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Expats living on the beach

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rosydi55
  8/26/2015 10:58 EST

Are there many expat community's on the beach areas? We really want to live on the beach, but also want to live in a safe area. Any suggestions??

livefreebstrong
  8/26/2015 13:09 EST

Rosydi, there are lots of little Gringo Bays, along the coast of Ecuador. The largest two groups would probably be found in Salinas and Manta (I prefer the coastal area around Salinas ..don't like the beach or drainage in Manta). Lots of apartments can be had in Salinas with costs ranging from 500 to a trillion, depending on where the apartment is located, and who's showing it to you. There's also rentals along the coastline from Anconcito - Salinas, to Olon. Pricier pads however.

And don't forget there's also rentals in Playas, Montinita, Puerto Cayo, Puerto Lopez, Bahia, Crucita, and on and on.

I suggest you Google- map the coastline of Ecuador to get your bearings. And to give you an idea of driving time, it's about a 4 hour drive from Salinas to Manta, following the coastline. Guayaquil is 1 1/2 hour from Santa Elena (LaLibertad-Salinas areas)

It would be easier for Expats to respond if you gave more detailed information about what you're looking for. Specifically, whether you plan to buy a vehicle, own or rent a house, apartment, condo, villa, and so on.

How is your health? Being close to adequate health facilities might be a necessity for you What is your target-buget? How do you like to spend your free time? Do you want an airport nearby for travel?

Since you're all in now (moving down sight unseen) you should try to be as specific as possible so you don't waist your time and money trying to decide which places you should eliminate.

I love visiting the Andes, but I prefer the warmth, wildlife, and sun on the coast. The whales are jumping now and see them showing off almost every other day.

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ecuadorjoe
  8/26/2015 13:45 EST

rosydi55

The largest community on the beach is in Salinas...

OceanHideaway
  8/26/2015 15:16 EST

Psst LFBS...

...there are really no "rentals" of interest to gringos in Anconcito ...but Punta Carnero would have some

Anconcito is just a fishing port... come visit, have a meal, see the kids dance... but for the majority of gringos -- you will not be comfortable here.

The only other "gringos" who live here, only stay 6 months out of the year and they spend the majority of their time in Salinas -- and only stay at their house when they are entertaining groups of friends from Salinas... Without Spanish, they can't quite navigate the town, and they are a bit gun-shy after being burgled.

Living off the beaten track is not for most folks. It's not like it appears in the movies -- it's just a teensy bit more difficult ;)

livefreebstrong
  8/26/2015 17:18 EST

Actually....I was thinking of YOUR place as a rental. At least until a person gets their feet wet.

Then, when they find the area they want, they can head off on their own.

Rent at Oceanhideaway and use it as a base from which to work.... cause..... there's a wealth of information real close by.

The taxi ride is nothing compared to what you would spend if you were spinning your wheels all on their own. Local imput (even the most basic such as how to ride a bus or take a taxi or order an almuerzo) is invaluable to the wide eyed newbies who step off those planes.

If it were my first time in Ecuador, I'd choose a hotel with smart people in it. Then I'd try to sneak in as many questions as I could without wearing out my welcome. Or, worse, inciting the owner to duck and hide whenever I waived hi.

Geeze Louise. It would save a lot of hassles and gobs of frustration.

You can kill me later Oceanhideawy.

ecuadorjoe
  8/26/2015 18:28 EST

livefreebstrong

That is your place, you own that house????

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ecuadorjoe
  8/26/2015 18:42 EST

livefreebstrong

Sorry Sir. I missed the point of what you posted the first time....

livefreebstrong
  8/26/2015 21:17 EST

It's okay EcJoe. I'm a beach dweller on the opposite side of the coast from Anconcito and Mar Bravo.

But Oceanhideaway has her B&B in Anconcito as well as butt loads of great information about adjusting to Ecuador--outside and inside the walls of the protected Salinas area.

tourecuador
  8/26/2015 23:23 EST

Hi Rosy, I sent you a pm.

OceanHideaway
  8/27/2015 02:10 EST

See the thing is -- I tell the truth -- and that doesn't fly really well --Most folks coming to Ecuador to look to live here are ones who wish to have the rose tinted glasses firmly attached to their noggins.

I did the introduction type thing for the first 5 years I ran this place and it pretty much wiped me out -- and so when a gringo wants to come here I usually ask them a few direct questions and then help them find a place more to their comfort level.

I am just one person and cannot be the private concierge to a group who does not have the ability to survive in the boondocks -- walk to the bus or the main street and find a taxi and taxis are not always on call and they get lost and angry out there in Ecuador land where they discover their APP doesn't always work.

Plus I got tired of connoisseurs complaining that the sheets were not soft enough, the pool was too small (it sits in front of the Pacific) and their coffee was not perfectly perked -- for their $30 room for two.

I also open my hostal to local groups, and the local kids and I got really tired of the gringos freaking out that my neighbors were going to rob them whenever they showed up -- I found it hugely racists and horribly denigrating.

So I have become very picky and predominately rent to Ecuadorians, South Americans, and those who understand that a beach front hostal is not the Ritz or the Barcelo -- and you don't get $200 a room night service for $30.

There are plenty of instant experts in Salinas who will be happy -- for a fee -- to assist you in all the needs of an arriving gringo -- without smudging their rose tints.

They will show them the SuperMaxi, take them to Loboteria, or the Thermal baths, to show them how much "fun" they can have cheap. Then they can introduce them to the restuarants where they can buy sausage and hamburgers and sit on a bar stool discussing the destruction of America and their escape from socialism and "libtards" and how they are all economic refugees and what they used to do (in their minds eye).

They will take "crash courses" in learning to go to Libertad without fear -- once. And they will discover where to get a haircut that's cheap, how to recharge their phone and how to get the bus to Guayaquil so they can make the appointment to get their VISAs so they can claim their 50% senior discounts and reclaim their taxes when they purchase their wide screen televisions and washers and dryers.

And they will learn who not to upset so they get invited to all the gringo parties because that is the world they need to live in to be happy.

I don't do that -- I do not have a business that caters to the gringo expat -- that is why I can speak freely about those who are not a benefit to the community, those who are using the system, those who are downright nasty and those who I am really glad are leaving or who have left.

It is why I don;t attend gringo functions but do attend consular and embassy ones. Attend my convocacions for my town and for my canton and for my provincia and everyone knows me by name. And why it takes me half an hour to walk into Hypermart because I run the gauntlet of security guards and friends ...everything is a social experience and we live in the moment. It's why in the middle of Guayaquil eating lunch at a brand new restaurant in a completely new part of town -- someone comes up to my table yells in my ear La Grinnnnnga! de Anconcito...and it's the local consejo deportista and the vice Alcalde and their group in town to work on the next marathon experience for the coast -- and I turn redder than the agridulce.

But you cannot get that in a day or a week or even a year -- you do not arrive at that point in an instant -- or by reading a book -- or by sitting on a bar stool scoffing at those who have achieved more. You get that be being authentic, open, honest and living life in Ecuador not a as displaced person but as a person who thrives under adversity and comes out as a survivor and that is why I am still here, why my business still runs after 7 years (and no other gringo business in the Salinas municipality can hold that claim) and why ... I'm will always be here.

I am happy to answer questions and if folks want to visit for a few days or a week -- that's fine -- but the days of long term rentals -- are over.

ecuadorjoe
  8/27/2015 12:51 EST

LbSt

Thank you for your info Sir. At this time we are wandering if we should stay in this area or move to other place and other beach. As far as OH is concerned I will say this only one time, I read her rant. I do not think all gringos are racist and all other nasty things she posted. I think the Europeans see things different than Jews or Americans, Canadians South Americans et. all. She can rent to whomever she wants and likes without posting a nasty post. Why do that? I only answer if someone who is nasty to me. I do not run down anyone for economic gain. Again, I am sorry if my opinion is different.

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OceanHideaway
  8/27/2015 17:10 EST

...now who can argue with that sort of logic?

So anyone wanna come over and meet Mashi on Saturday? There's a sea food fest too! And Fruko's making his ceviche ...so you know El Presi will be noshing on that with the gang.

He'll start at 10 am but the festival starts at 9am.. Fish it's what's for breakfast -- in Anconcito ...come join La Gringa!

DocStJohn
  8/27/2015 17:25 EST

Psssst.... Susan

Adjust your Meds...

You appear to be approaching the
Manic cycle, (as per your past public postings).

(just noticing),,,,, "Doc"

livefreebstrong
  8/27/2015 19:12 EST

Oceanhideaway,

Nice post. You took me down your road and showed me the sites as you've experienced them. I will not recommend your B&B to folks I do not personally know (I've had a couple friends stay at your place and they thought it was a great deal...but they weren't newbies). And I've had Ecuadorian friends that have stayed with you and they gave the same review of satisfaction.

And I know, the baby sitting thing is a thankless job and through no one's fault,----a never ending one.

The people who do it for a living charge big bucks to suffer through it.

(My tour fee by the way, is 14,000.00. But I'm influentially bilingual, drive a 4x4 with an icechest, and know everything. Just PM if you're interested).

But, seriously, if it were me, it is exactly YOUR sort of expertise I'd be looking for. The inconvenience of waiting for a taxi, in exchange for that sort of information without a $$$ hitch and bias, would be so worth it. When you kicked me out because of too many questions, I'd humbly go and leave a tip in the room.

But I often forget, each person is so completely different as are their expectations and their abilities to adjust..






*****Doc. You can really suck sometimes*****

DocStJohn
  8/27/2015 20:10 EST

You may be right...

You may be wrong...

I just care about my friend...

Do YOU?

goingtomove
  8/27/2015 20:20 EST

Good info Susan. I remember the Susan I first meet in 2013 and bent over backwards to show us around, introduce us to locals, find resturants we liked, and food places to try local foods. Susan the HOST couldn't have been better to us. We goy the $200.00 tour for $30.00. I couldn't have been more happy with Ocean Hide Away My wife and I hope to see Susan again and stay at her place again

livefreebstrong
  8/27/2015 21:54 EST

I don't know about that Doc...I just don't get that warm and fuzzy feeling when you're posting to Susan.

livefreebstrong
  8/27/2015 23:17 EST

That was great for you Goingtomove, and it was kind of Oceanhideaway to give you a tour for 30.00. But lets face it, that was gift. There is no profit in a 30.00 tour with people who don't know the language, have a billion questions, and take hours of your time.

Oceanhideaway...if you're still reading this. It's not just the many Salinas folks who couldn't make a go of it here. There are Gringos everywhere in this country who can't swing a profit in an honest business. Decade after decade, I've seen them come and go.


But you have! And as a single chick! That's remarkable. And for that you get a country western song. Focusing on the chorus of course. You're supposed to be the one singing. Thought of you when I first heard it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FeOZ21Lenro

livefreebstrong
  8/28/2015 09:07 EST

Ok. The "talking in the wind" of course is applied to those in Salinas. "It only slows you down if you start listening" is good advise for anyone. "It's a whole lot harder to shine than to Undermine" means one has to actually achieve successes in life rather than setting up their nemeses' in hopes of tripping them up and making themselves look better.

"Good intentions don't always come across so well"...Doc?

I hate having to explain a Country Western song...they're so complicated......

"Ohhh Ruuuoooby, Don't take your love to town."

Like, what does that mean? How can you put your love in a little box and take it to town?

Anyway, you will have to figure out the "the trading days things" yourself. Although not awesome, it's a decent enough Mantra for the week.

I have places to be today, and I don't like that very much.

Whisperer
  8/28/2015 11:23 EST

LFBS:

Loved the western song, of course my husband and I both love the western songs.
Interpretation: Hmmm, we are all different in the way we interpret things. From the words in the song my understanding is
short and sweet. (It is easier to be negative and undermine people dreams and happiness than it is to be happy and pass the happiness on. (shine). As far as Ruby taking it to town, sounds like she is a bit of a tramp. The moral to life is, be happy, Yahooooeee

ecuadorjoe
  8/28/2015 12:23 EST

Whisperer
Are you talking about Kenny Rogers, Ruby??? I listen to my favorite songs on my pc... And Kenny is one of my favorites seen him in person years ago....

OceanHideaway
  8/28/2015 15:58 EST

Hey there Goingtomove!

You folks were some of the really great people who have stayed here ... and make this a great business... and as you know you are welcome back any time!

And there have been a lot of wonderful people from around the globe -- every continent and every area -- and we have shared good times and great memories and lots of laughter :)

But as you, and everyone, can see there is another "type" of gringo who is coming to the Salinas area ...and they are not so wonderful.

In fact they are pretty nasty and downright cruel.

Anyone remember "Doc"StJohn's writing to re-open the wound weeks after my dog died? Nice guy ...

Well here he is again spreading his special kind of joy.

And to think he claims to have been a psychologist (a doctor!) -- surprising his patients didn't all suicide, then again with counseling like that who knows? Funny, no one in Sedona where he claims he was from even knows him -- and after his attacks on me over the past 8 months ...I've done a little checking...

I must say though ...his comments could not have provided me with a more appropriate example of some of the nasties you will meet here. And might I further explain that DocStJohn was in contact with me for 18 months desperate for personal assistance to come to Salinas from Cuenca due to his heart ailment. And I provided it. And no I did not and would not charge for the assistance -- I did it because he was a person in need help, asked and I could help so I did. Call me crazy -- he does.

Now -- I am stuck with this fool writing cruel posts to me about being narcissistic and manic. How charming.

Something to consider when making your plans to move to wonderful Ecuador is that -- regrettably -- there is this level of ...let's call them troglodytes --- that have arrived here.

They do tend to congregate in gringo specific areas -- where they spend their days and nights drinking, and complaining about ...people like me who live a bit more authentically then they do. People like me confuse them. We don't spend our days with other gringos, we don't need to congregate with "our own kind" to feel secure. We are individuals who seek to learn about the culture in which we have chosen to live and we wish to participate and learn. And we don't just involve ourselves once a year for a Christmas party or to raise funds for one cause. Life is our cause and our purpose. Yeah what a concept. The troglodytes like dear old DocStJohn, they seem only to thrive on their dysfunction and what havoc they can cause to others.

The good thing though is they are pretty easy to avoid.

And the good news is that it appears this sort of gringo is leaving sooner than they used to-- either on a seat or in a box from liver illness or heart disease.

I am hopeful that the coming El Niño will speed their dispersal. Now there's is a silver lining to consider to the dark clouds heading this way in 3 months ... I'll bet my yellow galoshes on it!

OceanHideaway
  8/28/2015 16:12 EST

Naw...

This is the song I thought of...

And it is Friday (and I am such a Newyawker ...)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jo9t5XK0FhA

By the way... one of us may need to adjust our medication...it's not me however...

Have a nice weekend everyone!

ecuadorjoe
  8/28/2015 16:29 EST

OH

OMG, are you O.K.? No need for rant, most of us are nice...

ecuadorjoe
  8/28/2015 17:38 EST

OH

Are they moving because of "Nasties" I guess they are right. We are thinking about it . In Texas I never experienced as much disagreement and hate...A person can not have post without others attacking.

livefreebstrong
  8/28/2015 17:39 EST

OH. Thanks. I haven't seen Billy Joel looken so cool in like,....ever.

Spot on lyrics. Made me smile.

Yes...much better choice.

OceanHideaway
  8/28/2015 20:47 EST

It was part of the song list for my Cabaret act ...

Manic Depression: The Musical

DocStJohn
  8/28/2015 20:59 EST

SHABBAT SHALOM SISTER SUSAN DEAR. HAVE A GOOD W/E....Doc

OceanHideaway
  8/28/2015 21:08 EST

...anyone else notice how really creepy this guy is???

Whisperer
  8/29/2015 09:39 EST

Good Morning ecudadorjoe and everyone:

Yes, my husband says it is Kenny Rogers that sings Ruby, my husband know more of the sings names than I do, I just enjoy. I like Kenny Rogers, Don Williams, Merle Haggard, my two favorites have got to be (John Denver) and then (Abba, not western of course) Have a great cowboy day.

DocStJohn
  8/29/2015 10:43 EST

Good Morning Whisperer~ Your sweet post reminds me of those songs.

They were playing most of the time on every ones radio during Drive-Time.

Your post opens what I hope will be the start of a more kind, and more sane day on ExPat Forum.

Thanks,... Doc

livefreebstrong
  8/29/2015 11:02 EST

Well good morning Sunshine.

I enjoy many venues of music, but if I had to live with only one on an isolated island, it would have to be rock. The Spanish Guitar and Celtic Rock are mood setting favorites as well. I slipped into Alternative Rock through bad association. And now, cause I can't fight it anymore, Country Rock.



Jazz is for other people's dinner parties, not mine---or for lounges where there's no channel changer. If I were on an Island with Jazz, one of us would have to take a swim.

Here's Ruby letting her man down again, in a blast from the past.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1e9p6J89rQ

Here's a couple of my favorites from Mumford and Sons. Irish. As it should be.




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoRkntoHkIE&index=2&list=RDFYX2eGiEESY


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYX2eGiEESY&index=1&list=RDFYX2eGiEESY

Little Lion Man...I found the PG version.

OceanHideaway
  8/29/2015 11:18 EST

Jazz is a strange animal -- there is some I love some I hate ...

I don;t know anyone who doesn't jive to this classic ...Take 5

www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmDDOFXSgAs

But since we are discussing the coast ... allow me to introduce you to some of what you'll hear ...well...here ...

www.youtube.com/watch?v=rN4oVKGuecI
D'reyes Orquestra..

and

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5VYEoS3mzM

Los San Lucas

(say that house at the beach looks really familiar!.hmmm)

And then keep watching for this one because the joy they all have watching the female dance member is infectious -- there is great love for her as a wife and a sister/cousin who dances a style very particular to Ecuador (sauve) -- and yes -- she is pregnant --https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwc5fnbp224

livefreebstrong
  8/29/2015 11:32 EST

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYX2eGiEESY&index=1&list=RDFYX2eGiEESY



These guys are on the top of MY music list so much.... thought they should get their own post.

Any other Mumford fans out there?

Now I'm checking out yours O.H.'s. These videos are really making me want to waste my day on the beach...smell the roses.

livefreebstrong
  8/29/2015 11:56 EST

Oceanhideaway...Here I was flying on Mumford and Sons, then leave them to you-tube your suggestions.

CRASH.

Like I need to hear the local music AGAIN. Lol. But yes, that's what folks will hear blaring over the speakers on every cholo bus ride they take. It's as common as birds singing in local neighborhoods.

Take 5 is soft Jazz. With scotch it's okay. Yes, I know. It's an amazing piece of work. I have friends who love it. Not me.

I enjoyed Billy Joel (your application of the words especially..clever)...but I couldn't make it through these latest three youtube hits. It's too early in the morning for Take 5 and the other two, I'll catch them again...later, I'm sure.

I know. I'm off topic.

But wait.....am I?

You could apply "Home"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYX2eGiEESY&index=1&list=RDFYX2eGiEESY

as an inspiring relocation to Ecuador song.

OceanHideaway
  8/29/2015 12:07 EST

I can dig it --

I've been up since 5:30 am checking on the pups born last night -- 3 little wrigglers -- active and suckling, mama fluffy Laiza is doing very well and is eating an drinking. They are a reasonable size for a little bichon.

Had my morning breakfast -- encebollado (tuna soup with onions and yucca and a large coke light)

and if my eyes stay open long enough to change into fresh jeans and a sweater I am heading up the hill to hear the second half of the president's Sabatini ...

It is chilly on the coast -- high 60's low 70's ...cloudy and a tad damp with the breeze ...

Play nice or I'll tell on you to Rafael... ;)

OceanHideaway
  8/29/2015 19:58 EST

...pictures on Facebook ...Rafael looks -- the same in person...the crowd was huge the experience memorable and the take away message is the coast needs to be ready to welcome evacuees from the mountains... start preparing beds and ceviches!

The pups are doing great...

The party of 24 kids are here from Guayaquil for an over-night -- looks like Bonfire weather -- and the beer is in the freezer ...music should start up in about 2 hours ...but

...I'll probably be asleep by then... yeah manic...that would be the manic person...snoring in the back bedroom while the 20-somethings party all night :)

And that's my life ... living on the beach...

yours may vary :)

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