Saturday, September 5, 2015

Unschooling the Big Blue Marble: Leavin' on a Jet Plane

Unschooling the Big Blue Marble: Leavin' on a Jet Plane:

Saturday, 5 September 2015-

Leavin' on a Jet Plane

We bought our tickets for the U.S. today.  I spent all day working out the flights.  We wanted to fly into New York from Guayaquil or Quito and then take a bus to Cleveland because the savings are huge!  So, after a lot of back and forth I finally found an itinerary that would work.

We are flying to Quito the night of the 28th and then hanging around the airport all night.  The flight to New York leaves at 7:00am and we will arrive in New York City at 5:00pm....<read more> http://unschoolingthebigbluemarble.blogspot.com/

Sunday, August 9, 2015

Exact process you need to follow to get your second Ecuadorian passport. 09 AUG 2015-

From Dom Buonamici Newsletter, Owner of
Quito Airport Suites- A hotel just minutes from the new Quito UIO airport, your ideal jump-off point in Ecuador.
09 AUG 2015-

"I got a friend, a young American guy in his early thirties who goes by the name Bart Simpson.

He's rich, specifically, a "dot com" millionaire.

And his hobby in life now is collecting passports, he has six already to be exact.

A South American one is his next target as it would open up the whole continent for him.

He's done his homework, and according to him, Ecuador is the EASIEST to get.

So that's why he's here.

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,


Quito Airport Suites- A hotel just minutes from the new Quito UIO airport, your ideal jump-off point in Ecuador. 09 AUG 2015-

Thursday, June 25, 2015

Ecuador – Top Five Expat Blogs- Thursday June 25, 2015

Ecuador – Top Five Expat Blogs

Posted on Thursday June 25, 2015 (12:28:02) 

1.. Paul Acee's Ecuador http://paulacee.com/
An expat in Ecuador since October 2014, Paul's blog is a repository of useful information for anyone who is thinking of either moving to Ecuador or simply paying the country a visit....


2.. Latitude Ecuador http://www.latitudecuador.com/blog/
If you're undecided about whether Ecuador is the right place for you, Latitude Ecuador will probably persuade you that it is. The images throughout the blog are beautiful, illustrating some of the most appealing points about living there,...


3... Ecuador Bound http://ecuador-bound.blogspot.co.uk/
Stuart and Donna describe themselves as 'full-time RVers' and blog about their retirement in Ecuador. Currently situated in Cuenca, they cover the usual tips and tricks for the local area, with fun stories about their own experiences. Of particular interest to the new expat, however, will be the menus along the top, which discuss such diverse topics as how to make a monthly budget, what to bring with you to a new country, a guide to crime in Ecuador, and an overview of the country's visa requirements...


4..  Discover Cuenca Ecuador http://www.discovercuencaecuador.com/
Another couple living in Cuenca, Frank and Angie have some great tips for expats who are moving with their children, including an overview of how their family of five manages to live on less than $1000 per month. There are videos throughout the site which are a great way of getting to know both the landscape of the country and the people behind the blog. Take a look at the '43 Things We Have Observed About Cuenca's People' post for a glimpse into Ecuadorian culture....


5..  Ecuador George
http://www.ecuadorgeorge.com/

Providing a great overview of Ecuadorian culture and life as an expat in general, George's blog talks about what it's like to move from the US to Ecuador, how it feels to retire in a new country, and what you should do if you're visiting for a few days. The 'Before the Big Move' section provides useful tips about preparing yourself for a move abroad, and there's also a useful list of necessary Spanish vocabulary for anyone who doesn't speak the language.

Those are our recommended expat blogs for today. Do you write about being an expat? Let us know in the comments! http://www.expatfocus.com/c/aid=2073/articles/ecuador/ecuador---top-five-expat-blogs/

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Howard's Blog: Cusco and Machu Picchu, Peru

Saturday, June 6, 2015


Cusco and Machu Picchu, Peru


Our friends Scott and Travis, from Atlanta, invited us to join them on a
trip to Peru.  Specifically, Cusco and Machu Picchu.  We immediately
said yes and the planning began five months ago.  Two weeks ago we met
them in Quito and we spent three days enjoying the city.  One of Mike
and my favorite things to do in Quito is to climb up to one of the
spires atop the Basilica.  Scott and Travis, being the brave souls they
are, joined us on the climb. 



Friday, April 24, 2015

Tali's Heritage Tour to China : GoFundMe- Tuesday, 14 April 2015

Tali's Heritage Tour to China : GoFundMe:

Tuesday, 14 April 2015

GoFundMe


After checking out the prices of airplane tickets from Ecuador to China I have realized that we need some help.  Since we are leaving the 22nd of December I am sure that is why the tickets are so high.  The last time I checked they were listed at $2500 a piece.  Crap!

Even though it is embarrassing, I decided to start a campaign on
GoFundMe.  I don't want to have to tell Tali that we cannot go, so I am biting the bullet and asking for help.  I have also decided that if we are lucky enough to have more money than we need I would like to donatethe rest to CCAI, Chinese Children Adoption International, Tali's adoption agency.  I would like the money to go into a fund to be used to help other families take their children on their own heritage tours.

I'm going to use this blog to help "pay it back" by showing you how much this trip means to her.  Hopefully you will feel like you are there with us.

Please, share the GoFundMe code below with any friends and family members who you think might want to help.  Maybe you know someone who has adopted a child, or someone who has a daughter (or son) from China, or maybe someone who would just like to help make a dream come true for our daughter.


We appreciate any and all donations no matter the denomination.

The code is...http://www.gofundme.com/r5ndsk5w.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Love,

Mark and Sherry

Our baby girl, scared out of her wits.


Tali's birth city, Fuzhou City, Fujian Province



Tali would not let Mark put her down for almost two weeks.  He carried her in a sling.

{Comments by Journeyman Jack}: The Franklin Family are Great Folks & Dear Friends of mine, that moved down to Cuenca ECUADOR back in JUN 2012. They are all ways helping out any body any time and are an asset to EC Locals & Expat Community:)


Sunday, April 19, 2015

Delta to Launch New Flights to Medellin and Cartagena, Colombia April 6, 2015

Delta to Launch New Flights to Medellin and Cartagena, Colombia


By Airways News Staff / Published April 6, 2015


Subject to government approval,
Delta Air Lines will launch new nonstop flights to Medellin and
Cartagena, Colombia from Atlanta. The new routes will help expand Delta’s presence in Colombia and compliment its existing flights to Bogota from Atlanta and New York.IMG_3592



Nicolas Ferri, Delta’s vice president for Latin America and the Caribbean explains that “Delta wants to be the best U.S. airline in Latin America by providing a comprehensive route network that meets our customers’ needs, whether they want to relax by the beach or do business around the world,” said Nicolas Ferri, Delta’s vice president for Latin America and the Caribbean.


“Our new routes in Colombia are the latest in a series of enhancements and a sign of our steadfast commitment to our customers in Latin America and the Caribbean.”

In a press release, Delta notes that “the route between Atlanta and Medellin will provide customers one-stop access to more than 200 destinations from Delta’s largest hub,



 including key business destinations in Europe like LondonMadrid, Paris and more. The Atlanta-Cartagena route presents customers with access to the Colombian Caribbean and its unique coastal cities.”

The new flights between Atlanta and Medellin will be operated daily, starting December 19, 2015, with a 124-seat Boeing 737-700 aircraft. DL983 will depart Atlanta at 5:30 PM and arrive in Medellin at 10:10 PM. The return flight will depart Medellin the following morning at 7:40 AM and arrive in Atlanta at 12:54
PM. Delta will become the fourth U.S. airline to launch flights to
Catagena; currently, Spirit and JetBlue have direct flights to and from Fort Lauderdale, and American offers direct flights to Miami. 


Delta also plans to launch flights between Atlanta and Cartagena on December 19, 2015. However, it will only operate the round trip flights on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

The 160-seat Boeing 737-800 aircraft will depart Atlanta at
9:45AM and arrive in Cartagena at 1:50 PM. The return flight will depart one hour later, and it’ll arrive in Atlanta at 7:10 PM. Delta
will become the third U.S. airline to launch flights to Catagena;
currently, Spirit serves the airport from Fort Lauderdale, and JetBlue has direct flights to JFK.

Saturday, April 18, 2015

"8 Things I wish Someone Had Told Me Before I Moved Back After Living Overseas"

To all of you who have recently returned after living overseas, you have a special place in my heart because not too long ago, I was walking in your shoes.  So here it is…my letter to those returning from the field to tell you what I wish someone had told me when I first returned.

--"8 Things I wish Someone Had Told Me Before I Moved Back After Living Overseas"--

1)  “I am sorry.”

I am sorry that this next season of your life is going to be a really hard one!  {I could say it in a nicer way…but I don’t think it will help to sugar coat it}.  Maybe not for everyone, but for most people who’ve lived overseas, moving back to their home country is the hardest part of the whole experience {yes, even harder then dealing with the crazy aspects of living in another country}.

I am very sorry that you are finding yourself in this season because it is a hard journey.  Not a journey that many people will understand, and not a journey I would wish on someone {but a journey that I am thankful for…now a few years down the road}


I tell you this because I wish someone had told me that it is normal for the transition to be very hard.  I wasn’t going crazy.  Other people have found moving back to the US after living overseas to be quite a challenge too. 

I am also sorry for the hard things you are bringing back that others may not be saying I’m sorry for.  I want to take a minute to acknowledge some of those things.  You are not alone in this journey even if you feel like it.
  • I am sorry for the grief of leaving all the aspects of your life as it has been.
  • I am sorry for the loneliness you may feel for a while.
  • I am sorry for the days you have to watch your kids sort out the confusion of reentry.
  • I am sorry for the stories you would love to share but don’t get too because few people will sit and listen long enough, or they are stories that might be misunderstood in your new context.
  • I am sorry for the loss of friendships overseas…and the loss again in the states as you realize that old friendships may not return to what they were.
  • I am sorry if you feel like you church or supporters or agency have forgotten about you now that you are no longer living overseas.
  • I am sorry for the days when you feel like you’ve gone from having an amazing job that makes a difference in the world to not knowing what you are supposed to do next.
  • I am sorry if you feel like you are trying to clean up a mess someone else has made in your life.
  • I am sorry for the hard things that may have happened overseas.  The things you aren’t sure how to talk about.  The things you aren’t sure what to make of.  I am sorry for the complicated and painful parts of your story that may not have a perfect ending.
  • I am sorry if you’d really rather not be in the states, but are finding yourself here anyways.
  • I am sorry for the way your emotional and mental health may be affected by reentry.
  • I am sorry for the things you left unfinished and for the part of you that is still in another country.
  • I am sorry if God seems very far away and your faith feels out of whack in this new reality.
  • I am sorry for all the moments of awkwardness and confusing as you sort out your identity.
I am sorry for the hard season you find yourself in, but there is hope.  You may someday wake up and find that this season has had moments you are thankful for.

2)  This season is not forever.

I know it may feel that way, but hang in there.  Give it time.  How much time?  I wish I could tell you.  It’s different for everyone, but it will take longer then you would like it to.  For a long while, I felt like I wasn’t overseas that long so why is this so hard.  So whether you define short as six months or three years, it can take longer than you think it will to feel like you are in a place of thriving and not just surviving.....

..... http://www.rockyreentry.com/letter-returning-missionaries-wish-someone-told-first-moved-back-us/