Nope! Not at all! Very tranquil.

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Don’t drink (or use other ‘contrabanda’) and then drive, and you can thereby avoid the “dread fear.’

If you move to Ecuador, Dumluk, you’d be a strong candidate for doing what most Expats in La República do -- get around without driving.

One who is stopped by police for DUI in Ecuador is going to lose his/her license for a long time, at the very least.

Review the stories at the MADD site if you need further encouragement to do the right thing.

cccmedia

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The Policia Transito is always on the roads and looking for intoxicated drivers is a major part of their duties.

There are checkpoints set up on most weekends in and out of all the major resort cities.

There are also arbitrary checkpoints for checking licensing, registration, that your car is properly set with its safety equipment as required by law, that your tires are not bald, that you car is in good condition and more.

They are authorized to take you in to the the carcel and impound your car on any of these technicalities and it is then your job to get yourself back out.

If you are involved in any type of accident from fender-bender to an actual hit, again they have the right to take you and take your car.

If you have any ideas about drinking and driving while in Ecuador you are asking for an intimate acquaintance with the Ecuador Judicial system.

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There is no reason to fear the police in Ecuador! Just obey the law, you will be fine. Drive defensively and keep your anger under control.
If you are in need of a drink while you are out, take a taxi home. $2.00 to most places and they are everywhere.
Absolutely no reason to fear the police here. They are wonderful respectful people.
Now, if you are a major dumb-butt and are violating the law, you will, not maybe, you will spend some time in the Greybar Hotel!

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Ocean and Windshadow summed it up perfectly !

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Choosing an expat health insurance provider is an important decision. Get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA. With Cigna Global Health Options, you can create an international health insurance plan that's perfectly tailored for the needs of you and your family.

If that is accurate info, then it sounds possibly worse than Panama.......Must be a Globalist mandated thing......you can call it just good sense if youre anal, but its crowd conditioning.........get the masses accustomed to uniformed authorities. So if you live out in the country but youre in the city takin care of business, dont expect to be able to have a few drinks with friends before heading home? Is it like this even in Vilcabama? And outlying areas?

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part of the new world order is keeping drunks off the highways. The terrain is challenging enough without them. Take a taxi home, they're cheap.

sinego

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Alas DL, what you heard and what you said is so. Policing has become a *very* for-profit affair most every-where. In the Good Ole uSa, forfeiture Laws are quick and final regardless of Guilt or Innocence. And waddaya complaining about? - simply DWB can get ya shot in the uS; add a couple empty cans of malt liquor in the back seat - which might ostensibly be used for bomb-making - and ur worse than a Commie-Child-Killing-Psycho-Alcoholic - ur a GD Terrorist BOY! So you just give up any notion of going out to (God Forbid) meet people, talk and have fun! GET YOUR HEAD ON RIGHT!!

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In outlying areas, if you are drunk, driving, and hit someone...you will wish the Policia Transito gets to you quickly ... because Indigenous Justice is swift, complete, and no one will ever find you.

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Stories that you have heard O.H.? Wasnt aware that you were living in the Amazonian outback. Youve been keeping that one a secret.......You make it sound like Papua New Guinea where it is against the law to stop if you have an accident cuz the locals will kill you without analysing who was right or wrong.......youre supposed to go directly to a police station and make the report.....@cristos......DWB?? Que significa eso? So the bottom line is that Ecuador has adopted the same measures of transit controls? Theyve realized how much money is in it, and that as it so effectively masquerades as good public policy, most people will not contest it........But nobody has answered my question as to Vilcabamba. Sinego, are they all over the roads out there now too, with checkpoints set up between Vilcabama and Lojas? It seems that most of the folks on this forum do not drive............and live in cities.........

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Quit makin' with the negative waves, Moriarty, aka dumluk......

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2+2=4. Whether you like it or not doesn't much matter.

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For what it's worth. I don't find the check points any more frequent than in the good 'ole USA. The things they are checking for are the same, intoxication, weapons, license, etc. Granted I don't drive, we use public transport. In the little over a year since we have been here we've only experienced 2 check points when we were on our way to Cuenca by busetta. One was for firearms we all had to pile out, which was ok with me since I needed to stretch; the other for driver's license of the driver..quick check and we were on our way. BTW both checkpoints were on the same day.

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I remember hearing details about 'indigenous justice' in Guatemala, but it was usually against known repeat offenders.
>
And it is almost certain that the uSa has more aggre$$ive Policing; prolly Panama as well based on its recent history. Ecuador should be pretty chill because the average driver doesn't have much money (or a car worth seizing) and trafficking *anything* through the country makes no logistical sense unless you are a local farmer or small entrepreneur trying to bring your 'produce' to market. I may be wrong on my last point, but I'd like to think it is one of the reasons that Ecuador is tranquil relative to its neighbors, and likely to remain so. (Oh, "DWB" = Driving While Black.) Bottom line is always the same - as both the cops and the drunks will tell ya - 9 times out of ten ya get lucky, but when your luck runs out, don't expect it to come runnin' back in... (With the literal LA caveat that your problems will grow more expensive each step of the way if you are not immediately & effectively 'gracious'.) Safe Travels!

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Trafficking anything besides small farmers and their vegetables makes no logistical sense. Cristo, you better start reading some local press. Narco trafficking is alive and well here, especially at the ports. Makes perfect logistical sense such it is much easier to get it out of Ecuador than Colombia.
Most of the check points I have seen are outside coastal cities before or after holidays, and yes they will check your vehicle guns and such

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JoeBtfsplk said:" Quit makin' with the negative waves, Moriarty, aka dumluk......"

I beg your pardon, I have not made any negative comment. I merely seconded Ocean's and Windshadow's sensible replys to dumluk. I resent even being placed in the same category with that Panamanian troll !

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NOVA...That's OLD....math....not the NEW MATH where ,2 + 2 = 6X2= 4-5 X 8 = 4 1/2

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Concerning indigenous justice...

No Dumluk, not "stories I have heard", information I have read in the newspapers, comments made by the President in his Saturday speeches attempting to curb over zealous applications of this law, and of course the law itself as accepted by the Ecuador Constitution oas adopted in 2008.

If you or anyone is interested in looking further at the application of indigenous justice in Ecuador do a google search for "justicia indigenos Ecuador" and you will pull up you-tubes and newspaper articles supporting its existence.

It is applied to foriegners but that is rarely photographed and almost never reported. That I have heard of through the grapevine from contacts in the areas where it has occurred and from less than discrete members of the State department who have investigated incidents.

You hit an indigenous person with your car up in the mountains and you will be taken from your car and brought before immediate justice. If you are drunk or intoxicated they will take your action very seriously and not consider what occurred an accident at all. That person hit becomes maimed or dies, and they will apply their law to you.

I cannot make it any more basic than that.

If you cannot take responsibility for your actions that affect another human being, if you think you are somehow better than another human being, and you feel your rights are somehonw superiro to another human being so that you can kill or maim them using your car while intoxicated, then you will get exactly what you deserve here in Ecuador. That is the bottom line.

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Automobiles are a huge revenue source for govts everywhere.In Florida they say at any givin time only about 60% of drivers on the road have a valid license.

I was checking out Guyana law (because it's in english) ans WOW is all I can say.Their drug laws seem twisted.Meaning if you get nailed with 10 grms of weed,you'll get the same sentence as someone with 1000 kilos of rock.3 yrs in prison.

Ecuador compared to it's neighbors sounds subdued .Columbia is super dangerous mostly kidnapping.

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DDR, Please tell me who told you that Colombia is so dangerous. Have been there many times and don't see it.

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@ OC et al... My limited experience with 'Indigenous Justice" suggests that it can be FAR more humane AND effective than what traditional Criminal justice has to offer. A simple tale told by a simple business owner in SP de la Laguna, Guatemala, re the Tz'u'utuhil (sp?): "The first time, a bunch of Elders with tall thick sticks, stand in front of your home and pound their sticks on the ground until they get your attention. If you commit the same or similar infraction again, you must leave the Village. If you come back, and commit any notable infraction, you are never seen again." (i.e at the bottom of Lake Atitlan.) > GREAT way to manage things up to certain post-tribal and Clan population thresholds.
>
I am very glad someone else challenged DDR's generalized (and Dangerous) statement re Colombia. (Which may, at last, be at the dawn of a new age??)

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@O.H...........I think youre getting carried away again O.H. What makes you think I dont take responsibility for my actions? Believe it or not, I really dont have any sympathy for drunk drivers........But theres a big difference between having a few beers after a hards days work or a stressful day negotiating city bizand traffic before driving home, and getting slammed on hard liquor and then assuming youre goin home in your own vehicle.......You could count on a few fingers of one hand the times I am drunk in a year.......and I generally wouldnt attemptto drive along distance home in that case.......But a few weak Pana beers hardly registers and is not much stronger than soda pop which you seem to like..........But one beer and you already have alcohol on your breath and are fair game for over zealous transito cops out there on the highways...........so you get stopped, and breathalized and a bit of song and dance and then you are on your merry way again, cuz 2-4 Pana beers does not get you over the limit.......Its just a pain in the ass, and unless you are driving badly and recklessly, which many Panas do even without the help of alcohol, then you shouldnt be arbirtrarily stopped. And if there are arbitray retenes or checkpoints all over the countryside then it is indeed a police state.........and is no longer worthy of consideration as an alternative destination.........@Moriarity.......I have never attacked you but you have gone out of your way to slander me a few times......Are you such a proper establishment law and order type of guy? But I agree with you that it is quite absurd for anybody to equate you with me........Now that is funny............How did he come up with that? I still havent got an answer as to how it is around the Vilcabamba area.........I would be curious to know how many of the folks who regularly contribute here on this forum actually drive? I have been driving in latin america for over 20 yrs and havent hurt anybody, (except myself 1 time) Oh yeah, and then there was that buffalo, hahaha...........

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Bad news DL: there are Karma Checkpoints at every corner in Vilca, and random Aura Checks just about everywhere else...;~<>

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In all of that ..babble... I discerned this salient point:

" then it is indeed a police state.........and is no longer worthy of consideration as an alternative destination."

Yay--- Ecuador is off his radar--- Let the Rejoicing Begin!

Hopper! You hear that?

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Woah......slow down girl........Its not yet been confirmed, becuz it appears that this forum is populated mostly by non Spanish speaking newbies and old fogies who dont drive........and are not paying attention to things that dont concern them, like random checkpoints with breathalizing intrusive cops.......Ive yet to hear/read qualified reports on thesubject matter.....but you did point out the pertinent fact that DDT is still used and Gramazone or Paraquat too if Imnot mistaken........And then with all the high import and sales taxes, and gun restrictions (even tho the bad guys all got em of course) then the scales are tipping away from Ecuador as the chosen destination......Btw, your subtlety is possibly your most charming quality Hidingout.............

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Indigenous justice? In Peru they just burnt some lady at the stake for being a witch?Just because they got there 25,000 years before you doesn't make them any more wise or sacred.\Yeah the Columbian govt signed a cease fire with FARC.

What you should worry about is amatures trying to pickup a few thousand by seizing college students.

In your case they saw noone in their right mind would pay your ransom.Even $25.00.

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You know my name, which comes from the name of my hostel... is a definite Rorschach test of the inner workings of the mind of those who read it...

To those of a healthy view they see it as it was meant ... a Romantic Ocean Hideaway...

To others... they read "hide out"..

Interesting ain´t it?

As for "breathalyzing intrusive cops" well you are certainly thinking first world there bucko, because what you will find is Cabo Pedro and his brother´s in blue dragging your kishkas out of the car when they smell alcohol on your breath and hog tieing you with their belts, putting you in the back of the police truck (they don´t use cruisers) and driving you away from the scene as fast as they can before the family of whoever you hit with your car in your "minor fender bender" when the poor shmuck "ran in front of your car" got hit.

It´s pretty par for the course.

It´s what happens.

And then you get to have a lovely night in the local carcel with 15 of your new friends, 5 beds and one stopped up urinal.

And the reason I know this is:

1) I have seen it occur a few times in the past 8+ years

2) I have been called in to translate for the poor shlemiel who was stupid enough to get caught, because the gringo spoke no Spanish (and did not want to call the Consulate)

3) I have stood as witness, for people who were hit when it was a gringo who was caught and the person hit spoke no English.

4) I have visited the carcel on behalf of the Consulate as a warden (it´s one for the less glamorous jobs.

So, you want to test the system? Come on down. I´ll buy you the first drink.

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You are just SUCH a do-gooder Susan.......Make it a cocoloco........with fresh agua de pipa.......if you dont know, I will teach you..........Ecuadorian rum works just fine, Idont know why they all seem to want Ron Abuelo down there........Must be the grassis greener kine of thing......

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Yeah cristos, I hear ya buddy.........sounds a bit too much like Maui.........full of false positives........everything is perfect, and just how it is meant to be, and God loves you and all that crap.......and it isyour destiny to land here and there is a reason for everything........and you are part of a grand plan.........it grates on me, but i like that these same folks are thinking about growing healthy organic non toxic natural food.......and they understand we got to work together in a cooperative fashion, and cease to be so competitive............So as long as hey dont lay the god trip on me too heavy, I can handle em.......They tend to have some musical skiills so we can make a joyful sound together.......and many of them even play chess........which can fill hours of otherwise idle time enjoyably.........yes I think vilca just may be one of those earth chakra points......wish it was a little closer to the beach......Hawaiian style...........

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@ DL - I share your thinking on Vilca; it has potential and hopefully the hypocrisy is (relative to Berzerkely & Eugene, OR and Maui) kept under control by the grounding realities of living in a 3rd world country. > On a separate note: the more people you have in Ecuador who might actually want to meet you socially, the better. You seem very practiced at provoking people's ire, and providing a direction for them to vent their spleen, but what would you have to lose by making nice on this forum? > I look forward to having a beer with you and Hopp (I somehow doubt that Susan would be down on joining us) and hearing about your time as a Panamaniac;~)

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Cristos..........dunno.....cant explain it........must be the ire-ish in me.........haha........somebodies gotta stir things up around here......it can just get boring fast..........like watching endless loop BBC...........

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“...dragging you kishkas out of the car...”

“the poor schmuck...”

“the poor schlemiel...”

Having been raised in a Jewish family in New York where Yiddish was often sprinkled into the mix, I applaud and encourage the infusion into this thread of this descriptive and emotive language.

cccmedia in Quito

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And btw, dont forget yur "scheckles" when you head for Ecuador........Lifes not gettin any cheaper there or anywhere.......

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There is, of course, a very good reason I sprinkle my prose with Yiddish-isms when I respond to dumdrek...uh -luk...

Oh and to sir...it´s not sheckel... for you it´s the shmekel rate!

(you know how these sorts love attention ...)

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Hmmm - I'm feeling that funny love thang goin' on again... Ya know it's entirely possible that all of the 'different' participants in this group are actually alt-personas of a Moderator with a MASSIVE Multiple Personality disorder. Perhaps I too am simply one such manifestation?!?

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Haha.......welcome to the Matrix........presided over by the Dominatrix............

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For better or worse...

... these are all actual posters.

Some are just remarkably... worse.

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DUM...If you don't like it, go French-Off somewhere else. Just because you're unhappy, why do you feel you have to make everyone unhappy? Go see a good priest...oh,wait....you probably couldn't find one. Sorry, buddy. : >(((

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Am I makin you unhappy Countryboy? It was certainlynot my intention to do so.......You mean to tell me you dont find my posts interesting and stimulating? Am I not asking questions which are relevant to moving or living in Ecuador? Dont make the mistake of getting into the middle of my spat with our resident yiddish speaking moderator.........Theres some weird energy running there......Do you really just wanna get back to "Can I make it in Cuenca on $1000 a month"........Or "how long is the trip from Quito to Cuenca" and "would it better to take a taxi"? Wouldnt you much rather read about "50 years of CIA Meddling in Ecuador"...........? That btw was one of my posts which never made it to the big screen........hmmmm........

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You all remember the classic old Jewish joke? Why did God make the Goyim? "Well, becuz, somebody has got to pay retail"...............

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DUM....Not at all! I luv your and REEM's and Doc's...bless his soul..."stimulating" and "interesting"...sometimes amusing... remarks. Like you, I get annoyed and am sometimes too sarcastic in my response to their inane questions. BUT....sometimes your subjects are beyond the scope and interest of we poor, less educated and less worldly"country" folk. ; > ))))

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In other words Dumluk...

what PA Country is trying to say to you in the very nicest way possible is:

Well, bless your little heart!

:)

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Speaking of which, Where is HOppER?
I miss his posts!
Come on down and give us a blast of your wisdom my friend.
I miss our resident grease monkey too!

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He´ll be back online soon ...

with a few stories to share ...

His last one outta here was a doozy!

(he just filled me in... )

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You know oshun....im coming to the conclusion that behind that gruff, authoritarian, know it all holier than thou exterior that youre really just a squeeze doll....

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(apologies if this is a repeat response.). In answer to your question, from someone who will be retiring soon, and loves what she is seeing in Ecuador, I give you a resounding ¡no! I do not want to hear your CIA stories, thoughts, or beliefs in this forum. Surely, there is another site more suited to you? BTW, If this was actually intended as a private question to Countryboy, it should have been asked, orivately.

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And you maybe should learn how to spell...........keep in mind that yur lack of interest in reality is characteristic of a general collective apathy and is why the U.S. finds itself in the dismal state where it now resides............and so many folks wanting to leave it.........

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Duma$$, You made my day. Telling someone they need to learn to spell. Next sentence you spell your, yur. What an A$$

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Hajahaja.........youre a funny dude Reem........

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Exactly my thoughts! Some guys are seriously confused about "road safety". The stats are just horrifying and as someone that spends a huge part of my time on the highways in many countries - I am glad the cops are strict in ECU.

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Strict??? Not where I have been driving. Only on DUI.

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So W.S. Do ;you know what the limit is there in Ecuador? And are there checkpoints/retenes all over the place? Do they arbitrarially breathalize you or do you have to be stupid drunk before they do so? And if youre over a certain limit do they tow your car and take your liscense? Cant really seem to get a straight answer from anybody on this.....I suppose Chowder is the most qualified to report on this one...........if he's paying attention........O.H. pls refrain from responding with your patented State Dept certified predictable responses........I would like to hear from intelligent people who drink and drive, hahahaha..............and who pay attention........Low ball S.S. non Spanish speaking newbies need not reply.............

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Ya know DL, odd as it may seem, it sounds like you are *hoping* that the Ecuadoran Police are *likely* to abuse your drunken behind, seize your car, and leave you penniless in the gutter at their first opportunity. DUDE: Get yourself a bicycle and/or a horse. Learn to stagger in a straight line and otherwise take cabs. Always keep a folded 20, 50 and $100 in your wallet. If you are caught DWS (Driving While Stupid) and the hundred finally fails to satisfy your debt, then your luck will have run out. (Mebbe keep a condom in your wallet as well?;)

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Dumluk,
I don't drink and drive anymore. I am not the right person to ask. My experiences are from over five years ago and do not apply today due to a crack down on the Police behavior.
In the past it was a matter of being sober enough to move around to the passengers side of the car, get papers out of the glovebox, and start quietly negotiating the settlement. If you didn't have the amount they requested they would let you call someone to bring you money while they waited, or let a passenger go to the bank machine. If you couldn't pay you went directly to the Greybar Hotel and the process from hell took over. Since that time many changes have been made, or so I have heard, and the ability to bribe your way out of trouble seems much less a possibility.
The last time I was pulled I was on a motorcycle, it was just a papers check. It was just around time for lunch and I think the guys were just looking for lunch money. I recommend doing everything possible to stay out of the system process. In other words, don't drink and drive, keep your paperwork up-to-date and make sure your vehicle meets the safety requirements, especially the tires. Due diligence is in order if you don't want a problem.

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Finally, an intelligent response from somebody. Thnx Windy...........it actually sounds worse and more costly in Ecuador now than here in Panama......But Im still waiting for what happens with 2-3 beers on yur breath on yur way home. Will you pass their guarometer test with 3 beers there.........Are they always lookin for a bribe even if youve done nothing wrong? Do they stop you routinely, for the papercheck dance, and then look for something wrong in order to squeeze a bribe outta ya?

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This is from the bank of sample questions for the Ecuador driver license (type B):

267
Si conduce un vehículo en estado de embriaguez y el nivel de alcohol por litro de sangre es de 0,3 a 0,8 gramos será sancionado con multa equivalente a 1 salario básico unificado del trabajador en general, pérdida de 5 puntos en su licencia de conducir, 5 días de privación de libertad y como medida preventiva se aprehenderá el vehículo por 24 horas


268
Si conduce un vehículo en estado de embriaguez y el nivel de alcohol por litro de sangre es mayor de 0,8 hasta 1,2 gramos será sancionado con multa equivalente a 2 salarios básicos unificados del trabajador en general, pérdida de 10 puntos en su licencia de conducir, 15 días de privación de libertad y como medida preventiva se aprehenderá el vehículo por 24 horas

Charlie B.

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With only 2 or 3 beers "on your breath", you'd probably be considered a relatively sober gringo...

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Hahaha......they would be so surprised they would just cut me loose and say "vaya con cuidado mi hermano".........Are there as many low ball S.S. gringos down there who dont buy property, cars or much of anything except booze and hookers and cheap rent as there is here in Panama? When I cruised Ecuador I met some young dynamic gringos and other extranjeros doing some adventure tourism and micro brews and hostels and other good stuff.........Not enuff of that energy here........altho in Bocas there is some of that creativity and dynamism............

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Yeah DL, there is more "going on" in Ecuador; and again Vilca looks to be ground Zero (for better and worse) of wild imaginings and dynamism. (Boca sounds like a disaster in progress - I understand there is little to no potable water and no sewage treatment? Es verdad?? Que mal:( Sounds lovely otherwise...) > Yeah, with only 3 beers on your breath the local cops will prolly slap you on the back and invite you to join them for some cervezas. Once ur ALL totally Baracho (on your dime), they'll drive you home.

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Cristos and Dum, 2 jokers who aren't even here and you all know where "ground zero" is and how the "local cops " will treat you. What a joke you two are. The two of you have no idea what happens here . Most police are not assigned to there own area , but are sent away for assignments just so they don't have to deal with folks who were their neighbors. And if you think they are going to give you a break because you are a gringo, think again. What delusional folks you are as to how things are here in Ecuador. Of course with both your many years of experience here I guess no one should question you. You sound like two freshmen in high school talking about sex that you've never had

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At the risk of being repetitious, I will again say.....What a funny dude you are Reem......Funny in a nasty kine way..........Why do you think I am asking these questions if I already know the answers..........Ive been to Ecuador once only for a month......Colombia 5 times each for a month........Brazil once for 5 weeks........I keep my eye on all of em but dont consider myself an expert on any of em............unlike yourself, who obviously IS a certified expert on Ecuador and any other subject which comes up.......Now, back to your mothers basement cretin............

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Dum, my mother has been dead for 13 yrs. She never had a basement since she lived in an apt. I've been in Ecuador for the last 7+ years, so yes compared to you I am an expert. So go back to the little drunken hole you call home and send out some pissy little threats on PM. Then tell everyone how you just don't remember sending it.
Oh yea, if you ever get to Cotacachi I promise you a private tour.

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Thanks remoore... couldnt have summed that up better myself.

Does sound like a couple of teens discussing having sex or even more...how they are going to get away drinking some beer while underage.

Pretty pathetic.

And with this mentality they are trying to convince each other, and those of us reading this crap, how mature they are to be driving on the roads after they do so!

You drink and drive... you are pretty much playing Russian Roullete with everyones life. You dont have that right.

And in Ecuador, they will make an example of the Gringo even more than the local because they know you should know better.

You want to drink? Take a taxi home.

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Reem and Oshun make a nice couple, dont y'all think? I mean theyve got such an impressive history of cooperation......I think its kinda like the enemy of my enemy is my friend........Haha.........its an Arab/Jew kinda phenomena..............

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Dum, just so everyone on here knows, let me know how to meet you in Panama. You have crossed the line and I would like to share a beer with you.At that time I would like to show you what I really think of you. So if you are just a troll ignore this post. Other wise give me some info so we can meet up. It would be worth the aiirline ticket for me

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Come and get it chithead.........

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Real name and town you live in. PM if you have to

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So I am being attacked for having a sense of humor?! Yo, Officer Reem - ya got an issue with someone else, leave me out of it. If you have any specific issues with me, please present them. Otherwise the issue of 'Police Presence' is pretty high profile these days in el Norte, and the OP's expressed concerns regarding Ecuador are - based upon the some of the hysterical responses he's received - not without merit… > I defer to your greater current knowledge of Policing practices in ECU, but just so ya know, alcohol is a drug, and the mostly profit-motivated persecution of people who drink alcohol is a HUGE part of the horribly destructive War on Drug$. > Also keep in mind that Injustice is unjust, wherever, however and toward whomever it occurs. Intolerance, name calling and threats of violence are much surer indicators of adolescent (and dangerous) ignorance than humor. Have a sober flight to Panama, and don’t forget to bring back your quota of rum-soaked cigars;~)

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Cristo, my issue with you is that you seem to think it's OK to drive drunk.
But my real problem, you think rum soaked cigars are ok. The only reason they're soaked in rum is that they're low quality to begin with. Buck up and smoke a real cigar

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By the way Cristo, I didn't threaten violence to Dum. I said we need to have a beer. I just want to see his reaction to my size and I'll explain my parents immigrant status and let him explain why he is superior to me or anybody else. He is the one showing intolerance and it directly affects me and my beliefs. Dum has proven himself a racist.

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Dear Mr. Moore, ok. While I did not say, or seem to say, that it is OK to drive "drunk", there are countless people exercising their 'right' to drive with no end of impairments, psychological, cognitive and physical. (Not to mention the endless idiots talking on their telephones, texting and watching videos *while driving*.) If any government were to proceed to capture, arrest, rob, and incarcerate all the drivers who present a whiff of menace, traffic might become manageable again... ( And I could support that kind of comprehensive approach to safety, rather than scapegoating minorities and ruining their lives because they had a couple of beers after work...:((( > And if you care to get into semantics (hehe), your threat of violence, was *very* strongly implied and could get you arrested if our aggravating Panamaniac turned up dead next week. Ergo, if you were Dum enuff to fly to Panama, then you would not only deserve, but need, your cigars to be soaked in the strongest rum possible. Peace, C7

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Hi Dumluk, Let me share with you my blog about this.

In many ways I came to Ecuador to escape the overbearing state. There is no shortage of examples of tyrannical government action in the US. It seems these days you need a permit to breathe in the land of the free.



No refusal blood-draw DUI checkpoints, laws forbidding collecting rainwater, taxes based on the amount of rain your property receives, laws about the breed of pig you can raise, laws banning raw milk, vaccines becoming more and more difficult to avoid, more restrictive banking laws, taxes on overseas income, mandatory healthcare, militarized police, laws regulating how you can rent out your home, the list goes on and on – it seems the US Government wont rest until they control every last aspect of our lives. Europe is much the same, in many ways worse.



When I moved to Ecuador, I was looking for a low population density, to be away from fault lines, volcanoes and nuclear energy facilities, a place with a year round growing season, lots of pure water, fertile soil, and perhaps most of all, a less overbearing government.



In many ways Ecuador has been a dream come true. And in one way in particular it has not.



In this essay I shall focus on the ways in which Ecuador has disappointed.



Although I knew the plan for more and more restrictive government was a global one, what I have seen take place since arriving in Ecuador on July 31st, 2013, has allowed me to confirm with my eyes what my research had already revealed – global tyranny is fast approaching, if it has not arrived already.



And unfortunately, these observations hold true for all of Latin America and in fact, the world.



In the nearly three years I have been in Ecuador the change has been dramatic. The charismatic, once popular, socialist president has overseen a huge transformation.



And there have been many positive changes. Ecuador now boasts world class infrastructure, including; ports, airports, highways, Internet, basic services and utilities.



However, the grip of government has also increased dramatically, and they are throwing their weight around.



New taxes of all kinds, have made doing business here more and more difficult. Capital has fled, businesses have closed and the state has grown.



In Loja, where I live, police presence has seemingly tripled since my arrival. Checkpoints, where they do the Ecuadorian equivalent of ‘papers please’ are commonplace. New task forces and taxes of all kinds. Property taxes have increased many fold. You now need government permission and a license to do nearly anything. And of course they take a cut of everything. All accompanied by the age-old socialist cry of helping the people.



Recently raised to 14%, the national value added tax is just one of many examples of a country crippled by government intervention.



Life is becoming more controlled and more difficult. And people are fed up with it. The once highly popular presidents approval rating now sits around 30%.



Just today at the open-air market where I do my weekly food shopping, I saw two Municipal Agents going around to collect fees from all the vendors – with two armed Municipal Police in tow, just in case any of the old ladies selling the fruits of their labor objected to giving the local mafia chieftain a cut.



Property and inheritance taxes are forcing people off their land. Restrictions on where and how you can transport and slaughter your animals, licensing for producing milk and cheese, new building codes, huge taxes on any type of real estate development, restrictions on land use, have all made anything you do here more difficult and more costly.



And the state continues to grow.



Some of you reading this may ask why am I still here? Why do I have my life and my business in Ecuador? Why not look for greener pastures?



That is the problem.



There aren't any. This is a global phenomenon. It is taking place in every South and Central American country. The difference is, these places had a lot catching up to do to when compared to their North American and European counterparts, where so many aspects of society are already so heavily taxed and regulated.



So there is nowhere to go, I’ve looked.



And on every other front Ecuador is nearly perfect. I love living here. The natural beauty, people, climate, diversity of region, simplicity and quality of life, as well as the standard and cost of living available are remarkable. I LOVE living here.



And even on the subject of government I find things workable. Rules and regulations are less steadfast than in The States. There are always ways to get things done. Relationships go a long way in this familial society.



In addition, people know what’s going on and they're not happy about it. Change is underfoot.



Just like in Brazil, Argentina and Venezuela where the socialist tide has turned, as born out by recent political developments, that same process is clearly underway here in Ecuador



I think it’s important for people to be aware of the real Ecuador. To have real information. We strive to provide you with just that.



So come, enjoy all the incredible things Ecuador has to offer. I don’t know of a better place in the world to live. But come with your eyes open. And truth be told, if you’re someone who doesn’t mind the feeling of security a police presence provides or paying a few taxes, none of these things will bother you in the least.

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ABUNDANT....WOW! Never saw anything like this before coming outta EC from an Expat. This is everything I was hoping to get away from here in the Socialist States of America....get government outta my life...don't tread on me. If I were going to live in a Socialist country, at least let it be one I can afford....but this is something new to consider. THX! : >((((

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Thank you Abundant, for your thoughtful, lucid and even eloquent perspective. I suppose many of these 'sacrifices' of freedom *can* be avoided in truly desperate and chaotic countries (i.e. current and perhaps perpetual war-zones:(((, but what's the point in that? Ecuador is the best compromise at this time, and Colombia may hold some promise down the road, but all roads lead to Rome por seguro... PS @ PA - keep in mind that what he/she is saying is that such incursions/'treading' is *at least* 5x worse (better funded) in the US than in Ecuador, so don't freak out.

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Well I'll be...

Some things never change (thank god).. I felt muddless so stuck my head into the mud storm.

Hell Dumass ...cops in the states are way way more of a pain in the ass than EC. ... checkpoints and all. Very few have a sense of humor either.

In Cuenca, they would park a car down Calle Larga on the weekends, lights on and all.. just for safety. I've sat on the hood of the car and drank a Club and talked to them.
In Montanita they drive round and round the block on Sat night in a pick up truck and sometimes give folks a ride in the truck bed.. All friendly.

And if your gonna go into the Amazon jungle and worry about the indigenous people... I have a fix for that - go WITH indigenous people.

(I like the members of Clan Arcoiris personally...)

Anyway, with all the bitching you do about my writing long posts..lol. Man, you are a long winded one, aren't you?

Oh... Hey Shadow, Sue. ...and KM45 is NOT Dumluck.. and Susan has plenty to say without needing aliases ...

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When I left Montanita to catch a flight out of Guayaquil, the bus a was late, and traffic was heavy... so I arrived late.

I needed to get my boarding pass and check a couple of bags.. but standing in line I realized I'd never make it - flight left in one hour and that line was at least 2.

So.... I left the line and found were the crew and diplomats are shuffled through and went up that window. A young couple had just tried it, but when the lady asked if the were diplomats and they said no, it was back to the line from hell with them.

I think I looked about as diplomatic as a wet rock, but when she asked me the same thing, I just said, "si, soy un diplomataco" and slapped my DOD ID card up against the glass. Lol, was onboard with an upgrade in a few minutes.

There's always a way - and i know this is off topic, (but so is most of the thread.. so wtf, right?)

Hopper

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Thanks for the post Hopper; glad to see you back on this forum with a sense of humor and on-the-ground reality:))) Also glad to see you slip through and gettin' on - where I can I get one of those DoD Ids?;) Do I have to enlist or can I just do some freelance Black ops?;~O

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Hopper,
You a bad boy! jajajaja I love it. A few years ago I got a pat down during check-in at airport. The lady was stunning. I ended up missing my flight because we were hanging out chatting. They didn't have electronic scanners at the time. My choice on missing the flight but we spent the next three days together and had a fantastic time together, and caught a flight a week later. Some times things work out a lot different than you could ever imagine. You can fill in the blanks. Not exactly the police but close enough in my book. lol

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Haha... Hey Windy..

Ok, now you do realize you have probably raised several eyebrows with that story..

People are saying, "huh?" "Is Shadow a woman like I thought.. and if so is she... um... swimming in the lady pool? ....or is it a guy and I've been a dumass (sorry Dumass, had to borrow your handle) and I've just been dense o these long years?"

It's just too funny... 'course, I know. Lol.

Hopper

PS: how are you liking that new (old) amp?

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Hey there, C7..
Good to be back , thanks.

I have to say, those DoD ID cards are... ah, how to say it? ...theyre good to have, but a total bitch to earn. Lol

How are things??

Hopp

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Hopper,
The amp is great, Much better than I ever imagined. I must say though, I would trade it for an old twin-rev, maybe, maybe. You can blow the windows out with it or tone it down for some sweet Santana.
As per which pool I swim in, only one. lol
I was in Montanita Sabado, spent night in Olon and headed North next day. Back in Cuenca on Lunes. Went to Azoques today and on up to Incapirca. Back home chillin now.

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@Hopp - I imagine that you've been too busy LIVING to deal with online un-reality. I'm hoping to be in country for a couple a weeks in January, then return more fully in March. Sooner would be better, but reality is often a b*tch (with too much teeth;~) PS You did earn your upgrade, I'm glad you got it.

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Hey Hopper,
Sorry we couldn't get together when you were down here - maybe next time. Got the casa de campo / casa de caño / bamboo shack ( take your pick ) finished, so you'll have a place to crash.
Glad you made it back stateside in more-or-less one piece.
Shoot me an email when you get a chance. Keep on truckin'

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@abundantlivingecuador

It seems that you're saying something akin to "the only certainty in life is death and taxes", but that at least in Ec. there is less apathy in recognising when things are going awry, and a willingness amongst the locals to do something about it, and effect change. Let's hope that happens before the place goes the way of some other Latin American nations (although I don't think it will get to that).

Probably one of the more informative -and less emotive - posts I've read in this place, so thanks for that.

On to the original thread topic, I read the excerpt from (what looks like) the traffic regs there WRT the penalties for drink driving, but my Spanish vocabulary is "muy pequeno", so I couldn't quite make out what the BAC levels actually equate to...Anyone?

Here in Australia, the levels vary depending on license/endorsements. As a learner/novice driver, it's 0.00. For full license holders, it's 0.05. (If you're a professional driver - i.e. driving for hire and reward, it's 0.00 while driving in that capacity).
So, 0.05 would equate to 0.05 grams of alcohol in every 100 millilitres of blood. Is the BAC measured the same way there, and if so, what is the actual amount that will run you afoul of the law. In reading the regs it looked 0.08 might be the level, but I may be misinterpreting that...

For the record, yes, we intend to purchase and drive a vehicle once there. Also for the record, whilst I love a beer, I do not (and have never) been someone who drinks and drives. Certainly not going to start doing so in a foreign country! Just curious about the levels there, and how they equate to those here...

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Hmmm...In re-reading, it looks like there are two "thresholds, the first between 0.03 and 0.8, and the 2nd between 0.08-0.12, if I'm reading it correctly.

Why someone would take the risk anywhere, let alone in a foreign country, I've no idea...But people do.

Read a story about a bloke here in Australia who just got released from jail after serving a 7 year sentence for his third (or was it fourth) DUI, where he'd either killed or seriously injured someone. In addition to the jail sentence, he's been banned for life from holding a driver's license here. But the family of his last victim are worried he'll simply drive down to the pub (unlicensed), drink his fill, and then jump in the car again to drive home. Some people just never learn...

Perhaps there's a lesson there for all of us.

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Yes, and its called "moderation".........a few beers after a hectic day in city traffic, a bit of social bantar, and on yur (Remoore loves the way I spell yur) merry way home in el campo bonito........but absolutely no rum..........verboten!

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Thank you C7 for those calming words, because I was freaking out. All my hard work for the last 2 years seemed out the window. Now that I am breathing again, I do realize that Ecuador, even with all it's growing pains, is still much much better than this good Ole US.

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Y'all are funny. You make these blanket statements like... Ecuador is better than the US. Yet most of you have spent very little time here. As someone who has been here 7 plus years, yes Ecuador is different than the US, but better, for me yes. But the 50% of people who last here about 2 yrs before returning to the US: not so much. Remember, the grass is not always greener and Ecuador is not for everyone. No one can tell you that it will be good for you. The majority of you all won't be able to handle it. IT IS NOT PARADISE. We have trouble politically, economically and socially just like most places All of Latin America is a work in progress, and anyone that tells you where we're heading is B/Sing themselves because no one knows but some of us find it fun to just hold on and take the ride.

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So if only about 50% of the immigrant newbies stick around, that must mean there are some great moving sales happening all over Ecuador.......Like in Hawaii, where the folks come over to put in their obligatory stint in Paradise and then discover that its not all its cracked up to be........and its time to go back to whereever it is they are from and so everything, all the creature comforts, toys, tools, cars, furniture goes on the block, and you can pick it up for a song............NO need to buy anything new, except maybe electronics........surfboards, diving equipment, spearguns, popcorn poppers, you name it.....all given away.........But a roof over your head, and food on your table, OUCH! At least in Ecuador, the necessities of life are very reasonable. A bargain even..........

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Dum, for some people it's not all about money. If it was nobody would ever leave here and return to the US. And yes there is plenty of stuff for sale, just go to the Cuenca expat sites.
By the way there are places in many states such as WV where there are many houses for sale cheaper than something comparable in EC

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Good to see you Hopper... glad you got a chance to share that story. Yes some things are different in Ecuador, friendlier. But you have to be a human being to get treated like one.

And who knows which pool WIndy swims in? Only the Shadow... and Hopper and I know... but I have been sworn to secrecy...

Reem... you are being so unfair, using logic and eperience and you know ... the truth. So mean... keep it up !

And for everyone else, welcome to the forum.

Susan
Your Moderator

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"it's not all about the money!" Wise words. If you think you can move to Ecuador and buy your happiness, think again.

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WIND....As my ole dad used to say, "There's one thing money can't buy....POVERTY!" : >)))

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Country, what the hell is that supposed to mean.

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lol PA!

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REEMO...Sorry...it wasn't you.... it was Kmor and I that got spanked. Apologize for the confusion.

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Actually PACountry...

In regards to Ecuador...your Daddy was wrong...

The fastest way to make a small fortune in Ecuador is...arrive with a Large one.

I can introduce you to some fellows in Salinas who can explain it to you.

Something about Sucres to Dollars and millions and millions lost at sea in one day.

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@ REam........of course its not all about dinero........everybody knows that.......its about attitude, resourcefulness, adaptability, flexibility, tolerance, and compassion for those less fortunate than you......But having lived in latin america longer than probably any of you here on this forum (I could be wrong....its been known to happen) all I can say is "God help the gringo in latin america who doesnt have any money"..........nothin worse than being a broke gringo in latin america........personal xperience speaking but thankfully it was only a short term temporary episode..........I am now once again rich and famous and life is wonderful.........hahahaha..........round of drinks for all...........

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DUM....I calling "dibs" on the free drinks. How do I get in touch with you when I get back? None of that cheap EC swill...CAPTAIN!!!!! : >)))))

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Ya know DL, after reading this thread, and then all the silliness on "Trump USA", I think drinx all around is *required*. Ignorance is seldom bliss, usually too certain (of itself), and always sobering. Bottoms Up!

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You know that Ignorance is Bliss line ...probably most famous when said by the character of Cypher in the Matrix...

The character was played by an acotr named Joseph Pantolino

Known to his friends as Joey Pants.

He´s also a well known person in one of the communities in which I work.
I´ve gotten to know him. Nice guy... nothing like his character.

And no...ignorance is not bliss... and Joey has an aversion to rare steak since that scene.

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@cristos7.........make it drinks all around.....And the good stuff from Guyana....El Dorado I believe its called.......crem de la crem of rum.........Altho Zacapa de Guatemala will work just fine too........Make Remoores a double........I think he needs it more than I do..........

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dumluk - just curious, have you looked into or traveled to Peru, Chile or Argentina?

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Hey, just bak to the wonderful world of the internet...Been laying tile and then the inevitable cleanup afterwords......got something done today despite the rain.......Frankly no, I have yet to travel to those countries but I have many friends who have and have even lived there......so of course i have picked their brains........Peru is up and coming and has awesome mountain country like Ecuador, and Chile too but cccccooooolder...........and great surf too, but also colder than Calif water.........great lakes, great wine and craft beer..............stunning variety.........but a lot more expensive than Ecuador........Ecuador is gettin up there.......but still way more economic than Chile.........cant speak to the police presence in those countries, but now that Argentina has swung back to the right, I imagine there will be more police activity and intrusion.........thats my guess anyway.......

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