I loved Olon when I visited it when I was an engineering teacher at the Politécnica in Guayaquil and also worked with the fishing industry...from 1973 - 1986. Every week I would drive up the coast form Posorja through Playas, Santa Elena, Ayangue, Manglaralto, Montañita (only five small houses of the local fisher people), Olón, Salango, Puerto López, etc. Some weeks I would drive up the Manabí coast stopping in Manta, Bahía, Canoa, Jama up to Pedernales and Muisne; and other weeks to Esmeraldas and San Lorenzo. Those were truly the proverbial good old days! Driving meant taking the vehicle along the beach at low tide since there were no roads; there was no electricity or running water (only güitig brought on by balandras, traditional Ecuadorian sailing vessels); the only inhabitants were the locals who had been there for centuries, the montubios, raising cattle, growing crops, fishing, and even some descendants from the precolombian Valdivia civilization. Those were the days! I really loved it. Primitive and pristine, far, far from "civilization" and modernity. Then, in the eighties, modernity set in, big time: water and electricity was installed, slowly, and that's ok, but behind the water and the electricity (and roads) came the bankers, the "developers", the corruption, and gringos with dólares, i.e. a lot of very bad stuff, quite frankly. The primitive, pristine beauty was over, replaced by "progress" (yes, but for whom?). The locals were pushed out of the way, or kept on as cheap labor, since modernity was definitely not intended for them. Like I said, Montañita was a quaint little fishing village, with a very nice "point" which attracted surfers. I haven't seen it since 1980, but from what I've heard it's a horror story that I would not recognize, as has become so much of the "modernized" Ecuadorian coast. I doubt that I would recognize Olón today (last time I was there was 1982), and would probably not like it either. I fell in love with Ecuador, and the coast, before the city moneybags and the foreigners arrived, when it was pristine, wild, clean, authentic, the real thing, the genuine article. Not just an opportunity for the usual suspects to make money and the parasitic land grabbers speculate (a lot of dirty dealings, believe me). But enjoy Olón. It's probably just as well that you never knew the Ecuadorian coast, and Olón, I knew and loved. If you had, I'm sure you'd be just as disappointed as I am with what has become of it. Un abrazo. Billy
Stuck at home here in Tokyo, I was searching for some clips on South American cities and just came across your channel. So nice to see Ecuadorian ways of life from your point of view! The "altitude" thing is one of the things that stops me from visiting South American cities, for sure but at least I can enjoy what you upload here from my PC here in Japan, which is amazing really!
I am thoroughly enjoying your videos from Olon. Like having a Mini-eye view. I must admit that I do miss your videos of Cuenca. I never got tired of them. I do understand why you left, however, and also love the ocean. Keep on keeping on!
loosely pondering moving in 3-5 yrs from gorgeous NC, but the cost of living for me is like $5000 a month - huge! i love the beach, the tropics, i speak some Spanish, i am single, 60, and wonder how the Lord might use me there, as well as possibly meet good friends including perhaps even marry someone there in Ecuador - who knows. been watching your vids and they're critical to get an advance feel for things. thank you for your vids! btw i have no idea why someone would give you thumbs down. makes no sense to me. oh well, keep up the good work!
That's a great choice! If you haven't learned Spanish yet, check our website, I hope it helps you out, it has a lot recorded lessons and a full program for beginners!
Just ran across your channel and enjoyed your video. Ecuador seems like a great place! Wife and I are hoping to move to a more relaxed place to live. Doing lots of research on many great countries, so thanks for your videos, they have been educational and fun :). Safe travels.
Being relatively new to your videos, I was catching up after learning so much about Cuenca through your experiences. So Olon was a big surprise! But I certainly understand the reasons for your planned move. The beach looks fantastic and I appreciate your positive attitude in the midst of this world pandemic. Rey and I were so ready to leave the Philippines and gear up for Ecuador. We just sit tight for now.
Thanks so much for being specific about the altitude sickness symptoms! I too have had some spinal cord injuries and some other reasons to feel I may experience some myself so I am looking into ways to mitigate that and possibly try to get experience prior to Ecuador. You 2 are the best.🥰
My comment: what's that old saying, "keep on keeping on." I have thoroughly enjoyed all of your videos. One of the things I have learned in the many years I have lived on this planet is don't ask why. I have quit asking why because it doesn't matter and no one has the real answer anyway because there's no truth in the physical world. We live in a great Universe and the Universe always takes care of me. All I have to do is ask what's next and listen. The answer always comes. I have moved many times and have lived in four different states and visited many others. Years ago when people moved it was always, what are you running away from? The first time I moved from my hometown on Lake Erie where winters are 8 months long and it's gloomy most of the time, I got the same thing, why? I almost didn't go. Fear set in based on others' opinions. At the time I worked as a legal secretary. One of the other attorney's in town gave me something to think about when I told him I was having second thoughts about moving. He said if you don't go, you'll never know. But if you go and don't like it, you can always move back. That was the best information anyone has ever bestowed upon me and I never forgot it. From then on it was forward and each time I made a move, my life and my consciousness expanded. I love the inspiration the two of you are giving to others. We have to keep expanding otherwise we may as well move right out of these bodies. Ram Dass, a great spiritual teacher who passed a few months ago, said one of the things that helped him as he got older was living in different cultures. He lived in many. He lived from his heart which is what he taught. May all of your adventures be marvelous. Thanks for posting this.
Great advice! We feel like moving abroad and living in another culture has definitely expanded our worldview! Best decision we could have made! Thanks for sharing!
My husband and I are reaching that age where we are thinking about where we want to be after retirement. I definitely don’t want to retire here in Florida. We surf so Olon looks like a great place. We definitely want to book a vacation to go there and get to know the place.
I was bummed when you guys moved. Was sort of imagining meeting you guys some day! My wife is a patron, her sister gave you the sign! But I do understand about the altitude it does affect some ppl really harshly I’m one of them. Perhaps we can still meet some day anyway. Good luck and keep up the vids. This one was great. Love the drone shots.!! Much love to you.
It surprised me to learn from you that Cuenca was so high. I do know others have had breathing and sinus problems from the altitude, as would my wife. So that eliminates Cuenca as a place for me to settle down. Best wishes. Your experiences always becomes our own.
@@jaycolborn8897 Most people don't have an issue with the altitude and those who do usually adjust over time, but there are a few of us who get worse over time. My mom was the same way when she lived in Colorado and eventually had to move back to Kansas. Ecuador has lots of lower altitude places, though. Something for everyone!
My wife and I lived in Cuenca for several years and also spent some time in Olon. I agree with you about the temps in Cuenca. I got tired of wearing so many layers especially while inside. I much prefer sweat to shivering!
I'm the opposite. I can't stand sweating but can always pile on more clothes. Don't think I could take the altitude of Cuenca though since JP said he got migraines. Don't think I could take the heat of Olon...hmmm too bad cause it looks great.
Yes, I like being by the Ocean, but it can be hotter and more humid, too. The hottest time of the yaer might be better spent in higher country and some expats split their time seasonally so they go to a higher elevation during the hottest time of the year - offers some relief and a change of venue.
real nice videos! i just happened upon you guys tonight. My wife and daughter and I were in Galapagos june/july 2002 and love it, taught English classes and hung out. We're retired teachers now living on our farm in central Illinois, hunkered down with the covid but happy. I will check in on you guys from time to time. I've mostly been following Bolivia and would like to go there if I can help out. Thanks again for sharing what you're doing!
A very nicely done video. Your music track is SO much better than most of the other folks on TH-cam who seem to not understand they should not play music at the same time that they are talking.
Started in Quito to learn history then onto Cuenca (agree, on the weather) to the coast ending up in Olon ...I enjoyed my stay tremendously...2 more years until retirement..hope Olon will be a viable retirement option...enjoying the channel...Peace
Hi you guys, your videos are some of the best travel/foreign expat -type that I've seen so thanks for them. I think mainly the quick and coherent pace. So many videos are so darn boring as you wait for the people to get to their points. So I think it's good to assume people are smart and know stuff which is kind of what other videos fail to do. OKay enough about others, you guys are the good stuff. I loved when you said you LOVE eating out, cuz that's what I did when I moved to Guatemala, I found my rent was so almost absurdly low (210 dollars a month utilities included..!!) that I could afford to eat out pretty much every day and I loved it, plus the relationships you make with people through doing that, so keep the videos coming. And could you (or have you) do a video actually showing menus and interiors and the actual food in your favorite restaurants a le Bourdain?
@Amelia and JP I feel your pain JP.. being in Cuenca is like being in the Pacific NW and getting warm is simply not really possible.. My arthritis is really flaring up here quite often.. didnt have a pain in the world in Montanita.. I think I might move to Ayampe next year
Love your videos. I'm was born in Ecuador moved to US when I was 7. I have my family and would love to take my kids and Irish hubby to my roots. You're videos are so helpful and informative..I feel like i know u guys..Thank u..
You are the first ex-pats I've heard talk about still having debt and taking the jump anyway. That takes extra bravery! Remote work security sounds like a dream!
We have been able to pay off 80% of it in 3 years and should have the rest paid off in the next year. Without moving here, we would have been paying on that debt for another 20+ years assuming we didn't go bankrupt from medical expenses at some point. Remote work is a dream come true! It has made all this possible!
@@AmeliaAndJP Yup. I am not sure how many Americans realize how expensive our lives are here. And about to get worse, health-care wise, if our dear leader is able to appoint a new Supreme Court Justice. it's sad not enough people realize the horrible consequences of repealing the ACA--the SCOTUS is taking up the case a week after the election. Things are not looking good here, y'all. You made the right decision. Sad to see what our fine country has become. :(
Thank you for your informative videos. I would have never considered Ecuador until I found your videos. I also get altitude sickness, but I am also phobic about tsunamis, so I would probably search for something ten or twenty miles from the coast.
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I don't remember having a Tsunami in Ecuador!!!! Thank God we live in a country which has no hurricanes, no tornados, no tsunamis, no snowstorms... =) so don't worry about it!!!
I grew up on Siesta Key, Florida. It was a great place to grow up but I lived in Florida for 40 years ( now in the Carolinas ) and I do not enjoy hot weather at all. Seems like Olon would be fun to visit, but I would have to find cooler weather...Cuenca or somewhere. My wife and I are Vegan, so we appreciate seeing your Vegan information. We are 4 years from retirement and are still debating between Ecuador and Colombia. We toyed with the idea of Thailand, but again the heat is just something we can’t tolerate long term. Thx for your videos !
I agree with the high altitude that could be uncomfortable to some people who are not used to it. I lived in Cuenca for few months, but had to go back to San Francisco, CA because of the discomfort I was experiencing everyday as a result of the high altitude. For me, I was having difficulty breathing. It felt like having asthma attack everyday.
Just catching up to some of your older videos....but I totally agree that living in the coastal region is much, much better than the mountain/urban areas. My family has homes in Quito and In Puerto Cayo and when I go to visit, I fly into Quito and almost immediately head to the coast. The people, food, pace of living, weather, etc....are all much better.......
Yet another excellent post. ...........No fun having health issues, and whatever you can do to make yourself feel better is the way to go. So since you two left USA for Ecuador already, what's another few miles? Glad you didn't hunker down and continue to grow and explore. That's inspirational.......and what a beautiful town!!!!!!
Great decision and choice. The #1 mistake most retirees make is to retire with debts. I'm working on wiping out my debts 100% in two years, and retire a year after that's done. My home will be my sailboat of 5 years now, so I should be able to live fairly comfortable during retirement, including crossing the Panama canal to venture into Colombian and Ecuadorian waters. Hopefully future pandemic situations allow that. Great videos of yours.
Stress can and often does bring on illness. Since you were stressing about the altitude, the back probably just decided to join in! BTW, I grew up in the Hawaiian Islands (1963-1995), and don't like beach weather any more. Both my wife and I welcome putting on an extra layer of clothes. Variety is the spice and really enjoy the content!
Im from Guayaquil, but been living in NJ for the last 30 Years, would love to visit you guys on my next trip to Ecuador. Olon looks like a great Place to visit...
Looks very colorful but I would like to see more wide-angle vuse whether you're looking at local architecture or the beautiful flora and fauna. For every major scene, it would be nice to see a panoramic wide-angle view, as it seems appropriate. Thank you.
I'm currently working through your videos. I think your strategy of slow travel around the country or even around the region is the right model for younger retirees and mature economic/health nomads. We traveled from England to Mexico for a long trip two years ago - enjoyed it immensely but now seriously considering Ecuador as well. Our strategy to find towns above 1500 metres - about 5000feet but it seems, from your videos, Cuenca is a bit too cold, grey and wet like England?? Yes, we'd like perpetual springtime in a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Thank you for your information, humour and smiling faces in difficult times...
Really charming. I enjoy your videos, and find the quality to be really impressive. We spent two weeks in Cuenca a couple of years ago and really fell in love with Ecuador. Looking forward to more of your posts - stay safe.
I hear you about Cuenca! I love that city but the altitude gets me too! I enjoy being in the south in Machala or up in Manta. Thank you for the videos, i really enjoy them!
It’s not “altitude”( a point in the sky above Earth)....it’s ‘elevation’(rise of land above sea level). I hope you are feeling better. I used to work in an emergency room in Colorado mountains(9000’). Some people just never adjust
Looks like a good life. I'm retired and my wife is semi-retired. We live in NYC which was great just the other day but not now. How is the crime rate in Olin? You guys are living the dream. Hats off to you. It almost looks like a fantasy come true. You guys said that you were paying 700 bucks a month including water and internet. WOW!. How much is the food bill including restaurants? My wife and I eat in 5 nights and I cook. We eat out about two nights a week. Just curious.
We're the same way. We eat at home most of the time, but eat out a couple times per week. Our total food bill is around $250/month with $100 of that on groceries and $150 at restaurants.
Olon looks amazing. I live in Denver and in a previous video you mentioned a mail service that scans and emails your mail for you in Aurora, what is it called? I’m with you on medical insurance in the US. We hear all of the time that insurance is the problem with the medical costs in the US. If that was the case the foreign insurance companies would be over here competing and driving down the cost, so I think that is not at all what the issue is. I just returned from 90 days traveling through Thailand, Vietnam and Bali. I’m looking to move out of my house and rent it and live abroad. Ecuador has been in my list. One of the issues that I find as a single male traveling is the dating can be difficult. What is Ecuador like for dating for retirees?
Thank you for your Vídeo Amelia and JP. You are a awesome couple and Enjoy traveling, used to live all Over the USA. I was there about 2 years ago And I LOVE it, but Cuenca and Quito are my favorite to retire, have fun guys!!!
Great video! Thank you for sharing - hope you will be very happy in Olon. How did Olon hold up against the earthquake in 2016? I am sure it rebuilt but curious what if any impact the earthquake had on Olon
Always like your videos. Olon looks very small and friendly. We are looking forward to visiting Olon soon. Looks like you guys are adjusing well to your new home. Thanks for sharing!
Olon looks great! Question for you though. If I move down there to one of the coastal areas will I be able to take care of my visa and all necessary paperwork to stay? I’d really prefer not to travel across the country to do that if possible. Love yalls videos. Very informative and fun. Thanks!
I love your videos. I would fallow but I will be 84 in November. I would have to live near a Veterans hospital for out patient care. I have always traveled my whole life. Panama was great
Please comment about of weather in Vilcabamba. I remember you liked this visited place, it's altitude, a lot of ex-pats and vegan restaurants. Thank you
@@marticaL I would imagine there could be. I live in the states right now, but I've lived on the coast of Venezuela some years back when teaching. I knew of someone's brother who had been in the hospital with Dengue fever. I just looked it up online and apparently 20,000 people get it in the U.S. There are risks everywhere. I would just follow your heart.
I’m so happy to have found this channel. I’ll be in Olon Feb 26. I see a number of airports. Which airport should I fly into? Thank you so much for this informative video. I’ll look for you in Olon.
Okay, I'm trying to figure out why you guys seem so familiar to me. It's almost like we went to school together or something like that. Is Placerville, CA familiar to you at all? I guess I'm just going nuts after so many years in the Army. I'm thinking of moving down there to check things out but I'm thinking of going to a beach town. Still not sure. Thanks for the info on your VLOG. Aloha. Oh yeah, my name is Michael M. Foley.
Great video! Just wondering -- are there many expats with young children? Just wondering if my young child would have access to friends. Thanks for all your videos!
Hi Guys, we love your videos , my husband and I we are thinking on visit there in a year or two, hope the pandemic will be over, I wonder if we can do Cycling there ? How safe it will be ? I can not find any information about it , by the way we are living in Denver 😜
Thanks for the great video. Now I have a new place to daydream of :-) Is there much to do there besides walk on the beach and eat out? My two favorite things but sometimes it's nice to change things up a bit.
I like the area around Olon I am looking to live close to where the whales are gathering between May and September up by Puerto Lopez Olon is a great choice to start exploring the coast I think
I loved Olon when I visited it when I was an engineering teacher at the Politécnica in Guayaquil and also worked with the fishing industry...from 1973 - 1986. Every week I would drive up the coast form Posorja through Playas, Santa Elena, Ayangue, Manglaralto, Montañita (only five small houses of the local fisher people), Olón, Salango, Puerto López, etc. Some weeks I would drive up the Manabí coast stopping in Manta, Bahía, Canoa, Jama up to Pedernales and Muisne; and other weeks to Esmeraldas and San Lorenzo. Those were truly the proverbial good old days! Driving meant taking the vehicle along the beach at low tide since there were no roads; there was no electricity or running water (only güitig brought on by balandras, traditional Ecuadorian sailing vessels); the only inhabitants were the locals who had been there for centuries, the montubios, raising cattle, growing crops, fishing, and even some descendants from the precolombian Valdivia civilization. Those were the days! I really loved it. Primitive and pristine, far, far from "civilization" and modernity. Then, in the eighties, modernity set in, big time: water and electricity was installed, slowly, and that's ok, but behind the water and the electricity (and roads) came the bankers, the "developers", the corruption, and gringos with dólares, i.e. a lot of very bad stuff, quite frankly. The primitive, pristine beauty was over, replaced by "progress" (yes, but for whom?). The locals were pushed out of the way, or kept on as cheap labor, since modernity was definitely not intended for them. Like I said, Montañita was a quaint little fishing village, with a very nice "point" which attracted surfers. I haven't seen it since 1980, but from what I've heard it's a horror story that I would not recognize, as has become so much of the "modernized" Ecuadorian coast. I doubt that I would recognize Olón today (last time I was there was 1982), and would probably not like it either. I fell in love with Ecuador, and the coast, before the city moneybags and the foreigners arrived, when it was pristine, wild, clean, authentic, the real thing, the genuine article. Not just an opportunity for the usual suspects to make money and the parasitic land grabbers speculate (a lot of dirty dealings, believe me). But enjoy Olón. It's probably just as well that you never knew the Ecuadorian coast, and Olón, I knew and loved. If you had, I'm sure you'd be just as disappointed as I am with what has become of it. Un abrazo. Billy
Stuck at home here in Tokyo, I was searching for some clips on South American cities and just came across your channel. So nice to see Ecuadorian ways of life from your point of view! The "altitude" thing is one of the things that stops me from visiting South American cities, for sure but at least I can enjoy what you upload here from my PC here in Japan, which is amazing really!
Welcome aboard!
I am thoroughly enjoying your videos from Olon. Like having a Mini-eye view. I must admit that I do miss your videos of Cuenca. I never got tired of them. I do understand why you left, however, and also love the ocean. Keep on keeping on!
Thanks! We're enjoying ourselves here!
loosely pondering moving in 3-5 yrs from gorgeous NC, but the cost of living for me is like $5000 a month - huge! i love the beach, the tropics, i speak some Spanish, i am single, 60, and wonder how the Lord might use me there, as well as possibly meet good friends including perhaps even marry someone there in Ecuador - who knows. been watching your vids and they're critical to get an advance feel for things. thank you for your vids! btw i have no idea why someone would give you thumbs down. makes no sense to me. oh well, keep up the good work!
So glad you are enjoying Olón! Those long, wide beaches are more my style too!
Thanks! We like them too!
Great video! We're planning on moving to Ecuador and trying to decide where to settle has been a huge challenge. You guys have helped us so much!!
That's a great choice! If you haven't learned Spanish yet, check our website, I hope it helps you out, it has a lot recorded lessons and a full program for beginners!
Just ran across your channel and enjoyed your video. Ecuador seems like a great place! Wife and I are hoping to move to a more relaxed place to live. Doing lots of research on many great countries, so thanks for your videos, they have been educational and fun :). Safe travels.
Being relatively new to your videos, I was catching up after learning so much about Cuenca through your experiences. So Olon was a big surprise! But I certainly understand the reasons for your planned move. The beach looks fantastic and I appreciate your positive attitude in the midst of this world pandemic. Rey and I were so ready to leave the Philippines and gear up for Ecuador. We just sit tight for now.
Don’t think too much! Just come!
Colon it have the most long beach to walk it beautiful !!🏖. The costs of Ecuador are the best ! Enjoy my country
Sí. Olón es muy hermoso.
Thanks so much for being specific about the altitude sickness symptoms! I too have had some spinal cord injuries and some other reasons to feel I may experience some myself so I am looking into ways to mitigate that and possibly try to get experience prior to Ecuador. You 2 are the best.🥰
Love your videos and the way you two interact. Becoming a Super Fan!!
Thanks!
I'm from Ecuador and I never been in Olon. Hopefully I be there some time is year ....the beach look great. Thank you. Great video...
That’s all I need Ecuador 🇪🇨 it’s a great video owes thank you for sharing 🤓🤓✈️✈️😊😊
Thanks!
Whoa ! I'M MOVING TO TO OLON ! (There comes the neighborhood) M. Gracious ! 😁 ! 😍
Love Amelia’s sun dress. It is a great color for a beach town.
Thanks!
And JP's shirt!
@Me Dna She looks Great !!
My comment: what's that old saying, "keep on keeping on." I have thoroughly enjoyed all of your videos. One of the things I have learned in the many years I have lived on this planet is don't ask why. I have quit asking why because it doesn't matter and no one has the real answer anyway because there's no truth in the physical world. We live in a great Universe and the Universe always takes care of me. All I have to do is ask what's next and listen. The answer always comes. I have moved many times and have lived in four different states and visited many others. Years ago when people moved it was always, what are you running away from? The first time I moved from my hometown on Lake Erie where winters are 8 months long and it's gloomy most of the time, I got the same thing, why? I almost didn't go. Fear set in based on others' opinions. At the time I worked as a legal secretary. One of the other attorney's in town gave me something to think about when I told him I was having second thoughts about moving. He said if you don't go, you'll never know. But if you go and don't like it, you can always move back. That was the best information anyone has ever bestowed upon me and I never forgot it. From then on it was forward and each time I made a move, my life and my consciousness expanded. I love the inspiration the two of you are giving to others. We have to keep expanding otherwise we may as well move right out of these bodies. Ram Dass, a great spiritual teacher who passed a few months ago, said one of the things that helped him as he got older was living in different cultures. He lived in many. He lived from his heart which is what he taught. May all of your adventures be marvelous. Thanks for posting this.
Great advice! We feel like moving abroad and living in another culture has definitely expanded our worldview! Best decision we could have made! Thanks for sharing!
My husband and I are reaching that age where we are thinking about where we want to be after retirement. I definitely don’t want to retire here in Florida. We surf so Olon looks like a great place. We definitely want to book a vacation to go there and get to know the place.
I was bummed when you guys moved. Was sort of imagining meeting you guys some day! My wife is a patron, her sister gave you the sign! But I do understand about the altitude it does affect some ppl really harshly I’m one of them. Perhaps we can still meet some day anyway. Good luck and keep up the vids. This one was great. Love the drone shots.!! Much love to you.
Thanks! I'm sure we'll meet someday! We really want to meet Marcia too!
It surprised me to learn from you that Cuenca was so high. I do know others have had breathing and sinus problems from the altitude, as would my wife. So that eliminates Cuenca as a place for me to settle down. Best wishes. Your experiences always becomes our own.
@@jaycolborn8897 Most people don't have an issue with the altitude and those who do usually adjust over time, but there are a few of us who get worse over time. My mom was the same way when she lived in Colorado and eventually had to move back to Kansas. Ecuador has lots of lower altitude places, though. Something for everyone!
My wife and I lived in Cuenca for several years and also spent some time in Olon. I agree with you about the temps in Cuenca. I got tired of wearing so many layers especially while inside. I much prefer sweat to shivering!
We got really tired of all the layers, especially when sitting on the sofa! 😂
I'm the opposite. I can't stand sweating but can always pile on more clothes. Don't think I could take the altitude of Cuenca though since JP said he got migraines. Don't think I could take the heat of Olon...hmmm too bad cause it looks great.
Yes, I like being by the Ocean, but it can be hotter and more humid, too. The hottest time of the yaer might be better spent in higher country and some expats split their time seasonally so they go to a higher elevation during the hottest time of the year - offers some relief and a change of venue.
real nice videos! i just happened upon you guys tonight. My wife and daughter and I were in Galapagos june/july 2002 and love it, taught English classes and hung out. We're retired teachers now living on our farm in central Illinois, hunkered down with the covid but happy. I will check in on you guys from time to time. I've mostly been following Bolivia and would like to go there if I can help out. Thanks again for sharing what you're doing!
We want to visit Bolivia too, it looks amazing!
A very nicely done video. Your music track is SO much better than most of the other folks on TH-cam who seem to not understand they should not play music at the same time that they are talking.
Started in Quito to learn history then onto Cuenca (agree, on the weather) to the coast ending up in Olon ...I enjoyed my stay tremendously...2 more years until retirement..hope Olon will be a viable retirement option...enjoying the channel...Peace
Love your videos. I’ve been planning to move to Costa Rica but after finding your videos, Ecuador has jumped to the top of the list. Keep them coming.
Hi you guys, your videos are some of the best travel/foreign expat -type that I've seen so thanks for them. I think mainly the quick and coherent pace. So many videos are so darn boring as you wait for the people to get to their points. So I think it's good to assume people are smart and know stuff which is kind of what other videos fail to do. OKay enough about others, you guys are the good stuff. I loved when you said you LOVE eating out, cuz that's what I did when I moved to Guatemala, I found my rent was so almost absurdly low (210 dollars a month utilities included..!!) that I could afford to eat out pretty much every day and I loved it, plus the relationships you make with people through doing that, so keep the videos coming. And could you (or have you) do a video actually showing menus and interiors and the actual food in your favorite restaurants a le Bourdain?
You guys look so healthy and happy! Really glad I stumbled onto this channel
@Amelia and JP I feel your pain JP.. being in Cuenca is like being in the Pacific NW and getting warm is simply not really possible.. My arthritis is really flaring up here quite often.. didnt have a pain in the world in Montanita.. I think I might move to Ayampe next year
Love your videos. I'm was born in Ecuador moved to US when I was 7. I have my family and would love to take my kids and Irish hubby to my roots. You're videos are so helpful and informative..I feel like i know u guys..Thank u..
I was always afraid to travel back home hearing of crime rates. But it's doesn't seem that way... can we connect?
You are the first ex-pats I've heard talk about still having debt and taking the jump anyway. That takes extra bravery! Remote work security sounds like a dream!
We have been able to pay off 80% of it in 3 years and should have the rest paid off in the next year. Without moving here, we would have been paying on that debt for another 20+ years assuming we didn't go bankrupt from medical expenses at some point. Remote work is a dream come true! It has made all this possible!
@@AmeliaAndJP That is fantastic! Congrats!
Many people are leaving the country to get away from debt, esp student loans
@@AmeliaAndJP Yup. I am not sure how many Americans realize how expensive our lives are here. And about to get worse, health-care wise, if our dear leader is able to appoint a new Supreme Court Justice. it's sad not enough people realize the horrible consequences of repealing the ACA--the SCOTUS is taking up the case a week after the election. Things are not looking good here, y'all. You made the right decision. Sad to see what our fine country has become. :(
We love you guys . Greetings from GUAYAQUIL...
Gracias!
Looks beautiful! I agree it is good to change things up in life, even though I know that you loved Cuenca (Altitude sickness notwithstanding)
Thank you for your informative videos. I would have never considered Ecuador until I found your videos. I also get altitude sickness, but I am also phobic about tsunamis, so I would probably search for something ten or twenty miles from the coast.
I don't remember having a Tsunami in Ecuador!!!! Thank God we live in a country which has no hurricanes, no tornados, no tsunamis, no snowstorms... =) so don't worry about it!!!
I grew up on Siesta Key, Florida. It was a great place to grow up but I lived in Florida for 40 years ( now in the Carolinas ) and I do not enjoy hot weather at all. Seems like Olon would be fun to visit, but I would have to find cooler weather...Cuenca or somewhere.
My wife and I are Vegan, so we appreciate seeing your Vegan information.
We are 4 years from retirement and are still debating between Ecuador and Colombia. We toyed with the idea of Thailand, but again the heat is just something we can’t tolerate long term. Thx for your videos !
Try Cotacachi.
Is't very warm and humid here right now. It should cool off in May at the start of the winter months. Cuenca is much cooler!
@@keim1oesch it's cool and high altitude in Cotacachi, too...a wee bit sunnier than Cuenca, but fleeting sun, not blazing....
just spent 2and half weeks there, loved it , going back when the house is done in olonche, perhaps ill see you around, cheers!
Nos vemos pronto!
I agree with the high altitude that could be uncomfortable to some people who are not used to it. I lived in Cuenca for few months, but had to go back to San Francisco, CA because of the discomfort I was experiencing everyday as a result of the high altitude. For me, I was having difficulty breathing. It felt like having asthma attack everyday.
Just catching up to some of your older videos....but I totally agree that living in the coastal region is much, much better than the mountain/urban areas. My family has homes in Quito and In Puerto Cayo and when I go to visit, I fly into Quito and almost immediately head to the coast. The people, food, pace of living, weather, etc....are all much better.......
Yet another excellent post. ...........No fun having health issues, and whatever you can do to make yourself feel better is the way to go. So since you two left USA for Ecuador already, what's another few miles? Glad you didn't hunker down and continue to grow and explore. That's inspirational.......and what a beautiful town!!!!!!
Thanks for sharing. We may visit your area one day
Great decision and choice. The #1 mistake most retirees make is to retire with debts. I'm working on wiping out my debts 100% in two years, and retire a year after that's done. My home will be my sailboat of 5 years now, so I should be able to live fairly comfortable during retirement, including crossing the Panama canal to venture into Colombian and Ecuadorian waters. Hopefully future pandemic situations allow that. Great videos of yours.
Stress can and often does bring on illness. Since you were stressing about the altitude, the back probably just decided to join in! BTW, I grew up in the Hawaiian Islands (1963-1995), and don't like beach weather any more. Both my wife and I welcome putting on an extra layer of clothes. Variety is the spice and really enjoy the content!
Could be! We spent the last 25 years in Denver so we're done with the cold!
Pls more videos,it's just so cool!!!
Thank you soooo much❤️
Thanks!!
Amelia: million dollar smile :)
I just arrived in Olón today after being inspired by your video.
That's great!
The flora you highlight is lovely ~~ wonderful seeing all the different plants that grow in Ecuador!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Reminds me of Hawaii!
Im from Guayaquil, but been living in NJ for the last 30 Years, would love to visit you guys on my next trip to Ecuador. Olon looks like a great Place to visit...
Looks very colorful but I would like to see more wide-angle vuse whether you're looking at local architecture or the beautiful flora and fauna. For every major scene, it would be nice to see a panoramic wide-angle view, as it seems appropriate. Thank you.
I'm currently working through your videos. I think your strategy of slow travel around the country or even around the region is the right model for younger retirees and mature economic/health nomads. We traveled from England to Mexico for a long trip two years ago - enjoyed it immensely but now seriously considering Ecuador as well. Our strategy to find towns above 1500 metres - about 5000feet but it seems, from your videos, Cuenca is a bit too cold, grey and wet like England?? Yes, we'd like perpetual springtime in a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Thank you for your information, humour and smiling faces in difficult times...
I think Cuenca has had more sun lately. It can be chilly and grey a lot though!
Amelia And JP thank you for your reply.
Really charming. I enjoy your videos, and find the quality to be really impressive. We spent two weeks in Cuenca a couple of years ago and really fell in love with Ecuador. Looking forward to more of your posts - stay safe.
Thank you! Will do!
Come see us in Vilcabamba. We moved here almost 3 years agao and love it. Lot's of different food.
Thank you for your fantastic videos. I am ready to move to Ecuador!! you are my real information, keep it up. Thanks from Yuma, Az.
I hear you about Cuenca! I love that city but the altitude gets me too! I enjoy being in the south in Machala or up in Manta. Thank you for the videos, i really enjoy them!
What a superb way of living. Congratulations and enjoy Ecuador.
Good evening! Thank you for your videos. My husband and I are About to start the process to move there. We have a friend that just moved last summer.
That's great!
JP and Amelia you guys are amazing !
Thanks for the view
Thanks so much for your videos, as someone who has asthma, I have been wondering about adjusting to Cuenca. I guess I will just have to visit!
Nice couple. Good photography, color rich - amazing murals. I may have to come back with more popcorn. ~ your neighbor.
Your videos are very informative and entertaining. You guys are terrific. Enjoy your new surroundings.
It’s not “altitude”( a point in the sky above Earth)....it’s ‘elevation’(rise of land above sea level). I hope you are feeling better. I used to work in an emergency room in Colorado mountains(9000’). Some people just never adjust
That’s an interesting point! I wonder why it’s called altitude sickness instead of elevation sickness 🤔
Very colourful and more character and for less $s. Lovely... beach too. A real winner ! 💁♀️💕
I love the beaches there too! My dog would love to run there. Maybe someday I'll be able to visit.
Is nice to see you guys enjoying Ecuador 🇪🇨
Just saw this video after I left question on other video - as to "why" left Cuenca for Olon... Thanks...
Looks like a good life. I'm retired and my wife is semi-retired. We live in NYC which was great just the other day but not now. How is the crime rate in Olin? You guys are living the dream. Hats off to you. It almost looks like a fantasy come true. You guys said that you were paying 700 bucks a month including water and internet. WOW!. How much is the food bill including restaurants? My wife and I eat in 5 nights and I cook. We eat out about two nights a week. Just curious.
We're the same way. We eat at home most of the time, but eat out a couple times per week. Our total food bill is around $250/month with $100 of that on groceries and $150 at restaurants.
Olon looks amazing. I live in Denver and in a previous video you mentioned a mail service that scans and emails your mail for you in Aurora, what is it called?
I’m with you on medical insurance in the US. We hear all of the time that insurance is the problem with the medical costs in the US. If that was the case the foreign insurance companies would be over here competing and driving down the cost, so I think that is not at all what the issue is.
I just returned from 90 days traveling through Thailand, Vietnam and Bali. I’m looking to move out of my house and rent it and live abroad. Ecuador has been in my list. One of the issues that I find as a single male traveling is the dating can be difficult. What is Ecuador like for dating for retirees?
Thanks for the information .Olon seems like the perfect retirement destination .
Thank you for your Vídeo Amelia and JP. You are a awesome couple and Enjoy traveling, used to live all Over the USA. I was there about 2 years ago And I LOVE it, but Cuenca and Quito are my favorite to retire, have fun guys!!!
Thanks!
What a Great Move , Cheers To The Olan Good Life.
Great video! Thank you for sharing - hope you will be very happy in Olon. How did Olon hold up against the earthquake in 2016? I am sure it rebuilt but curious what if any impact the earthquake had on Olon
Most of the earthquake damage was up around the Manta area. We haven't seen any effects of it here in Olón.
Hope to go to Olon one day, thanks for the video.
Always like your videos. Olon looks very small and friendly. We are looking forward to visiting Olon soon. Looks like you guys are adjusing well to your new home. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks! We really like Olón and this stretch of Ecuador beach!
From what I have seen, Bravo on your move to the coast!
This beach looks amazing.
Olon looks great! Question for you though. If I move down there to one of the coastal areas will I be able to take care of my visa and all necessary paperwork to stay? I’d really prefer not to travel across the country to do that if possible.
Love yalls videos. Very informative and fun. Thanks!
You'll have to go to major city to get the visa but you can do a lot of the paperwork remotely.
I love your videos. I would fallow but I will be 84 in November. I would have to live near a Veterans hospital for out patient care. I have always traveled my whole life. Panama was great
Beautiful. Coming for a visit ...
Please comment about of weather in Vilcabamba. I remember you liked this visited place, it's altitude, a lot of ex-pats and vegan restaurants. Thank you
The weather is warmer and drier in Vilca than Cuenca. It's just quite a bit more isolated without as much to do.
You two are so cute! What an adorable couple.
One of the few couples travel videos where you both are good.
Wow! That’s nice! Thanks! 😊
Wow, Olon looks wonderful and clean.
I’m just dying to ask...what is the climate like in Olon? Is it hot and sweaty or is it actually kind of comfortable?
It's quite warm and humid. And there are bugs!
Right now, it's hot and sweaty. We've been told it's unseasonably hot and humid right now. It'll cool down in the winter months starting in May.
@@AmeliaAndJP how's the garúa treating you so far? ;)
@@kristybobby any dengue fever there? My greatest concern about moving to a beach town....
@@marticaL I would imagine there could be. I live in the states right now, but I've lived on the coast of Venezuela some years back when teaching. I knew of someone's brother who had been in the hospital with Dengue fever. I just looked it up online and apparently 20,000 people get it in the U.S. There are risks everywhere. I would just follow your heart.
I’m so happy to have found this channel. I’ll be in Olon Feb 26. I see a number of airports. Which airport should I fly into? Thank you so much for this informative video. I’ll look for you in Olon.
We recommend flying into Guayaquil and taking the CLP bus to Olón. You can take a taxi from the airport to the bus station for $5.
You Guys are my favorite 😍 couple Olon very " Tranquilo" beautiful.
😊 thank you
Hola, good luck to both of you...what a beautiful lady by your side you have, with all respect.
Good decision. Living next to the ocean, beautiful town, peaceful and i guess is very cheap. I hope sone day i can do the same!!😢
We're very happy here!
Okay, I'm trying to figure out why you guys seem so familiar to me. It's almost like we went to school together or something like that. Is Placerville, CA familiar to you at all? I guess I'm just going nuts after so many years in the Army. I'm thinking of moving down there to check things out but I'm thinking of going to a beach town. Still not sure. Thanks for the info on your VLOG. Aloha. Oh yeah, my name is Michael M. Foley.
We've never heard of Placerville so that's not us.
Congrats on the move to Olon.
Gracias!
Great video! Just wondering -- are there many expats with young children? Just wondering if my young child would have access to friends. Thanks for all your videos!
That is were I want to be Olon, but don't move you both are so much Fun! It won't be the Same without you!
You both should try Mindo. The weather is perfect all the time.
Yunguilla is a good place to leave also. The weather is warm.
Yes. It's beautiful there!
I want your shirt JP. Swaggy. Thank you both for the great info!
Love you videos!!!😍
Cant wait to visit :)
Hi Guys, we love your videos , my husband and I we are thinking on visit there in a year or two, hope the pandemic will be over, I wonder if we can do Cycling there ? How safe it will be ? I can not find any information about it , by the way we are living in Denver 😜
Xavier at apartamentos Otorongo is a competitive cyclist. I recommend contacting him. He’ll be excited to discuss that with you 😊👍
Awesome move!!
I can't get over that huge beach! How deep is the water from low to high tide?
The depth of the water changes by 9 to 10 feet, but the width of the beach changes about 100 yards.
@@AmeliaAndJP Wow. Not bad really.
Thanks for the great video. Now I have a new place to daydream of :-) Is there much to do there besides walk on the beach and eat out? My two favorite things but sometimes it's nice to change things up a bit.
There are a lot of water activities and volunteer opportunities here.
@@AmeliaAndJP Thanks!
Love all the murals.
I like the area around Olon
I am looking to live close to where the whales are gathering between May and September up by Puerto Lopez
Olon is a great choice to start exploring the coast I think
Olón is a magical place!
Do you have any trouble with mosquitoes in Olon? Just curious....
They come and go. We have more of them after it rains, but they haven't been as bad as we were expecting.