Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Officials review Ecuador's earthquake vulnerability; Cuenca is at a lower risk while coastal risk is highest

Posted By Admin | Published: May 7, 2013 12:43
How prepared is Ecuador for a major earthquake? Not very, say some Ecuador's emergency management officials, who are reviewing emergency procedures that would respond to disasters similar to those suffered in Haiti. Peru and Chile in the last five years.
Ecuador lies on the eastern rim of the seismically active area known as the Pacific Ring of Fire, according the Ecuador’s Geophysical Institute. There have been at least 37 earthquakes of magnitude 7 or higher since 1541, when written records by the Spanish were first maintained, the institute says. The government estimates that more than 80,000 died as a result of those earthquakes.
It is important, officials say, to know the level of risk of the area you live in. For example, Manta is at a relatively high risk for a catastrophic earthquake whereas Cuenca is at relatively low risk. Countrywide, the area of greatest risk, says the institute, is the coast, particularly the area from Manta to the Colombia border, followed by the northern Andes including the cities of Ambato, Riobamba, Quito and Ibarra.

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Lonely Planet - Introducing Ecuador - Best in Travel 2013

Picturesque colonial centers, Kichwa villages, Amazonian rainforest and the breathtaking heights of the Andes – Ecuador may be small, but it has a dazzling array of wonders....

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/ecuador

Click here to find out more! Advertisement
Cultural Splendor
The historic centers of Quito and Cuenca – both Unesco World Heritage Sites – are lined with photogenic plazas, 17th-century churches and monasteries, and beautifully restored mansions. Wandering the cobblestone streets amid architectural treasures from Spanish colonial days is a fine way to delve into the past. You can travel further back by contemplating great pre-Columbian artworks at museums across the country...

Galápagos Islands vs Isla de la Plata, Ecuador

Isla de la Plata is known as the ‘Poor Man’s Galápagos’. It’s certainly easier and cheaper to access – just 27km off the Ecuadorian mainland, while the Galápagos is 1000km. Species here include whales, sea lions and birds, including boobies, frigatebirds and waved albatross; Galápagos faves such as giant tortoise and penguins are absent.
Worth the saving? A Plata day-trip (around US$35) is fine, but is no match. An eight-night Galápagos cruise costs from US$1500 plus flights – but find the cash if you can.... http://www.lonelyplanet.com/themes/value-travel/expensive-experiences-cheaper-alternatives/

Another ‘monster’ sighting in the Cajas Mountains; British hikers and guide

Posted By Admin | Published: May 6, 2013 23:06
He is called Wawa Grande by the indigenous people living in the Cajas Mountains west of Cuenca. He was called the Monstruo de las Cajas in a 1997 German magazine article.

He can also be called the monster that won’t go away, despite the best efforts of Ecuador’s national park service and a number of scientists.

A Quito television station reported three weeks ago that two British hikers and their tour guide spotted the elusive creature in Cajas National Park during a three-day trek. The trio claimed to have observed the over-sized humanoid animal for several minutes in a remote area of the park in early April.
http://www.cuencahighlife.com/post/2013/05/06/Another-e28098monstere28099-sighting-reported-in-the-Cajas-Mountains3b-British-hikers-debating-whether-to-release-photos.aspx
 

Sunday, May 5, 2013

Discover Quito Ecuador: La Mariscal District in Quito Ecuador

Discover Quito Ecuador: La Mariscal District in Quito Ecuador
 La Mariscal District in Quito Ecuador
      La Mariscal District

As promised we’re going to talk about the three main districts that are located in Quito Ecuador. This post will be about the La Mariscal District in Quito.

Each area of Quito city has its own unique ambiance that sets it apart. La Mariscal is also known as “the tourist area” because it is where many tourists stay and there is a lot to do and see here.

ECUADOR NEWS MAGAZINE: Ecuador Andes guide - GUARANDA

ECUADOR NEWS MAGAZINE: Ecuador Andes guide - GUARANDA: At 2668 m Guaranda is the provincial capital of the province of Bolivar in Ecuador. Located in the heart of the country.It is the smallest p...

ECUADOR NEWS MAGAZINE: Potpourri - Ecuador expats blogs

ECUADOR NEWS MAGAZINE: Potpourri - Ecuador expats blogs: Ecuador news magazine - If you are coming to Ecuador and staying for more than 90 days you better give some thought to getting an Ecuadorian drivers license if you plan on driving. Recently police have been pulling over gringos and checking their documents. 
If you have been in the country for more than 90 days and do not have an Ecuadorian drivers license you are subject to arrest with an automatic 3 days in jail and a fine.

Monday, April 29, 2013

Saturday, April 27, 2013

Life at Latitude Zero: Living in Thirds

Life at Latitude Zero: Living in Thirds: Wednesday, April 10, 2013 Ron writes . . .  Six or seven years ago I came across an interesting way to view one’s life from an une...the mañana culture and the year-round balance between day and night—6:30 to 6:30—encourage one to relax.  Not having purchased a television yet means that the long evenings are devoted to reading.  By means of a Kindle and an MP3 player, I read or listen to at least two books per week:  novels, biographies, and academic works.  Plus, the number of free online lectures on a host of topics is amazing....

Thursday, April 25, 2013

A New Life in Ecuador - by Ecuador George

Living a relaxed, retired, and peaceful life in Ecuador is my goal.  What I am doing to prepare and achieve this goal has turned out to be a little more difficult than I thought it would be. Today I said goodbye to my baby. I call the homes I build “my babies”. It closes escrow today and I will no longer have a product to offer new clients.  
A New Life in Ecuador

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Reposted w/ permission of Margarita Goodhart

Reposted w/ permission of Margarita Goodhart - Otavalo, ECUADOR Resident for 35 yrs - 10 APR 2013:
 
This is something that I have posted about 10 times, but I see there are new members and readers here all the time....I shall post it again....the truth rings here....please try to understand it!


There are certain things about Ecuador that have gone on for decades and perhaps centuries. We gringos cannot change these things, they will always exist. Noise, Trash, Corruption, bad biz ethics, lack of being on time, and many other things. 

This is Ecuador, South America. Do not think that any one of you can come here and make changes, the country will resent it. And once again, I will reprint an important passage from an important book.

This very poignant quote, that Nicholas Crowder has used in the introduction of his book, Culture Shock, is taken from Walker Lowry's "Tumult At Dusk: Being an Account of Ecuador," written in the early '70s and is unfortunately out of print at this time.

..I shall copy it here for all to read, as I believe it is good 'food for thought.'

"During his visit to Ecuador, he and his companions became aware of a murder at a ranch named Ila. They were concerned, as many North Americans would have been, and thought something had to be done.

 But a Colonel offered this advice:
"That is right, Senores. Whatever you do you will only make things worse. Forgive me for saying it but you do not understand this country. You do not understand its people. You think that because we have houses, cars and clothes like yours, because we talk of democracy and freedom, because we read your books, borrow your money, buy your goods, we are like you.

 "But we are not. We look like you, sometimes we talk like you, but we do not think like you. The difference, Senores, is not great but it is important. If you do not see it, the things you do in this country will be wrong. 

You will only make trouble. Your motives will be good but you will always be misunderstood. You will try to make friends and find only enemies. You will be disappointed. You will condemn this country. Or you will make fun of it. You will go home and say this country is ridiculous, that everything is hopeless.

"But who are you to say, you who have never understood us? Senores, try to understand. Look at this country with open eyes believing only what you see. Look at our people. Look at our history. Look at our land. Do this, Senores. Do not worry about Ila. Ila is not your affair. Adios, Senores." 
(Reprinted from "Culture Shock! Ecuador", Nicholas Crowder). 
 If you are going to Ecuador and you want an insight into the hearts and mind of the Ecuadorian culture be sure to get a copy of Nicholas Crowder’s book (Culture Shock Ecuador: A Survival Guide to Customs & Etiquette) ..also, be sure to visit with the owners of Ali Shungu Mountain Lodge, Frank and Margarita.

Ecuador, escape to the top of the world at Ali Shungu Mountain Top Lodge

  ...I once was on assignment in Ecuador and this fellow Nicholas Crowder the author of Culture Shock Ecuador, helped me out of a few jams. We have stayed in touch over the years and he recently shared with about the beauty of Ali Shungu Mountain Lodge. He won’t admit it to anyone but he knows some aspects of Ecuador that very few outsiders have knowledge of.  One thing he taught me was that not all things in Ecuador are as they appear on the surface.  When he tells me something about Ecuador, I listen and I listened about one of the most beautiful places on earth. He highly recommended that I get in touch with the owners of Ali Shungu Mountain Lodge, Frank and Margaret who took very good care of my wife and I while we were there. There is no question they know how to operate a first class operation in an absolute paradise on earth....

http://latinamericacurrentevents.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/alishungu3.jpg

....I have so much respect for  this fellow Crowder I asked him before I shared this beautiful mountain lodge with you called Ali Shungu. My recommendation is if you are going to Ecuador and you have thought of staying at a breathtaking and magical place which extolls the beauty of this earth then read below. If you read no further that is OK, but I am telling you from a fellow traveler to another, Ali Shungu should not be missed by any visitor to Ecuador. One kernel in the secret recipe, Ali Shungu is magical and mystical but it is the owners Frank and Margaret who have provided the spirit in constructing a comfortable lodge where nature and spirit can be celebrated....

http://latinamericacurrentevents.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_25292.jpg
...Sitting at nearly 10,000 feet, tucked up on top of a mountain in the Andean mountains is the hidden jewel which is called Ali Shungu Mountaintop Lodge. My wife, Mercedes Keene who is from Ecuador and I made the trek up a bouncy road where the lodge is isolated just fifteen minutes from the center of the Andes town of Otavalo, Ecuador.

http://latinamericacurrentevents.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_2536.jpg

If you take any recommendation from an old travel writer, and you love serenity, peace, comfort, and not to leave out fantastic food, you should not miss a visit here. I am telling you that you will write and thank me. Oh one last thing, pricing is about $85.00 a night per person including meals – it is a bargain at this price. You can visit their website at: Ali Shungu Mountain Lodge.
Also, if you are going to Ecuador and you want an insight into the hearts and mind of the Ecuadorian culture be sure to get a copy of Nicholas Crowder’s book (Culture Shock Ecuador: A Survival Guide to Customs & Etiquette)
He and the book saved my ass a few times. By the way I asked Frank and Margaret if they knew Nicholas Crowder and if he had stayed at Ali Shungu. They had a smile on their faces and would not confirm or deny if he had stayed there.  However, I did see his book on their bookshelf in the main house.
Regards, Brandon Keene – Author, Professional Dragoman
P.S. and please keep my secret about Ali Shungu :) between you and me. (1*) BRANDON KEENE IS A FICTIONAL CHARACTER CREATED BY NICHOLAS CROWDER
http://latinamericacurrentevents.com/ecuador-escape-to-the-top-of-the-world-at-ali-shungu-mountain-top-lodge/11633/

Sunday, April 7, 2013

I Want More Spanish!...by Ecuador George

I Want More Spanish! 
Ordering food will be the first thing I learn. This will be very easy because ordering food does not take a lot of words. It can be as simple as one or two phrases. Then I can get down to the basics, but food comes first.
 Here are two of my favorite words… In fact this is also my favorite phrase… Learn this along with a few nouns and you will be speaking Spanish.
Quiero mas… Quiero mas… Quiero mas…
I want more… I want more… I want more….......................

Thursday, April 4, 2013

ECUADOR DIGEST Quito's new Metro light rail system will open in 2016

Cuenca isn’t the only city in Ecuador building a light rail transportation system.

Quito’s Metro Tram project broke gorund in March and is scheduled to open its first metro line by mid 2016. A total investment of $1.4 billion USD, the project will be financed by the City of Quito, the Ecuadorian Government and several international financing sources.
http://www.cuencahighlife.com/post/2013/04/03/ECUADOR-DIGEST3cbr3eQuitos-Metro-light-rail-system-will-open-2016.aspx

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

eddsaid----cuenca---ready or not, here i am!!!: Mashpi Lodge

eddsaid----cuenca---ready or not, here i am!!!: Mashpi Lodge: Mashpi Lodge
A private driver picked us up from our friend's house for an early morning drive to Mashpi Lodge. Mashpi has ushered in a new level of tourism in Ecuador. It's an extremely high-end ecolodge hidden in an amazing cloud forest northwest of Quito.....

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Ecuador, Venezuela Trade Using New Virtual Currency:

Ecuador, Venezuela Trade Using New Virtual Currency:
QUITO – Ecuador sent Venezuela an initial shipment of crude palm oil under a new trade currency regime known as the Unified System for Regional Compensation, or Sucre, the Ecuadorian government said.
Ecuador’s state-run National Development Bank, or BNF, said Tuesday the shipment carrying 5,000 metric tons of crude palm oil – part of a bi-monthly export agreement between firms in both countries – left for Venezuela on Dec. 31.
The oil is used as a raw material for the food industry.
The medium of exchange was the Sucre, a virtual currency adopted by the ALBA bloc, whose members are Cuba, Venezuela, Bolivia, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

ALBA was conceived of by leftist Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez as an alternative to the now-defunct U.S. plan for the Free Trade Area of the Americas.

The transaction was executed via the countries’ central banks at a rate of $1.25 per Sucre, the BNF said, adding that it corrects distortions that multinational companies have generated in the palm oil refining chain, “which traditionally has exploited and undervalued the work of Ecuadorian producers.”

Dincodex S.A., in partnership with several other Ecuadorian companies, exported the crude palm oil to Venezuelan state-owned firm Industrias Diana, which will refine the raw material, the bank said. http://www.laht.com/article.asp?CategoryId=14089&ArticleId=383777

Monday, April 1, 2013

John Desmond Ott, Succumbed to gunshot wounds inflicted by robbers 16 OCT 2008


The Following Death Notice was printed in the local papers.

John Desmond Ott, son of M. Gerald and Virginia A (Desmond) Ott died unexpectedly on October 16, 2008 in Quito, Ecuador. He succumbed to gunshot wounds inflicted by robbers in mid-afternoon. He had owned a business in Quito since 2005. He was born in Midland, Michigan on January, 2, 1969. He graduated from Greenwich High School in 1987 and from New York University in 1995. Besides his parents, he is survived by his beloved wife of two years, Andrea Castillo de Ott, a daughter Joana, who turned one year old on October 22, sisters Julie Farris and Jana Ott, brother James Ott, brother-in-law John Farris, nephews Joseph and Jacob Farris, nieces Hayley Ganslaw and Anna Farris, and many, many friends throughout the world. A celebration of his life was held in Quito on October 19 and another will be held in New York in late November. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The John Desmond Ott Memorial Fund for the benefit of Joana Ott 
http://johnottmemorialfund.blogspot.com/

Fort Negrita Green Life As I Know It: Time To Purge (and Learn How To Get Rid of a Bunch...

Fort Negrita Green Life As I Know It: Time To Purge (and Learn How To Get Rid of a Bunch...: I'm leaving in 15 days to go to Ecuador. YIKES!! I've been throwing away (ahem) disposing responsibly, of much of my items. Alo...

Latin America Current Events & News - Section » Ecuador

Latin America Current Events & News - Section » Ecuador:

Quito Ecuador: students at increased risk of robbery, assault in school zones

Elcomercio.com reported the following:
Students are at increased risk of being robbed and assaulted in a number of school zones in Quito and environs.
A number of methods are used by assailants to relieve students of their cell phones, smartphones, and tablets. Many thieves will be dressed as a student in a similar school uniform which leads the victim to being vulnerable.
Sometimes assailants are in vehicles along the street and work in conjunction with another gang member dressed like a student and approaches the victim, when the assailants jump out of the car and make threats with knives or guns.
MOVING TO ECUADOR? THIS REPORT WILL REVEAL LITTLE KNOWN ASPECTS OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM – ONLY $1.99
Statistics indicate that in 2011, there were 2,410 robberies of students reported. In 2012, the number was 2,415. So far in 2013, in the northern administrative zone of Quito, there have been 160 robberies of students recorded. Other statistics reveal that the overall number of victims of the age group 16 – 30 has increased substantially.
A police official indicated there is at least one known band of thieves which mark their victims outside of high schools.
Some victims have reported that they believe the robbers have informants in the school or school areas casing the students who have expensive items and then work in conjunction with assailants outside the school.
There have also been reports of robberies of individuals pretending to be street vendors.
http://latinamericacurrentevents.com/category/ecuador/

10 Best International Places to Retire

10 Best International Places to Retire - Ecuador #10 on the List: 

10. Ecuador, especially Cuenca. Cuenca is already a favorite place for many people to retire. This World Heritage Site was founded in 1557 and sits in the mountains at 8,000′, surrounded by 4 rivers. There are old cathedrals and an inviting wilderness to to explore. Many people come to Cuenca for the low cost of living, where a decent income from Social Security can support a nice lifestyle. Although there are parts of Ecuador that a lot of North Americans would not feel at home in, Cuenca is expatriate friendly.
For further reading
You can use our Directory to find lists of towns and communities within most of these countries. Note that we will be expanding our international city reviews in the coming months – suggestions and your experiences are encouraged.http://www.topretirements.com/blog/international-retirement/10-best-international-places-to-retire.html/comment-page-1/#comment-50801

Ecuador To Sell A Third Of Its Amazon Rainforest To Chinese Oil Companies

Ecuador is planning to auction off three million of the country's 8.1 million hectares of pristine Amazonian rainforest to Chinese oil companies, Jonathan Kaiman of The Guardian reports. The report comes as oil pollution forced neighboring Peru to declare an environmental state of emergency in its northern Amazon rainforest.
Ecuador owed China more than $7 billion — more than a tenth of its GDP — as of last summer.
Ecuador To Sell A Third Of Its Amazon Rainforest To Chinese Oil Companies Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/ecuador-selling-its-rainforest-to-china-2013-3#ixzz2PBhOI8Ab

Saturday, March 30, 2013

Argentine defiance in appeal of $1.4 billion debt ruling aims at unlikely Supreme Court win

With just hours to go before Argentina has to show its last cards in a billion-dollar debt showdown in the U.S. courts, President Cristina Fernandez seems to be keeping up her "we're going for more" motto. Her government is reportedly preparing a response that analysts say could lead the country into another catastrophic default.
Argentina has until midnight Friday to propose how it would satisfy a $1.4 billion judgment won by plaintiffs who have insisted for a decade on getting full payment in cash, plus interest and penalties, on sovereign debt that the country hasn't paid since its world-record default in 2002.

Salmon: Could Cyprus Go the Way of Ecuador?

Salmon: Could Cyprus Go the Way of Ecuador?By Felix Salmon 03/29/13 - 03:56 PM EDT

 NEW YORK (Reuters Blogs) -- A small country that has adopted a major global currency finds itself with massive debts and insolvent banks. Its only real hope is that it controls areas rich in hydrocarbons; the problem is that it has neither the wealth nor the expertise to exploit those hydrocarbons on its own. The result: It ends up essentially selling itself to an omnivorous global superpower that is interested only in access to resources rather than in domestic economic growth and prosperity. 

http://www.thestreet.com/story/11883579/1/salmon-could-cyprus-go-the-way-of-ecuador.html 

Peru Announces Military Draft as Govt Fights Traffickers, Rebels

Peru Announces Military Draft as Govt Fights Traffickers, Rebels: Written by Thursday, 28 March 2013

The Peruvian government has reinstated a military draft in order to counter a shortfall of 30,000 personnel, as the country militarizes its fight against drug traffickers and Shining Path guerrillas. Armed forces commander Admiral Jose Cueto said a lottery system would be used to select men aged between 18 and 25 in May, reported the Associated Press. Parents and university students are exempt, and those selected can avoid service if they pay a $700 fine, sparking fierce criticism that the burden will fall almost entirely on the country's poor.: http://www.insightcrime.org/news-briefs/peru-announces-military-draft-traffickers-rebels?utm_content=aggiecarter%40gmail.com&utm_source=VerticalResponse&utm_medium=Email&utm_term=Peru+Announces+Military+Draft+as+Govt+Fights+Traffickers%2C+Rebels&utm_campaign=Weekly+InSight%3A+Vigilante+Standoff%3B+Gang+Trucecontent

BRICS leaders agree on joint development bank


The BRICS group of emerging economies has hammered out a deal to establish an infrastructure bank that will rival the Western-dominated World Bank.Leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa met Wednesday, on the second day of the fifth BRICS summit in the South African city of Durban.

http://www.presstv.ir/detail/2013/03/27/295436/brics-nations-draw-up-joint-bank-deal/

Friday, March 29, 2013

Plotting the next Silicon Valley -- you'll never guess where- ECUADOR

Plotting the next Silicon Valley -- you'll never guess where

special report Crave globe-trotter Eric Mack kicks off an exclusive four-part series on the unlikely Latin American spot hoping to transform itself into a new hub for science, technology, and innovation.http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-57575554-1/plotting-the-next-silicon-valley-youll-never-guess-where/
March 26, 2013 9:00 AM PDT

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Ecuador Auctions Off Amazon to Chinese Oil Firms

Ecuador Auctions Off Amazon to Chinese Oil Firms

By Jonathan Kaiman, Guardian UK
28 March 13

cuador plans to auction off more than three million hectares of pristine Amazonian rainforest to Chinese oil companies, angering indigenous groups and underlining the global environmental toll of China's insatiable thirst for energy.http://readersupportednews.org/news-section2/329-126/16682-ecuador-auctions-off-amazon-to-chinese-oil-firms

Saturday, March 23, 2013

Ecuador GPS Map - GPSTravelMaps.com

This GPS map will give you turn by turn directions to your destination using a POI (point of interest), city point and/or latitude and longitude with the ability to preplan driving destinations before getting into your car.  
The easy to follow instructions allow you to download and install the map into Garmin BaseCamp desktop software and transfer it to your Garmin GPS in minutes.   Compatible with ALL Garmin GPS units.   This is the most comprehensive GPS map available at such an affordable price! Includes the Galapagos Islands.
Latest Update: March 2013 v1.8

Statistics of the map:

•  38,000+ kilometers of Highways, Major Roads and Residential Streets with turn-by-turn, voice guided directions.
•  Over 11,000 unique points of interest.
•  All rivers, streams, lakes, wetlands, beaches, volcanos, mountain summits, golf courses, ferry's, parks, cemeteries, etc.

Ecuador GPS Map - GPSTravelMaps.com

Mindo Flood 23 MARCH...

Mindo Flood

23 Mar This is a rapid post to be updated later.
On March 21 we journeyed to Mindo, Ecuador in the “Cloud Forest” on the western slopes of the Andes about two hours west of Quito.  We had a great time partaking of Mindo’s many attractions, including bird watching, forest canopy cable car ride, zip-lining and the local faire (more on that in a following post).
http://ecuadorlifeandculture.wordpress.com/2013/03/23/mindo-flood/#respond

AHHH CUENCA!!: A Trip with Granny's Cousins - Part 1

AHHH CUENCA!!: A Trip with Granny's Cousins - Part 1: My friend ‘Granny’ from Nashville …oops, sorry….Nashvull, Tennessee had family coming to Ecuador for the first time.  Mahmaw, her 2 nd ...