Quick story of my own about the kindness of Ecuadorians. Couple years back we were down on Avenida Huyana Capac standing in a crowd watching a children's parade go buy. I asked a street vendor how much for a bag of popcorn and she said "one dollar". I started to pay when someone behind me said to the vendor (in Spanish) "Señora, the cost is only fifty cents." Then an arm in a camouflage jacket reached past me and paid for my popcorn. I turned around to see a tall, handsome lieutenant from the local army base. I thanked him and never forgot his kindness. In our experience, Ecuadorians are some of the kindest, most genuine people we've had the good fortune to encounter in our world travels. Keep the videos coming, and thanks again.
what he said is " Hey Papi I see your camera " when people step near you , behind you BE CAUTIOUS! robberies often start with "hey can you help me?" Distraction then the nearby accomplice grabs a bag or whatever , Be innocent as a Dove but cautious as a Wolf
Hi Don, the way you spend your money is nobody’s business but yours, don’t mind critics. Greatly appreciate all the information you shed on us. Hugs from Colorado Springs, CO
Hi Don. I think your spider senses were correct regarding the robbery attempt. Please keep the local content coming. We love seeing how the transportation system runs and the costs associated. Much appreciated.
Don we appreciate the information you provide in your videos. We trust your perspective and find even the slightest observations you make valuable as said below for planning purposes. We've only been able to visit Ecuador once and find value in Ecuador videos the good and bad. Have a great day!
I was in Cuenca 7 years ago. The wife saw how there was glass on all the walls and bars on windows and said he'll no. If ever given the opportunity I'd be out there as fast as I could. I'm your age and know it takes balls to move to a country not knowing any one. You are the teacher.
Don! Great to see you! My wife and I love your videos and we are grateful for whatever information you are willing to share. Thank you for creating these!
Ty for all your videos...very helpful..Iam glad to see you are ok. I BELIEVE you learned a valuable lesson......and came out unscathed..keep safe and healthy
Hi Don...I've been thinking of your experience by the river and my take away is that one needs always to be cautious of where you're walking and thinking, perhaps, it might be a good idea to have a walking buddy in certain areas...especially if you have your expensive equipment out for filming. Hearing about the cost of the bus and tranvia and how to get set up and refill your cards is very helpful and encouraging. Thanks! As for the differences between Cuenca and Manta, well, one is a developing beach town and Cuenca is a Unesco Historical town, nestled in the Andes Mountains. It has a unique charm all its own with many cultural activities and volunteering opportunities to give back to the community. You can always go and vacation at the beach! Take care and stay safe!
Thanks Kristine. I hope you don't mind me quoting you in one of my QAs. I can't think of a better way to explain the differences between Manta and Cuenca. Having a walking partner is a good idea, if only I could find one. -ds
@@DonShader Thanks...feel free to use my words. I thought you'd met new friends in Cuenca...don't any of them like to walk? I guess we all have different lifestyles. One big thing I'm looking forward to when I get there is walking on the picturesque paths along the river as well as the interesting streets learning about and enjoying the Ecuadorian culture. You could post on Gringopost or Cuenca High Life and ask for a walking buddy... Be safe and continue having fun! Did you make it to Joe's Secret Garden yet?
Blow off any critics. You are giving interesting information that anyone thinking about relocating to Ecuador needs to know. The rest of us enjoy living vicariously.
Providing your viewers with the real cost of things as you go along is the whole point. You can spend very little, and you can spend more. Buying a vehicle here is really expensive, and riding public transportation is cheap. That is why I am touring on a Royal Enfield and not a Honda or Suzuki. Taxis are also very affordable, compared to the US or Canada. I walked up that path this afternoon, and the whole area felt upscale and safe. Going to do a motorcycle tour of the town tomorrow. Cheers!
I wish I had a motorcycle. I walk this path almost daily and this is the first time I felt any concern. I'm not going to walk it until I get some pepper spray. -ds
@@DonShader I don't have your number. I have left my number in several comments, but those comments disappeared. Is that an automatic TH-cam thing, or a setting of yours or something I am doing wrong? I am 60, so maybe I am too much of a geezer to figure this out, LOL.
@@davidc1961utube I’m sorry. Just email me. My address is in the description in all of my videos. We don’t want to make all these arrangements in a public forum.
I, personally really appreciate the info on the tranvia, busses and taxis. We need this information, especially if one is on a fixed budget. I’m sure most of your viewers would agree. I was sorry to hear about your near miss with the potential thief. That sort of thing and worse seems to be increasing all over. I know it is where I live in the Southern California desert. By the way, have you acclimated to the altitude? That is my biggest worry when I finally come down. Stay safe and have fun!
I think I've adapted to it quite nicely. The only time I really notice it is when I fist get out of the shower but most of the day, the altitude doesn't really bother me.
Good to know the different ways we can take transportation in Ecuador. I would like Cuenca because of the historian side and the mountain views. Thanks Don!
Don, thsi is Solon from Houston. I look forward to not having to drive in Ecuador as I never have managed a clean driving record her in the U.S.. i'm always getting a ticket for speeding or getting into a fender bender. Not having to worry about a car, about Auto insurance, gasoline maintenance. Plus, I'm a lousy driver. I hope the busses are clean and safe? In Houston that's not always the case.
They are clean but I don't know about "safe". I'm almost reluctant to recommend the buses, especially for seniors because the drivers are not careful at all when it comes to allowing enough time for anyone to take a seat, assuming there is a seat to be had and it's very easy to fall on the bus itself. They accelerate, decelerate in sort of a hot rod fashion since these buses are not with automatic transmissions.
Hi Don, as a non US citizen I like what you're doing. Giving all the info as straight as you can. Much better than some of those others, the one's with all the false smiles and back slapping, they really put me off.... Forgive me if you've already covered this, out of Manta and Cuenca where do you think is best and why. Also yes I understand there are great restaurants, but sometimes all you want is a nice bar where you can mingle with the locals, and of course some live music, a bit of Stevie Ray would be nice. No one seems to have covered this is there a bar culture in Ecuador
Great questions Paul and I've added them to my QA series but I'll give you a summary now so you don't have to wait. 1. If one wants to live on the coast, be close to shopping and emergency health care, Manta. OR at least one of the coastal villages close to Manta. But Manta is a noisey and very developing country and it's not for everyone. But if you would like a little more peace and tranquility, Cuenca is the better choice but it comes with a price, higher altitude and cooler/rainier weather. There are trade offs for both. 2. Before the pandemic, the Malecon in Manta was one giant bar but now, if you want to sit and have drinks, there are places around but most are restaurants/bar combinations. In Cuenca, there are lots of bars where you can just go and drink and hang out. You will most likely hear more of SRV and classic rock in Cuenca than in Manta but I'm basing that strictly on the fact that I'm in Cuenca right now and I've seen several joints that are available that I never see in Manta. Hope that helps.
Don, two questions for your list: 1) Will you (permanently) move to Cuenca given its " resemblance" to an American Small town? 2) How/where do you see in 10 years?
Don, I drive to get food from my home to the restaurant… guess what. It cost me $2 in gas and I spend $40 in food for me and my wife. And it ain’t top of the line food either. Don’t worry about the critics. I like you’re “Man on the street “ style of videos….😃👍
Not 15 seconds after you mentioned Cuenca being quieter than Manta without the loud music, I heard loud music from a car going by my Cuenca apartment building. Hilarious timing 😁
Don you have a reasonable amount of fear in you, hence why you sensed that something was afoot. You just weren’t afraid, I commend you sir. You haven’t live this long without some sort of survival skills. Thumbs up 👍
Hello Don, during my recent visit to EC I spent a few days in both Manta and Cuenca and was drawn to Cuenca .. something in the vibes here. I also felt that there were more people who understood and spoke the english language in Cuenca (something that would make the transition to a spanish speaking country easier). Have you noticed that too? Thanks.
Don, his si Solon from Houston, and people are always asking me "How far is Cuenca for Manta, or Quito from the coast, to travel from the mountain towns where its cool and dry down to the hot humid coastal areas?"
I can relate to the horn issue here. It’s crazy how they honk the split second the light changes. The transportation here is excellent. I use the Tranvia a lot, walk or occasionally a cab. It’s too bad both bus and Tranvia could be on the same card but that wouldn’t be very Ecuadorian would it?😂
Did you mention how long you'll be in Cuenca before returning to Manta? Also, did you mention who is taking care of your dog while you're gone? (Just joking)
I noticed you said you had to tap your card to get on the bus. THis is also the case to get off, yes, as we do this in Vancouver and when I was in Amsterdam also. You only pay for the trip you used so dont forget as you get dinged for an extended journey....
Where do we ask our questions ? Mine is. If you left that country. For some reason. What would be 2 or 3 other countries you would look into moving to ? What places would be on your radar
Wait, a rainy day in Cuenca (which means basin)? It's the start of the rainy season, and I'll say no more then that river really gets going Two different transit passes? Ridiculous. I was living in the historic district but the Sunrise is worth the trip
@@DonShader It's the computer age There should be one card that can be used for both systems. Were I live I have one card and can be used tn 7 different counties transit systems Do all the cards have ID photos, or just the seniors passes
@@DonShader I was gonna say "How Ecuadorian" but passed. OK, I can't believe they have the "tag system", it's advanced technology to be sure. Last time I was there the Transvia was a mess, with holes in the ground along Grand Columbia (actually everywhere) that you could fall into. The bus was 25 cents and I never ever got on the right bus.
![[LIVE] : ONE ลุมพินี 88 | คู่เอก "ป้อมเพชร vs อัสลามจอน"](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/1ZqTVVbMgbo/mqdefault.jpg)
Quick story of my own about the kindness of Ecuadorians. Couple years back we were down on Avenida Huyana Capac standing in a crowd watching a children's parade go buy. I asked a street vendor how much for a bag of popcorn and she said "one dollar". I started to pay when someone behind me said to the vendor (in Spanish) "Señora, the cost is only fifty cents." Then an arm in a camouflage jacket reached past me and paid for my popcorn. I turned around to see a tall, handsome lieutenant from the local army base. I thanked him and never forgot his kindness. In our experience, Ecuadorians are some of the kindest, most genuine people we've had the good fortune to encounter in our world travels. Keep the videos coming, and thanks again.
I agree Rob. I absolutely love the Ecuadorian people and I've experienced far more acts of kindness than I have the other.
Thanks for sharing.
-ds
Great information Don. Don't mind the critics. The rest of us understand the value of your channel.
what he said is " Hey Papi I see your camera " when people step near you , behind you BE CAUTIOUS! robberies often start with "hey can you help me?"
Distraction then the nearby accomplice grabs a bag or whatever , Be innocent as a Dove but cautious as a Wolf
Hi Don, the way you spend your money is nobody’s business but yours, don’t mind critics. Greatly appreciate all the information you shed on us. Hugs from Colorado Springs, CO
Hi Don. I think your spider senses were correct regarding the robbery attempt. Please keep the local content coming. We love seeing how the transportation system runs and the costs associated. Much appreciated.
Don we appreciate the information you provide in your videos. We trust your perspective and find even the slightest observations you make valuable as said below for planning purposes. We've only been able to visit Ecuador once and find value in Ecuador videos the good and bad. Have a great day!
I appreciate that
I've learned so much from you! Thanks so much! You are fearless 💪.. what's your favorite equadorian food!
Ceviche, Jipijapa style (w/peanut butter)
Desayuno is breakfast, almuerzo is the plate lunch! Great episode--sharing your thinking. Thank you!
Yes! Thank you!
I was in Cuenca 7 years ago. The wife saw how there was glass on all the walls and bars on windows and said he'll no. If ever given the opportunity I'd be out there as fast as I could. I'm your age and know it takes balls to move to a country not knowing any one. You are the teacher.
Don, your videos do really help me.. Thank you for taking your time to produce these.
You are very welcome
Thanks for keeping us informed on the actual prices of transportation, food, and housing. It is invaluable to us who are in the planning stages.
Thanks for all the very good information you always give Don.it's worth Gold 👍😊
My pleasure
Don! Great to see you! My wife and I love your videos and we are grateful for whatever information you are willing to share. Thank you for creating these!
Ty for all your videos...very helpful..Iam glad to see you are ok. I BELIEVE you learned a valuable lesson......and came out unscathed..keep safe and healthy
Thanks Don. IT îs always interesting to hear you.
Thanks for listening
Hi Don...I've been thinking of your experience by the river and my take away is that one needs always to be cautious of where you're walking and thinking, perhaps, it might be a good idea to have a walking buddy in certain areas...especially if you have your expensive equipment out for filming. Hearing about the cost of the bus and tranvia and how to get set up and refill your cards is very helpful and encouraging. Thanks! As for the differences between Cuenca and Manta, well, one is a developing beach town and Cuenca is a Unesco Historical town, nestled in the Andes Mountains. It has a unique charm all its own with many cultural activities and volunteering opportunities to give back to the community. You can always go and vacation at the beach! Take care and stay safe!
Thanks Kristine. I hope you don't mind me quoting you in one of my QAs. I can't think of a better way to explain the differences between Manta and Cuenca.
Having a walking partner is a good idea, if only I could find one.
-ds
@@DonShader Thanks...feel free to use my words. I thought you'd met new friends in Cuenca...don't any of them like to walk? I guess we all have different lifestyles. One big thing I'm looking forward to when I get there is walking on the picturesque paths along the river as well as the interesting streets learning about and enjoying the Ecuadorian culture. You could post on Gringopost or Cuenca High Life and ask for a walking buddy... Be safe and continue having fun! Did you make it to Joe's Secret Garden yet?
@@kristybobby I am meeting new friends here but we don't all have the same schedule. And yes, I did make it to Joe's Secret Garden and it was awesome.
Blow off any critics. You are giving interesting information that anyone thinking about relocating to Ecuador needs to know. The rest of us enjoy living vicariously.
Providing your viewers with the real cost of things as you go along is the whole point. You can spend very little, and you can spend more. Buying a vehicle here is really expensive, and riding public transportation is cheap. That is why I am touring on a Royal Enfield and not a Honda or Suzuki. Taxis are also very affordable, compared to the US or Canada.
I walked up that path this afternoon, and the whole area felt upscale and safe. Going to do a motorcycle tour of the town tomorrow.
Cheers!
I wish I had a motorcycle.
I walk this path almost daily and this is the first time I felt any concern. I'm not going to walk it until I get some pepper spray.
-ds
@@DonShader Dinner?
@@davidc1961utube David please contact me through WhatsApp.
@@DonShader I don't have your number. I have left my number in several comments, but those comments disappeared. Is that an automatic TH-cam thing, or a setting of yours or something I am doing wrong?
I am 60, so maybe I am too much of a geezer to figure this out, LOL.
@@davidc1961utube I’m sorry. Just email me. My address is in the description in all of my videos. We don’t want to make all these arrangements in a public forum.
Thank you friend
Always welcome
I, personally really appreciate the info on the tranvia, busses and taxis. We need this information, especially if one is on a fixed budget. I’m sure most of your viewers would agree. I was sorry to hear about your near miss with the potential thief. That sort of thing and worse seems to be increasing all over. I know it is where I live in the Southern California desert. By the way, have you acclimated to the altitude? That is my biggest worry when I finally come down. Stay safe and have fun!
I think I've adapted to it quite nicely. The only time I really notice it is when I fist get out of the shower but most of the day, the altitude doesn't really bother me.
Don, I will be there soon. All of the things you show are so honest. Good bad and in between. I have one thing to say to your critics....fluff off!
Don thanks 4 the good information on transit costs As always u delivered great insight. R u heading back 2 Manta or doing mote exploring Thanks again
I'm going back to Manta to finish off my lease in May, then might move to Cuenca. It's a little too early to tell.
Good to know the different ways we can take transportation in Ecuador. I would like Cuenca because of the historian side and the mountain views. Thanks Don!
Don, thsi is Solon from Houston. I look forward to not having to drive in Ecuador as I never have managed a clean driving record her in the U.S.. i'm always getting a ticket for speeding or getting into a fender bender. Not having to worry about a car, about Auto insurance, gasoline maintenance. Plus, I'm a lousy driver. I hope the busses are clean and safe? In Houston that's not always the case.
They are clean but I don't know about "safe". I'm almost reluctant to recommend the buses, especially for seniors because the drivers are not careful at all when it comes to allowing enough time for anyone to take a seat, assuming there is a seat to be had and it's very easy to fall on the bus itself. They accelerate, decelerate in sort of a hot rod fashion since these buses are not with automatic transmissions.
Hi Don, as a non US citizen I like what you're doing. Giving all the info as straight as you can. Much better than some of those others, the one's with all the false smiles and back slapping, they really put me off....
Forgive me if you've already covered this, out of Manta and Cuenca where do you think is best and why. Also yes I understand there are great restaurants, but sometimes all you want is a nice bar where you can mingle with the locals, and of course some live music, a bit of Stevie Ray would be nice. No one seems to have covered this is there a bar culture in Ecuador
Great questions Paul and I've added them to my QA series but I'll give you a summary now so you don't have to wait.
1. If one wants to live on the coast, be close to shopping and emergency health care, Manta. OR at least one of the coastal villages close to Manta. But Manta is a noisey and very developing country and it's not for everyone.
But if you would like a little more peace and tranquility, Cuenca is the better choice but it comes with a price, higher altitude and cooler/rainier weather. There are trade offs for both.
2. Before the pandemic, the Malecon in Manta was one giant bar but now, if you want to sit and have drinks, there are places around but most are restaurants/bar combinations. In Cuenca, there are lots of bars where you can just go and drink and hang out. You will most likely hear more of SRV and classic rock in Cuenca than in Manta but I'm basing that strictly on the fact that I'm in Cuenca right now and I've seen several joints that are available that I never see in Manta.
Hope that helps.
Don, two questions for your list: 1) Will you (permanently) move to Cuenca given its " resemblance" to an American Small town? 2) How/where do you see in 10 years?
Don, I drive to get food from my home to the restaurant… guess what. It cost me $2 in gas and I spend $40 in food for me and my wife. And it ain’t top of the line food either. Don’t worry about the critics. I like you’re “Man on the street “ style of videos….😃👍
Thanks James, I appreciate it.
-ds
Not 15 seconds after you mentioned Cuenca being quieter than Manta without the loud music, I heard loud music from a car going by my Cuenca apartment building. Hilarious timing 😁
That happens to me all the time. :-)
Your videos are proper, and appreciated. Don't let these idiots waste your time...
10-4 on that. Thanks so much.
Don, are there good breakfast restaurants within walking distance of your place? Like a block away?
Yes, there are.
Don you have a reasonable amount of fear in you, hence why you sensed that something was afoot. You just weren’t afraid, I commend you sir. You haven’t live this long without some sort of survival skills. Thumbs up 👍
Thanks for that
Hello Don, during my recent visit to EC I spent a few days in both Manta and Cuenca and was drawn to Cuenca .. something in the vibes here. I also felt that there were more people who understood and spoke the english language in Cuenca (something that would make the transition to a spanish speaking country easier). Have you noticed that too? Thanks.
Yes, I have noticed it more here.
-ds
Don, his si Solon from Houston, and people are always asking me "How far is Cuenca for Manta, or Quito from the coast, to travel from the mountain towns where its cool and dry down to the hot humid coastal areas?"
I can relate to the horn issue here. It’s crazy how they honk the split second the light changes. The transportation here is excellent. I use the Tranvia a lot, walk or occasionally a cab. It’s too bad both bus and Tranvia could be on the same card but that wouldn’t be very Ecuadorian would it?😂
No, that would be entirely too easy.
Did you mention how long you'll be in Cuenca before returning to Manta? Also, did you mention who is taking care of your dog while you're gone? (Just joking)
You a funny guy.
I'm going back to Manta Feb 12.
-ds
I noticed you said you had to tap your card to get on the bus. THis is also the case to get off, yes, as we do this in Vancouver and when I was in Amsterdam also. You only pay for the trip you used so dont forget as you get dinged for an extended journey....
No Andy that's not accurate. You only swipe your card as you get on the bus. There is no card swipe getting off.
Also, do you need extra vacinations for Dinge fever or Yellow faver if you move to the coast?
Where do we ask our questions ? Mine is. If you left that country. For some reason. What would be 2 or 3 other countries you would look into moving to ? What places would be on your radar
I've considered Mexico and/or Thailand.
Wait, a rainy day in Cuenca (which means basin)?
It's the start of the rainy season, and I'll say no more then that river really gets going
Two different transit passes? Ridiculous.
I was living in the historic district but the Sunrise is worth the trip
What's ridiculous about the transit passes?
@@DonShader
It's the computer age
There should be one card that can be used for both systems.
Were I live I have one card and can be used tn 7 different counties transit systems
Do all the cards have ID photos, or just the seniors passes
@@cachecow oh c’mon man. This is Ecuador. This country is years behind in technology.
Can’t answer the other question. I don’t know.
@@DonShader
I was gonna say "How Ecuadorian" but passed.
OK, I can't believe they have the "tag system", it's advanced technology to be sure.
Last time I was there the Transvia was a mess, with holes in the ground along Grand Columbia (actually everywhere) that you could fall into. The bus was 25 cents and I never ever got on the right bus.
Bear Spray Don, I carry it everywhere with me.
I'm trying to find it but not having much luck. Some dude offered to sell me some but he was asking an unreasonable price.
-ds