Ecuador Expat Forum

withoutego
Joined 2010
Posts: 2276

12 years ago

Recent travel experience

12 years ago

I just returned to Ecuador with my new pension visa. The route was Portland Maine, Atlanta, Guayaquil, Cuenca. Delta to GYE and TAME to Cuenca.

The reservation with Suites Guayaquil aborted because their driver didn't show. I called him and he had no clue. The guy who loaned me his movi was driving the van for the Grand. I ended up going with him. The Grand cost more but considering included transport to and from the airport, the breakfast and the A/C in the room, it was OK.

A gringo working for Suites Guayaquil called my USA phone and offered a day gratis in compensation but I had decided to skip the extraday in GYE. I only choose to stay because of the lower rate at the Suites GYE.

I just ended a job at a big resort hotel in Maine (the Samoset) as weekend overnight security, bell, van driver and can say from personal experience...it ain't rocket science.

Customs and Security were not a problem. I brought in every thing but the kitchen sink. That is two 50 Lb bags. Buy a digital scale, mine paid for itself ($14 at wally) I measured 49.5 or so on each suitcase and the rounded off scales Delta used showed 50 lb for each' their limit.

For some reason Delta didn't charge for the second check bag. I was sure only the first was free. But, I got hit with $16 by TAME because they have a 20 Kilo limit. I hate to suspect them but that could be a cute way to make money.

The airport restricts you to two checked bags, Delta limits you to 50 lb each...you must max out the limited volume, which automatically puts you just over TAME's 20 Kilo llimit(20 x 2.2 =44 & 50-44=6) . Just like Reno, they've worked the angles in advance. Could just be my unkind take on the outstretched hand(s) I encounter when I travel.

I brought in a 19" TV (yes a flat screen, LOL), DVD player, Satellite reciever, satellite LNBA, electronic parts, flatbed scanner, netbook, laptop, external wi-fi antenna with 50' of cable, a dozen tubes of acrylic paint, a small set of oil paint, brushes, two weeks worth of skivies and socks, three sets of pants and shirts...and lots of detritus I can't even recall packing.

The, "Oh...I should have packed...whatever" starts up as soon as you arrive and open the cases. Make a list early and visualize yourself in new digs in Ecuador, make a movie in your head and note what props are need. Some items can be had locally and some not, or not for a reasonable price.

The only thing customs or security flagged was the tubes of paint in the carry on. I think mostly they watch for your reaction to the inspection. I would find it hard to keep a calm expression if Iwas about to begin a term in an Ecuadorian prison because I had tried to bring in something nasty.

Its nice to again see the people here in Cuenca I got to know over the winter past. A home comming to a new home. Now to find the ideal loft/studio and root.

sin viaje mas!

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Help others in Ecuador by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Ecuador.