About OceanHideaway

Status:

Expatriate  

Gender:

Female

Currently Lives:

Anconcito, Salinas, Guayas, Ecuador

Citizen Of:

United States

HR/Relo
Professional:

Provider of Expat-Related Services & Products

Education:

Yonkers High School, Hawthorne MS, PS # 13
  1967 to 1980

Smith College
  1980 to 1984

University of Miami, Law School
  1984 to 1988

Some Forum Posts:

Ecuador Welcome Forum: Any other good Expat sites besides FB?:

Yes. This one.

Ecuador Welcome Forum: Tourist visa stay.:

Things just got more confusing as all the visa categories just changed. Let's see if we can have our visa guru, Dana Cameron who writes here under the avatar Silver water, stop by and help sort this out!

Ecuador Welcome Forum: Bringing Rx meds into Ecuador:

Because drugs that sedate are controlled here in Ecuador, and both medications to control anxiety and help sleep are sedatives, you should chat with your doctor. Have your physician write a on letterhead that you are prescribed the medication for your condition and have whatever quantity at whatever dosage for your time in Ecuador. Most physicians also have a notary on staff or in building so it should not be a problem to have it notarized too. Now, have that note translated into Spanish. Keep the medicationsin original bottles with a copy of your prescription and that notarized letter with copy in Spanish. By the way, always take medication in carry-on, its highly stealable and hard to replace. Have it in a see through plasdtic bag with the prescriptions and doctors letter and translation right there. It will probably be glanced at and ignored. Because you'll have what they need to let you in with your meds with no problem. At most, the look at your bottles, read your letter and hand it back. Note: This doesn't work for medical marijuana... Or other substances not recognized as medications in the country although it will cover certain vitamins and mineral and nutritional supplements for humans and even animals.

Ecuador: "The Great Guest Mentality!":

Thanks but I'll take the guava tart, pan de yuca, and spinokopeta ... Yeah the last one isn't Ecuadorian but Mrs. Xiangs sopa isn't either just available here in town and really good!

Ecuador Welcome Forum: Learning Spanish:

Some Spanish Schools can be a lot of fun... if you really don't expect to learn anything but want the opportunity to pick up some language, learn some culture, and have some structure to your immersion vacation. Places like the Montañita Spanish School is a great place to get some skills and also friends. And age is not an issue. I know students from 17 literally to 70s. There are other schools like this. Combining visiting with learning. I think it makes a great trip idea, better than just "looking to see if you like Ecuador". After that... If you enjoyed yourself, come for longer time and immerse more into speaking. It takes about two years from point Zero immersed full time. Just to keep perspective, for your 2nd language.

Ecuador Welcome Forum: Lyrica Prescription:

Hi AccessGoddess: Welcome to the group. I think you will enjoy your experience in Ecuador. I am also 55 and moved here for my health almost 8 years ago. While my chronic illness is, well, chronic, I have been able to alleviate some symptoms and lower the dosage on a number of medications. That's important both from a long term use/side effects factor vs. quality of life issue, and as you know a cost issue. If your doctor in the states is agreeable, as Lyrics is not a medication that is habit forming leading to abuse, non narcotic, and not on the WHO list of drugs, see if you can get a prescription for the largest 90 day dosage so you can refill before arrival and have sufficient between shipments, which can take time or be held up in transit. Do make sure an emergency pack is always available at your local pharmacy in case of loss. You want to know you have back up even if it costs a lot. Susan

Ecuador Welcome Forum: Cuenca - Where to Stay?:

Olon on the coast is a bit of a commute from Cuenca.

Ecuador: Kittens!:

I have 5 adorable grey tabbies, two spotted, one striped, one white with stripes, one reverse black and grey with white paws (like Mozart from Pinnochio!) All weaned, cat box trained, and my foundation will pay for their spay/ neuter in 6 months Who wants a darling kitten? 6 weeks old! Here in Montañita!

Ecuador: Writing a Will in Ecuador:

Expat X needs a new attorney. He should also make an appointment to visit with the US Consulate to discuss how to protect his property in Ecuador should he move to another foreign state. Since foreigners may hold property in Ecuador while living abroad just as nationals may, this statement made by Expat Xs attorney appears ... questionable. In addition I would wonder if in fact Expat Xs Will and Living Will/Durable Power of Attorney are correct and adequate, if Expat X has copies with his loved ones back in the States, if said documents are properly and adequately stamped with full and complete translations in English duly acknowledged by said Notario, and if cross Wills of identical verbiage from a US probate attorney have been attached quid pro quo both here and back home to ease the transition in probate for all executors in both countries on the event of Expat Xs passing with adequate funds in a bank account in the name of the executor solely for this purpose secured? Just a suggestion.

Ecuador Welcome Forum: Embassy/Consulates?:

Always contact your Consulate prior to visiting unless it is an emergency. Even then, call. Consulates, by the way, work with people, Embassies represent Countries. So actually there are two consulate offices, one in Guayaquil and one in Quito at the Embassy. You will work with American Citizens Services of the Consulate. (ACS) You should go to the webpage and open the page for ACS. You will find all sorts of info and links and most important all about APPOINTMENTS. If you fail to make an appointment and simply show up demanding services on days and at times they aren't available, you will have an unsatisfactory experience. In fact it will be a rude awakening as one poster here discovered. Especially now as under the new Republican administration, the State Department is severely understaffed. Don't forget to follow the links to the Smart Travelers Enrollment Program as well.

Date Joined:

1/3/2010

Total Posts:

6441

Posts/Day:

2.43