to Colombia and Ecuador and simply purchased a SIM card when I got there and it worked fine! And when I was in a wi-fi zone, I could use that instead of it being part of the data I was using on the SIM card. But you have to turn on the ‘Airplane Mode” so you are only using the wi-fi. One can only unlock the phone after service contract is up, otherwise, you DO have to ‘jailbreak’ the phone and this negates the warranty on it. I was finished with my 2-yr contract and unlocked it through AT&T.

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