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

My Day at Fast-Brakes = Rapi-Frenos / The Brake-O of Quito, Ecuador

by Admin: JourneymanJack- 01 JUL 2014 {HIRE ACT FATCA / FatCat Day}

 

 Time for my every 6 month safety & emissions inspection, only way for me to pass is to have one of the approved brake shops guarantee & vouch- all round, front pads, rear shoes, chg. Brake fluid, new calipers-$330. At Fast - Brakes — at Rapifrenos.

  Rapi-Frenos is the Brake-O of Quito, and use Ceramic pads & shoes, and they turned my drums & rotors, it is a 1.5 Ton Rated Truck,

   I would hate to think what a Ford F-450 complete brake job would go for back in GA, I'd imagine, w/ inflation accounted for triple this $329.20

   The main thing is when I go for my safety & emissions inspection this month, (every 6 months) they put me on the same dynamo as a 90ft bus / tractor trailers & tandem dump trucks and expect me to retard it w/ equal force.

   So naturally I get failed every time after camping out all night to be near the front of the line. (and get to do it all over again) I can get there at midnight - 01:00am and there are all ready 50 - 75 trucks waiting for the 7:30 - 8am open up time.

 

   There are only 2 Med & Big Truck check stations in Quito, Carapunga In the N. (nearest me) & Sangolqui in the S.

  ...The light duty mini vans & trucks like 4door's toyo hilux, mazda, d-max diesel, vw amarok, SUV's, cars & motorcycles are supposed to go only once a yr to the normal car check stations all around town 8 or 10 of them, unless they have some special licenses & permits.

  There are 10 of these Rapi-Frenos Shops around Quito, I met the owner of this particular shop in Calderon about 10 blocks from the Carapungo check station.

 

   If I come back in 10 days to 100km's (after the messy brake fluid bleeding job dries up) He promises a 90 day warranty and to pass the inspection,

 ..and to even go to bat for me at the check station. The check station wants the brakes adjusted down so tight, that the truck nearly stalls out & struggles to take off in first gear! (thats rediculous!!) Adding unnecessary wear & tear on the clutch & drive train. 

  The truck is near 3 yrs old this month, approaching 60,000 km's = 37,200 miles. Bought new from KIA Dealership at Sta. Lucia & 6 DIC. N. Quito, back in JUL 2011.

  I have a 5 yr or 100k km's warranty, as long as I do an every 5,000km service contract with them, so far so good.

  The oil changes & front end alignments run about $125.00 the alternating major services every 10k km's run from $250 to $500. on a graduating scale.

  I try not to use the truck for anything personal, much. I catch a cab, bus and ride a little 100cc Suzuki for close by runs as much as possible to keep the klics down so the warranty yrs will hopefully run out about the same time as klicks JUL 2016.

  I have all ways done my own brakes & routine maintenance up until I left GA. I have done more Comm truck air brake jobs than med & light duty hydraulic truck brakes.

  These guys took a ball peen hammer to my back drums trying to get them off until I come out of waiting room and told them there were 2 set screws that needed taking out first...?

 

  I could have went to a shade tree guy or done it myself for the $200. range, in both cases I would have been riding the scooter around hunting for parts, and would have taken a couple of days, and truck out of my possession & eyesight if I went w/ a shade tree shop..

  You really do not want to leave your vehicle in just any old shop overnight, you can wind up getting some parts changed out that you did not intend to.

  These folks did get me in and out in about 4 hrs. (which is lightening fast for EC!) I kept one eye on the USA / Belgium world cup game, and one eye on the brake experts:)

...and they were ready, this was my original shoes on back, and my 2nd set of pads in 60k km's could have made it through another 90 days or so before getting into the early warning tab.

 

  These ole Andes Mountains do a number on some brakes, in a hurry! I should be back in the ole swing of my own brake jobs and routine maintenance before my warranty runs out, and I reach some sort of understanding with the check station officials, poss-ee-blee??? http://www.rapi-frenos.com.ec/index.html

Ancient Sumerians In Ecuador: The Father Crespi Mystery…2014

Ancient Sumerians In Ecuador: The Father Crespi Mystery…

In the Amazonian Ecuadorian region called Morona Santiago there is a very deep cavern, known in Spanish as Cueva de los Tayos (Cave of the Oilbirds). According to some researchers the true discoverer of the huge archaeological treasures of the Cueva de los Tayos was not the Hungarian Juan Moricz, but rather the Salesian priest Carlo Crespi (1891-1982), a native of Milan, Italy....read more: http://hiddenincatours.com/ancient-sumerians-in-ecuador-the-father-crespi-mystery/

Tax Intelligence: New IRS offshore amnesty program- Monday, June 9, 2014

Tax Intelligence: New IRS offshore amnesty program: The IRS is now working on creating a path specifically for otherwise honest people who want to comply with their U.S. tax obligations, ...

FATCA. If you
hold assets over $50,000 in a bank account or any other kind of
financial assets outside the US during the year, you need to report it.
This reporting goes with your regular income tax return deadline April
15. IRS imposes a penalty of $10,000 if you fail reporting and $10,000
for each month thereafter up to a maximum of $60,000. Criminal charges may also apply.

FBAR. If
you hold assets over $10,000 in a bank account or any other kind of
financial assets outside the US during the year, you need to report it.
This reporting requirement is in addition to FATCA. FBAR reporting goes
separately of your income tax return and its deadline is June 30. It is
an online filing only. IRS imposes a penalty of $10,000 if you
unwillfully omit this reporting. If wilfully, you will be subject to a
penalty of $100,000 or 50% of your holdings in foreign accounts,
whatever is greater. Criminal charges may also apply.

If you find yourself in non-compliance with these regulations for
previous years, there are some remedies that you can benefit from...read more: http://taxintelligence.blogspot.com/2014/06/new-irs-offshore-amnesty-program.html

"So, is Quito really as dangerous in comparison to Cuenca as the internet sometimes* wants* me to believe?"--

  "So, is Quito really as dangerous in comparison to Cuenca as the internet sometimes* wants* me to believe?"--

By Jack Abercrombie Hi Neighbors, 
 
--No--not really--(IMHO) --

I have lived / rented in & based out of Quito since SEP 2008 to be near the UIO to get my clients in and out easily. I go to Cuenca several times a year on business and have many good friends there, that absolutely Love it!

"Is Quito more dangerous than Chicago?"--
--(IMHO) No, not if you know the ropes and various sectors & hoods-- My Uncle that lives off and on in Cotacachi, lived in Glynn Ellen & worked out of Addison (CHI) for 25 yrs, I visited him often in the Greater Chicago Metro Area, we would also shop at the huge farmers mkt in downtown CHI.

"Is Quito & Cuenca particularly more dangerous for expats?" --Trick Question-- 

 (IMHO) --It is dangerous for Expats & Ecuadorians both, if they do not use a healthy amount of situational awareness.

"Can anyone who lives there give me some potential points as to Quito might be better than Cuenca?"
 
--No, not really (IMHO)...

Everyone's experience is different, MPG vary from one to another / beholder, but they are 2 totally different animals / apples & oranges, but -yes they are both UNESCO World heritage site cites..

 

Cuenca is Big- 600k pop, - Quito is Huge- 2million pop, they both have 'Pro' strong points, they both have 'Cons' and various community's & neighborhoods you may would want to turn your situational awareness up a notch or 2:)

 

It is all ways recommended to come for an exploratory visit and see for yourself first hand / boots on the ground.
..but some folks cannot afford to do that, or simply don't care to, but that usually clears up a lot of the variance in the ole MPG perception thing.

If I knew more about your background and asked you about 4-5 questions back at you, I may could clear things up for you a little. I clock about 20,000 km's per year throughout most of lil ole EC, I don't just stay put in my little Mtn. Town or Fishing Village neighborhood.:)

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

-All the Very Best on Your Endeavors in Ecuador-
My Services, web & blog links, articles, photos,
 videos, references, info and contact
 tel. #'s - US & EC. are all below:

Thank You,
Jack Abercrombie,
Cumbaya, Quito- ECUADOR S.A.
journeymanjack.com@gmail.com
Relocation Ecuador: http://JourneymanJack.com/
Ecuador Real Estate: http://ecuadorrealestate.org

toll free from U.S. & Canada:
Mnts: 770-828-7913, Coast: 770-776-6937,
Ec. Off: 02-380-4088,
Ec. Cel Claro: 098-828-8953, WhatsApp: 593-98-828-8953,
Talk free on "skype" user name: "Jack.Abercrombie"
https://join.skype.com/invite/B4plcVLSCGWk

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 Profile: https://www.facebook.com/journeymanjack

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

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

You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/user/journeymanjack/

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jackabercrombie1492/

twitter: https://twitter.com/JourneyJEcuador

PayPal Acct: paypal.me/journeymanjack

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

My photos 2008 EC Arrival Google+ / Picasa web albums:
 https://get.google.com/albumarchive/108089047953129234429?source=pwa

My google maps - saved places - in EC:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1ziDidjLDWW1CV1tz_phU_9IfTZ0&usp=sharing

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, Vip Transport....

(the following would come later if you decide EC is 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 Or Toll Free Tel. Consultations}

How do you like living in ECUADOR Journeyman Jack...? FRI 13 JUN 2014

How do you like living in ECUADOR Journeyman Jack...?  

By Jack Abercrombie Hi Neighbors,

Back in mid SEP 2008 - mid MAR 2009 EC.: I did my exploratory whirlwind tour via the auto bus / backpacking / hosteling about 90 days on the coast & 90 days in the sierra, I did not want to leave.: https://plus.google.com/photos/108089047953129234429/albums

..by mid MAR to mid JUN '09 I flew (ran) home to GA to get my docs & last minute affairs in order, and I have not set foot out of EC since my last entry into this diversely rich country since JUN 2009...

 

This is exactly how my EC Migration Movement doc reads, I not long ago got one for the 5th or 6th time to complete my naturalization / citizenship back on 21 APR 2014 when I got sworn in as an Ecuadorian Citizen.

I can tell / write you how much I like / dislike EC until I am blue in the face, but the above dates of my actions & example may speak more clearly & loudly.

I liked & loved GA for the first 45 yrs. of my life, not each and every aspect, but for the most part.

..as a traveling tractor salesman (heavy equipment) backpacking / hosteling I spent OCT NOV DEC 2002 in Europe from Amsterdam NL to the bottom to Athens, Greece, liked & loved it for the most part.

..new years eve 2002 I flew from Athens to Cairo, spent JAN FEB to MAR 14th 2003 in Egypt, Israel, Jordan & Lower (South) Egypt liked it, had a blast for the most part. ..it was an adventure / learning - eye opening experience that made my mind up, that I indeed wanted to live abroad.
(nice place to visit or part time work, but not to live permanently)

..it took me about 5 yrs to wrap up GA on my mind and make up my mind just where to go look, so by 2008- the time my opportunity to check EC out came up, I absolutely fell in LOVE with it.

I whine (cheese) & complain at times about GOV Bureaucracy back in GA & as well here in EC, 

EC has changed drastically on it's own in the past 5 yrs & will change even more drastically in the next 5 to come, ..but EC has changed me as well, little by little.

--“Change is the only constant in life”
“No man ever steps into the same river twice”. An ever flowing river is there and even has a name, yet the water in it keeps changing so that from one second to the next it is really a different river. ~ Heraclitus~ (the pre-Socractic Greek philosopher)--

To me, just IMHO, your & others MPG may vary, the pros are still outweighing the cons in EC 5+ yrs later from my standpoint..

I travel about 20,000km's per / yr from one end of EC to the other coastal & sierra: https://www.facebook.com/JourneymanJackinEcuador/photos_albums

I don't just stay on my keyboard / PC monitor- reporting in from my little mountain or coastal village or town, telling folks this is the only paradise spot on planet earth:)

If I stayed put in my little village of Mitad del Mundo 20 km's N. of Quito, I would go Loco / bonkers, it's nice to visit w/ my friends on the coast - cuenca - cotacachi - ibarra - mindo - banos - tena - esmeraldas - loja - vilcabamba - macas - GYE etc etc...for a reality check & compare notes.

I've seen a lot of folks come and go from EC since 2008

I am supposedly to be way past the honeymoon phase, but I just haven't been able to shake it off just yet:)..as long as EC is magical, challenging, discovering & teaching me lessons culturally & spiritually - that I am able to learn & grow from & able to share & benefit others, I'm all in.

 

But if it ever gets dull & boring - Jack will pack his little tool box and go play somewhere's else, probably in SA on an EC passport. (but it won't be GA nor NA)

EC has a pulse & gives me a pulse, it helps me to feel ALIVE...heck, maybe I will make it another 5+ yrs... thus far I'm Loving Every Minute of it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPKAwJKGSDc

Is Ecuador Dangerous? The latest from ECUADOR GEORGE 17 JUN 2014

Thank you GringoTree for picking www.ecuadorgeorge.com as your Best Blog of the Day.

The latest from ECUADOR GEORGE
by George M Forgues:

I hear the same questions all the time… Is Ecuador Dangerous? Can I bring my guns with me? Is the food safe to eat? Can you drink the water? Do the locals hate us?


When I was still in California, someone told me to be extra careful
when visiting Ecuador beaches. He had heard that there were fleas that would get under your skin and start eating away at your flesh. Only amputation would save you…. I was expecting to see a bunch of one legged surfers when we were in Montanita….



Someone else told me to always carry my wallet in my front pocket, no matter where I was. Expats are targets for pickpockets so you need to be extra careful at all times. This is a little more relevant than the flesh eating sand fleas, but for me, I only move my wallet to the front pocket when I am in crowded areas like buses, parades or festivals. But I did the same thing back in the states. Normal caution.....read more: Is Ecuador Dangerous?