About jeffro63

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Ecuador Welcome Forum: Gringos?:

I just got back from Ecuador. I was researching, and on a fact finding mission. I flew into Manta, stayed in San Lorenzo for a couple days, then took a bus to Olon, near Montanita. I found that having a language barrier was mostly the cause of paying a little more than the indigenous people. Being able to count in Spanish is a really good start. The buses I took from San Lorenzo to Olon cost me probably about $6.00, and it was about a three hour bus ride. If I knew how to ask, que questa, and understood what he said in return, it might have cost me $5.00. I think we gringos have a tendency to try to bargain shop like the old days in Tiajuana. The prices are not always negotiable, and the locals are certainly not getting rich off the gringos. Also, for goodness sake stop buying everything that you see. Really, it is almost, no it is embarrassing to see a fellow US citizen act like some rich ass, that has money to throw around. Buy what you need, remember you have to drag that crap through customs. Showing an interest in the local culture brings you a long way, and be genuine about it. I walked around with a note pad with lessons I got from an expat, and his wife, and we would go have a drink on the beach and have lessons. The locals see that, and you automatically get the indigenius price on everything. Ecuador is a great place. There are third world issues, but it is being addressed, and brought up to a higher standard by the current regime. Infrastructure is one of the main issues, and is being upgraded. One last comment, I promised to post every chance I could. So, if you ever get to Olon you just have to stop into Ojas bed and breakfast. The cook there Tom makes the best french fries on earth, I challenge any, and all to find a better chip. Gringos on the Beach is also an awesome place to start your adventure. They pick you up from the airport in Manta, and deliver you to paradise on the beach. I am also on facebook, and kept kind of a running journal of daily activities.

Date Joined:

1/10/2014

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6

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