Expats in Ecuador: 2 Year Update-Is the Honeymoon Over?

Рет қаралды 11,985

Жыл бұрын

Expats in Ecuador: 2 Year Update-Is the Honeymoon Over?
We've been a little under the radar lately as we navigate real life in Malacatos. Here are our 2 year reflections of life in Ecuador.
How's our Spanish?
Have we found community?
Will we stay?
How's the visa process coming along?
Have our expectations met the reality of life here?
We'll cover all of this and more!
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Hi, we are Matt and Kate! If you're into personal growth via the road less traveled, this channel is for you!
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+++ Affiliate links and caffeine support below:) ✌️
"We get commissions for purchases made through links below" #commissions
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OUR GEAR THAT HAS LASTED!
We are Amazon affiliates and receive commission from links below 👇 #commission
==========================
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Case for DJI Pocket 2: ScottyMakesStuff
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Contact us at:
flynnsonthefly@gmail.com
#expatsinecuador #vilcabamba #malacatos #

Пікірлер: 146

@FlynnsOnTheFly Жыл бұрын

We've never done a Premiere before and, in typical Flynns on the Fly style, had no idea what that even meant! Thank y'all for making this so much fun🥰 Big love, from Ecuador!

@lindahehemann7949 Жыл бұрын

Great to see y'all again! Loved hearing about this part of your experience.

@MovingToEcuador Жыл бұрын

So happy to see the two of you thriving in Ecuador. And we totally hear you on Cuenca. It's a beautiful city, but for us, it was way too frenetic and filled with more auto exhaust than our lungs could handle. We ended up in Cotacachi and have been here since March of this year. Loving it! And so happy to hear a "been in Ecuador 2 years" perspective. It's encouraging.

@suzyperkins4947 Жыл бұрын

I've had my eye on Cotacachi for a while now so it's great to hear you love it.

@edsedlak6827 Жыл бұрын

I know what you mean about the exhaust fumes in Cuenca, I too loved the city but wow, hard to breathe in El Centro.

@MovingToEcuador Жыл бұрын

@@edsedlak6827 No kidding. My husband and I both got hit with Covid shortly after arrival in Cuenca. After staying in for a week and then attempting to go out, we found the exhaust just too much for us. So, Covid did us a favor! Plus, trying to cross streets there without a traffic light is death-defying. Cotacachi is much better for us.

@spiritosa0123 9 ай бұрын

It’s great here and making adjustments is part of the fun. Being single (i seem to only see, hear, expat couples) is a challenge here but also in the US, especially after a certain age, moving around, remote working. This idea of instant community in Cuenca just isn’t always true. Even when Ive met single women, even when new here, my sense was sticking around w their established circle. Sorry to go off on a tangent. Thank you for acknowledging the challenge. I have done a lot of reaching out and showing interest in others that hasnot bern reciprocated. My happiest days now are alone doing new stuff and losing expectations. Lonely though but could be anywhere. best of luck in your town. good news is you have each other.

@d.f.9064 7 ай бұрын

I became single here in Ecuador. I put myself out there on Badoo and quickly found the love of my life. No kidding. Learn Spanish while you wait, she will come. These women are head and shoulders above ANYONE you'll find in the USA.

@Benjamin-David Жыл бұрын

I appreciate your open and direct honesty. It’s a deep insight

@whacked00 Жыл бұрын

I love how you found the right place for you. The road less traveled does make all the difference. I find you guys very inspiring.

@FlynnsOnTheFly Жыл бұрын

Just keep your expectations of us low JT 😁✌️

@edsedlak6827 Жыл бұрын

Great video, it is always good to get a boots on the ground perspective. It sounds a bit lonely there but man is it ever beautiful. Glad you showed that clip at the end.

@kathleenerickson9257 Жыл бұрын

So enjoyed this update! Thank you!

@FlynnsOnTheFly Жыл бұрын

Thank you for following along🥰

@COOKINGFROMTHELOFT Жыл бұрын

I love your point of view... thanks for all this.

@jodiperko2774 Жыл бұрын

So good to see you two! Sounds like you’re doing well, and your life sounds good. Take care!

@FlynnsOnTheFly Жыл бұрын

Thank you, Jodi! How is your new adventure going?

@jodiperko2774 Жыл бұрын

@@FlynnsOnTheFly I’ve sponsored a Ukrainian refugee family and that’s taking lots of my time, but I love them and it’s good.

@QuinnPrice Жыл бұрын

This resonates! I'm a year and a half into my Ecuador journey and agree 100%, including cafe Lojano.

@FlynnsOnTheFly Жыл бұрын

We thought it would be easy to find as we are in Loja province! 🤣 Those thinking thoughts will getcha every time.

@user-ch1nn6wf8r Жыл бұрын

You guys are a very cute couple! My wife and I have had our eyes on Ecuador for a while now. Thank you for the great info!!!

@FlynnsOnTheFly Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the feedback and compliment 😁🙏✌️

@LeoHipolito Жыл бұрын

Great honest insights and very inspiring. I truly enjoyed watching this. 🎉❤😊

@FlynnsOnTheFly Жыл бұрын

Thanks Leo ✌️

@SophisticatedBob 11 ай бұрын

Just found this channel...and I must say I love the open dialogue, complete with humor and real-world advice. I'm considering retiring in Ecuador in late 2024. Cuenca has been on my radar primarily, but I'm open to other places as well. Will be watching you two. Thanks.

@FlynnsOnTheFly 11 ай бұрын

Thanks SB ✌️

@2ndSprings Жыл бұрын

I can't believe I missed the premiere!!! It's good to see your faces, my friends. 🙂

@FlynnsOnTheFly Жыл бұрын

Hang in there Brian & Family 😉✌️

@tony-ce7qp Жыл бұрын

thank you for the video!

@wiggy5927 Жыл бұрын

Nice to see you guys

@FlynnsOnTheFly Жыл бұрын

Thanks, Wiggy!

@soysanto9939 Жыл бұрын

Offering free English tutoring to locals interested in improving their language skills might be a good way to make friends.

@tomcorridan5236 Жыл бұрын

So nice to see and hear you guys..Your insight is always appreciated...We are goping to explore Ecuador again in October..possible Cottaachi...Keep up the deep dive of self exploration...wishing you happiness and health always

@FlynnsOnTheFly Жыл бұрын

Very nice! And, we know some pretty cool people up there, so let us know and we'll connect you when it gets closer. Igualmente 😊

@Ladivinadonna 11 ай бұрын

I just found you guys and I’m loving your good vibe and sense of humor

@FlynnsOnTheFly 11 ай бұрын

Thank you 🙏🙏

@force10jc Жыл бұрын

I'm with you on the health issues of working in the states. 12 hours a day with an hour fifteen minute commute felt like it was killing me too.

@fluffy5534 Жыл бұрын

I had no expectations from day 1. Accepted what was and enjoyed it. Grateful not to be in U.S. Much healthier, more peaceful, great food. Also I have been flying between cities. It is cheap and quick.

@alainbergeron4520 Жыл бұрын

You guys are terrific and funny. I'm glad you found your nirvana in Ecuador 🇪🇨. Enjoying a good quality of life, eating healthy and be serene. Kudos to you

@FlynnsOnTheFly Жыл бұрын

Muchísimas gracias! 😊

@alainbergeron4520 Жыл бұрын

@@FlynnsOnTheFly de nada

@alkubbo1291 Жыл бұрын

Hi guys! Awesome to see both of you and Lucas adapting to Ecuador. It is also great that you found your proper coffee bean mix that allows you the 'morning coffee cup' to help you cope with whatever life throws at you. BTW - Hair is highly overrated and taking care of the other 'issue' is definitely a bonus. 😉 Hugs

@FlynnsOnTheFly Жыл бұрын

🤣✌️

@BobBGoode 11 ай бұрын

Great video guys!

@FlynnsOnTheFly 11 ай бұрын

Thanks Bob 😁✌️

@whacked00 Жыл бұрын

So nice to see FOTF again!

@FlynnsOnTheFly Жыл бұрын

Thanks for supporting us!

@jerrygarcia4390 8 ай бұрын

I really enjoyed this one 😂❤

@GMAceM Жыл бұрын

Ah yes, a fellow motorcycle rider 😎 So I guess three things I’d like to comment on: •While I don’t live where you guys are, I can definitely agree that the roads are something that people can only dream of ever getting fixed. This isn’t even an exaggeration. I have Ecuadorian friends, been here their whole lives (20 years) or their parents are born here (40-50+ years) and the roads, main or side roads, have been the same all their lives, and I am talking about in a capital city. If you go out to the countryside or to less “popular” cities, good luck finding a paved road. If you like that kind of thing then cool, but if you don’t then you’re gonna see it a lot. •The second thing is the friendship aspect. In this case it all really depends on how much you’re willing to interact with others. You do of course have to fight agains the fact that you weren’t in the person’s friend group while they were growing up, but if you actively talk to people and maybe partake in the things they do, then making friends can be quite easy here. This kinda sounds like “how to make a friend 101” advice and I don’t actively try to do it myself but I know what it entails lol •And the last thing is coastal food. You guys have not eaten Ecuador’s finest until you have a go at the food from the coast. I heavily promote encebollado because it is my favorite dish AND it’s the second best fish soup in the world. BUT don’t buy into the rumors, Guayaquil DOES NOT HAVE THE BEST ENCEBOLLADO. If you want the best encebollado, come on down to Portoviejo and I’ll show you what the best encebollado looks like. That’s all from me, glad to hear you guys are having a great time!

@FlynnsOnTheFly Жыл бұрын

Right on Ace! We will make it to the coast eventually!... Need a little bit bigger bike first 😉

@jdsantibanez Жыл бұрын

I am glad you are enjoying your stay. Greetings from Guayaquil.

@FlynnsOnTheFly Жыл бұрын

Thanks JD🙏😂

@raiz91 Жыл бұрын

Glad to see that both of you and Lucas are doing great. What about tipping for service, such as restaurant, transportation etc, have you or any other expat ever tipped in Ecuador? Hope you get to know other parts of the country in the future.

@FlynnsOnTheFly Жыл бұрын

We have witnessed some tipping here when service went above and beyond the typical, but this is not usual. There is not the same customer attention like practiced in the USA. Some fine dining restaurants add a service fee of 10%

@geoffreyhughes195 Жыл бұрын

Great to see you guys again.Would like more Lucas cameos.Thanks for sharing your honest observations.😊

@FlynnsOnTheFly Жыл бұрын

Thanks Geoffrey ✌️

@markolwick2223 Жыл бұрын

Interesting video, thanks. Especially about not having Ecuadorian friends. I’m retired in Thailand and all my friends are Thai. There are expats here who just live in an expat bubble (usually very bitter Brits who like to sit together, complain, and tell each other how the world should be run). I much prefer my Thai friends, who are warm and welcoming. Family is super important here, and once you’re accepted you’re treated like family.

@FlynnsOnTheFly Жыл бұрын

Do you speak Thai or do your friends speak English?

@markolwick2223 Жыл бұрын

@@FlynnsOnTheFly I speak minimal Thai. They speak English at varying levels. Google Translate and gestures fill in the gaps.

@BibleSamurai 11 ай бұрын

No one talks about the home invasions in vilcabamya. Except that 1 old dude. But still nothing like our active shooters in America. But expats don’t talk about it

@DestinationRetirement Жыл бұрын

I would love to hear more about the de conditioning work you are doing. I have a house in Mérida . I’ll be moving there in the next few years. I TOTALLY agree about the stress of living in the US. Thank you for making this video.

@FlynnsOnTheFly Жыл бұрын

Hello! Kate just posted a video on our Human Design experiment kzfaq.info/get/bejne/q7t9rZWUzJnOoKM.html

@itravelers 11 ай бұрын

Love your brain food quotes at the end of your videos! Let us know when you're in Cuenca and we can meet up. Keep well. Mike & Louise

@FlynnsOnTheFly 11 ай бұрын

Will do ✌️

@angelabarton6075 Жыл бұрын

Miss your presence!!! ❤

@FlynnsOnTheFly Жыл бұрын

Miss you too! 💕

@rantiksadventure1920 11 ай бұрын

If you want Ecuadorian Friends get really into fútbol. I Appreciate your videos, it’s nice to see others perspectives on living down here. I’m in the oriente and I love it here.

@Darkrider8500 Жыл бұрын

Well all things considered your life adventure is working. I’ll stay tuned. If anything I’ve developed a side hobby of studying other destinations that Americans and others end up at. I think people who can access contract work online do the best overseas. It is fascinating

@FlynnsOnTheFly Жыл бұрын

Based on your research, where would you go?

@Darkrider8500 Жыл бұрын

@@FlynnsOnTheFly not sure , I think I can make it here in the USA. If Trump gets elected I’m gone for sure

@rafaelsolorzano700 Жыл бұрын

Glad to see you guys are doing honky dory....I need to find out how much is a one bedroom apt going for?Can you please let me know...good to see you guys back,I can't believe it's been 2 years.

@FlynnsOnTheFly Жыл бұрын

Hola Rafael! Time flies 😁 We have seen 1 bedroom apartments advertised for $400 in Cuenca ✌️

@feliciawilson9743 11 ай бұрын

You two are charming... And I'm a fellow Flynn so I had to subscribe.😊

@FlynnsOnTheFly 11 ай бұрын

Thank you Felicia ❤️🙏✌️

@therehastobesomethingmoore Жыл бұрын

Seems like you are doing well. No place is perfect and sometimes surprises come along. We are taking 4-5 years traveling between Mexico and Argentina, in search of our favorite cool weather retirement city. We are currently in my wife’s home country of Nicaragua. In February we will be in Guatemala and staying there for 6 months before 6 months in Mexico. After that….South America maybe….SE Asia maybe ? But Cuenca is in our list for sure.

@FlynnsOnTheFly Жыл бұрын

Wow, that sounds like lots of fun! ✌️

@therehastobesomethingmoore Жыл бұрын

@@FlynnsOnTheFly So far it has been great ! Next in Guatemala we will go to Antigua, Lake Atitlan, and Quetzaltanango ( Xela ). Then San Cristobal de las Casas, Mexico !

@loric1222 Жыл бұрын

Would love to know more about the professional visa. Do you have any videos on that or information links?

@FlynnsOnTheFly Жыл бұрын

Hola, we are using an attorney for the process...We are not promoting anyone here ✌️

@estelamino6356 Жыл бұрын

I agree w both of about water electricity. It has been. An issues..for a long time..

@jolifarms-Ecuador Жыл бұрын

Love the DJI mikes!

@FlynnsOnTheFly Жыл бұрын

Absolutely! First class like Joli Farms 😉✌️

@jolifarms-Ecuador Жыл бұрын

@@FlynnsOnTheFly You've got friends in low places...

@deangordon7783 11 ай бұрын

Seriously looking at retiring in Ecuador. Just don’t know where to go. Many have suggested Cuenca but after seeing your video I really don’t want congestion and noise. Found awesome house rentals steps from the beach in Santa Elena province but I have no idea if that’s a safe area. Seems very affordable . Thinking of Cuenca since I don’t speak Spanish as of yet. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks

@FlynnsOnTheFly 11 ай бұрын

Hola Dean! We would say you really need to try out some areas and don't rush it!

@lvovodessa Жыл бұрын

Many people in the Ecuadorian Andes are reserved and xenophic, which makes it difficult to find friends. On the coast it's much easier to become friends with locals.

@rodneyshorette Жыл бұрын

47% is perfect. Love prime numbers. Greetings from Cuenca.

@FlynnsOnTheFly Жыл бұрын

Hola Rodney 🙏✌️

@michealjoseph9943 Жыл бұрын

Hey thanks for this! What do you think of Loja? I’d like to live in a smaller city and start a small manufacturing business, so I’d need access to suppliers and such.

@FlynnsOnTheFly Жыл бұрын

Hola Michael! We are not super familiar with Loja because we only go there when we absolutely have to do some banking or shopping... Compared to Cuenca it's no contest for us to choose Cuenca for a nicer city.

@estelamino6356 Жыл бұрын

Hello to both of u ..enjoy. .the coffee...🇪🇨...how is Lucas 🐕???

@FlynnsOnTheFly Жыл бұрын

Lucas is awesome 😁✌️

@samkilbourn1511 Жыл бұрын

Are you guys citizens of ecaudor? If so how hard was it to get a citizienship? I just came back from Medellin Colombia and loved it.

@FlynnsOnTheFly Жыл бұрын

Hi! Currently we are temporary residents which is a 2 year term before you can convert to permanent resident. Citizenship happens a few years later still.

@blancabarr7269 11 ай бұрын

You guys are very lucky to be in such peaceful beautiful city in Ecuador. Life quality in the United States has gotten worse, it’s very expensive and people are crazier by the day. I live in New York where crime it’s the new normal. Cuenca is definitely top of my list to retire to.

@markolwick2223 Жыл бұрын

What was the biggest thing that surprised you? That you didn’t anticipate prior to your move?

@FlynnsOnTheFly Жыл бұрын

What a PITA it is to live in a cash based culture and nobody ever has change 😂✌️.... How uncomfortable 90% of the furniture is here...

@SaraBurdick 10 ай бұрын

I had the same problem with making friends in rural colombia.. even with having a Colombian boyfriend...

@pamsibley5662 10 ай бұрын

It’s easier to make friends with Ecuadorian folks who are trying to learn English and want some conversation practice. Moving beyond that purpose in the relationship can be challenging though.

@patriciaflaherty Жыл бұрын

I think it's difficult making new friends as an adult anywhere you go... that's why i have two dogs 🥰.

@FlynnsOnTheFly Жыл бұрын

👍😊✌️

@tony-ce7qp Жыл бұрын

o i love coffee!

@brandonwoodley5198 Жыл бұрын

Have you two considered Cotacachi?

@FlynnsOnTheFly Жыл бұрын

We enjoyed when we visited, but neither of us felt called to live there. We will eventually head north, probably Baños.

@petermaxx3971 10 ай бұрын

Hey. Do you know how much they want for the house? Is it listed? I am interested investing in a property there and rent it back to you guys. (visited the area several times)

@FlynnsOnTheFly 10 ай бұрын

Hi Peter! We moved out of the area 😁✌️

@rafaelsolorzano700 Жыл бұрын

I'm sure my anxiety will not be a challenge if I move over there..I take Ativan daily and I have to look overly health or I will succum over here in N.Y😮😊

@Verageribelo 21 күн бұрын

WE LIKE YOU ❤

@FlynnsOnTheFly 21 күн бұрын

Gracias 😁🙏✌️

@ele5011 Жыл бұрын

I find that cultures stay together. In NY Chinatown, Little Italy, etc. Miami Weston x Venezuelans, Hialeah x Cubans. It is normal. Roads outside cities are not that important in Ecuador, there are other priorities. Sad to see that have turned Vilcabamba into an expensive place. For 1000 you can live in the best neighborhood in Quito in luxury for sure!!

@FlynnsOnTheFly Жыл бұрын

Hola! Yes, Quito has some very sophisticated neighborhoods and great restaurants!!!