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Looking for a friend

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Royboy
  6/6/2019 19:42 EST

I realize this may not be the correct forum but I don’t know where else to post. I am an American living in Ecuador for the past several years. I have lived primarily in Esmeraldas and now Guayaquil. I haven't really lived in areas where gringos and tourists generally live and stay.

A little about me. I am in my fifties. I am a conservative and somewhat religious. And yes, I even watch Fox News. I have found thats not a very popular mix for most in these forums.

When I first arrived here, I came alone with just a backpack. I didn't speak Spanish and I had nothing but a small retirement income made smaller still by having to share it with my exwife. So, I came to start a new life here, and for years I dedicated all of my time and effort to building another stable life and income. I am embarrassed to say that during these years, I have seldom seen, or met a fellow gringo, male or female and I have made no friends. (Other than my current wife, who is native).

I have learned Spanish while here and I am fluent now, but I really miss conversation in English. The only people I know here are natives and most are business associates or employees. I am financially stable again and I now have the time and a desire to have friends. Preferably, gringo friends. I initially hoped to at some time, buy a second home in Cuenca and make find a friend there. Those plans have changed and I am now in the process of buying a beach home not far from Manta.

I know there is a group that meets for meals and drinks a couple of times a week near the beach in Manta. While I don't drink, I do plan to attend just to see. But I do know that most do not attend those types of meetings.. Unfortunately from my own experience here, I know alot about the underbelly of this country. I know a lot about what to avoid and what not to do. I know all about bribes and local officials and police. About construction, investments and realestate. I also know alot about situational awareness, street survival, law enforcement, and fire arms. I have automobiles and I drive everywhere I go.

I eat too much, I'm opinionated, often stubborn, and not at all politically correct. But I am honest. I have no real vices, I don't gossip, I don't judge, I don't cause problems for anyone. I mean well and I try to do what’s best. Surely there must be others who, like me, are bored and would like to have a good friend to talk to, work out with, play cards, travel, fish, golf, hike, etc.?

Please. If after reading this you even a little interested, consider contacting me by personal message. I would very much enjoy meeting you.

Ed

mantatiger
  6/7/2019 12:45 EST

Hey there,

There are many 'meetups' here in Manta. The planned meets are typically the same people. And there are many other expats in the city that do not go to those events. I suggest joining two facebook groups:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/mantaexpats/?ref=nf_target&fref=nf

https://www.facebook.com/groups/323275021650751/

Mark Bradbury makes monthly bus excursion day trips out of Manta to see different areas of Ecuador. This is a good way to meet people. Also there are many expats that golf on Tues and Fri morning but nothing organized unless there is a tourney. But the 19th hole after is decently social.

Good or bad, there is enough expats here that now there are many different diverse subgroups here. Those that are chill, those that don't want to talk US politics, those that do, those that complain about everything and others that shun those people that do. People that volunteer at the dog rescue, people that hang out on the malecon every day, bowling groups and coffee drinkers. I am sure you will find a niche or two that will work for you. These groups tend not to cross over often, for the chill rarely hang with the opinionated, ya know. Attend events, have dinner at Goodfellas on Indian Food night (every other Wed night) which has the most diverse crowd of expats (and the best Onion Rings in the city).

I am sure you will find your tribe, for everyone is very polite here to start, so dont hesitate to make contact.

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Penguin007
  6/7/2019 13:26 EST

I live in Salinas but TOTALLY loved the comments about the different groups and activities in Manta. I am jealous because we don't really have golf or bowling and I think both would be fun. Good luck in your search. Welcome to Ecuador!!

Penguin007
  6/7/2019 13:26 EST

I live in Salinas but TOTALLY loved the comments about the different groups and activities in Manta. I am jealous because we don't really have golf or bowling and I think both would be fun. Good luck in your search. Welcome to Ecuador!!

Penguin007
  6/7/2019 13:26 EST

I live in Salinas but TOTALLY loved the comments about the different groups and activities in Manta. I am jealous because we don't really have golf or bowling and I think both would be fun. Good luck in your search. Welcome to Ecuador!!

windshadow
  6/9/2019 19:57 EST

Royboy, I have a goldfish that would be just the friend you need. (:
Obviously just kidding, but I have found when you are on the hunt you never find. When you relax and kick back is when it happens.

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Fredonia
  6/11/2019 14:31 EST

Oh great, a Faux News watcher wants to make friends in a country full of people that he deems as animals, according to his disgusting leader. You, sir, have your almighty nerve, I give you that. I do hope you will find what you deserve.

Royboy
  6/11/2019 17:03 EST

Thank you Fredonia. Your'e a gem!

28204km
  6/11/2019 17:10 EST

Royboy i guess she wanted the lying,murdering,demented lunatic in office instead of someone who is trying to save the USA from destruction which is exactly what Trump has been trying to do.

28204km
  6/11/2019 17:10 EST

Royboy i guess she wanted the lying,murdering,demented lunatic in office instead of someone who is trying to save the USA from destruction which is exactly what Trump has been trying to do.

ronwatral
  6/11/2019 19:11 EST

2820: You need to back-off our meds.

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ronwatral
  6/11/2019 19:15 EST

2820: You can't get all worked up by RoyBoy. He's been painting his place and the fumes have kinda...well..., you know what I mean. Da Fumes!!!!

28204km
  6/11/2019 21:24 EST

I wish they could invent some anti Libturd Demoncrat meds. Or at least get rid of the Trump haters.

kmarch
  6/11/2019 21:32 EST

This is getting awfully personal.
When we start telling people to get off of thier meds . . . or is it time for my medication or yours . . . . Or calling people LIBTURDS?

When you go Low . . . . . it's time for all of us to take our Meds.

A Chill Pill.

Stop it - All of you.
Your embarrassing yourself hiding under the rock of your 'Pen Names'.

Is there an adult in the room?

Sincerely yours,
Ken March
Cuenca, Ecuador

kmarch
  6/11/2019 21:32 EST

This is getting awfully personal.
When we start telling people to get off of thier meds . . . or is it time for my medication or yours . . . . Or calling people LIBTURDS?

When you go Low . . . . . it's time for all of us to take our Meds.

A Chill Pill.

Stop it - All of you.
Your embarrassing yourself hiding under the rock of your 'Pen Names'.

Is there an adult in the room?

Sincerely yours,
Ken March
Cuenca, Ecuador

kmarch
  6/11/2019 21:32 EST

This is getting awfully personal.
When we start telling people to get off of thier meds . . . or is it time for my medication or yours . . . . Or calling people LIBTURDS?

When you go Low . . . . . it's time for all of us to take our Meds.

A Chill Pill.

Stop it - All of you.
Your embarrassing yourself hiding under the rock of your 'Pen Names'.

Is there an adult in the room?

Sincerely yours,
Ken March
Cuenca, Ecuador

GringoinQuito
  6/12/2019 08:53 EST

All you have to do is hit the reply button once, and your comment will be posted. It doesn't happen instantaneously.

kmarch
  6/12/2019 10:25 EST

Sorry - Wish I had the ability to delete.

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