[SUZAN HASKINS]

Hi Mike, I think the list of expat get-togethers in Cuenca is in one of these forum posts. Let me know if you can’t find it. Spending time in Quito is totally up to you — if you absolutely know you won’t live there, then I don’t see the reasoning to spend time there. It is, though, a lovely city with many great sites to explore.

[SUZAN HASKINS]

You might want to look at one of the small towns in the Yunguilla Valley or outside Cuenca near Cajas National Park.

[SUZAN HASKINS]

You cannot use Medicare in Ecuador. If you feel 100% sure you will never go back to the US, you can drop it. If you’re not sure, my understanding is that you can “put it on hold” for awhile — check out the US government’s Medicare website for all the details. That is, if you can understand the language of government-ese…

[SUZAN HASKINS]

Bradley, Orotongo is a rather spartan kind of place, I am told. So I’d recommend you take a look first before you commit to a monthlong stay. If you are seriously evaluating Cuenca, I suggest you stay as long as you can. You may fall in love with her in three days, but you can’t really get to know her that well… But remember, this is never a one-way trip. Especially if you don’t move all your belongings there. You can always move on if you decide Cuenca is not for you.

[SUZAN HASKINS]

HI Larry, you can start with Amy and Gerardo Pinoargote in Salinas: GPinoargote@yahoo.com and Mike Sager who lives in Playas but works that part of Ecuador: redwulf3@juno.com.

Their websites, in case you want to do some browsing, are: http://www.spondylusecuador.com/index.html and http://www.ecuadorhomesales.com/

Attorney Roberto Moreno has an office in Manta – -find his details in the Experts section.

[SUZAN HASKINS]

I know several people who are building houses. Like anywhere in the world, construction projects bring headaches. You tolerance for that is completely personal. Yes, as far as I know, termites exist anywhere there is wood. Again, come for a visit and see what you find…that’s the ONLY way to make an informed decision.

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Angela, I have never heard of a fer-de-lance being anywhere near animals. Or in the highlands. I’m not saying your research is wrong, but I’ve never heard that. I think the best advice for you is to come for a visit. I don’t think you can realistically make any plans about where you will live without seeing it firsthand for yourself.

[SUZAN HASKINS]

Check the itineraries posted in the Travel Section of Ecuador Insider. And check out this place for a transitional rental while you look for a longer-term place to stay: http://www.hotelotorongo.com

[SUZAN HASKINS]

For rentals in Coatacahi, ask Larry Smith: lsmith9287@gmail.com or Susana Guerra: susana.guerra.7771@facebook.com and ask to be put on Jack Moss’ email list: intheandes@gmail.com.

[SUZAN HASKINS]

I don’t know much about this, either — but I have never heard of hiring an attorney for robbers in Ecuador. I think your interaction (or hopefully lack thereof) with police in Ecuador will depend where you live. Do you have a destination in mind?

And have you had to “hire” police often in the DR? I can’t recall anyone in Ecuador ever talking much about any interaction with police.

[SUZAN HASKINS]

Hi Angela, check out Patiotuerca.com, OLX and Mundoanuncio — I’m sorry but you’ll have to Google these last. I really don’t know much about these. You can also check the Quito Craigslist.

[SUZAN HASKINS]

Seriously?? That is terrible! They must be hiring a limo. A taxi on the street will take you for $50 or $60, but I like having someone who knows the way. be sure to write down the name of the place you are going when you get to Cotacachi…although it is a small town and there is no way to get lost.

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Same in Quito and Imbabura province. There are pools, but the lakes are cold. Go lower in elevation and you’ll find swimmable rivers, for instance near Banos and Mindo.

[SUZAN HASKINS]

It’s my understanding you can, though, buy firearms in Ecuador if you pass a psychological exam.

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Most charge $50 to $60 one way — and that’s per car and not per person. We use Mauricio Bonilla’s father, Jose. Jose does not speak English but he is a nice man and a safe driver. Mauricio speaks English and you can email him at gbsmaury@hotmail.com. They charge $60. He drives a 4 X 4, although if Jose is booked he may send someone else in a smaller or larger car.

If you need anything larger (a van) be sure to tell him that.

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