The REAL Reason We Left Ecuador (Life Update)
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- čas přidán 8. 05. 2024
- The most common question we've been getting for the past 6 months is, "Did you leave Ecuador?" And maybe a close second is, "Are you going back to Ecuador?"
So we thought it was time to share a life update and answer these questions, as well as give you a preview of our future plans.
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My longest vacation was our exploratory trip to Ecuador in 2022-it was almost 3 weeks. Now we have lived in Cuenca for almost 18 months.
How are you handling the weather? My SINGULAR concern is the weather as I have a dog that needs a lot of exercise and continued training. Thank you!
@@dlwilliamson5644 I love the weather in Cuenca. That being said it is currently the rainy season so it rains at least a little bit almost every day. But usually there is enough of a break that you could take your dog for a walk especially if you live along one of the rivers. We currently live on the yanaquay river which I think has the best walking trails. The highest the temperature has gotten since we’ve been here is 81° and the lowest one morning was around 48°.
@@dlwilliamson5644 Cuenca has the best weather in the whole world. Imagine 70 degrees daily and 65 degrees at night. Every day is sunny in the morning and some afternoon we get some rain. Overall it is beautiful.
@@fluffy5534 OH Thank you SO much for sharing your experience!
@@nancytrevino9750 He is a fluff muffin of love and this weather report seems pawfect! (Yes, I am one of those crazy pet pawrents)
Guys, I just spent six weeks in Egypt and loved it. It's probably too hot for you to consider it now but perhaps in the future. No fall for the negative hype you see on CZcams. It's a wonderful place.
We spent a few weeks in Türkiye in 2022 and we LOVED it. Beautiful, amazing art and ruins, the people were lovely and it was SO affordable. Also agree about Rome. Amazing.
You guys inspired us to move to Ecuador. I love living in Vilcabamba!
How long have you been in Vilca? We have a home there.
How old are you two?
@@kendallmarquardt9583 We've lived there 3 years in June.
I lived in Vilcabamba.
I lived in Vilcabamba.
I visited Azores yesterday on a transAtlantic cruise. This is my 41st country and one of the most beautiful places on earth I have ever seen. Even though it’s part of Portugal it is outside the Schengen zone so Americans and Canadians can stay there an unlimited amount of time without getting residency. My tour guide said all you have to do is check in with immigration every six months. It’s only a four hour flight from New York or Boston. Most people speak English. Cost of living is reasonable. 60-70 degrees year round. 2 hour flight to Lisbon.
Graduated Lajes Dependents High School, Lajes Field (USAF) as dependent in 1968. Of 9 males in senior class -- 4 went to USAF Academy and 1 to USN Academy. Lajes is on the island of Terceira - loved it. Have also been to Sao Miguel which is being developed as their main tourist island. Have also been to Santa Maria Island (Capital Island). My favorite is Terciera Island.
You both look younger, healthy and relaxed! Thank you for sharing your experiences and insights.
Love this couple. I enjoy seeing your journey. Life abroad has been good since you two are aging in reverse! 😊
So true, they both look younger and happy.
We love Italy and have been to Rome twice. It is a fabulous place to visit. The last trip we took to Italy was to Sicily. We fell in love with this marvelous island. So much so that we are going to apply for residency. We have Mexican residency but Sicily won our hearts. I find learning Italian a bit more challenging than Spanish, but I know that being immersed in a language aids in learning it. It’s great that you are loving your travels and congratulations on your invitation to the Nomad Capitalist event in Malaysia. Our son loves Malaysia and I’m sure you will, too!
In my travels I have spent a month In individual countries. It truly is the way to enjoy a vacation. For several weeks, you never worry about where you want to go or when you need to come back.
It’s truly a great way to travel. Unfortunately not everyone can choose this method.
That's my plan in retirement, stay 90 days at a time. I have lived in Asia for 16 years and it takes me a long time just to figure out where the interesting stuff that I like is...
I've done slow travel covering the whole world for over 15 years.
My top 3 places for quality of life (not initial excitement) are Bangkok, Rio de Janeiro, and Paris.
Granada is definitely a special place, I stayed for a month in the Albaicin and it was amazing. If y'all haven't been, I would recommend Croatia, I loved Split, Dubrovnik, and all of the little islands like Hvar and Vis. I especially loved Split, the center of the old town was part of the Roman Emperor Diocletian's Palace and you can still see a lot of the walls and columns that still stand.
One word….”Vienna”. Check it out. if you haven’t already. Late May, June, Sept. Make sure you get out to the sub urban neighbourhoods. Specifically, Modeling. Although each outer quadrant of the city is different.
They don't like snow. And in the end they'll move back to California.
Guys, while you are still in Europe, there is one place you should go to see. Prague, Czech Republic. If you like Rome, you will love Prague!
Hi guys. We met briefly in Cuenca right before covid. I am ecuadorian and my wife is from the Philippines. I lived there for a couple of years in Lucena, Quezon province. Perhaps the most beautiful country I've ever been in my life. Go to Coron and Boracay for sure, beuatiful beaches there. Enjoy the food and particularly the people, they are the best. Good luck to you... P.S. : My wife and I are almost 3 years in the US. We'll process her citizenship and then, sail away to the world ! See you there.
Congrats! And thanks for the info! 😊
@@AmeliaAndJP Is there a way for nomads to keep one or more phone numbers while traveling and to keep the same numbers? Do they use VOIP's? I'm starting a business now and moving overseas very soon! By the way, I might be spending a few weeks in Cuenca this fall.
If have not been, we highly recommend Krakow, Poland! Really enjoyed it. And Bratislava, Slovakia is another one we really enjoyed, plus the hour bus ride to visit Vienna doesn't hurt.
I loved Krakow when I visited in 1996. Very creepy to me, though, as I visited a famous (infamous) place 40 miles to the west of it where most of my family was "deleted" a few years before I came on the scene. Oswiecem.
"No one worries about their stuff getting stolen in Europe" - I take it you've never been to Barcelona or Paris.
Yup, my sister's purse was stolen on a train in Paris. They found it, but refused to send it to her back in Arizona. She would have to fly back to Paris to retrieve it. I think she told them to keep it. She had already canceled credit cards and replaced her drivers license.
@@californiagold3857 So she dropped it and it was turned in intact with the credit cards and her license which enabled the police to contact her.
🤣
Or ITALY, I love it but...ah yeah be careful in some places.
@@californiagold3857 Les Frenchies! Once I bought a defective product at a Jumbo supermarket, took it back and asked for a replacement. They got me so worked up and then told me never to go back. I have several such experiences in France. They are very rude, usually.
I am really loving Krakow! It's a very livable city and the tram system is amazing. I've decided to apply for a residency....as for winter, I'll cross that bridge when it comes. 🥶
Please keep us updated on your exciting journey in Krakow. Maybe you could be Amelia's sidekick in her new content?
Thanks for the update and glad to see you enjoying your travels!
Love the live updates. Enjoy and thank you!
Thank you! Nice to hear that you are both doing so well! Enjoy your safe travel.
Excited for you both!! Great job!! Keep up the creativity!!! 😊🧳
I jumped around this video and heard "We really liked Tirana" - in my part of Canada that's how we pronounce 'Toronto' - and was a little surprised!
I thought the same thing! 😂
What part of Canada do you live? I’ve never heard Toronto called “Tirana” once in my life by anyone 😂
@@BH-pl7vg Ottawa valley
You are my favourite travel moderators. I have been slow travelling for six years. One of my favourite pathways was Greece to Albania. Berat was my favourite city in Albania. Saranda was a great spot also, with tons of great ruins close by.
Very cool! Berat is on our list for next time 👍
Love your content! Excited for your future travels. Cotacachi is our favorite town in Ecuador. We're curious, what would be a good budget for a six month slow travel comparable to yours and how far in advance would you plan itinerary? Thanks from NC.
Thanks for the update. Congratulations on all the opportunities that are opening up.👍💪🌎📚💡
glad to see this update, so great to see you traveling the world
Thanks for more update info!
Hi Amelia and JP. Awesome video.
living vicariously through your videos, inspirational
stop doing that. Take the plunge & live your own life.
Excellent video - keep them coming.
Great to see you again guys🙌🏻
You guys are rocking it!
What a fantastic experience it has been to explore the world with you and through you. So calm, so casual, so random, so exciting and so honest. Can't wait for you to reach and uncover Southeast Asia ..
Thank you so much! 😊
Glad to see you guys are doing well God bless you and safe travels. 😊
Great video! Thank you for your honest opinions! 🙏🏼
We loved the video!
Nice job on this video, very informative.
Muchas gracias por compartir con nosotros
Love following your adventures.
Good luck with everything 😊❤
I loved Cambodia and expect you will too. The people are nice, the food was delicious, and Angkor Wat does not disappoint. But it was the opportunity to learn about their history and devastation inflicted by the Khmer Rouge, what the people have (and continue to) endure and their resilience through generational trauma, that give Cambodia a special place in my heart.
But it gets HOT! I couldn't stand sweating every time I stepped outside.
I agree that Angkor Wat is beautiful and not to be missed. However, a word of caution if you're a solo female traveller (esp if one is white and on the younger side) - be very careful in TH 🇹🇭 Cambodia 🇰🇭 and esp India 🇮🇳 (and other South Asian countries).
@@kitty_s23456 I know India is one of the worst countries for a woman to travel alone, but Cambodia? I don't have that idea, I intend to go to Cambodia and Vietnam as a single woman. Are there big risks? However I'm not on the younger side anymore
@@Maria-js9ou hi. I've been to all countries in SE Asia - some solo, some w/ companions. In my opinion, all of SE Asia are fairly safe but one must still exercise caution. In my trip from Cambodia to VN, my bus mate (female, white, young, blonde-ish) was harassed by her tuktuk driver. It's good she was able to get out of that sticky situation. VN is relatively safe, just be wary of overpricing. Also, be careful of pickpockets esp in large cities (for all of SE Asia).
For SE Asia, most of the time if you're a foreigner (esp if white), then you'll get the "skin tax" - higher price for taxis & stuff. For taxis, it's better to get a Grab car (equiv of Uber) or if ordinary taxi, make sure they use the meter or you've agreed on a set price. Same for tuktuks/ tricycles, etc. However, if you can afford it, then don't bargain too much because you're supporting the local economy. Re: India, Bangladesh, Pakistan (and even Sri Lanka), yes they are relatively unsafe for solo females. If you're new to travelling in Asia, don't go to India yet. As they say, "India is not for beginners". Safe travels.
I’m so happy to hearJP toot Amelia’s horn!!!
You two are so much fun!
Excellent video. And your launch for the travel program was well done.
Awesome! Thank you!
Angkor Wat! Here is a tip...
I was there last year and if you do the early morning sunrise event (you get there when it is just starting to get light and watch the temples silhouette against the brightening sky behind them).
Here is the thing almost everyone misses!...
So you are at this pond (which btw you can get some great shots of the silhouetted temples reflecting on the pond) but as it starts to get brighter and you can clearly make out the temples (but before the sun has risen) it starts to lose its magic.
DON'T be like the rest of the people.
Make a bee line around the outside of the pond and then walk to the back of the Temple compound (not through it, around to the right (well that was the way I went) and walk to the back of the temple for when the sun actually rises.
If you pick a clear morning (also important) then the tops of the temples will turn a bright glowing golden color!
I was litterly back there with 7 other people and everyone else missed it.
Trust me it is so much better then the silhouette.
P. S. If I was to do it again I would get back there and then do a time lapse of the temples lighting up in the early morning sun...
So amazing!
Great tips! Thanks!
@@AmeliaAndJPif you have time, buy the 3-day ticket instead of the 1-day ticket for Angkor Wat so that you can explore at leisure. You can rent motorbikes to explore. There's also a (big) waterfalls/ temple site ~1.5H drive from Siem Reap, if you can spare the time. (forgot the name but you can Google)
Thank you. What an awesome tip!
I went in the backway, too. Much better
Re: Angkor Wat, if you have the time, get the 3-day ticket and not the 1-day ticket. There are so many temples and you can explore them at leisure. There's also the Kulen waterfalls and nearby temple, which is ~1.5H drive from Siem Reap. You can swim in the falls. For women, be sure to wear appropriate attire if you'll go to the temples. You can hire a taxi for the day to do so (if you don't have your own wheels).
Amelia And JP ;
Looking Fine, Please Stay Healthy ;
Happy Trails to You Two :
Tks. much.
So happy for you both! 😊
Great video, thank you for sharing/
Thank you Amelia and JP, this was interesting to hear. I was surprised when Amelia said you found out you weren't winter people, as you are from Denver.
Cheers on the live abroad program 🥂
Thanks!
Travel is a full time job. It's not relaxing. It is hard work. It is a hard life and takes an extraordinary amount of energy. Then there is culture shock and time change shocks. I can only take about 2 months at a time. Then I go home and rest. About 4 months per year is all I can stand. I have to hand it to these two for slugging it out traveling near full time.
Agreed
True. I spend months dreaming about travelling, but then I get tired out so quickly!
definitely. But 'slow travel' can be easier. I think 3 months anywhere would be enough time to be okay with moving on. Some have a restless spirit. Frankly after 3 or 4 months anywhere I am bored. Also it depends on the place.
This is not true for everyone
I agree with you, travel is not easy especially when you don’t speak the language of the foreign country.
Well-balanced video without being annoying. Well done!
We lived in Tirana for two months. That scene where you walked past the produce stand towards the stadium brought back instant memories. We lived up the block next to the US Embassy so we shopped at that store quite a bit.
I was just thinking about you guys today!
We've been having a great time in Europe too. Matosinhos was awesome. Loved spending time in Dublin, Oslo, and Stockholm and currently in Bucharest (which we recommend). You've put Albania on the list of places to visit on the next trip to Europe (just like you did with Ecuador last year). Next for us is Italy, Switzerland, and France. Hope we get to see you guys again at some point, but even if we don't thanks for sharing all the videos. :-) Ciao!
Good for you guys! I really enjoyed the small country of Malta when I visited. Definitely a slower pace there so a good place to get away when you're not wanting to pack a lot in but just wanting to rest and relax and restore.
The beaches of the algarve has been fabulous the months of April and May. God’s Blessings. Quality of life ❤ Thanks for being our personal coach. We love you.
You guys look and sound great. I enjoy listening to both of you and appreciate your hints. Take care and thank you!
Thanks so much!
Yay for the talking vlogs!!
We completely agree on Tirana - we had no expectations on Albania since we knew so little about it. But we loved how safe and exciting and livable the city felt. We could have stayed a lot longer than a month. Love seeing you guys travel around, maybe we'll run into you again in Asia, we'll actually be in KL in September, though we aren't really the audience for Nomad Capitalist, but that's so cool you guys are participating in that!
Saludes Amelia and JP , bendiciones and take care, please be careful
Thanks again for another great informative video. Been enjoying your channel for a few years now. and now my wife and I are a few years closer to retirement. We'll be using your channel for a great reference for years into the future. So the informative information that you two provide.
Great! 👍
What a mouthful about vacations in the U.S.
Even when my job paid me for a 2 week vacation, they made me take it one week at a time.
You both have worked hard, and I’m so glad to see you two living the dream.
You both look great, you’re definitely living well.
so true! and if you work for the school district, they only want you to take vacations when school is closed for the summer so you really still don't have the ability to travel when you want. furthermore generally the summer months at least if you live in the US is the high season and when it cost the most to travel!
I love Bavaria and Switzerland! Germany in general is so beautiful!🌟
It was nice to catch up with you guys. I haven't watched in a while. I'm interested in your class.
I’d travel the world but I love Colombia. It has everything I love. Great weather. Plenty of nature. Beautiful people. I’ve been a subscriber for so many years now. It’s nice to follow your journey. Best wishes! ❤
I'm just so proud and happy for you guys. I have been watching since 2020, when I first decided to leave the States and everything has unfolded for you both in a fabulous way. Continue to travel and enjoy and live your best lives together!
Thank you so much!!
Thanks for the video. I loved Prague, but it was 30 years ago.
Love ❤️ this video . We have just spent 2 months in ANTAYLA Turkey ❤❤❤
Loving the update! You guys are a big reason for our move to Ecuador and now we'll be visiting Albania probably in October. Travel is such a challenge with a dog, although Bing will go with us wherever we are until she can't.
Excited to see your next place after Montenegro!
Amelia, I'd love if you'd talk a bit about being able to find your favorite toiletries/makeup and such in the places you go. Maybe it's a girlie thing, but it's nice to know what you can find where! And if they have clothes and shoes that fit larger people.
You guys are looking great! ❤
Agree
Great suggestion!
Love your videos! Thank you for the great information! Could you share how you find rentals?
We mostly use Airbnb. More details here: ameliaandjp.com/abb
I was in Montenegro last year and loved it. I hope you guys enjoy it too.
Good luck and may God continue to bless you both.
i went to Ecuador in 2020 lived in Quito/Guapulo.Amazing time and there the algo showed me your channel😊
so glad you posted this. i was sorta worried about why you left equador. i am perfectly happy in Chile. financially i am fine. i have issues like the usd going up and down like a yoyo and the slowness of repairs but i have learned to just go with the flow. plus living in a smallish town helps.
You two are so likeable!! What a charming video today.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Always enjoy the content. I had to chuckle when you guys mentioned Nomad Capitalist and displayed the conference info. That dude loves Kuala Lumpur. He plugs that city so much it could almost be a drinking game...LOL!
I liked Albania from your videos. Rome sounds exciting too. Always nice to be around friendly people.
Good to hear from you guys again. It's always informative. Have you been to Norway or any Scandinavian country? (Even if it's cold- lol). Looking for your next video.
I'm in Montanita now, great place to relax for a month. Glad your exploring Europe, lots to see.
Hi to you both, so sorry about your dogs. I do relate to the loss. One of the neat places we've been is Zermatt in Switzerland and the Matterhorn.
We recently did the reverse, Athens to Italy/Rome (currently in). We liked both. Athens lived up to our expectations; the Saturday markets were incredible, lively and active neighborhoods, archeological sites were fascinating! Greek islands made for excellent day trips. Rome is crowded, but for a reason. The place to be for Church and Roman history - both are fascinating. Love the water/drinking fountains throughout the city. Recommend you check out Serbia for some non-Schengen time, as an alternative to Albania. Novi-Sad was very nice.
I spent 3 months in Quito and quench. Loved it
Nomad here, watching you from Lovina on the north shore of Bali. Indonesia is so affordable and the people are so warm and kind.
Bali Indonesia is nice ! 🇮🇩 👌
Enjoyed your video.....
Haven't seen your videos in awhile. Searched and found you. Agree than we were disappointed with Athens. We nad a fantastic time in Rome. Awesome city. Glad I found you again.
Great video and update. By the way, we just want to say Amelia's hair looks awesome!
Oh thank you!
Phuket, Thailand. Kayaking to the Starlight Sea Caves! Amazing.
You both look amazing! And I knew you would be such a success. I'm so happy for you! How wonderful!
Thanks!
Daisy ❤ let you know it was time to explore. I'm sure she is with you through every adventure. Ecuador will recieve you with open arms when the time is right❤
I am so happy for you. Can you speak about your expenses in each place? Thank you!
We bypassed Athens. We went to CORINTH. That was fascinating and seeing the canal. I didn't feel like hanging out with 2 million people in one afternoon.
If you go to Kyoto, Japan...please check out the Butoh dance there. It was the most intense 45 minutes of my trip there.
I totally love Indonesia, there are so many amazing things to see and do there from Borobudur to The many temples in Bali, to Raja Empat and Sumatra! Happy to give feedback as I've been there several times.
Thank you ! I am glad you explain what is your travel plans now. I was watching your channel { subscribe maybe over 2 years). I want to find my way to travel after retirement. I live in LA , very nice you are together , mind like couple happily enjoy your life and helping other people with inspiring stories!
I think wherever you go you will be fine because you are always looking for positive aspects and you are good people.
My favorite location watching you guys was in Olon Ecuador it seemed very peaceful and laid-back
Love you guys! I'm in Cuenca now on an exploratory trip in advance of retiring in a few years. I've learned so much from your videos. I don't think I would be here without your good work. This video is a nice overview of where you are in your journey. I like the less scripted feel of this particular video. Lots of genuine banter between you both.
Thanks! 😊
We looooved Rome, but not quite as much as Florence and Venice (in the winter!). One of our favourite countries to visit was Japan, which actually really surprised me. The food was so great, everything was so easy because it’s SO organised and we felt safe and welcome everywhere we went. There’s so much history, culture and regional foods to immerse yourselves in without ever feeling uncomfortable.
Thanks for sharing!
Hola! The first time I visited Europe was to the beautiful, enchanting "Eternal" city if Rome. There's just something about this city that makes you fall in love with it. I live it so much that we've visited 4 times already, there is just so much to see that one visit is not enough. Enjoy your travels!
Danang Vietnam! I loved Ecuador but Southeast Asia has found a place in my heart. We will be in Albania for 2 months in August and September
Thanks for this video. Slovenia is amazing if you get a chance to go