Sunday, June 9, 2013

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

August 2013-photography tour(s) of Ecuador by Glenn R. Specht

Ecuador, Paradise for Photographers

 This Page is under construction….

actually this part of my site is going for a complete rebuild as I change my Focus in this part of what I do.  I have left a lot of the old pages available, but things are changing and being revamped. If you have any questions about Ecuador, or Photography let me know,

August 2013-photography tour(s) of Ecuador

050112-105I have a few weeks off from school and I plan to spend the time photographing Ecuador…especially parts I have not taken the time to photograph before.
The purpose of this tour is to produce images for my stock site… Travel Stock by Glenn Specht so it will be geared towards the best shots possible with limited time.  Right now, my goal is to produce 20-30 saleable images a day.  If you are a travel or stock shooter you know that this is might be a difficult target to achieve. http://photo-tours.glennspecht.com/wp/

Saturday, June 1, 2013

ECUADOR NEWS MAGAZINE: Ecuador,Puerto López declared as a protective tour...

ECUADOR NEWS MAGAZINE: Ecuador,Puerto López declared as a protective tour...: Ecuador news magazine - Quito, May 23, Andes - Puerto López, a county in the coastal province of Manabí, Ecuador news magazine - Quito, May 23, Andes - Puerto López, a county in the coastal province of Manabí, was declared as a protected area for tourism. “This declaration will allow the state, through the Ministry of Tourism, to make an integrated plan for its land, buildings, utilities and natural areas in order to work towards sustainable tourism,” stated Freddy Ehlers from the Ministry of Tourism.

Friday, May 31, 2013

Three tickets to Paradise by Deborah A. Brookhart

Book Description

May 13, 2013
After a man loses both his full-time and part-time jobs within a month of each other and cannot find employment, he decides to cash in his 401k and move to Ecuador. This is the story of how he, his wife and teenage daughter, along with a dog and cat, deal with language barriers, "gringo rates" for items, a crazy builder, and a home invasion where the wife was pistol-whipped.*******Caution: contains adult language, including the F-bomb**********

Olon Again...Naturally: Cuenca Again

Olon Again...Naturally: Cuenca Again:

Friday, May 31, 2013

Cuenca Again

May 31, 2013

I’m back in Cuenca for a week or so to take care of on-going eye problems.
I saw my eye doctor yesterday and I am scheduled to have cataract surgery next Tuesday. Both of my eyes have cataracts, but the left eye is down to 20% vision, so that one will be operated on first.  This is the same eye that I had laser surgery on about 8 months ago to repair a torn retina, and because I had Lasik surgery done on my eyes about ten years ago, the surgery will be a little more complicated than normal cataract removal.

I have a lot of confidence in my eye doctor here in Cuenca, and looking forward to being able to see again.  I don’t know what cataract surgery costs in the States now, but the cost of this procedure here is going to cost $1200 - $1500, depending on what type of lens is needed (to be determined during the operation).
 


The Festival of Corpus Christi started yesterday. It is a weeklong celebration that includes fireworks, bands, a multitude of the stands selling dulces, and other festivities.  It’s always fun to wonder around El Centro and Parque Caldron during these holidays.
 
 
 
 
 

In fact, it seems like every time we are in Cuenca, there is some type of holiday celebration happening, generally rooted in some religious observance (during our last trip here, it was during Palm Sunday weekend), and I love that Ecuadorians embrace merriment at the drop of a “Panama” hat.*http://leighfrost-olon.blogspot.com/2013/05/cuenca-again.html

Taken during last visit to Cuenca
during Palm Sunday weekend.
  

Ecuador Expat Bloggers: Blog Update -- May 2013

Friday, May 31, 2013

Blog Update -- May 2013

Here are new bloggers (at least that I've just found) to add to the roll.  Quite a few of these blogs are from peace corps volunteers (PCV), and there are also blogs from missionaries.  I was able to compile this list using the resources from Ecuador News Magazine which has done an amazing job of collecting all of the blogging information.  And there are also new bloggers from the expat population detailing their move from their old home to Ecuador.

Enjoy!

http://ecuadorschmits2012.blogspot.com/

http://journeymanjackinecuador.blogspot.com/

http://www.retire-in-ecuador.com/retirement-in-ecuador-blog.htmlAnd many more:....http://ecuadorexpatbloggers.blogspot.com/2013/05/blog-update-may-2013.html

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

So, You Want to Retire in Cuenca Ecuador…

So, You Want to Retire in Cuenca Ecuador…
So here is that all important question…
Do you really want to retire in Cuenca, Ecuador?

Don’t Believe Everything You Hear About Cuenca Ecuador….


  • It will cost at least $1000 a month to live in Ecuador (You cannot live on $600 per month). When I say live, I mean more than just exist. Living means seeing a show now and then, eating out once in a while, living in a place that has walls and a roof. Having internet access and satellite TV. Maybe hot water for your morning shower would be nice. Rents and real estate prices are going up. Be aware of these things. Arriving with not enough money will turn your dream into a real nightmare.
  • You really need to speak a little Spanish in order to relate to the locals. Learn how to order food and how to ask directions. Take a class for goodness sake.
  • The residency Visa process is not a piece of cake. It will be tedious and frustrating. Get help if you need it.
  • Learn about the local culture and respect the local culture. Don’t expect to find some little USA when you move here. This is Ecuador.
  • Calm down, slow down, and quiet down….. Do not bring that ego and “better than everyone else attitude” with you. Arrogance is a very unattractive trait. You will be a guest in this country, so try to act that way.
  • Rent for the first year. Ecuador is a big country. There are beautiful coastal towns like Manta (pictured below) and beautiful mountain communities like Quito or Cuenca Ecuador. Do not buy property right away. Slow down. Look at everything first. Get a feel for this place.
  • If you think that those International Magazines you are reading are telling you the whole truth, think again. A lot of them are selling seminars, books, and real estate. Get your info from more than just one or two sources. Read local blogs and get in touch with some of the local groups on Facebook. Talk to people who are living in Ecuador. Be careful.
  • You must visit before you move to Ecuador. If you cannot afford to visit Ecuador then you cannot afford to live in Ecuador.
  • You have choices. Ecuador is not the be all end all place. There are a lot of great places in the world to live. Keep your mind open.
  • http://www.ecuadorgeorge.com/cuenca-ecuador-3/#.UaPyFcwovHg.facebook 

Cuenca Ecuador
Coastal city of Manta Ecuador