Thursday, December 6, 2018

HOLIDAY SEASON SAFETY AND SECURITY - Thu 12/6/2018

ACSQuito@state.gov - Thu 12/6/2018, 9:16 AM
HOLIDAY SEASON SAFETY AND SECURITY ADVISORY
The U.S. Embassy reminds U.S. citizens that holiday celebrations in Ecuador are already underway and continue through the end of the year. During this time, you should remain particularly vigilant due to a seasonal surge in crime.
Additionally, the threat of street crime (e.g., purse snatchings, pickpockets) is high in areas where there are large crowds. U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance, be aware of local events, and take appropriate steps to bolster their personal security during the holiday season.




Below are some tips to be safe and to help you reduce your vulnerability during this holiday season:
In your home:
• Beware of strangers posing as representatives of charitable organizations, police officers, or other solicitors. They may be casing your house.
• Never automatically open the door or gate of your home. Always verify the identity of visitors through an optical viewer, intercom, or a window from which you cannot be observed. If you know the person, ensure that no strangers might be forcing them to have the door opened.
• Be aware of persons loitering on your street or in your neighborhood. They may be criminals conducting surveillance. Call the police if you're suspicious of a loiterer.
• Make a habit of keeping doors double locked (dead bolted) even when you are in the house.
• If you have one, get in the habit of setting your alarm, even when you are at home.
• Don't place holiday gifts where they can be seen from outside the home.
If you are going to be away for the holidays:
• Strictly limit the number of people who know of your intention to leave your residence vacant overnight. Be careful of disclosing travel plans to domestic employees.
• Ask a trusted friend or neighbor to check on your house occasionally, making sure your house keeps a "somebody's at home" look.
In your car:
• Drive defensively. The number of drunk drivers greatly increases during the holidays.
• Always drive with your windows up and doors locked, especially in city traffic.
• Wear your seat belt and ensure small children are secured in size-appropriate safety seats properly mounted in the rear seat of your vehicle.
• Carry your cell phone with you whenever you are traveling by car, no matter how short the journey. In the event of an accident, your cell phone is your lifeline to emergency medical assistance and security support.
• Don't leave valuables in your vehicle – in the seat or in the trunk. Return home to drop off your purchases rather than leave them in the car.
• Be careful returning home from shopping. A vehicle full of gifts is a target for a follow-home robbery.
• When in crawling or stopped traffic, leave at least a half car length between you and the car ahead to allow space to exit rapidly, if necessary.
Attending/hosting holiday parties:
• Do not drink and drive.
• If you are hosting a party, arrange alternate transportation for intoxicated guests.
• If you are attending a party, know your safe drink limit. If you exceed it, call a radio taxi or ask someone to drive you home.
• Do not hail a taxi on the street.
While shopping:
• Remember exactly where you parked your car. Make a mental note or write it down if necessary. Wandering around a parking garage or parking lot is an invitation for trouble.
• When shopping, carry only as many bags as you can comfortably control. Ensure that nothing can be easily snatched from your grasp. Do not bring bags to your car in order to make a second trip for shopping.
• Your wallet, keys, and cell phone should be in a secure location, and you should be especially wary of pickpockets. Have your keys out and ready as you approach your vehicle. Someone fumbling for keys with an armload of packages is a prime target for a mugging or carjacking.
• Be alert to your surroundings. If someone is watching you too closely, is following you, or is loitering near your vehicle, return to the store or contact the police and request help. Criminals often work in teams in order to divert a victim’s attention. Be wary of anyone who attempts to draw your attention away from your belongings and surroundings.
• If you're paying cash for your purchases, don't show any more cash than is necessary. Split up your money into different pockets.
• Keep just the credit cards you routinely use in your wallet. Keep any unused cards out of your wallet and in a safe place.



Happy Holidays!!
Contact information:
U.S. Embassy Quito
Avigiras E12-170 y Eloy Alfaro.
Phone (593-2) 398-5000
ACSQuito@state.gov

U.S. Consulate General Guayaquil
Avenida Jose Rodriguez Bonin and Calle Santa Ana, San Eduardo
Phone (593-4) 371-7000
ACSGuayaquil@state.gov

For additional information, please visit our website: https://ec.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/passports

Sunday, September 2, 2018

2018 South America spring forecast: Flooding rain to soak Peru, Ecuador

 2018 South America spring forecast: Drought may worsen Venezuela water crisis; Flooding rain to soak Peru, Ecuador
By Brian Lada, AccuWeather meteorologist and staff writer
August 29, 2018,
 Wet weather will be common from the southern coast of Brazil through Ecuador and Peru with heavy downpours threatening to cause flooding and landslides. Meanwhile, a persistent dry pattern from northeast Brazil through Venezuela will cause drought concerns to mount across the region. 

Drought may develop in northern Brazil, worsen in Venezuela
Dry conditions in the coming months will raise drought concerns across the northern reaches of South America this spring.
“Rainfall opportunities will become more infrequent during the season across the northern part of South America,” AccuWeather Lead Global Meteorologist Jason Nicholls said.
One factor contributing to the upcoming drier-than-normal spring is the developing El Niño.
El Niño occurs when water in the tropical Pacific Ocean rises to above-normal levels for an extended period of time, influencing the global weather pattern.
“The limiting of rainfall will lead to drought areas across Venezuela worsening and expanding into the Brazilian states of Roraima, Amapa, Para and portions of Maranhao. “
The building drought is likely to intensify the water crisis in Venezuela.

https://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/2018-south-america-spring-forecast-drought-may-worsen-venezuela-water-crisis-flooding-rain-to-soak-peru-ecuador/70005903

Monday, January 1, 2018

HNY 2018~ Ecuador Expat Journey - 'Crash Course' tour dates of 2018

Happy New Year 2018~ The first Ecuador Expat Journey - 'Crash Course' tour of 2018 is during Carnaval !!! And remember: our 'Crash Course' 2018 prices are same low price as 2017.

Has Ecuador been on your mind? This amazing country has been written about in many publications as 'the' country to visit in 2018.



Which makes it the perfect time to visit with us for our first tour of 2018, which is also during Carnaval! Starts February 12 for the 10 night signature 'Crash Course'. For those who have already enjoyed it---they will tell you it is called a 'Crash Course' for a reason. There is a lot of travel, information to share and people to meet.

We have the details in place for the February tour. Hurry to guarantee your reservation. Find us at:
http://www.ecuadorexpatjourneys.com/crash-course-tour

Take advantage of this opportunity to be part of the best group ever. 


Ecuador waits for you.
 We pack a lot into 10 days...

Our 'Crash Course' Tours For 2018:
FROM $2600 US DOUBLE OCCUPANCY
$1500 - SINGLE - PRIVATE ACCOMODATION
Loja/Vilcabamba extension: $225 per person (double), $250 (single)
February 12-21 (23), 2018
April 9 -18 (20) , 2018
July 16- 25 (27), 2018
Sept. 3 - 12 (14), 2018
Nov. 5 - 14 (16), 2018
(date with 2 day Loja & Vilcabamba extension added)
'Ecuador Expat Journeys' facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/EcuadorExpatJourneys/

 --comments - reviews--
Jyoti Naik · 29 NOV17-
"I enjoyed my trip with Ecuador Expat Journeys. Jonathan, Susana and Elaina are wonderful and took good care of us. They were always ready to help. We would have never h... See More
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Bill Heath · August 7, 2017-
"I could not have asked for a better experience during my 12 day tour with Ecuador Expat Journeys!! Every detail was perfectly planned and executed. Jonathan, ... See More
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'JJinEC' - 17 OCT16-
"On my first Tour with 'Ecuador Expat Journeys' - 'Crash Course' Back in OCT 2016, In just the first 1 - 2 days I was So Amazed and astounded by what I learned and had explained & shown to me about the ins and outs of Ecuador, and what really makes EC and it's people Tick.
I highly recommend this 'Crash Course' Tour for you, your friends & family.
I have lived & worked in EC full time for 10 years, and I have never seen any other Tour Operation put such a fully comprehensive package together, with so much effort and hard work into their Itinerary & Presentation of both The Mountains & the Coast of EC. at such a good value.
If you have any questions, feel free to call on me anytime, I hope to see you & yours on the next FEB or APRIL 2018 'CC' Tour~
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'All the Very Best on Your Endeavors in Ecuador'
~Journeyman Jack Abercrombie in Ecuador~
Cumbaya, Quito- ECUADOR S.A.
journeymanjack.com@gmail.com
Toll free from U.S. & Canada:
Mtn's: 770-828-7913, Coast: 770-776-6937,
Relocation Ecuador: http://JourneymanJack.com/

FB personal page: https://www.facebook.com/journeymanjack

Fb Travel Page: http://www.facebook.com/JourneymanJackinEcuador

Blog: http://journeymanjackinecuador.blogspot.com/

You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzl4rnxszGXGXEn-WY91hzg

Linked: https://ec.linkedin.com/in/jackabercrombie

twitter: https://twitter.com/JourneyJEcuador

My photos in Google+ / Picasa web albums: https://get.google.com/albumarchive/108089047953129234429?source=pwa

My google maps - saved places - frequented in EC: https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=212187393968777541090.000479e892ce8f4227992&msa=0

Photos of the Transport - Intro Vehicle: Kia K2700 Diesel 1.5 Ton 4wd / 4dr / half passenger van /
half truck: https://goo.gl/photos/YNfWxUoU1toAMpz9A

RELOCATION SERVICES TO ECUADOR - TOURS TO ECUADOR - JOURNEYMAN JACK:
http://latinamericacurrentevents.com/ecuador-relocation-and-tour-services-journeyman-jack-2/34635/
{Comprehensive Introductory / Exploratory Tours Custom Fitted to your Relocation wants and needs with Pre-Trip Planning, Reservations, Expats & Locals Meet Ups, Rentals / Realty, Survival Spanish, Intro to EC Customs & Culture, Translator, Shopping,....

(the following would come later if you decide EC is right for you)> Immigration, Residency Visas, Import / Export- Pets, Air Cargo, Vehicle & Home Inspections, Marriage Registration, Dual Citizenship, Dual Passports, Document Translations, Insurance, Healthcare, Law / Tax, Banking, Farm Land, Property & Site Management, Sea Container Shipping & Logistics, Security & Safety
 Measures, Finding Missing Persons In EC., Skype Video & Toll Free Tel. Consultations}

"The dogs were too big to fly from Quito to Cuenca, so we arranged to have them driven down by the
famous Journeyman Jack who specializes in relocation." http://www.cuencahighlife.com/an-expat-familys-move-to-cuenca-handling-the-details-and-settling-in/

"The best driving routes, and driving times in Ecuador"-
This week I had the pleasure to interview someone that knows the roads of Ecuador better than ANYONE I know. Jack Abercrombie, an American expat from Atlanta who has lived in Ecuador for over 9 years now and has a heavy-duty truck he uses to help expats move heavy loads of belongings within Ecuador. - See more at: http://ecuadorrealestate.org/driving-times-in-ecuador/#sthash.hO5THOOg.dpuf

"Jack Abercrombie, a well known tour guide-driver from Quito (the capital of Ecuador) was visiting the area for a few days and called for a gathering of friends at Fabiano's (our favorite pizza spot). He anticipated maybe 20-25 people. We ended the afternoon at over 40!- http://www.retiredincuenca.com/2014/05/cinco-de-mayo-mexican-holiday-in-ecuador.html

-Driving In Ecuador Vs The USA: 21 Major Differences-
"This week I had the chance to sit down with one guy who knows the roads of Ecuador better than anyone I know, Jack Abercrombie, a guy from Atlanta who has been living in Ecuador a few years now. He has a truck he uses to help new arrival expats in Ecuador move large loads of goods and pets within Ecuador.  You can reach him at:
http://ecuadorrealestate.org/driving-in-ecuador-vs-the-usa-21-major-differences/

"Some people choose jobs, some jobs choose people. Take “Journeyman Jack” Abercrombie. He’s based in Cumbaya, Ecuador, and is an expert on life as an expat the way few are. He can help you give birth to your dream of moving to Ecuador, facilitate the transition with ease- https://www.gringotree.com/do-you-have-an-exit-strategy/?goal=0_abb51ee8d2-78784da2fb-109772665

"At the time of the earthquake, Abercrombie was at home in Cumbaya, just east of Quito. Though he felt the earthquake, he did not feel the impact like those who suffered so much on the coast. Abercrombie — also known as “Journeyman Jack” — makes a living relocating people.... https://www.cuencahighlife.com/expats-help-rebuild-chapel-rio-canoa/

(PS) What is STEP? Benefits of Enrolling in STEP: The - Smart - Traveler - Enrollment - Program,
 (STEP) is a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals traveling abroad to enroll their
 trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.: https://step.state.gov/step/

(PSS) USA- Veterans Crisis Hot Line- 1-800-273-8255

I am also a team member of the Ecuador Expat Journeys - 'Crash Course' It is a Great outfit that 1,000's of Expats have used over the years, it is a predetermined comprehensive set route with other couples & singles. Begining in Quito, and on to N. Sierra Cayambe, Otavalo, Cotacachi,
Ibarra, back to the South & West to Middle of the World Park, Mindo Cloud Forest, and on to the Coast to~ Canoa - Manta - Pto. Lopez, Pto. Cayo, Salinas, GYE - Cajas National Park - Cuenca - Loja & Vilcabamaba.: http://www.ecuadorexpatjourneys.com/crash-course-tour

 I have lived and worked full time in EC for the past 10 yrs, (an Atlanta, GA native, arrived at 45 yrs old, now 55 yrs old) and am a dual EC / US Citizen based out of the Eastern Quito Suburb of Cumbaya to be near the UIO INT Airport, and I do custom fitted introductory tours throughout the country.

I would be glad to talk with you and help plan your EEJ / CC Group exploratory trip or a private 1 on 1 or small group / family trip to where you want to go directly to the locations that are of most interest you, and be able to custom fit your time while in EC.

Driving here and or being an innocent by stander passenger in EC is not like you could imagine from NA or any other 1 st world nations: “Every day on Ecuador's Road System 13 people are killed and 152 injured- 15 JAN 2015-Journeyman Jack in Ecuador- http://journeymanjackinecuador.blogspot.com/2015/01/every-day-on-ecuadors-road-system-13.html

The content in my web site, blog & videos on my You Tube Channel: "Journeyman Jack In Ecuador" & http://journeymanjack.com/ 
are provided for informational purposes only. Use the information found in these formats as a starting point for conducting your own research and conduct your own due diligence BEFORE making any significant Relocation or Investing decisions.
"Journeyman Jack In Ecuador" & http://journeymanjack.com/ assumes all information to be truthful and reliable; however, I cannot and do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy of this information, things change in EC on a weekly and sometimes daily basis.
Thank You,
'JJinEc'