[SUZAN HASKINS]

It is drier along the southern coast, so less humidity there – -don’t know if it’s enough less to make that much difference in the scheme of things. The landscape is hillier and greener in the north — just depends what you’re after.

[SUZAN HASKINS]

Thomas, I’m sure the Cuenca real estate tours are good but they are not affiliated with IL or its partners. You can find the list of IL’s sister compnay, Pathfinder’s, tours here by emailing Margaret Summerfield at msummerfield@pathfinderinternational.net.

[SUZAN HASKINS]

Hi Glen, you can drive as far as Panama but you can’t get through the Darien Gap into Colombia from there. The roads are too rough and it is too dangerous. I know someone who shipped his car from Panama to either Ecuador or Colombia (can’t remember which) — but if you did that, I am not at all sure what the importation rules are for getting your vehicle into Ecuador. I think it’s best to look for other options. Sedation? 🙂

Then again, once you get to Ecuador, what happens? She’ll never go home?

[SUZAN HASKINS]

Your electronics will work fine in Ecuador, although in older buildings you may want a 3- to 2-prong adapter, the kind you buy in the hardware stores for a couple of bucks.

[SUZAN HASKINS]

Sounds like a great trip, although if it were me, I’d opt to fly to Cuenca. I don’t mind the buses…but only for a few hours at a time. 🙂

And be sure to keep your valuables in a bag on your lap.

[SUZAN HASKINS]

I would not advise traveler’s checks — those aren’t widely used anywhere in the world any more. You can pay at the more upscale hotels with credit cards and others with cash. You can go to any ATM machine for a withdrawal any time you need it. I personally don’t have a bank account in Ecuador and just do ATM withdrawals for all my bill paying. A few years ago I switched to a Capital One account which does not assess foreign ATM fees. Just call your bank/debit account and let them know you’ll be traveling in Ecuador. Use reasonable caution when using ATM machines — you should not have a problem.

[SUZAN HASKINS]

Dave, it’s pretty much that easy. And lab tests are usually turned around in a day. But maybe you should make an appointment for the first day you are there just in case you need any follow-up?

[SUZAN HASKINS]

Hi Mark, I’m a huge fan of Spanish teach Warren Hardy — I’ve taken several of his classes and they have worked very well for me. You can learn more about it here: http://secure.internationalliving.com/120SWHSEZ/E120NAA1

There are other programs out there, of course. I own Rosetta Stone and a lot of people like that, but I never took it out of the box. 🙁

[SUZAN HASKINS]

I’ll have to call on some of our Insiders out there to help answer this one, Don. I’d guess you can get brown rice anywhere but I’ve not really looked for it. I’ll say this: you’ll definitely find delicious fresh fruits and veggies everywhere in Ecuador. And I’m sure the additional 45 cents you pay per pound for brown rice will be far offset in other ways. I suggest that when you visit Ecuador to check it out and see if it’s right for you, you ought to bring a list of the items you need to be comfortable. Only you will know what you can live with or without…

[SUZAN HASKINS]

True — you can purchase the recordings from our past event. And I should have mentioned that anyone who comes to an event also gets the recordings package. So if you attend the upcoming event in February, you will receive the recordings from that (Feb.) event that you can review as often as you like.

[SUZAN HASKINS]

You’ll have to take the Ecuador Licencia exam.

You can get a a book through the Ecuador equivalent of the AAA. It’s called AETNA to study from. I’ve not taken it myself but I understand the test is given via computer and consists of 20 questions. If you answer 80% correctly you will pass. And yes, the test is in Spanish but with the book you can read and translate them prior to taking the test.

Also — if you have an “international permit” it is good (officially) for 3 months — although the permit itself (which you get at AAA in the USA) is valid for longer. I don’t know if you can use an interpreter.

[SUZAN HASKINS]

The best place to anchor a sailboat is either in the water at sheltered Bahia de Cararquez (very popular with sailors circumnavigating the area) or in the marina at Salinas. No hurricanes in Ecuador.

[SUZAN HASKINS]

Registrations aren’t yet open but you can register your interest with Donna DeRemigis at dderemigis@internationalliving.com.

As for cost, there are all sorts of discounts, depending what level of IL membership you have and if you come as a single or a couple, but the very top/most amount anyone would pay is usually $1095 ($695 for a guest) and there is always an Early Bird discount of $200 per person, so most people end up paying $700 to $850 and then the spouse/guest/partner goes for about half that…

And remember, that price includes cocktail parties with lots of food, coffee breaks with lots of food an usually a hotel room price that’s a very good deal and often includes breakfast, internet, transfers, etc.

[SUZAN HASKINS]

You can take a bus very easily. Just go to the bus station and buy a ticket. It is also possible that a hotel in Montanita may arrange transportation for you (at a charge). Or you can hire a taxi — i’d guess it might cost somewhere between $50 and $80.

[SUZAN HASKINS]

Enjoy! I know you will….

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