Hello, everyone!
I have been a member for probably close to 3 years, but I still feel like a new member, as I don't think I have ever posted before! I have been following Ecuador from afar, in as much detail as possible, over the last 8 or 10 years. I am retiring somewhat early, at 51, and am finally only 14 months until retirement.
I am married, and the wife is not 100% sold on Ecuador. I am of course--well, as sold as can be without actually having visited the country. I plan on visiting in December of 2021 or January 2022. I'll be unencumbered by employment at that time, and finally my time will actually be mine. I'm going to take a brief break from the job, sleep a lot, catch up on some TV shows, love on my dogs, and that's about it before coming down for a month or two to explore, eat, and learn.
It's very exciting. I know it will be different, and I expect some things to be better, and some to be worse. I am seeking to live on the oceanfront with 2 or 3 bedrooms. I can give up most modern conveniences, except for internet and grocery stores. This is my dream.
I don't quite know what town to start visiting. Salinas, Olon, or Crucita look like strong possibilities. I hope to visit more than one during my time there. There is a housing development down near Porsoja that really interests me as well, mostly because of the price and modern style of the homes.
One concern I have is price and lack of financing. Living on the beach in the USA generally requires a million dollars+, and being from a relatively poor state (Kentucky), I don't have that kind of money. I can probably come up with $80k. I have seen some places that look like possibilities, so I am still hopeful.
That is possibly too much information that opens me to ridicule. I hope not.
-Brian