They are great!
Check out more at Flickr.
Posts
1 year ago
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Ecuador’s Authentic Hotels and Haciendas from North to South
|
|
During my trip, I met gracious and enthusiastic proprietors who were eager to share stories, legends, history, and anecdotes about their hotel or hacienda. As an owner of Kaony Lodge put it, “I love what I do.” I sensed that his remarks were not an exception.
Haciendas are generationally-owned. Its descendants take great pride in keeping their family’s traditions alive. It is their life’s passion to preserve the properties. Their personalities, as well as the staff members, added life and learning to each stay.
Other owners found properties they loved and spent years restoring them. For example, Samari Spa Resort used to be a monastery, and Hotel Café Cultura was once the French Embassy. Each is unique and melded with its community.
Hungarian born, László Károlyl (owner of Hotel Café Cultura) recognized the uniqueness of these authentic accommodations. He chose thirteen from
Each property is involved with the local community, uses local products, and is representative of
Established in 2000 by the Ecuadorian NGO Conservation y Desarrollo, along with the Rainforest Alliance, this “Smart Voyager” Certification implements “best practices” in the tourism industry.
Its strict requirements for owners include contributing directly to the local economy and environment, reduction in the ecological impacts of tourism, while providing travelers with the opportunity to help local people and protect wildlife.
László’s “Exclusive Hotels and Haciendas” requirements--along with work towards the “Smart Voyager” certification—serves to assure travelers of a comfortable yet authentic experience which is beneficial to the environment, local people, and wildlife.
Search for more info on accommodation on Transitions Abroad Ecuador.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
The Day of the Bueno Entonces Mexican Margarita EXTRaVaganza
After a few big nights I’ve had to do some recuperating to get ready for the Bueno Entonces Mexican Margarita Extravaganza.. you know ... I need sleep every now and then.. When do Buenos-Aireans sleep? On Sunday all day Martin told me. But is that enough for the rest of the week?
All I could muster lately was a visit to Recoleta to see Evita’s grave. Surely a must SEE... She died just so young! Recoleta is pretty cool anyway to wander around with your sunglasses feeling melancholy. The graves are amazing and monumental and if you’ve ever dug into Argentine history or have paid attention to the streetnames you’ll find a lot of big names there. I find out Carlos Gardel is in the other cemetery, must do that one next time.
But onwards.. David (el Productor) and Cori have organised a night with the entire cast and crew of Bueno Entonces. We’re going out for Mexican and LOTS Of Margaritas in Palermo.
Jimena and the other David (this is confusing I know.. but this is the one YOU know if you’ve seen Bueno Entonces) are there and they are awesome. Also the writer and educational brain behind BE, Florencia and Hernan. Have I mentioned Carolina the beautiful Colombiana already? They’re all just amazing and what really shines through in Bueno Entonces that this is a bunch of people clearly having a lot of fun creating something together, is also pretty clear from tonight. After that more going out, and being silly.
Keep reading Vibe's reviews at beadventuresinba.blogspot.com
All I could muster lately was a visit to Recoleta to see Evita’s grave. Surely a must SEE... She died just so young! Recoleta is pretty cool anyway to wander around with your sunglasses feeling melancholy. The graves are amazing and monumental and if you’ve ever dug into Argentine history or have paid attention to the streetnames you’ll find a lot of big names there. I find out Carlos Gardel is in the other cemetery, must do that one next time.
But onwards.. David (el Productor) and Cori have organised a night with the entire cast and crew of Bueno Entonces. We’re going out for Mexican and LOTS Of Margaritas in Palermo.
Jimena and the other David (this is confusing I know.. but this is the one YOU know if you’ve seen Bueno Entonces) are there and they are awesome. Also the writer and educational brain behind BE, Florencia and Hernan. Have I mentioned Carolina the beautiful Colombiana already? They’re all just amazing and what really shines through in Bueno Entonces that this is a bunch of people clearly having a lot of fun creating something together, is also pretty clear from tonight. After that more going out, and being silly.
Keep reading Vibe's reviews at beadventuresinba.blogspot.com
Monday, October 19, 2009
Ecuador's President Mr. Rafael Correa
Rafael Correa won the run-off vote in presidential elections in November 2006, promising a social revolution to benefit the poor.
He took up his post in January 2007, joining Latin America's club of left-leaning leaders, including Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and Bolivian President Evo Morales, who have not been shy in their criticism of the
Mr Correa, an outsider with no political party backing, moved quickly to secure the support of voters in a referendum for a special assembly to rewrite the constitution.
He said the new constitution was designed to hand more power to the poor and reduce the role of the traditional parties, whom he blames for the country's problems. Critics said it was solely aimed at increasing his powers.
Despite resistance from the opposition-led Congress, the revised constitution was approved by 64% of voters in a referendum in September 2008.
The new basic law also allowed Mr Correa to stand for re-election, enabling him to win a second term with a convincing election victory in April 2009.
Mr Correa is against
He also refused to extend the
Read more at BBC News.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
The General Linguistics Method for Teaching Foreign Languages
Created by linguists, teachers and students from a half-dozen countries, General Linguistics developed Bueno, entonces… to incorporate all the best elements of the software and audiobook language learning methods like Pimsleur and Rosetta Stone that have been around for decades.
We mixed the comprehensive learning material of the audiobook courses with the addictive, fun and universally beloved format of a television show to create the Bueno, entonces… series. Each of the 30classes is 30-40 minutes long, proven as the perfect length for a language course - long enough to cover vocabulary and grammar topics but short enough to keep you interested the whole time. The challenging fast pace and edgy, entertaining style of Bueno, entonces… will keep you coming back for more.
Learning Spanish doesn’t have to be boring and monotonous. Bueno, entonces… infuses a witty, engaging storyline into the learning process - and by following along you absorb more Spanish, morequickly than you ever thought possible. By the end of the 5-week, 30-class series, you
will be speaking and understanding native conversational Spanish!
Bueno, entonces… incorporates the following 5 principles to make learning Spanish fun, painless and effective:
1. Make The Classes Interesting & Engaging With Wit and Charm.
If you are not engaged, you are not going to learn or remember anything. Learning doesn’t have to be boring — remember your favorite teachers? Well, wait until you meet David & Jimena…
2. See The Words On The Screen.
Some people are audio learners, some people are video learners - most people are both, and learn different things in one way or the other. With Bueno, entonces… every word in Spanish is written on the screen so you can see how it is spelled while you hear it being pronounced. Old-fashioned audiobooks only get your half-way there.
3. Color-Coding.
Everything on the screen is color-coded in Spanish and English to help you understand word usage and sentence structure. You’ll start to quickly see and understand which words in Spanish correspond with similar words in English, and how those words are used in a sentence.
Read about this new and quick method of learning Spanish on buenoentonces.com/blog.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Where is my Embassy?
The embassies and consulates listed below will be able to provide detailed information about Ecuador:
Embassy of
Embassy of
Embassies in Ecuador:
United States Embassy in Ecuador, www.usembassy.org.ec. Patria and 12 de Octubre Avenues, Quito, Ecuador; Tel: (593) 2-256-2890; Fax: (593) 2-250-2052.
Canadian Embassy in Ecuador, www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/ecuador/menu-en.asp. Av. 6 de Diciembre 2816 y Paul Rivet, Edificio Josueth González, 4th Floor, P.O. Box 17-11-6512, Quito - Ecuador; Tel: (011 593 2) 2232-114 and 2506-162; Fax: (011 593 2) 2503-108; quito@dfait-maeci.gc.ca.
British Embassy in Ecuador, www.britishembassy.gov.uk. Citiplaza Building, Naciones Unidas Ave. and Republica de El Salvador, 14th Floor, PO Box 17-17-830, Quito; Tel: (593) (2) 2970 800 / 801.
See where your embassy is at Transitions Abroad Ecuador.
Friday, October 16, 2009
EMPLOYMENT IN ECUADOR
Ecuador has seen as explosion in ‘voluntourism’ in recent years, and there is a huge choice of organizations, both in and out of the country, that can set you up with voluntary work. The most popular options are working with children (generally teaching English at a school or helping out at an orphanage) or ecology-based projects such as reforestation, research or bear-tracking. Some offer free accommodation and food in return for your labour, while others charge a small fee (up to $15 per day). If you’re planning to stay for a while (generally a month or longer) the price goes down.
If you are in Quito, go along to the South American Explorers Club, which can give you up-to-date information on organizations that offer volunteer work.
There are also numerous possibilities for working in Ecuador, although this is more difficult to arrange from home. Your best bet is to turn up and see what you can find.
There are vacancies year round for English teachers in Quito (less so in other cities) and most of the teachers had no problems finding a job. The best way is to print off a few copies of your resume/CV and visit a few language schools in person. Chances are you’ll get hired on the spot. Pay ranges from $3 to $7.50 per hour. Schools that teach business English pay the best, but tend to require certification such as CELTA or International TESOL. Some bilingual high schools require native English speakers (with the relevant experience and qualifications) to teach English as well as other subjects. They generally hire in September and the pay is probably the best you will find as a foreign teacher in Ecuador.
Your second best bet is to get a job in the tourism industry, such as travel agency or hotel work. Pay isn’t as good as the top-end English schools but employment often includes accommodation and food so you can live fairly cheaply. For these jobs you need a good level of Spanish.
If you have computer or web skills, it may be worth checking out the notice boards in the Mariscal as there are often vacancies for jobs designing websites or web-support. Again, your chances will be far better if you have a good level of Spanish and English.
More tips on employment, visit Allo' Expat Ecuador.
If you are in Quito, go along to the South American Explorers Club, which can give you up-to-date information on organizations that offer volunteer work.
There are also numerous possibilities for working in Ecuador, although this is more difficult to arrange from home. Your best bet is to turn up and see what you can find.
There are vacancies year round for English teachers in Quito (less so in other cities) and most of the teachers had no problems finding a job. The best way is to print off a few copies of your resume/CV and visit a few language schools in person. Chances are you’ll get hired on the spot. Pay ranges from $3 to $7.50 per hour. Schools that teach business English pay the best, but tend to require certification such as CELTA or International TESOL. Some bilingual high schools require native English speakers (with the relevant experience and qualifications) to teach English as well as other subjects. They generally hire in September and the pay is probably the best you will find as a foreign teacher in Ecuador.
Your second best bet is to get a job in the tourism industry, such as travel agency or hotel work. Pay isn’t as good as the top-end English schools but employment often includes accommodation and food so you can live fairly cheaply. For these jobs you need a good level of Spanish.
If you have computer or web skills, it may be worth checking out the notice boards in the Mariscal as there are often vacancies for jobs designing websites or web-support. Again, your chances will be far better if you have a good level of Spanish and English.
More tips on employment, visit Allo' Expat Ecuador.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
DOING BUSINESS IN ECUADOR
STARTING A BUSINESS
STANDARDIZED COMPANY
Legal Form: Compana Limitada
Minimum Capital Requirement: 800
City: Guayaquil
Registration Requirements:
Procedure 1. Hire a lawyer to prepare the minutes of incorporation
Time to complete: 1 day
Cost to complete: USD 500
Comment: The minutes include the constituting contract, articles of incorporation and the bylaws of the company and the formation of capital. A lawyer has to prepare the minutes containing the contract for the incorporation of the company, and sign them. Those minutes have to be notarized by a Notary Public. The lawyer cannot notarize those documents. The cost includes all the operative expenses and the lawyer's fees.
Procedure 2. Register company name at the Superintendent of Companies
Time to complete: 1 day
Cost to complete: no charge
Procedure 3. Deposit 25% of paid-in capital in a special account of "Completion of Capital" (Integración de Capital )in the name of the company in formation
Time to complete: 1 day
Cost to complete: no charge
Comment: The minimum deposit for opening the "Completion of Capital" account is 25% of the share capital. Proof of approved company name has to be presented.
Procedure 4. Notarize the charter of incorporation and bylaws
Time to complete: 2 days
Cost to complete: USD 75 (varies)
Procedure 5. The lawyer presents the documents (attached with three certified copies of charter and bylaws) to the Superintendent of Companies for the approval of the constitution of the company
Time to complete: 5 days
Cost to complete: no charge
Comment: Registration fee is paid annually to the Superintendent. Cost of contribution is 1% of total assets.
The Superintendent of Companies cut the time of processing company applications as it has eliminated internal proceedings, increased the number of staff and used a better computer system. The entrepreneur can verify the stage of the registration procedure online.
Read all requirements on Allo' Expat Ecuador.
STANDARDIZED COMPANY
Legal Form: Compana Limitada
Minimum Capital Requirement: 800
City: Guayaquil
Registration Requirements:
Procedure 1. Hire a lawyer to prepare the minutes of incorporation
Time to complete: 1 day
Cost to complete: USD 500
Comment: The minutes include the constituting contract, articles of incorporation and the bylaws of the company and the formation of capital. A lawyer has to prepare the minutes containing the contract for the incorporation of the company, and sign them. Those minutes have to be notarized by a Notary Public. The lawyer cannot notarize those documents. The cost includes all the operative expenses and the lawyer's fees.
Procedure 2. Register company name at the Superintendent of Companies
Time to complete: 1 day
Cost to complete: no charge
Procedure 3. Deposit 25% of paid-in capital in a special account of "Completion of Capital" (Integración de Capital )in the name of the company in formation
Time to complete: 1 day
Cost to complete: no charge
Comment: The minimum deposit for opening the "Completion of Capital" account is 25% of the share capital. Proof of approved company name has to be presented.
Procedure 4. Notarize the charter of incorporation and bylaws
Time to complete: 2 days
Cost to complete: USD 75 (varies)
Procedure 5. The lawyer presents the documents (attached with three certified copies of charter and bylaws) to the Superintendent of Companies for the approval of the constitution of the company
Time to complete: 5 days
Cost to complete: no charge
Comment: Registration fee is paid annually to the Superintendent. Cost of contribution is 1% of total assets.
The Superintendent of Companies cut the time of processing company applications as it has eliminated internal proceedings, increased the number of staff and used a better computer system. The entrepreneur can verify the stage of the registration procedure online.
Read all requirements on Allo' Expat Ecuador.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Study & Intern Abroad in Ecuador...
| Where Guayaquil in Ecuador |
| When Fall Semester, Winter Semester, Spring Semester, Summer, Year Round, Academic Year |
| Study & Intern Abroad in Ecuador Low cost, high quality university programs focusing on international business, South American politics, Spanish language, medicine, health, environment, media and so much more. Wide selection of courses taught in English and Spanish. Study along side Ecuadorian and international students from around the world. |
| Overview The program is based at the Universidad de Especialidades Espíritu Santo, a premier university in Ecuador. Housing is provided with host families near the campus. Cultural excursions in Guayaquil, Cuenca (Inca ruins) and Quito are an integral part of the program. Setting Guayaquil, founded in 1538 by Spanish conquistador Francisco de Orellana, traces its origin to the Incas Empire. Today, Guayaquil serves as the financial, commercial and cultural center of Ecuador. With easy access to tropical beaches, the Amazon basin and other ecological destinations, Guayaquil is becoming one of the tourist destinations in Latin America. Study in Guayaquil and experience this amazing location for yourself. For more info, go to Study Abroad |
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Ecuador's education reforms. The president seeks to improve ailing schools and universities
AS IN Venezuela, education reforms in Ecuador, promoted by its left-wing president, Rafael Correa, have led to protests and tear-gas on the streets. The teachers’ union and the students’ federation, both linked to a Maoist opposition party, are furious at proposals to sack bad teachers and make schools and universities account better for the $2.3 billion or so a year the government spends on them.
Ecuador’s schools are poor even by South America’s generally low standards. Although almost all of its children enroll in primary education, fewer than two-thirds make it to secondary school. By 2015 Mr Correa, a former economics professor re-elected for a second term in April, wants state schools to match the quality of elite private ones like the Lycée La Condamine in Quito, which his own children attend.
Read complete text at Economist.com
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Spanish Language Immersion Programs In Ecuador
Ecuador is one of the prime destinations in South America to participate in one of our Spanish language programs. Take a look at the right side of this page to discover more about the cities and locations where you can participate in Spanish language programs in Ecuador. Each city or region in Ecuador offers something unique, however in Quito and (Cuenca - coming soon) you will find top quality Spanish language schools, offering diverse Spanish language programs all designed to help you study and learn Spanish in a very short period of time.
Browse the information links on the right side of this page to find out more about Ecuador, the Spanish language schools and the various Spanish language programs offered.
Is Ecuador the best location to Learn and Study The Spanish Language?
For some people yes, for others no. Each location and Spanish language school offers something different. A great Spanish program for one person may not be appropriate for another. As such Spanish Abroad, Inc. offers a variety of Spanish study abroad locations that you can choose in your quest to study and learn Spanish in Ecuador, the rest of Latin America, or Spain.
Read more at Spanishabroad.com
Review: Bueno, entonces… Learn Spanish
I stumbled across B.E. about a month and a half ago, I watched one episode and was hooked…David is an absolute riot…Jimena is a doll…and together, they are the perfect teacher/student combo…my husband gets annoyed bc I will not put my phone away…
Because you are hearing conversations and not sitting in front of the computer or with your nose in a book, each time you listen to an episode you learn both vocab and grammar without even knowing it.
Yes, it is fast paced but if you are truly dedicated to learning the beautiful language that is Spanish, and you want to do it quickly, it doesn’t matter….I listened to each lesson twice before moving on to the next…I had to make myself do this because not only are you learning Spanish quickly but at the same time you are dying to know what is going to happen btw David and Jimena…
B.E. is a new and engaging, revolutionary and hilarious approach to learning Spanish that I believe (and hope) will end up making history!
-Shelley, Birmingham Alabama, USA
Read more about Bueno, entonces and its reviews on buenoentonces.com/blog.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Ecuador's top-notch medical and dental care
By Gary Scott
On the most recent International Living Discovery Tour to Ecuador we were joined by a 93-year-old reader. The guy was unstoppable, para-sailing, mountain climbing... seemingly indestructible... until he simply stepped off the bus and banged his head on the door.
The reason I'm telling you all this? Believe it or not, in all the years that I've been involved in Discovery Tours to Ecuador, we've never really had a medical emergency. So in the way that sometimes mishaps can be fortuitous, this minor accident allowed me a birds eye view of Ecuadorian medical care... and I liked what I found.
We rushed Paul to the emergency room where we happily discovered the cut was far less severe than it looked. Quite a few stitches later and with some medicine, our near centenarian was comfortably back in his hotel room.
Then I looked at the bill. $15 for the visit and the stitches, and another five bucks for the medication. "That's all?," I questioned? In the U.S. we aren't even allowed to think the word hospital for 20 bucks! Just how good is the medical care? The whole experience prompted me to explore just how good and inexpensive are medical services in Ecuador?
I had spotted a new hospital near the U.S. military base in Manta. One of the other IL readers on the tour is an old-timer M.D. with 40 years of general surgery under his belt so I decided to take him along for his professional opinion.
Read more at Expat Exchange
On the most recent International Living Discovery Tour to Ecuador we were joined by a 93-year-old reader. The guy was unstoppable, para-sailing, mountain climbing... seemingly indestructible... until he simply stepped off the bus and banged his head on the door.
The reason I'm telling you all this? Believe it or not, in all the years that I've been involved in Discovery Tours to Ecuador, we've never really had a medical emergency. So in the way that sometimes mishaps can be fortuitous, this minor accident allowed me a birds eye view of Ecuadorian medical care... and I liked what I found.
We rushed Paul to the emergency room where we happily discovered the cut was far less severe than it looked. Quite a few stitches later and with some medicine, our near centenarian was comfortably back in his hotel room.
Then I looked at the bill. $15 for the visit and the stitches, and another five bucks for the medication. "That's all?," I questioned? In the U.S. we aren't even allowed to think the word hospital for 20 bucks! Just how good is the medical care? The whole experience prompted me to explore just how good and inexpensive are medical services in Ecuador?
I had spotted a new hospital near the U.S. military base in Manta. One of the other IL readers on the tour is an old-timer M.D. with 40 years of general surgery under his belt so I decided to take him along for his professional opinion.
Read more at Expat Exchange
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Expat Advice: City Review of Cuenca
What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?
Cuenca
How long have you lived there?
Little less than a year
What activities, clubs and organizations would you recommend to newcomers to help them meet others?
Weekly expat Fridays at 5, currently held at Sakura Restaurant on 3 de Noviembre in front of the Tomebamba River at the bottom of the Escalinata.
In terms of religious, racial, economic and cultural diversity, are the people of this city or town diverse? Are they accepting of differences? Describe.
It's strange here, in that on the surface, everyone mingles well and it is quite the mixing pot. Cuenca always has lots of tourists due to both its reputation as well as being such a destination for learning Spanish. Beneath the surface, for residents, however, there is not a lot of mingling between classes, as in most Latin American countries. In expat circles, everything is fairly acceptable as we tend to have quite the liberal lot.
What are the main industries in this city? What types of career opportunities commonly exist? How do most people find new jobs?
Unlike Quito and Guayaquil which has many multi-national companies, jobs here are fairly non-existant, however, entrepreneurial opportunities abound. Many people are retired, however, once you have a Permanent Residency Visa...no matter which type you get...you can open a company to do any number of things. People here have restaurants, export business, real estate businesses, retail shops, etc. It's very simple to open a business here once you have a cedula.
Read full review at Expat Exchange
Monday, October 5, 2009
HOUSING IN ECUADOR
Expat areas
Most popular areas are Guayaquil and Quito.
Housing
Houses and apartments, generally unfurnished, are available for rental and expatriates will have no difficulty in finding suitable accommodation with car parking facilities (garage or carport).
Cost of housing
If you decide to rent a house by the Northern districts of larger cities such as Guayaquil, or Quito; these, are quite expensive areas and the cost ranges between US$ 700 and US$ 2500 per month (always depending on the property). The local currency is US Dollar (US$).
More info at Allo' Expat.
Most popular areas are Guayaquil and Quito.
Housing
Houses and apartments, generally unfurnished, are available for rental and expatriates will have no difficulty in finding suitable accommodation with car parking facilities (garage or carport).
Cost of housing
If you decide to rent a house by the Northern districts of larger cities such as Guayaquil, or Quito; these, are quite expensive areas and the cost ranges between US$ 700 and US$ 2500 per month (always depending on the property). The local currency is US Dollar (US$).
More info at Allo' Expat.
Ecuador's President: Mr. Rafael Correa
Rafael Correa won the run-off vote in presidential elections in November 2006, promising a social revolution to benefit the poor.
He took up his post in January 2007, joining Latin America's club of left-leaning leaders, including Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and Bolivian President Evo Morales, who have not been shy in their criticism of the
Mr Correa, an outsider with no political party backing, moved quickly to secure the support of voters in a referendum for a special assembly to rewrite the constitution.
He said the new constitution was designed to hand more power to the poor and reduce the role of the traditional parties, whom he blames for the country's problems. Critics said it was solely aimed at increasing his powers.
Despite resistance from the opposition-led Congress, the revised constitution was approved by 64% of voters in a referendum in September 2008.
The new basic law also allowed Mr Correa to stand for re-election, enabling him to win a second term with a convincing election victory in April 2009.
Mr Correa is against
He also refused to extend the
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Friday, October 2, 2009
10 Tips to live in Ecuador
My 10 tips for Living in Ecuador
1) Don't be a Dreamer. Keep both feet planted and your eyes wide open (not: "Eyes Wide Shut)
2) Don't spend like crazy. Save your money. Don't invest in land if it's too good to be true.....
3) Choose a nice area to live in. Talk to the people in the neighborhood, smile, wink and nod. But never say I have this and that.
4) Be kind and Humble
5) Keep to yourself in the beginning. Remember you will always be observed due to the simple fact that you are a foreighner.
6) Maintain your money in a U.S. bank. Open an acct in an Ecuadorean bank but just enough to have "escape" cash for you and your family. You have heard of keeping your cash under your mattress this is not a bad idea in Latin America. Things can change quick and not always for the best.
7) Never burn your bridges in the U.S.. If possible leave your home rented for a few years or sell it and downsize your potential residence here in the U.S. Sell your big house and buy a 1 bedroom condo or a small house and maintain it for a few years.
8) Legal papers. Make sure everything is in order. Get your residency , Ecuadorean Drivers License anything where you may need a Lawyer use one. Get everything notarized and have your lawyer verify everything. If you are going to buy a car, land, house etc. check it out first.
9) Schools. Choose the correct school. I taught English at various schools and the inmates run the assylum. These schools are privately owned and the "students" pay $400 a month in tuition so the owner being a good businessman will protect his investment.
10) Have fun. See the country little by little. Always travel in the daytime and use common sense.
Read more article at Expat Exchange
1) Don't be a Dreamer. Keep both feet planted and your eyes wide open (not: "Eyes Wide Shut)
2) Don't spend like crazy. Save your money. Don't invest in land if it's too good to be true.....
3) Choose a nice area to live in. Talk to the people in the neighborhood, smile, wink and nod. But never say I have this and that.
4) Be kind and Humble
5) Keep to yourself in the beginning. Remember you will always be observed due to the simple fact that you are a foreighner.
6) Maintain your money in a U.S. bank. Open an acct in an Ecuadorean bank but just enough to have "escape" cash for you and your family. You have heard of keeping your cash under your mattress this is not a bad idea in Latin America. Things can change quick and not always for the best.
7) Never burn your bridges in the U.S.. If possible leave your home rented for a few years or sell it and downsize your potential residence here in the U.S. Sell your big house and buy a 1 bedroom condo or a small house and maintain it for a few years.
8) Legal papers. Make sure everything is in order. Get your residency , Ecuadorean Drivers License anything where you may need a Lawyer use one. Get everything notarized and have your lawyer verify everything. If you are going to buy a car, land, house etc. check it out first.
9) Schools. Choose the correct school. I taught English at various schools and the inmates run the assylum. These schools are privately owned and the "students" pay $400 a month in tuition so the owner being a good businessman will protect his investment.
10) Have fun. See the country little by little. Always travel in the daytime and use common sense.
Read more article at Expat Exchange
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
WHAT IS Bueno, entonces... exactly?
Bueno, entonces... is the best selling language-learning program for the iPhone, now available on DVD and instant download! Featured by Apple as New & Noteworthy, tens of thousands are already learning Spanish with Bueno, entonces…
Taking the most effective elements from traditional audio books and software programs, Bueno, entonces... has revamped language-learning by incorporating those features into a 1-on-1 Spanish lesson format, where you sit in on private classes with fresh audio/visual teaching tools, a huge improvement over programs currently available on the market.
Bueno, entonces... takes you inside 30 private Spanish lessons with Jimena, a gorgeous Spanish instructor, and David, her jackass student from London as he learns Spanish in beautiful Buenos Aires. Like learn-Spanish reality TV, but without the guilt of getting addicted, because in just 5 weeks you'll be speaking Spanish conversationally.
To learn more about Bueno, entonces, go to General Linguistics.
Things Seen at the Market
Just about any public place in Ecuador is a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, smells and experiences. Loja’s central market, where we buy most of our fruits, vegetables and coffee, is one public place with it’s share of activity. There is so much happening that it is too much to take in all at once, but here are a few things I noticed during a recent shopping trip:
Women huddled together on the sidewalk outside of the market selling socks from baskets, their children playing nearby.
An old, skinny man standing at the entrance to the market holding up a large, bright red towel, and yelling, "Towels for sale, get your towel here!"
An even older, skinnier man selling little foam alphabet puzzles. His cry was, "Puzzles, puzzles, buy yourself a puzzle today!"
A seemingly endless number of stalls within the market, all of them overflowing with a colorful jumble of goods. The market has two floors. Downstairs are the produce, meat, cheese, flowers and household goods sections. Upstairs you’ll find coffee, dried goods, sweets, clothes, barber shops, fresh juice bars, and a few restaurants.
A young guy selling little frog toys that paddle their legs when you wind them up. He has a small tub of water next to him which he uses to demonstrate how the frogs work.
Finish reading the article at Living in Loja
Ecuador Indian group protests water, mining laws
QUITO, Ecuador — Hundreds of Indians blocked Ecuador's Pan American highway in several provinces Monday with rocks, tree trunks and burning tires to protest new water, mining and oil laws.
Their leaders suspended the protest late Monday, saying the government had promised to talk about their objections.
The Indians contend the proposed the laws threaten their lands and will privatize water resources. Leftist President Rafael Correa disputes that view, and the ruling party-controlled legislature has been expected to approve the laws.
The leading Indian group, the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador, split with Correa in 2008 when he refused to grant Indians the right to veto concessions to exploit natural resources on their lands under a constitution approved last year.
Read complete article at Google News
WORK PERMIT IN ECUADOR
The work visa category 12-VI is issued to highly qualified professionals, technicians, contracted personnel for industrial training and specialized workers, to perform temporary works. The validity of this visa depends upon the length of the assignment or contract and it covers direct family members.
(Comment: Generally, Presidents, General Managers, Legal Representatives and General Trustees do not apply for this 12-VI Visa, because they do not have an "Employment Relationship" with the Company, pursuant to the Labour Law. Instead they request, and are given, a 10-IV Visa, which is an Immigrant visa to take over top level administrative functions in an Ecuadorian Company. This visa can be easily obtained in Ecuador, without having to leave the country, while the individual is covered by the 12-IX Visa)
Requirements
The application for a work visa 12-VI must be made at the Ecuadorian Consulate with jurisdiction over the applicant's place of residence. The applicant must present an employment contract that has been legalized by Ecuador's Court of Labour, the certification issued by the National Direction of Employment and Human Resources or the appointment letter of Power of Attorney, when applicable.
Finish reading the requirements at Allo' Expat
(Comment: Generally, Presidents, General Managers, Legal Representatives and General Trustees do not apply for this 12-VI Visa, because they do not have an "Employment Relationship" with the Company, pursuant to the Labour Law. Instead they request, and are given, a 10-IV Visa, which is an Immigrant visa to take over top level administrative functions in an Ecuadorian Company. This visa can be easily obtained in Ecuador, without having to leave the country, while the individual is covered by the 12-IX Visa)
Requirements
The application for a work visa 12-VI must be made at the Ecuadorian Consulate with jurisdiction over the applicant's place of residence. The applicant must present an employment contract that has been legalized by Ecuador's Court of Labour, the certification issued by the National Direction of Employment and Human Resources or the appointment letter of Power of Attorney, when applicable.
Finish reading the requirements at Allo' Expat
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
