About GeoffreyLevens

Status:

Repatriate 

Gender:

Male

Currently Lives:

Citizen Of:

United States

Some Forum Posts:

Ecuador Welcome Forum: Dog TICKS in Vilcabamba:

If the disease is Babesia (to which humans are also quite susceptible; I had it and no damn joke!) she better get the industrial strength treatment right away and even then the dog may die. The disease attacks central nervous system and heart. People die from it too. I was on 100% state disability for a year (until the benefits ran out) and now 12 years later still have some neuro deficits from it. Friends in Vilca recently had to put their much loved pup down due to the disease as he got stuck in constant 24 hours/day seizure and nothing more could be done. A Hellish experience for all concerned.

Ecuador Welcome Forum: Crucrita:

If looking for very tiny place, very few gringos/expats, check the town just north of there a bit that starts with Ay... (forum software thinks the name of the town is swear word and won't let me post it.) According to mgr of hostel I am staying in, bad behaving people are quickly sent packing by the town so very safe. Also not much "party" action so quiet at night. If there is a big loud one (rare) police shut it down at midnight. All good to me! 15 more minutes north on the bus and you get to Puerto Lopez which is a bit bigger and has more shops etc. There is only one little tienda here really but produce trucks come through daily and stop if you wave or shout.

Ecuador Welcome Forum: Cancel visa in at different cityimmigration office:

Does anyone know? I got my visa in Quito. I need to cancel it (long boring story). Do I need to do this in Quito or can I do it in Guayaquil???

Ecuador: Escaping the US:

Time to remember what that famous philosopher, Roseannadanna once said, "It just goes to show you, it's always something—if it ain't one thing, it's another."

Ecuador Welcome Forum: Carnaval:

I don't know about everywhere but in Vilcabamba good to also be aware that you will likely be soaked by people throwing buckets of water on you or flat out hosed with a hose (as well as covered with that spray "silly string" stuff). Supposed to be funny somehow. Don't carry camera or other delicate electronics or if you do keep well wrapped in water proof cover.

Ecuador Welcome Forum: Tax on CD closure:

I have a fairly large CD in a bank and am closing it and wiring the money to a bank in US. I was told there is a 5% tax on it. Is that for sending it out of the country or for taking it out of the CD?..........If for out of the CD, is there then a second tax for out of country?.........And if so, does that apply or not if amount is under $10,000? (Having a bit of trouble getting clear answers from my bank and now closed for weekend)

Ecuador Welcome Forum: expat presence in communities 4-5K elevation:

Depends on what type and size of community you are after. Vilcabamba is small and has fairly high gringo/expat presence. Lot of transient, temporary, back packer types but also a lot of permanent residents. Lot of "stuff" going on in terms of permaculture, organic ag, yoga/meditation, raw fooders, space ship conspiracy crazies, pyramid energies, the more fringe gamut of la cultura del norte,

Ecuador Welcome Forum: Health Care in Ecuador:

Rich, and just to add a note of gravitas to what he posted, Rodreego was a medical professional in the US for many many years and and since coming to Ecuador has been studying what is here and working w/ the people in the medical system here and with expats to help improve the situation on all fronts. He's not just "some guy on the internet" this topic is all about what he does and has done for much of his adult life

Ecuador: This Group:

Susan, thank you for your extremely helpful and welcoming presence and ongoing hard work!

Ecuador Welcome Forum: Bugs:

I am in Vilcbamba (about 5000 ft) and it is a bit of mixed bag here though most people do get bitten at least by some mosquitos and some few get positively eaten alive. If you are generally a target, as I am, you can avoid most of it by staying covered up in evening and at night and only renting/living in place w/ well screened windows.

Date Joined:

5/15/2013

Total Posts:

559

Posts/Day:

0.39