Event Horizon Chronicle: The Passing Of An Age: Great Men I Have Known

Event Horizon Chronicle: The Passing Of An Age: Great Men I Have Known:

The Passing Of An Age: Great Men I Have Known

Keith Lampe died earlier this week, in Vilcabamba, Ecuador, at the age of 83. Keith was also known as Ro-Non-So-Te, and affectionately as Pondo, short for ponderosa pine. And indeed he was strong and sturdy like a stout, towering pine tree.



I came to know Pondo
only in the last months of his life, through the agency of a mutual
friend, and then only by e-mail, though we both lived in Ecuador and had
a number of friends and acquaintances in common.



Pondo was a Korean War
veteran who subsequently took a radical turn towards peace, and spent
the last 60 years as a radical advocate for peace and environmentalism.
His commitment even extended to multiple acts of peaceful civil
disobedience that resulted in his arrest and incarceration. Pondo was
well known for his widely circulated, e-mail newsletter that dealt with a
wide variety of environmental and political issues.  



Though he had been in
declining health for some time, I cannot help but feel that his
transition somehow presages great changes that lie just ahead....read more-
http://eventhorizonchronicle.blogspot.com/2014/11/the-passing-of-age-great-men-i-have.html

Why do expats go home? Why do they seek new overseas ‘havens’? Interviews with departing and relocating expats reveal the reasons | CuencaHighLife

Why do expats go home? Why do they seek new overseas ‘havens’? Interviews with departing and relocating expats reveal the reasons | CuencaHighLife

--"Here are comments from my interviews with those who have relocated within Ecuador.

“I thought I would like the big city
life in Quito and I did enjoy the classical concerts, the festivals, the
restaurants, and all the rest. After two years, however, I knew I
wanted a slower pace and land to grow a garden, so I moved to a farm
between Otavalo and Cotacachi.”--  C., Otavalo ...<read more>  http://cuencahighlife.com/why-do-expats-go-home-why-do-they-seek-new-overseas-havens-a-long-time-expat-takes-a-hard-look-at-the-reasons-why/

Why Ecuador?: Rumy Tola Casa #9 For Sale- Cotacachi, Ecuador

Why Ecuador?: Rumy Tola Casa #9 For Sale: This house is less than two years old!  Beautiful fenced in yard with lots of fruit and ornamental trees and plants.  Approximately 200 squa...



...We love this house and would gladly keep it and continue to live in it. 
However, we have decided that for our children's education and our
careers we need to return to the United States.   We are offering this
house for sale by owner in order to avoid paying a commission.  This
allows us to price the house lower than other similar houses on the
market and share that savings with the buyer as well...<read more> http://www.why-ecuador.com/p/blog-page_30.html 

Christmas Confessions… Ecuador 2014

Christmas Confessions… Ecuador 2014

Bless Me Father, For I’m About To Sin

Ecuador 2014

Part One       (Jack and Paula)


We’ve decided to leave the country and retire in South America. It’s the place that seems to be the most affordable.


Dammit, I thought there would be more in our savings account, but things didn’t work out like I had hoped.



The equity in our home is gone. Not sure if there is even enough value in the property to pay the realtor fees.


We could just walk away. I hear of people doing that all the time.


Our retirement savings is just a smidge over $20,000.



I think by selling all the furniture, we could afford the airline tickets without touching the savings.


We don’t show enough income for a residency Visa… Our Social Security is all we have, and it’s off the mark by $32...<read more> http://www.ecuadorgeorge.com/ecuador-2014/#comment-168221

Expat Family: "All Together Now"

Expat Family: "All Together Now": Our last week before Elizabeth arrived was busy, but Christopher and I had a lot of fun. We managed to get some Skype time in with Elizabet...

Why Retiree Expats Adore Ecuador- MSN Money 26 NOV 2014

Why Retiree Expats Adore Ecuador- by Amy Fontinelle- 
MSN Money 26 NOV 2014 

  Do you have less money saved for retirement than you’d hoped? Is your pension or Social Security check too small for you to live out your retirement years comfortably in the United States? Or maybe you have saved enough, but want to do something more exotic than strolling the back nine in your newfound free time.

  In Ecuador, your money will stretch much further – perhaps even allowing you to afford things that would be considered luxuries in the United States –....

....The Realities of Life in a Developing Nation- When doing your research on whether to move to Ecuador, seek out the negative reports as well as the positive ones to get a more complete picture of the new life you’re considering. A good source of information from an American who knows Ecuador well is the book “100 Points to Consider Before Moving or Retiring in Ecuador” by Nicholas Crowder.: http://www.amazon.com/Points-Consider-Before-Retiring-Ecuador-ebook/dp/B00DZTZ4HC

The Bottom Line
Ecuador offers retirees a scenic backdrop, low cost of living and beautiful weather. It also has English-speaking expat communities, World Heritage sites, Amazon rainforests and miles of beaches. If you’re not on a tight budget, you can upgrade your lifestyle; if you are, you can stretch your dollars much further.

To enjoy retiring in Ecuador, you’ll need to have patience and a sense of adventure to overcome the culture shock and frustrations that can accompany life in a different and developing nation where you perhaps don’t speak the language. But plenty of American expats will attest that retiring in Ecuador is one of the best decisions they’ve ever made.

For more on retiring in another country, read Plan Your Retirement Abroad, Things To Consider Before Retiring Abroad and What Does Retirement Abroad Cost?
 <read more, original link>...http://www.msn.com/en-ca/money/topstories/why-retiree-expats-adore-ecuador/ar-BBg3AFN

"14 Reasons Why You Should Never Leave the US"- & come to EC. 26 NOV 2014

November 26, 2014 by Peter Simon

 Out of 308 million citizens in the United States of America, only 30% have passports. Other nationalities frequently explore different lands and cultures for business or pleasure. They consider global travel to be an enlightening, enriching, horizon-expanding pastime, where getting out of one’s comfort zone is part of the adventure. So why do the majority of Americans prefer to stay on home turf? Well, if you talk to some of these folks, there are all sorts of justifications and rationalizations for this. Here are 14 reasons why you should never leave the US.

1. There’s Foreigners Out There-

 

 

  If you listen to the politicians and the news, you know these foreigners are all jealous of our freedom and liberty. You can’t trust anyone who hasn’t been raised to worship the stars and stripes. Reason enough to stay on US soil. 

 

2. Some of the Foreigners are Muslims-

 

  Everyone knows they’re all out to get us. The mainstream media is kind enough to keep us informed of this fact day in and day out. Don’t make yourself an easy target. Stay back where Homeland Security can keep you safe.

 

 

3. Not Everyone has Bothered to Learn English Yet-

 

  It seems that in a large part of the world the local population hasn’t bothered to learn English yet. What if you wanted to order a burger and fries? Their language barrier could cause all sorts of problems for you.

 

<read more>...http://www.destinationtips.com/destinations/united-states/14-reasons-why-you-should-never-leave-the-us/

4+1 countries you need to know about / Farm Land- November 20, 2014

Four countries you need to know about that will revolutionize food production- November 20, 2014
Sovereign Valley Farm, Chile-

--"As we discussed yesterday, the world has certainly gotten itself into a serious pickle.

World population growth and economic trends are causing food demand to soar.

Demographers tell us that over 200,000 people will be present at the dinner table tonight who weren’t even alive yesterday.
And with over a billion people having been lifted out of poverty in the developing world (and more to follow), people are eating more food (and more resource intensive foods like meat) than ever before.

At the same time, farm yields have peaked in the developed world. Science has managed to extract from the ground as much as the earth can give."--<read more> http://www.sovereignman.com/trends/four-countries-you-need-to-know-about-that-will-revolutionize-food-production-15610/

{comment from Jour-Ja: Mr. Black Left Ecuador out of his top 4 Picks for Farm Land Choices, we may not revolutionize farming but we do have a year round growing season and an abundance of water!}

Click on this: https://www.facebook.com/JourneymanJackinEcuador 

"Journeyman Jack in Ecuador" FB Page Albums Section for Fincas & Farm Land ranging from 6hct -23 - 30 -42 -66 -73 hectares.
(1 Hectar = 2.2 Acres. Come See US:)

ECUADOR NEWS MAGAZINE: Special report: Ecuadorian stray dog finds new hom...

ECUADOR NEWS MAGAZINE: Special report: Ecuadorian stray dog finds new hom...: Arthur Ecuador news magazine - Quito, Nov 20 -2014

Special report: Ecuadorian stray dog finds new home in Switzerland !

Arthur

Ecuador news
magazine - Quito, Nov 20 - With claps, tears and words of thanks, the
people who were at Mariscal Sucre Airport of Quito, bid farewell to
Arthur, the faithful friend of Peak Performance Team at Adventure
Huarasinchi World Event.

He travelled to Switzerland on Wednesday afternoon, where he will reside.

This animal´s destiny and his relationship with the competition that ended this weekend was not planned at all; however, he ended up moving many people´s hearts.

At the start of Adventure Huairasinchi World Event 2014, the members of Swedish team Peak Performance: Mikael Lindnord, Karen Lundgren, Simon Niemi and
Staffan Björklund, did not expect to meet Arthur, but the animal became their companion and their new pet.

The high level athletes named the dog after King Arthur. "We were travelling with Arthur by our side through different towns. <read more> http://ecuadornews.blogspot.com/2014/11/special-report-ecuadorian-stray-dog-finds-a-better-life.html#more

Six Months in Ecuador / Ecuador George | November 18, 2014

Six Months in Ecuador / Ecuador George | November 18, 2014 -

<read more> .....One Hit Wonders-

I was screwed by the handyman.

He wouldn’t give me an hourly price when I asked and when he was done he wanted $100. He had worked 5 hours and done great work but I knew this was wrong.

I looked at him and said that his fee was more than double what I
thought it should be. I also showed him all the rest of the work that I needed to have done and let him know that I would not be able to hire him again at those prices.

He insisted that I pay him the $100. .

I purchased a dining room table at a very nice furniture store but
noticed that half of the chairs were missing the plastic ends on each
leg. I was promised they would be installed before delivery.

I told the salesperson I was furnishing a new place and could use her help, especially since they made custom items. She seemed excited about the possibility of selling me more furniture. She said she would come along with the guys when they delivered the table.

She never showed up.

And you guessed it, the chairs did not have the plastic ends
installed. The driver called the store, looked at me and said they would go pick them up and bring them back. I looked at him in the eyes and made him swear he would do it. He swore and then we never saw him again.

Of course Chad and I chuckled about all this. This was not the first or even the second time this had happened. <read more> http://www.ecuadorgeorge.com/six-months-in-ecuador/#.VGuv3eA1w0s.facebook
Reprinted & Distributed With Permission-

Watching 40 yr old reruns of Rockford Files on the PC via Hola & Hulu in Ecuador:)

ROCKFORD FILES: “The Countess” S1 E3 (1974)

Does the idea of retirement motivate you or scare the Bejesus out of you?  (OMG- How will I watch my favorite TV shows?)

“This is Jim Rockford. At the tone leave your name and message. I’ll get back to you.”

“Hey Rockford, very funny. I ain’t laughin’. You’re gonna get yours.”

The Ex-Con Tough Guy Private Eye and the Countess in this episode sets up the kind of drama & comic situations that made the Rockford Files Great.

--It sure beats watching the security camera monitor.--

Scene- back at the 1950's single wide / sea side mobile home /PI office, the Countess is a bit distraught / damsel in distress scene- Jimbo gives her slug of whiskey in a disposable plastic cup.
 
Countess:  "You certainly reduce things to their lowest common denominator."

Jimbo:   "It's a plastic world. If you don't like it that way, I can give it to you in a cheese glass."

 Final scene at the hospital- Countess asks Jimbo: "How do you deal with that?"

Jimbo: "We're all scared to death. I guess that's the penalty we pay for living in a world where all the price tags end in .99 cents, and we sell mortuary plots on billboards next to the freeway. What you do is, you just keep laughing. There gonna kiss your hand, honey, 'cause you are a Countess. 

Stop worrying about it. You're playing a big practical joke. Just, just keep laughin'. "

Countess: "Is that what you do?"

Jimbo: "You bet."

Then Jim leaves, with his tough guy familiar grin on his face, and arm in a sling. (as usual)

"Laughter will bring you back to center. It is the language of angels. It is how we speak to you through your own hearts. Re-member us when you see the darkness. Smile, and laugh. Jump into it because it is an opportunity for light." Avalon Healers Group. Watch the most recent Faces of Avalon video here, with WantToKnow.info founder Fred Burks:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=ziReiwp5LQo

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
~Jimbo:  "If I carried a gun, I might have to shoot someone"~

Lambo:01-27-2006,-

--"I've been watching a lot of 'Rockford Files' reruns on WGN (I heart TiVo) - A great show, and it really doesn't seem dated (aside from the clothes). One thing I don't understand, though, is why Rockford doesn't just apply for a permit to carry his gun?
--I know he's an ex-con, but since he rec'd a full pardon, wouldn't he be eligible?
--He was able to get a private investigator license, wouldn't that be at least as difficult to get as a license to carry a weapon?
--Going along with the PI license, wouldn't there be some assumption that you would, probably, carry a gun in your day-to-day work (heck, even if 99% (a figure pulled out of thin air) of private investigation deals with research for divorce cases, there is still some danger)?
I'm not asking why he doesn't carry a gun all the time, I know the answer to that ("If I carried a gun, I might have to shoot someone"). I'm just wondering why, for those times he took the gun out of the cookie jar, he didn't get the license. It would have saved him at least three arrests this week alone!

 

AncientHumanoid:01-27-2006,-

It wouldn't fit with his mindset anyways. Jim Rockford was more likely to ask around, sneak around, and then talk his way out of trouble than shoot a round. A gun makes you (the fictional PI) less cautious, more prone to making a cocky mistake. While JR may have seemed cocky at times, he was careful not to put himself or others in harm's way if he could help it."--

 

 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To go down this memory lane, I am using firefox as my browser, Hola UnBlocker allows me to be out of the US / Country and view old US TV Re-runs like the Rockford Files (and a lot more shows) on Hulu down here in little old Ecuador: http://www.hulu.com/watch/13728/the-rockford-files-the-countess

Here’s what a few people did the last time the system was rigged against them…

Pt.1 - by Simon Black / SovereignMan on November 6, 2014
  Santiago, Chile
For most it was their first time on a ship. And now they were trapped on board for weeks to endure storms and seasickness on the high seas.
Packed together like sardines in tiny, rat-infested cargo holds with unappetizing provisions and a constant stench of human waste, early settlers (expatriates) had every reason to not be on those ships.
But there was something far more important than their comfort on board, something which superseded all the risks and uncertainties they were taking: the freedom and opportunity that awaited on the other side of the ocean.
In leaving for the New World, people hoped to escape a system back home that was completely rigged against them.
They had little freedom, few prospects, and a future with almost no security.
And in order to get away from this, a handful of courageous settlers were willing to risk everything… from the known perilous journey to the unknown risks of what awaited them on the other side.....<read more> http://www.sovereignman.com/expat/heres-what-a-few-people-did-the-last-time-the-system-was-rigged-against-them-15530/

 Pt. 2- Ready to hit the eject button? Here are five places to start looking- #5 ECUADOR
by Simon Black / SovereignMan  on November 7, 2014

  As we talked about yesterday, moving abroad isn’t as difficult as you think.
Sure, it’s not always cookies and cupcakes, but the benefits and opportunities of living abroad are often unparalleled.
Only by moving abroad can you truly curtail how much you contribute to your corrupt, bankrupt home government.
And you just might find that in many cases you can live better, cheaper, and enjoy a far greater quality of life than what you could achieve back home.
It’s also important to recognize that there’s very little in this world that’s forever.
So even if it doesn’t work out, you can always head back home later— this time with some overseas experience under your belt, and perhaps even some new language skills.
But it begs the question—where to go? There’s literally an entire world of opportunity out there, but here are a few suggestions to get you looking:
5. Ecuador:
In a recent survey by InterNations, Ecuador turned out to be the top expat destination in 2014.
In particular it’s an increasingly popular retirement destination because of its high quality yet very affordable cost of living, cheap real estate prices, vibrant culture and good weather.
The official currency is the US dollar, which is a comfort to many people.
It’s also an incredibly diverse country, with beaches, mountains, big cities, rainforest and everything in between for you to choose from.

  The world is a big place and these are just a few suggestions to get you started.

 While it’s important to do your own due diligence based on your personal preferences, this process shouldn’t hinder you in any way in your desire to look for greener pastures.

Go and see for yourself and find out that the transition abroad really isn’t all that difficult.

Our goal is simple: To help you achieve personal liberty and financial prosperity no matter what happens.

About the author: Simon Black is an international investor, entrepreneur, permanent traveler, free man, and founder of Sovereign Man. His free daily e-letter and crash course is about using the experiences from his life and travels to help you achieve more freedom. http://www.sovereignman.com/expat/ready-to-hit-the-eject-button-here-are-five-places-to-start-looking-15534/

Journeyman Jack & Sis at Lake Cuicocha, 20 mins West of Cotacachi, Imbaura - ECUADOR
                                            Ya'll Com See US Real Soon now, yah hear?

Happy Veterans Day from Mindo, Ecuador NOV 2014

I want to thank each and every Man & Woman that has served, and a special shout out to WWII: Vet Loy L. Smith: 3 Jan 1922; - 31 Oct 1991. Murrayville, GA. RIP- He was a DRIVER.
Loy L. married my Grand Mother Margarita the year I was born, and was just like my real Grand Dad.

I spent most every summer break in the N. GA Mountains right across the road from the north end of Lake Lanier. By the time I was 12 Loy L. had me capable of taking his 50 Ford pick up truck to run errands to the local country store alone, and got a kick out of it, I did too.

..about 2 years ago Margarita was put in an assisted living home and while Family Members were going through 80+ years of memorabilia came across Loy L's WWII Bronze Star, wool Garrison cap and other Medals, and asked if I would like to have them? I emphatically agreed and had the items sent on down here to Ecuador.

..out of the 50+ fifty# check bags I have had muled down here over the years, there is nothing quite as significant to me as this, it's proudly displayed on a shelf in my humble abode living room at the highest elevation possible.

..just before Loy L. passed in about late 1990 - to early 1991 I was up visiting one weekend and we were up late watching television, I was flipping through the channels, Saturday Night Live was on and Dana Carvey was doing his impression of GW Bush #41.
Loy L. got very upset and a tear trickled down his face, he said: "What has this country come to, when they will allow the Office of the Commander & Chief to be demoralized like this?"
..out of every lesson on anything he ever taught me or demonstrated to me, this was probably one of the most important.

Ironically, soon after Loy L. passed, it was like the torch was passed and I was suddenly spending a good amount of time with another WWII Vet, 4 yrs ARMY & re-upped 4yrs NAVY my Biological Grand Father: John K. Abercrombie 04 NOV 1920 - 27 APR 2005 Murrayville, GA. RIP- He was a COOK.
..as I look back, and down to this day Veterans have all ways been there for me, most every step of the way, and I can't possibly by name, rank & Serial No. mention them all, but you all know who you are, and please know I am very grateful for pointing me in the right direction.

Last weekend I had a KOREAN War Vet 32 yr US ARMY RET COL down for a 4 day Mindo Bird Watching Tour, Good Gosh we had a blast, it was just like old times. ...when you dealing with VETs there seems to normally be one common denominator, you know right where they stand.

..as one long time friend Viet Nam Vet that I speak and deal with often says: "I ain't in the Bull Shit Business."

More Birding photos from the Brothers Rodrigo & Angel Paz Sanctuario in Nanegalito, Ecuador:

Andean Cock of the Rock:

Giant Antpitta:

 ..other locations included Los Bancos- Mirador Rio Blanco & Milpe Refugio / (MCF) Mindo Cloud Forest; birds seen but not photoed - yellow breasted mannikin finches, ochre breasted antpitta - crimson mantled woodpecker, wood creeper, blue winged tanager, rufous-bellied nighthawk, white capped dipper, and various humming birds - colibries~

You Tube from another birder at Refugio Paz de Las Aves, Nanegalito, Ecuador. Video by Dušan M. Brinkhuizen.: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PlnCzEYaMwc

We Lodged centrally located in Mindo 22 km's East to La Paz & 24 km's West to MCF at Casa de Piedra with our gracious hosts Henry & Sara: http://www.mindocasadepiedra.com/

Thanks for stopping by and viewing, come see us? "Journeyman Jack in Ecuador"

AHHH CUENCA!!: Cuenca Independence Days - #4

AHHH CUENCA!!: Cuenca Independence Days - #4:

Cuenca Independence Days - #4

   Yep, it's my 4th time experiencing Cuenca's week-long independence (from
Spain 194 years ago) celebrations.  My first one happened to be the
starting days of my initial exploratory trip, though I was delayed
getting to Cuenca because American Airlines left my bags behind in
Miami.  So, I was stuck in butt-ugly-hot-humid Guayaquil waiting for my
bags to catch up with me.  That was 2010.


 
November 3rd is 'THE' day, which this year fell on a Monday, so we had a
long 3-day weekend to party.  Concerts were all over the place, craft
fairs, a carnival, parades, a classic car show, comical races, food up
the wazoo, fireworks, and much more.   There was even a band at the
airport to greet visitors coming out of baggage claim while, at the same
time, greeters handed out orchids and other small gifts.....<read more> http://danoinec.blogspot.com/2014/11/cuenca-independence-days-4.html

Event Horizon Chronicle: A Healing Message In These Troubled Times

Event Horizon Chronicle: A Healing Message In These Troubled Times: My regular readers know that I was the victim of a very serious physical assault in late 2012 here in Ecuador, at the hands of an indigenous...

Are you contemplating relocation? Escape the Asylum – To South America

Are you contemplating relocation? October 7, 2014 by John Little - OmegaShock.com, by Alexandra Devereaux:

  Relocation can be a bit tricky if you do not do your homework thoroughly. It also requires knowing yourself, knowing what you can tolerate, and what you cannot. But, in these coming times, know that you are going to have to “Stretch” that tolerance and faith to a point of near breaking, as nothing will be as it ever has been before. However, the single most important aspect before considering relocation, is your communication with the Holy Spirit.

  Perhaps you have not given it any thought so far, or are struggling with the idea presently. Well, I assure you, turning this decision over to the Lord, as I did, is your best option, as He alone knows what path is best for you. After reading this article, you will realize it may not be easy, but if you are truly to be in some other place, the Lord will take you there.

  As proof of that statement, I offer to you, my personal story of a journey of “Obedience” to the Lord, after being told by the Holy Spirit to leave the U.S.(read more)...... http://www.omegashock.com/2014/10/07/escape-the-asylum-to-south-america/

ECUADOR NEWS MAGAZINE: Ecuadorian police dismantled the most dangerous dr...

ECUADOR NEWS MAGAZINE: Ecuadorian police dismantled the most dangerous dr...:

Ecuadorian police dismantled the most dangerous drug gang in the country

drugs seized by police

Ecuador news
magazine - Quito, Oct 6 - Ecuadorian police dismantled a gang of
suspected drug traffickers, considered "the most dangerous" operating in
the South American country, said Monday Interior Minister Jose Serrano.



"Operación
Pacífico", disjointed alleged dangerous band of drug trafficking in the
country and its leader Celso M (sic)," said the official on his Twitter
account.



He refers to
the police action called Operación Pacífico, which allowed the arrest
of 10 people including Celso M. will, alleged ringleader of the drug
organization, the official said in a press conference.



In
the operation, police seized yachts and other assets of the
organization, including a house with a cockpit and 400 kilograms (kg) of
drug, amount produced weekly.



They also found six guns, two satellite cell phones, navigation charts, coordinates and other documentary evidence.



"From the
cities of Manta, Guayaquil, Muisne, Puerto Viejo, Pedernales and
Salinas, there were delivered about 400 kilograms of drugs a week to
Guatemala and Panama," stated Minister Serrano.



Already in
these Central American countries, the alkaloid was given to
organizations to be transported to Mexico and the United States...ECUADOR NEWS MAGAZINE: Ecuadorian police dismantled the most dangerous

Olon Again...Naturally: Expats Helping Kids in Ecuador

Olon Again...Naturally: Expats Helping Kids in Ecuador: May 21, 2012 The gringos are coming!   Four years ago, Todd and I had a hard time keeping many of our new Ecuadorian friends straight ( “...

Buying Property in Ecuador

Buying Property in Ecuador 

Retirement Hell,  Retirement Heaven.  You Pick.

Vacant Beach Front Land

When was the last time someone lied to you?




Hurts, doesn’t it?


How about the last time you loaned someone money and they didn’t pay you back?




Think back, we’ve all done it.


Remember that friend you helped? You co-signed his car loan and he never made even one payment. I did the same thing.


Life is full of these little disappointments.




But thank god all that is behind you…. You don’t even hold a
resentment toward those people. You are retired now, and life is good.




In fact, you have never felt so good. You are healthy, have money in
the bank and a nice monthly income, and you have moved south to a lovely
little village on the coast of South America. No more mistakes for you.
Just fun and relaxation.




At this moment, your life is perfect....http://www.ecuadorgeorge.com/buying-property-in-ecuador-2/#.VCd2hePeWY8.facebook

ECUADOR NEWS MAGAZINE: Ecuador rejects statement made by the USA

ECUADOR NEWS MAGAZINE: Ecuador rejects statement made by the USA: Official Statement Ecuador news magazine - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility of Ecuador rejects the assertions found in...September 15, 2014.



Ecuador
believes that issues related to the World Drug Problem must be addressed
in a multilateral framework, in accordance with international law and
respecting the sovereignty of the States.



Unilateral
pronouncements on this and other issues have not been and will not be
accepted by the international community nor by Ecuador.



The
document issued by the White House acknowledges that the United States
is the largest consumer of drugs and, therefore, the main destination of
illicit drugs in the world.



The Foreign
Ministry recalled that the last World Drug Report of the United Nations
Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) said that Ecuador is one of 10
countries with the greatest success in the fight against the World Drug
Problem, through the effective control of its seaports.



The
Government reiterates its commitment to the implementation of sovereign
policies that privilege the interests and health of its population under
the constitutional principles of the Good Living.

ECUADOR NEWS MAGAZINE: Ecuador´s Minister of Health visits the airport to...

ECUADOR NEWS MAGAZINE: Ecuador´s Minister of Health visits the airport to...:

Friday, August 29, 2014

Ecuador´s Minister of Health visits the airport to verify safety procedures for Ebola

Carina Vance (left)

Ecuador news
magazine - Quito, Aug. 29  – Ecuador´s Minister of Health, Carina
Vance, visited the International Airport in Quito early this Friday
morning to verify the prevention measures that will be put in place for
the Ebola virus.



The Minister
spoke to the medical staff at the facility located in the airport
terminal to verify compliance with the measures taken by the Ministry of
Health.



Some of the measures taken are the evaluation of passengers traveling as well as placing information banners in the airport...
ECUADOR NEWS MAGAZINE: Ecuador´s Minister of Health visits the airport to...:

ECUADOR NEWS MAGAZINE: More control in Ecuador to build seismic resistant...

ECUADOR NEWS MAGAZINE: More control in Ecuador to build seismic resistant...: risc area Ecuador news magazine - Quito, Aug. 22 (Andes).-

More control in Ecuador to build seismic resistant buildings and housing

risc area

Ecuador news
magazine - Quito, Aug. 22 (Andes).- In Catequilla, just 15 km away from
the epicenter of the recent earthquakes that affected Quito, lived
Pascual Roberto Leonis and other 17 family members in a house that was
seriuosly affected by the tremors. The government issued a new
earthquake legislation that seeks to prevent similar situations from
occurring in the future. 



These 18
people are now in a shelter in San Antonio de Pichincha, an area known
by most, as the Middle of the World and very close to the epicenter
where three out of the four deaths occurred on Tuesday, August 12th
after an earthquake of 5.1.....read more:
ECUADOR NEWS MAGAZINE: More control in Ecuador to build seismic resistant...:

ECUADOR NEWS MAGAZINE: U.S. airline is interested in the Ecuadorian marke...

Jet Blue
Airways Corporation, a U.S. airline, intended to set up alliances with
Ecuador through the Fort-Lauderdale (Florida) -Quito route.



Chad
Meyerson, director for Latin America and the Caribbean for Jet Blue
Airways Corporation, and Jeffrey Goodell, Vice President of Government
and Airport Affairs for Jet Blue Airways Corporation, presented their
proposal to the Minister to promote connectivity between the U.S. and
Ecuador, as an option to increase the tourist flow for both nations.



They
mentioned that their interest in Quito is mainly because they saw great
development in the Ecuadorian market, and U.S. citizens are interested
in traveling to new tourist destinations.



If an
agreement is reached, Jet Blue would start operations around the first
quarter of 2015, ensuring moderate prices and high quality for its
users.



On the other hand, the Minister of Tourism thanked Meyerson and Goodell for the airline’s interest in the Ecuadorian market. 



However, she clarified, that before making any decision it was necessary to consult with other government agencies.



ECUADOR NEWS MAGAZINE: U.S. airline is interested in the Ecuadorian marke...: Quito Ecuador news magazine - Quito (Pichincha).- Sandra Naranjo, Minister of Tourism, met with representatives of Jet Blue Airways Corp...

Has anyone traveled to Europe in September and October? The Ecuador report by JourJa~Pt.-1

"Has anyone traveled in Europe in September and October?
Pt.-1of a 3pt. series- The Ecuador Report by JourJa~18 JUL 2014"

I arrived with my Good Friends Steve Miller, Bud Grennan, & Jason Thornton at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol on 04 OCT 2002 for a 1 week vacation. After few days into it, I felt I wanted to stay behind a bit longer.

  After my Buddies went home I was in and around the greater NL & Belgium area for 40 days thanks to Vic van Koningsbruggen before shoving on to the South, all ways by slow train as a backpacker staying in the INT Youth Hostels, hitting I-net cafes a few days a week and conducting my business- traveling tractor sales.

 Be sure to check out the WWI & WWII US Military Cemeteries in Maastricht / Margraten, NL with NL Marines on Duty 24/7 watching over 8,000+ RIP (see the hide out Caves complex) & Henri-Chapel, Belgium, another 8,000+ RIP, I did not use any sort of travel agency, but this looks nice & comprehensive: http://www.eto-tours.nl/tour_itinerary%208_day_longversion.html

 ..after the 7 day vacation was over I chose to stay behind in Holland 40 days and then onto the south by train to and through Belgium, Luxembourg, tip of France and 10 days in Switzerland - Jungfrau Mountains Range ~ Mt. Eiger- film location of "Eiger Sanction" w/ Clint Eastwood, and then by train onto Zurich, through Austria, Croatia, Belgrade Yugoslavia, and 10 days in Thesolanica & Athens, Greece.

 I was 39 years old at that time and being born and raised in Atlanta, GA, USA had never really been out of the country before, much to speak of. I was having the time of my life traveling and staying in youth hostels meeting people from all over the world with other cultures views and values, it was just truly an eye opening experience, that changed me forever!

..so 31 DEC 2003, at the halfway point on this adventure after nearly 3 months in Europe down to Athens, I was a bit homesick, debating to return home? ..but I decided to fly "Egypt Air" from Athens to Cairo and check on that ancient big block laying project New Years Eve night:)

...spent 10 days in Cairo, and by bus onto, Rafia refugee camp border, spent the night in a huge metal building with about a 1,000. arabs, the guards segregated me in the far end of the building with unclaimed luggage. The next morning the Israelis sent a bus over for about 8 of us for Interrogation time to possibly be admitted into Israel, I was told normally I would have 90 days on a US Passport, but under the sabre rattling in the area at that time, and due to my traveling alone entering by land / bus. I was permitted in after 4-5 hours searching me and my effects, explaining my travels, and given only 7 days due to the climate of events developing with the mid-east war at that time,

.. then via bus ride to Ashkelon, Israel, changed buses on into Jerusalem, and for 8 days inside the old city walls of Jerusalem, Jaffa Gate, Tower of David, Whaling Wall (I was treated very nicely & humanely my week in Israel) then bus to the south to the tropical Gambling town of Eilat to hi speed ferry boat over to tropical seaport town of Aqaba Jordan, 15 days, Petra, Ammon, Bedoiun Desert Camp out a few days and back to the south to Aquaba.

..and then shoved off by hi speed ferry boat back into Middle Egypt (central) Sharma Shiek and onto Nubia1 day Luxor, Valley of the Kings, 1 day Karnak 1 day and train ride to Lower Egypt (South) to:..

Aswan for about 21 days [nearing the ground troop invasion start date of March 19th in nearby Iraq, I was having difficulty getting food, Western Unions transfers, the Military police & same General were called out onto me on 4-5 occasions while my 3 week stay in Aswan.]

...on March 7th, 2003 I got into a fight with a truck driver, because he tried to run me over in the street, so I threw a full un-opened 16 oz.Coca-Cola glass returnable bottle thru his
windshield as he nearly grazed me passing by, [it busted out just as pretty as you please] a street brawl ensued, drew quite a crowd of locals, I was somewhat injured but managed to stand my ground, I was arrested & taken into custody by the Egyptian Military Police later on that evening, held overnight in an ancient Fort in the center of town of Aswan.

I was ruffed up a pretty good bit & interrogated all night,; "Mr. Abercrombie have you had sexual relations with any of our women? "No Sir!" - "that was a very intelligent answer Mr. Abercrombie."

..the next morning I was handcuffed to an Egyptian Soldier and accompanied by a 12 man squad of Egyptian Soldiers for a 12 hour train ride back to Cairo, and thrown into a horrible turn of 3 or 4  centuries ago dungeon, [downtown cairo] holding facility, in a 1 room cell about 50 ft. x 20 ft. with over 80 of N. Africa's finest rapists, murderers, refugees, illegals w/ visa problems, fleeing Sudan, Iraq, etc.. ..they would slop us like hawgs once or twice a day,

...I was incarcerated in Cairo for 7 days till the US Embassy in Cairo - [Bill Roberts] - state dept - [arranged for my release & to return to the US on 14 MAR 2003 via Egypt Air on a Boeing 777 Cairo to JFK NY, NY USA. The arrangement stipulated there was no charges to be filed against me, I was not technically being deported,...they- the Egyptian authorities had me sign a document agreeing to their wishes- just for me Mr. Abercrombie to leave Egypt, and to never return. [where do I sign Sir?]

[when I left the US in OCT 2002 for this trip I was my normal [at that time] 6' tall 225 #'s when I returned MAR 2003, I was 165#'s see attached foto, taken on 15 MAR 2003 JFK to ATL [It beats the Jenny Craig Rapid / Rabid Weight Loss Program to Death:)

I like "Touring the World and Making Friends" even if it was just a bit of Europe and a little bit N. Africa & Mid East. I owe a Great Deal of Gratitude to Steve, Bud & Vic...for putting up with my dumb newbie traveler - cultural ignorance questions & mistakes, but after about mid NOV 2002 to Mid MAR 2003 for 5 months I was tee totally on my own.

  I was not able to join the Military after High School,  and I did not get to "Tour the World / Making Friends" via Military Service. It would have been great, and I have heard & relished all of the stories IE: "On leave for the weekend in a foreign land w/ my unit or my squad, they having my back & me having theirs." But all of my life Vet's have been there for me, and they were gracious enough to share with me. Right out of High School as an apprentice Most of my Union Sheet Metal Worker Foremen & Maestros were VN Vets.

  Most of my Maestros in Grading, Hauling & Wrecking were VN Vets, Korean & WWII Vets 1 Step Grand Daddy & 1 Biological Grand Daddy...they were no harder on me than what they felt I could handle, they led by example.

  When I first came to Quito, I met a German- Hans / French Foreign Legioneer about my age.
He had been here several years and was one of the best private jungle guides specializing in the Amazon, he was quite supportive & helpful to me as a newbie here in Ecuador. He told me Adios and Good Luck with EC a few years ago and went back to Germany, he had, had enough of lil ole EC in general. None of my old Mariscal friends have seen or heard from him since...?

  I have seen a good many US Military Vets come and go from EC, and not all necessarily return to the comforts of the US, but go try it in MX or Central America, or back in SE Asia. I've seen one USAF VET pass away recently as 2 weeks ago, a young 41 yrs old, that I was able to spend a good bit of time with on 3 different adventures: Jason Dean Miller: http://thesouthern.com/news/local/obituaries/article_214e5f70-4b44-56d5-abee-669f8e4381a6.html
 
 Jason was Fine Fellow, keep on Smiling that Smile Brother: http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/jsunmiller/1/1320847253/tpod.html

Whenever I post Happy B-Day on FB to folks: "Feliz Cumpleaños Y Maannny Mooorree~" (because that's the trick to it) I put that tune "& Manny Moorree" on it, trying to hang around a little while, and see how this thing plays out?

In trying times Wherever I go, whatever i do, I just think back to the illustrious 1990's popularity of (WWJD) = "what would jesus do", (bet that guy made a million off of those bracelets:)..

..I modified on it just a bit to (WWJKA) yep dear old Grand Dad: John Kitchens Abercrombie 04 NOV 1920 to 27 APR 2004 RIP- WWII US VET 4 yrs ARMY & Reupped 4yrs NAVY, he was a Chef & Booky in both outfits. (never made nor wanted any rank) He said: "Jack I made more GD money in the Military than I made in my entire MF'ing life." https://www.accessnorthga.com/access/obituaries.php?m=detail&id=25566

..after he got out of the Service, as most WWII Vets, he did just like he wanted, and he kept right on making book in the Greater Metro Atlanta Area, he all ways kept some obvious legitimate business, be it a Bar or a Grading, Hauling & Wrecking Business. He paid his dues to the local authorities & poli-tick-shuns and was permitted to carry right on. But the real deal was "Gentlemen Place Your Bets!"

When we bid a 2-3-4-5 story building to be mechanically knocked down with excavators & front end loaders in ATL (w/o explosives) & hauled off, it was a form of gambling in itself to come in low bidder and to make out. He loved it, and I did too.

 It obviously was not all fun & games in WWII. Big John would all ways say:

"National Geographic is my Bible & Jacques-Yves Cousteau is my very own Jesus Christ.
Just watch & study the chimpanzees & apes, they get along & are more highly evolved than we are.
There is no God!! We are all just a bunch of GD animals, or we would not be so MF'ing mean to each other!"

 Big John had a knack for somehow structuring most every sentence with GD or MF'er etc etc..it was really amazing how he could let it roll off and work it into his message.

  I have seen a lot of good folks young & old alike dropping like flys lately. If there is somewhere you want to go, something you want to do, or somebody you want to make peace with or tell them that you Love Them..? don't dilly dally nor delay! None of us are promised tomorrow!

 Thankfully after my 6 months abroad of 3 months in Europe & 3 months N. Africa & Mid East I was able to spend some time with dear old Grand Dad before he passed.

Froehmers & Lonely Planet do some really good guide books on Europe for some good current intel.

For anyone that may have a hankering to knock around in N. Africa & the Middle East, read up on Sun Tzu  (Master Sun) "Art of War" ...it will come in handy.

 


 For anyone who may want to come visit Ecuador get in touch with Me by commenting below.
I certainly don't claim to know it all, but I know the basics on getting around to all the expat hotspots, and am more knowledgeable of the off the beaten track areas of EC that are not promoted or written about: "Journeyman Jack In ECUADOR" https://www.facebook.com/JourneymanJackinEcuador