A devastating 7.8 Magnitude earthquake struck Ecuador the evening of April 16, 2016

Journeyman Jack in Ecuador

1 hr ·

When on bended knee Please remember our Ecuadorian Masonic Brothers down in SA. as well as our NA Brothers living and practicing the craft abroad in Ecuador, ~JJIEC~

Cuenca Wayfarers Lodge #69
"--Earthquake Appeal:

A devastating 7.8 Magnitude earthquake struck Ecuador the evening of April 16, 2016. Hundreds are dead, many thousands are without homes. The need is acute. With the urging and approval of the Grand Master, CWL #69 has established a PayPal account to receive contributions for those desiring to help. All the money will go to assist our brother Masons and Ecuadorians in need of assistance. Three temples have been destroyed, businesses owned by brothers or which employ brothers have likewise been destroyed. Please pass this information along and post it on your social media accounts:
cuencawayfarers69@gmail.com
Here is a photograph of the remains of Renacer Alfarista Lodge #58 in Manta, Ecuador. The red drape in the background is the only item recovered from the lodge.

Fraternally,
Ron Watkins WM
https://freemasonsincuenca.wordpress.com/
==================================================================
The Following Comments by ~JJiEC~

 ~All you need is Ecuador, and all Ecuador needs is YOU!~...
...(Is for) YOU To Not cancel out your vacation & travel plans for this Year due to our
SAT 16 APR16 MAG. 7.8 EQ!!....

"Many hands make light work" -
Prov. 'If everyone helps with a large task, it will get done
easily and quickly. Cleaning up the banquet room won't take
 long if we all help; many hands make light ...'

~All the Very Best on Your Endeavors into, around and out of Ecuador~

 The little light house beacon 'El Faro' is still standing in Bahia de Caraquez:) Glad to know my non- demolished photos are liked and appreciated.

~Where there is hope, there is faith. Where there is faith, there is miracles happen.~

"Winners are not people who never fail, but people who never quit,

"A dream written down with a date becomes a goal. A goal broken down into steps becomes a plan.
A plan backed by action makes your dreams come true,"

'Don’t talk, just act. Don’t say, just show. Don’t promise, just prove',

-"Success in life comes when you simply refuse to give up, with goals so strong that obstacles,  failure, and loss only act as motivation..."
— at Bahia de Caraquez - Manabí, ECUADOR - S.A.~~

7.8 M. EarthQuake ECUADOR S.A. 16 APR 2016

~All you need is Ecuador, and all Ecuador needs is YOU!~...
...(Is for) YOU To Not cancel out your vacation & travel plans for this Year due to our
SAT 16 APR16 MAG. 7.8 EQ!!....
 


 "Many hands make light work" -
Prov. 'If everyone helps with a large task, it will get done
easily and quickly. Cleaning up the banquet room won't take
 long if we all help; many hands make light ...'

~All the Very Best on Your Endeavors into, around and out of Ecuador~


All of my Services, web & blog links, articles, photos,
 videos, references, info and contact
 tel. #'s - US & EC. are all below:

Jack Abercrombie,
Quito- ECUADOR
journeymanjack.com@gmail.com
see Ecuador: http://JourneymanJack.com/

toll free from U.S. & Canada:
770-828-7913,
Ecuador Off: 02-380-4088,
Claro: 098-806-6508,
Movistar: 098-743-3009,
Whatsapp: 593-97-872-3921,
Talk free on "skype" user name: "Jack.Abercrombie"

call Iridium Satellite Phone from the US & Canada:
011-8816-2146-2897, (In Emergency)
 call Iridium Satellite Phone from within EC:
00-8816-2146-2897, (In Emergency)

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

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

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

Linked: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jackabercrombie

twitter: https://twitter.com/CatManDoTractor

Karatbars Int. Self Funding, Self Perpetuating, Off-Shore
Gold Savings Program: https://www.karatbars.com/landing/?s=journeymanjack

JourneymanJack 100% positive feedback (1205*) eBay member since 12 NOV 2003:
http://www.ebay.com/usr/journeymanjack

My photos in Google+ / Picasa web albums:
 http://picasaweb.google.com/journeymanjack.com

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

Photos of the Transport - Tour Vehicle: 2011 Kia K2700 Diesel 1.5 Ton 4wd / 4dr / half passenger van / half truck: https://goo.gl/photos/YNfWxUoU1toAMpz9A

Journeyman Jack in Ecuador Tours, Van Service & Gen. Transport:
 (ecuador craigslist > services offered > travel/vacation services)

"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 7 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

RELOCATION SERVICES TO ECUADOR - TOURS TO ECUADOR - JOURNEYMAN JACK:
http://latinamericacurrentevents.com/ecuador-relocation-and-tour-services-journeyman-jack-2/34635/
{Custom Fitted Pre-Trip Planning, Reservations, Immigration, Residency, Pets Import / Export / Air Cargo,
Vehicle & Home Inspections, Marriage Registration, Dual Citizenship, Dual Passports, Document Translations / Translator, 

Survival Spanish Lessons, Insurance, Healthcare, Law / Tax, Banking,

 Farm Land, Property & Site Management, Rentals, Realty, Expat Meet Ups, Shopping, 

Sea Container Shipping & Logistics, Security & Safety Measures, Skype Video Or Tel. Consultations}

Olon Again...Naturally: Cribbage in the Wind - Part 2 Sun. March 27, 2016

Olon Again...Naturally: Cribbage in the Wind - Part 2: March 27, 2016 This week is “Semana Santa” and we’re entering into the end-zone of season finale during “high time” along the Ecuado...

....And then, I guess last but not least…the cat is
out of the bag.

I sold my lot in Olón a few weeks ago, and am
making plans to return to the States.

This is not a last minute decision, but one I have
been gearing up to do for some time.

I am so grateful for the time I have had on this
adventure here, but after six years, I am ready to come home.

I miss my family – probably the biggest factor
that lures expats back.

It was not an easy decision, but the right one for
me.  And I never thought that Ecuador
would be my final “landing spot” anyway. 
I figured 5-7 years here, and I’ve lived in Olón six (out of eight years).

But as the time moves closer to my departure,
coming to terms with leaving this place I love so much, and saying “good-bye”
to the wonderful friends I have made (locals and expats)…I find myself
alternately excited and melancholy.

And scared. I don’t kid myself that the transition
back to the States is going to be difficult, and probably more of a “culture
shock” than the adjustments made when I moved here.

One of the first posts I ever wrote on this blog
was called “Cribbage in the Wind” about the preparation of moving to
Ecuador.  It was tough!

But I'm finding it tougher to leave here than I expected.

I will still be writing posts here as I make this
transition.

Finding airlines to Ecuador that are "large dog friendly." 03 FEB 2016

Ms. Carmen weighs a good 55-60#'s she flew in the Cabin w/ Mom & Dad as a "Certified Emotional Support / Service Animal" the 1st of FEB 2016 from W. Coast via American Airlines, connected into MIA to UIO.



Late night arrival 10:38pm we lodged at Pet Friendly Quito Airport Suites- http://airporthotelquito.com/



  and the next morning 10 hrs ride to Cuenca down the AV of Volcanos. checked into Pet Friendly Otorongo (long stay) Hotel Apts.: http://www.hotelotorongo.com/#!



GYE is under 4 hrs if you can make that happen for your flight plans. Jorge Lopez can provide Pet Friendly Lodging:
www.gyebnb.com 

 
 
 & do the Ground Transport from GYE to Cuenca or Coast.:
www.ecvantransportation.com



-Delta will no longer allow pets to travel with checked luggage-
Published: Nov 17, 2015- You won’t be able to check your dog with your suitcase on Delta flights.

Delta Air Lines stated on its website that it will no longer allow customers to check their pets with their baggage after March 1, 2016,- http://www.marketwatch.com/story/delta-will-no-longer-allow-pets-to-travel-with-checked-luggage-2015-11-17?dist=tbeforebell

For several years I Transport Expats, Pets & Baggage into & out of the Cuenca area to & from Quito (UIO) Airport area a few times a month. See Photos Transport - Tour Vehicle: 2011 Kia K2700 Diesel 1.5 Ton 4wd / 4dr / half van / half truck: https://goo.gl/photos/YNfWxUoU1toAMpz9A

If your "Large dog" will not fit into a Series #500 (XLarge) Air Kennel: 39″L x 26″W x 30″H OUTSIDE Dimensions (Advertised size) INSIDE Dimensions (usable capacity) 35″L x 24″W x 29″H
Recommended for: Afghans, Labrador Retrievers, Pointers, Shepherds, Rottweilers, Samoyed, Siberian Huskies; http://www.dryfur.com/shipping_container_guide.htm

...the next air kennel size up is the Series #700 (Giant) for Bull Mastiffs & other Large Breeds, this size Dog is too big to go as check baggage with most of the major airlines. It will need to go as "Air Cargo", Lord Guau w/ offices in Quito, Cuenca & Guayaquil can manage that: http://www.lordguau.com/

The terminology of flying the dog as "check baggage in air kennel below method" & "Air Cargo" are 2 very different scenarios.

If you are able to go "Certified Emotional Support / Service Animal" or w/ check baggage below method, and were to arrive into Quito / UIO. I will be glad to help get You, "Large dog" & Gear on down to Cuenca.

~Thank You once for considering my Guide to EC Services~
      ~All the Very Best on Your Endeavors in Ecuador~
Jack Abercrombie,
Cumbaya, Quito- ECUADOR
http://JourneymanJack.com/
journeymanjack.com@gmail.com

Do many Expats pursue dual citizneship in Ecuador- 02 MAR 2016

I know of 25 - 30 North Aamerican Expats that have completed the Naturalization process & gained EC Citizenship over the years.

It is totally fine with the US State Dept. to have dual citizenship, you lose no rights & privileges with the US Embassy & Citizen Services.: 


--"Dual Nationality and Loss of Citizenship-

Dual Nationality- What it is:

"The Supreme Court of the United States has stated that dual nationality is “a status long recognized in the law” and that “a person may have and be subject to the responsibilities of both.  The mere fact that he asserts the rights of one citizenship does not mean that he renounces the other”, Kawakita v. U. S., 343 U.S. 717 (1952).<read more> http://ecuador.usembassy.gov/service/living-in-ecuador/dual-nationality-and-loss-of-citizenship.html

 I just felt like if I were going to try to assimilate and be all the Ecuadorian I could be, it was the best thing for me to do.
It is a personal decision, and may not be for everyone.

I was sworn in 21 APR 2014, and shortly after had my Andean Community ECUADOR Passport.

 

 My US Passport Expired SEP 2015, So I went down to the US Embassy in Quito, The Capitol Of EC and renewed it in about 10 days time in AUG 2015:

 

 

....and did not have to deal with getting my EC Resident Visa re-approved and transferred / placed into the new US Passport.
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Here is an article from Dom Buonamici's Newsletter from 30 JUN 2015-

--"Ecuador dual citizenship myths debunked- How to get around the 90 day rule"--

"There's really only one simple requirement that qualifies you for an Ecuadorian second passport (aka Ecuador dual citizenship)... you need 3 years of permanent residency after getting any of the resident visas and obtaining your "cedula" ID card.

In fact, I was told by my source in immigration you can actually apply after about 2 and a half years.

That's it!  By far the easiest South American passport to obtain!

But there is a lot of mis-information out there on this subject, mainly us gringos regurgitating random stuff we read on online forums. 

1. Will getting dual Ecuadorian citizenship cause me to lose my original citizenship and passport?  No!  Not if you are from a country that allows and recognizes dual citizens like the USA, Canada, Ecuador and Great Britain to name a few. 

2. Will getting Ecuador dual citizenship create an EXTRA tax burden for me?  No. Ecuador like most countries not named THE US...tax only income made in Ecuador, doesn't even matter what nationality the person that makes it is, if you are given an official Ecuadorian purchase receipt (factura) you have to pay tax to Ecuador on it.  If not, no.  Ecuador does not tax foreign made income.

3. Isn't Ecuador one of those mandatory military service states?  Actually yes, it is, but T.I.E. my friend (this is Ecuador)... to get out of it all an Ecuadorian male has to do is pay a tiny fine (last I heard it was well under $200).  And truth be told, they would only be interested in you and possibly enforce it if you were 18-21 anyway.  In fact, its not at all like the US, or like you think, there is actually a surplus of demand from locals to join the forces, and many who want to join are left out!  Really!  There just aren't that many spots. 

Now the biggest, baddest two myths that prevent most us gringos from even trying...

4. Isn't there a new law that states you must be out of the country for a maximum of 90 days TOTAL for the three years prior to applying for residency?  Actually, this is CORRECT, BUT T.I.E. my friend (this is Ecuador), I know you probably think like a gringo and everything is black or white, right or wrong, I get it, I do too.  But this is Ecuador, the land where who you know and what you know often prevails.  For instance, to get around this one in a totally legit, legal way you can right a letter and submit with your application explaining the extenuating circumstances that caused you to be out of country more than the time allotment.  For example, a death, a health issue, etc... of course substantiated by apostilled proof from a doctor or whatnot helps.  Its not a given they would pass it, but its possible, one ecuadorian immigration official working in the Quito citizenship office informed me THIS MONTH, June 2015 in Quito.  I would personally apply in Quito too, not Cuenca, they just seem nicer.   

5. Isn't there a nasty verbal exam of my Spanish level?  No!  The exam is actually WRITTEN, which makes it MUCH easier, yes, it is in Spanish, but with some test prep like the guide I'm offering today you should be fine.  You will have to sing the Ecuadorian hym, but that is when you have ALREADY been accepted and you won't be by yourself,.  But with everyone else sworn in that day so I'm sure you could find a way to 'fake it til you make it' like you did back in high school choir class.  As for the written exam, the official told me you really have to B#MB it to fail it and yes, they'd let you take it again.  They just want to see some effort.  He also said the older you are the less they expect you to speak decent Spanish.  So NO, there is no verbal exam but yes, some basic Spanish chit-chat would be nice to know going in, you know, stuff you can learn in a few weeks of Spanish lessons. 

To share this post on Facebook copy and paste the link... http://ecuadorrealestate.org/ecuador-dual-citizenship-how-to-get-around-the-90-day-rule/

And due to popular demand, I've decided to extend FOR ONE MORE DAY UNTIL MIDNIGHT TONIGHT my almost half-priced PRE-RELEASE SPECIAL UNTIL MIDNIGHT TONIGHT JUN 30 of my newest Ecuador Insiders Guide... The 2015 Ecuador Citizenship&Second Passport Test lil' Cheat Sheet 

Did you know after 3 years of residency in Ecuador you can apply for an Ecuador passport and dual citizenship?

But like in most countries, you will have to pass a simple test based off Ecuador's history, culture and geography... 

But don't worry it's now made easier than ever! 

Everything dumbed-down and simplified!  Just what you need to know.

Learn from the direct notes of one person that has actually passed the test and from another who is a true expert on the subject who has helped foreigners pass the exam for over 20 years! 

Also, one section of the guide is about EXACTLY what to expect during the exam, no more surprises! 

Study up, pass the test, get second passport.  Just like when you were back in college.  

This is an instantly downloadable ebook that you will be emailed when released later today on JUNE 30.  

Normal price when released $39.95... order now before release date for just $24.95!  CLICK HERE TO ORDER NOW AT THE SPECIAL PRE-ORDER PRICE.: https://gumroad.com/l/uoQC#

Imagine the "let down and disappointment" this could save from living in Ecuador three years in part to get the second passport and then not pass the test!

 by Dom Buonamici, dombuon@gmail.com, Quito Airport Suites- A hotel just minutes from the new Quito UIO airport, your ideal jump-off point in Ecuador.: http://airporthotelquito.com/
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This info is going on 9 months old, I know of no significant changes currently at time of this blog post.
....of course interpretation of the visa requirements & the naturalization process is apt to change from time to time, as the administrators of the various ministries tend to play musical chairs each year. ....and of course we have a Presidential election coming up on 19 FEB 2017, that I will be voting in~

I was 45 yrs old when I arrived in 2008, and am now 53, I haven't married here, but have a long time Ecuadorian Sweety Pie. I did not want to pursue Naturalization through the Matrimonio avenue.

 

...as my 91 yr old GrandMother Margarita Smith Abercrombie Raptis (05 MAR 1920) says: "To each his (or her) own"

  I just went with the wait my time & patience route, ....of course everyone's circumstances are a little different.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Here is an update with more from Dom Buonamici-
Ecuador Dual Citizenship guidelines & Gov Fees for 2015:

--"I was helping him out, and here is the exact process you need to follow to get your second Ecuadorian passport.

1. After at least 2 and a half years of residency (technically they say 3 years but my contact who works in the Quito office told me you can really apply after 2 and a half years from the day you get your Ecuador cedula or ID card) you can apply for the dual citizenship which gets you an Ecuadorian Passport. You can not be out of the country during those first 2 and a half years a total of more than 90 days, but you can apply for citizenship anyway even if you pass this limit but you'll have to submit a letter stating why you passed the limit and hope they still sign off on it.

2. Gather the requirements.
- Birth certificate, apostilled and translated to Spanish.
- Passport color copy of the passport where you have the residency visa stamp. Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity.
-Color copy of Ecuadorian Cedula(ID card).
- Get document from civil registry (registro civil) that states first date of cedula (tarjeta indice de filiacion que dice la primera fecha de cedulacion)
- Certificate of compliance (Certificado de cumplimiento de obligaciones) from the SRI (IRS of Ecuador) stating you are up-to-date on any taxes.
- Certificate of compliance (Certificado de cumplimiento de obligaciones) from your local Municipality stating you are up-to-date on any taxes.
- Certificate of compliance (Certificado de cumplimiento de obligaciones) from the IESS social security system of Ecuador stating you are up-to-date on any payments.
- Police record from all the countries (including Ecuador) where you've lived the last 5 years. They are currently accepting only federal level checks from countries with a federal government, for Americans, that means an FBI check, apostilled.
- Migratory movement card, obtained in Ecuadorfrom immigration for $4. (Movimiento Migratorio)
- 4 color passport sized photos.
- Proof of Ecuador solvency: Like a bank certificate, bank statements last three months, for business owners the monthly sales tax declarations, copies of the title (escritura) of any property or businesses you own in Ecuador or a copy of your rental contract properly inscribed in the rental agency (Juzgado de Inquilinato).

3. In person, they require you submit your documentation in Quito in the Immigration office (Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores) on 10 de agosto. You can also submit in Guayaquil.

4. You'll be called in within a few months to take a written exam in Spanish on basic Ecuadorian history. it is not pass/fail, it is just to put in your file, and they would like to see some effort. It is not verbal in anyway but they reserve the right to do some verbal questions if they wish (but they usually don't according to my contact).

5. Upon acceptance of application you must publish an ad in local paper announcing your new citizenship.

6. You will then be called in with all the others that day accepted into Ecuadorian citizenship to sing the national hymn (together, not solo) and confirm your new citizenship. You will need to bring three Ecuadorian witnesses. You can then go get your Ecuadorian passport.

Duration: about 6 months.

Cost: $200 application fee, $500 acceptance fee, approx $403 publication fee, $285 Civil Registry fee. All fees are one-time-only, but Ecuador citizenship is for life unless you renounce it. These costs are the cheapest you can do it for without using an attorney.

Total: Appox $1300.

And to prep for the test, simplifying it and giving you just what you need-to-know, which has remained in the same format for many years now and probably won't change anytime soon, try my new guide to the Ecuador Citizenship test. It is an immediate download and won't be widely available on the Internet for now after this email.

Hasta pronto, and please remember for general Ecuador questions I can only answer if you ask via the Q&A forum,

By Dom Buonamici
Quito Airport Suites- A hotel just minutes from the new Quito UIO airport, your ideal jump-off point in Ecuador.: http://airporthotelquito.com/

 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
~All the Very Best on Your Endeavors in Ecuador~
          http://JourneymanJack.com/

If you need any help aid or assistance in investigating or relocating to EC. Please do keep me in mind:)
 Thank you!
Jack Abercrombie,
Quito- ECUADOR
journeymanjack.com@gmail.com
toll free from U.S. & Canada:
770-828-7913,
Ecuador Off: 02-380-4088,
Claro: 098-806-6508,
Movistar: 098-743-3009,
Whatsapp: 593-98-579-0109,
Talk free on "skype" user name:
 "Jack.Abercrombie"

 

Best Blog Cuenca Ecuador 2016 by "Ecuador George" 29 FEB 2016

 Best Blog Cuenca Ecuador 2016



--"So, I have taken a very unscientific poll and below are some of the reasons people gave as to why they go back… Enjoy.

The language barrier is to difficult to overcome
Wandering spirit
Never intended to stay forever
Unable to adapt.
Lack of convenience
Failed marriage
I miss Costco
Unable to change the culture to suit them
Can’t flush the toilet paper
Locals lie about everything
Can’t adjust to the local culture
Poor expectation management
Health problems/altitude sickness
Miss closeness of family members
Fear of the local culture
Miss my golf buddies and playing
Good booze is too expensive
Miss family holidays
Originally misled by national retirement publications
Spouse threatened divorce
Cost to much to visit family in country of origin
Birth of a grandchild
Employment opportunity
The non achiever culture bothered me every day
To much gossip
Retail shopping is not good here
Everything moves so slow I became uncomfortable....read more:

 http://www.ecuadorgeorge.com/best-blog-cuenca-ecuador-2016/#.VtUPIPDXLv8.facebook



 Congrats to "Ecuador George" on being Gringo Post's 2016 Top Gun Blogger for Cuenca!!

The Bowen Knot ⌘: OMGosh...Were We Given Cocaine in Cuenca, Ecuador?...

The Bowen Knot ⌘: OMGosh...Were We Given Cocaine in Cuenca, Ecuador?...: Mate
de Coca (pronounced: mah-tay day coh-cah, translated: Coca Tea) is a
very regular part of life in the Andes. For thousands of years the
indigenous peoples of the region have chewed the leaves, which
continue to play physical, economic, social, and spiritual roles in
the local communities as they have since ancient times.



 Today the
plant is still noted for its use in both daily life and in cultural
celebrations as well as its capabilities to diminish sensations of
hunger, increase feelings of energy during long days of work, and act
as an anesthetic. We were introduced to coca in the form of a
beverage as a combatant of altitude sickness (seriously, a
lot of
people offered or recommended coca tea), another of its famed and
historical claims. Many sources point out that... http://thebowenknot.blogspot.com/2016/02/omgoshwere-we-given-cocaine-in-cuenca.html