A few days ago I posted a topic on the October 2019 conflict, inviting Ecuadorian expats regardless of location in the country to explore a few questions about their attitudes related to the conflict and how they feel about expatriation now. There were many responses with amazing insights and dialoguing. Thank you! Many of the answering expats, although affected by the crisis, do not live in strongly affected areas or those deemed Level 4 by the U.S. Department of State. Certain areas of Ecuador shown on the current Advisory are considered similar in danger to other Level 4 countries like Afghanistan, Nicaragua, or Somalia, with a Do Not Travel advisory.
The topic is now addressed to expats in Quito. Since Quito is the seat of strong demonstrations between indigenous, police, and military with reports of tear gas, food shortages, major road blockades, thousands of indigenous entering into the city, some looting reported, risk of rock throwing. I first heard of this proscription not to travel to these Level 4 areas, particularly Quito, whose historic center is still impassable and risky, when brought to my attention by a female expat in Cuenca who came on assignment to teach ESL as a single woman and is uncertain what to do now.
So, Quito or other expats in Level 4 locations of Ecuador and particularly female expats -- what do you think about the following queries?
Given the unrest, political insurgency, and potential danger related to the government-indigenous clash in Pichincha/Quito that has been going on since Thursday, October 3, how do current expats feel about living in Ecuador particularly Quito? Even answering one of the following would be helpful and insightful for my research on expatriation but also for other expats-to-be once considering Ecuador and urban centers like Quito?
1) How do you as a Quito resident-expatriate feel about expatriation to Ecuador now?
2) What if anything has changed in your attitude about expatriation to Ecuador, given the situation in Quito? Why?
3) For you who are permanently living in Quito, what do you think you will do? Remain, think about alternatives, leave, wait it out, unknown? Why?
4) What signs, signals, dreams, odd occurrences, strange incidents, inner knowing, or experiences have you as a Quito expat had, if any, to give you insight about what or what not to do?
5) What would you advise someone who was on the verge of moving permanently to particularly the Quito or strongly affected Level 4 areas--to think, do, or consider-- at this moment in time?
6) What if anything does the current situation change or not change for you about expatriation since you're living in Quito?
7) Although the situation in Quito looks of grave concern at the moment, are there any benefits, advantages, or bright spots to this situation in your thoughts as an expat?
8) Which side are you as a Quito expat on, if any -- the Ecuadorian government or the indigenous' position? Why?
Thanks for any insights even to a single question.
The full U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory is on a separate link on this forum if you want to take a look at it. Here is an extract of the Level 4 areas:
Azuay, Bolivar, Carchi, Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, Guayas (including Guayaquil), Imbabura, Loja, Los Rios, Manabí, Pichincha (including Quito), Sucumbíos, Tungurahua, and northern Esmeraldas provinces – Level 4: Do Not Travel
Anyone living in other affected areas that are Level 4 such as Loja, Imbabura, Saguay, Cotopaxi, are invited to respond to this post.
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