About FrankNichols

Currently Lives:

Citizen of:

Some Forum Posts:

Ecuador: So long and thanks for all the fish:

I am leaving the forum, and I wanted to let those here that have helped me and answered my questions know that I appreciated their help and advice. However, I have posted 3 questions here and by the third question I was attacked. My third question was simply wanting to know how the postal system works in Ecuador and if I should take any steps to ensure I get mail to avoid potential disruptions to my SS payments. Apparently I insulted or offended some by pointing out that I was concerned about losing my SS and was told at least indirectly that they did not appreciate the implications of my questions and how it related to how they were dealing with the situation. Others attacked me for apparently using a word incorrectly in explaining why the SS would ever stop making my payments. Even implying I was making it up, having "never heard of such a thing". The reason I am leaving the US is that I no longer enjoy living there and the reason is exactly because of this type of behavior. The US is not going to be great again anytime soon, and I think it is exactly because of this - Americans can't even carry on a simple civil conversation with strangers without resorting to insults and attacks or taking offense where none was intended. I don't know any of you and have no reason to attack you or offend you or accuse you of anything. My question was simply made in seeking help to understand how others are dealing with a real life issues in moving to and retiring in Ecuador, My question did not mention what anyone else was doing, or make any political statement - it was simply one stranger asking other strangers for help. The question was posted in the welcome forum, precisely because I read on this site that there had been issues with heated discussions in the other forum, and the moderators wanted to keep the Welcome forum free of that so new comers would feel welcome and safe posting. Well, it didn't work. So, to those that have provided me so much help in such a little amount of time, I say thank you, to the others, I say, good luck and good fortune I hold no ill feelings towards anyone here, but I have no desire to use a forum where I have to choose my words carefully to avoid confrontations. To everyone here I say good bye.

Ecuador Welcome Forum: US Social Security:

It appears I need to report that I am moving to Ecuador to the SS. And it appears they will send me a questionnaire every two years that must be returned in a timely manner or they will stop my payments. Has anyone had experience with this? Considering what I have read of Ecuador mail is not reassuring I will get the letter from the SS in a timely manner? Comments? Suggestions? TIA, Frank

Ecuador Welcome Forum: It's wonderful day in our neighborhood...:

My wife and I will be visiting Cuenca Ecuador soon (a few weeks to a month or so from now) to see about the possibility to immigrating . One of the things we are trying to figure out is where to look to see what living conditions would be like - by this I mean, we would like to visit potential neighborhoods (I am not sure what they are called there) and see what the noise, scenery, housing, restaurants, security/safety, etc. look like. I have not been able to find descriptions of the various "neighborhoods" in Cuenca yet, only that there are various "areas". So, with all that babbling behind us, my question is - could I get some recommendations or comments about various areas in Cuenca that we should focus on based on our criteria: -- 15 to 20 minute bus trip to/from the center ("El Centro?"). -- 15 to 20 minute bus trip to a college or university, preferably science (Physics, etc) or technology (math, computer science, etc) majors available. -- 15 to 30 minute bus or taxis trip to/from modern medical facilities. -- 5 to 15 minute WALK to/from restaurants, markets (not chain stores) etc. -- 15 to 20 minute bus ride to most other shopping. -- Rent a furnished house - (apartment acceptable) with fenced yard for 2 seniors with 5 pets, 2 LARGE dogs (Great Pyrenees and Labrador Retriever) a small dog Sh1tzu, and two cats. I realize that we may not be able to import all our pets, but so far I have not found an official statement, so we still have hope. -- House should be 2 or 3 bedroom (or 2 with an office), 1 or 2 bathroom, small kitchen, small living room, small yard, no garage needed, we do not plan on a car. Price range up to $600 per month. But, not over $500/month unless we just totally fall in love with it! -- Preferably fiber optic internet but copper if it is reliable and at minimum 5mb/s but preferably 10 to 20 mb/s. We would consider unfurnished, but again it would have to be something we would LOVE - loved meaning meets all our requirements, and our pets... and then I would have to travel ahead of my wife and buy the furniture have it delivered etc. before she and the pets arrived. Okay, so, I am sure I have forgotten some details, but that is basically what we are looking for. Our combined SS, over $4/mth is enough to live comfortably in Cuenca (I think) - and afford more rent - but we have hopes of continuing our education and traveling a lot, so we want to not go crazy on cost of living expenses. TIA, Frank and Sharon

Ecuador Welcome Forum: Looking for Room to rent - Cuenca:

My wife and I will be arriving in Cuenca around the 1st of March (2017) and staying for 14 days. We are looking for a private one room apartment with a bath in a quiet location in town (probably), or not more than 15 to 30 minutes from two via bus (or taxi?) A kitchen is optional and not necessary. We would like to hold expenses down on the room, so we don't need anything "fancy" just a good, safe bed and bath. This trip is the first "exploratory" trip to Cuenca to see if we want to retire here. Depending on what we find we will progress to longer visits and all the paper work etc. with a goal of moving here before years end. From what I have read, online searching is the most expensive way to find a rental - but, I wanted to have the room reserved before we get there so we have someplace to stay at least 1 night until we find someplace for the 2 weeks. Is that a wrong approach? Would it be better to wait until we are there? Could we expect to find a room/apartment the same day we get into the city so we can wait until we are there and see the apartment before renting? Any help and advice is appreciated - I have found a few possibilities on TripAdvisor in the $400 or less range for the 14 days. Is that a reasonable price for a safe clean simple place to sleep? Is it high? Is it low - what would be a warning sign? Thanks! Frank

Ecuador Welcome Forum: Weather in the mountains:

From what I have read, it can be summed up that the #1 reason gringo's leave Cuenca and go back to the US is that Cuenca is not the US,

Date Joined:

2/4/2017

Total Posts:

16

Posts/Day:

0.23