Numerous readers have forwarded a spammed email they have read about the FARC, drugs and Iran in Ecuador.

The email leads to a report entitled  “Ecuador at Risk: Drugs, Thugs, Guerrillas and the Citizens Revolution”

I won’t comment much on the email or the report itself since it seems quite slanted, aimed more at alarming than informing and…  lacking in balance… completeness and fact.  However, I have added the url for the report at the end of this message if you wish to read it.

But readers have concerns so let’s take a look and start with the FARC.

I am perhaps more familiar with the impact of the FARC in the Amazon… than most, because the FARC directly affected us.

A number of  years ago Merri and  I invested in opening an Amazon Jungle Lodge  at the request of a small group of Amazonians.

We built the lodge to help a small community of Amazonians who wanted tourism rather than oil revenues to support them.  I managed to take just one group to the lodge.   Then we lost our entire investment when it was rumored that the FARC was in that area.   Learn more about that journey at Amazon trips.

Yet my opinion is that this problem with the Farc is minor and strictly limited to remote parts of the Ecuador Colombia Amazon border.

My opinions on the FARC and Iran are below, but since I am no expert on military and security affairs I asked over a dozen of my friends and contacts across Ecuador for their opinions and any facts they could garner on this subject.

I have replies from Cuenca, the coast, the Amazon, Cotacachi, and Guayaquil that we’ll share.

The first reply was from a US expat who lives in Cuenca. He wrote:

Hi Gary – I haven’t been able to find anything locally about the veracity of this article. Have you found anything through your contacts down here?

The fact that this friend could not find anything is telling in itself.  The reality as far as daily life is concerned… the FARC in Ecuador are a non event. I am reminded of a similar situation in Thailand in the late 1960s and early 1970s… the years I lived and worked all over Asia.  Everyone knew that there was a war going on and that it was not safe around the border because the Viet Cong used to cross it freely. The solution was… we avoided the border.  Heck it took a real effort to get to the border anyway. Forget it!  Life went on… busy… happy…. safe… except the crazy Bangkok traffic created enormous risks.

Plus this article about Ecuador and the FARC seemed especially badly timing since the FARC have been so seriously weakened as a force.  There are even realistic hopes they will soon disband as evidenced in a Reuters article “Catholic Church seeks talks with Colombia rebels”.

Here is an excerpt: BOGOTA (Reuters) – A Roman Catholic Church official on Friday proposed a meeting in Europe with Colombia’s main guerrilla leader to discuss handover of hostages and possible negotiations to end Latin America’s oldest insurgency.  Previous attempts to bring the FARC, or Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, to the table have failed over conditions for the release of the captives it holds in jungle camps and demands that the rebels end hostilities before talks begin.  Colombian Cardinal Dario Castrillon said the plan to seek talks with the FARC was approved by President Alvaro Uribe, whose U.S.-backed army offensive has battered the guerrilla group to its weakest level in decades.

This site has also shared information in the past about the Colombian bombing of the FARC inside Ecuador territory at Ecuador Border Tensions

Plus we have looked at potential benefits of Iran Ecuador relations at  Ecuador Iran.

Drugs?  Drugs are everywhere… globally. My experience has been that there are far more drugs being created near our homes in North Carolina and Florida than anywhere expats live in Ecuador.

Shortly after arriving at our new home near Mt. Dora, Florida… a police officer explained that another small town in central Florida is named the meth capital of Florida.

A December 2009 WFTV.com article entitled “Lake County Deputies Busting More Meth Labs” outlines the problem.

This story says: LAKE COUNTY, Fla — The number of meth labs busted in Lake County nearly doubled this year because deputies say they are cracking down on the problem.  In 2009, Lake County’s drug unit dismantled 54 methamphetamine labs compared to just 24 in 2008.  Investigators say the higher number of busts is a good sign their efforts are working.  “In Lake County, the sheriff’s office has devised a team that does nothing but concentrate its efforts on the meth labs,” said Sgt. Glen Hall with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.  Investigators believe the poor economy and easy access to meth ingredients cause meth labs to pop up across the country.”

The area around our home in North Carolina may be even worse.

A 2004 map from North Carolina’s  State Bureau of Investigation shows that the counties around our house were among the  worst (Ashe county yellow and Wautauga County red) in the state.

A 2004 article in the Mountain Times “Four Meth Labs Found Over The Last Month In Ashe” confirms this problem when it says:  Several meth labs have been found over the past few weeks bringing the total for Ashe County up to approximately 10 labs, compared to only two labs found last year at this time, according to Detective Chris Miller of the Ashe County Sheriff’s Department.

News in the area suggests that  the problem had not disappeared by 2008. Here’s an excerpt from a July 2008 article in the Jefferson Post:  Sheriff James Williams believes he started making good on his promise to clean up drugs in Ashe County when his office conducted an investigation that nabbed 15 suspects who were charged with possession of various illicit drugs including marijuana, opium, heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine.

At the conclusion of the day, investigators believed that the operation was a success as it conveyed a clear message to drug users and distributors that they better sleep with one eye open because the sheriff’s office would be looking for them.

The year of 2008 proved to be an especially busy year for deputies and Sheriff Williams. Earlier in March, an investigation led by the sheriff’s offices in Ashe and Wilkes counties resulted in the region’s largest methamphetamine seizure and bust.

Ashe and Wautauga Counties are not the only ones with this problem.   A July 2009 article at Methlabhomes.com entitled “North Carolina Meth Labs are rising” says:  Meth labs in North Carolina are increasing. In fact, drug enforcement agents have already made 102 meth lab busts statewide so far this year. That is a 52% increase over this same time last year.

What should we expect… these wonderful mountains in North Carolina have a wild streak and have always been famous for the creation of illicit substances. Before drugs the big problem was moonshine.

The story of Thunder Road came from moonshining as a way of life in the Blue Ridge and Appalachians. Moonshiners turned corn mash into “mountain dew”. They built cars to outrun the revenuers that influenced the rural south and were the roots of stock car racing and NASCAR.

This problem by the way has not disappeared either.  Last October, an hour and half away from us in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, State Alcohol Law Enforcement agents (the revenuers) seized 929 gallons of moonshine in a still bust… the biggest haul in memory.  Wow that’s a lot of ethanol!

So to say Ecuador has a drug problem would normally stifle a yawn. In this case the reaction is more because Ecuador is tough on drugs.  They do not execute drug dealers as they do in Singapore, but Ecuador is the only country I know that checks you for drugs when you enter AND exit the country.

I am sure there is a drug problem… like everywhere, but I have never seen anyone using drugs in Ecuador.

As you will see below…others who live in Ecuador agree.

Here is reply to my question about this article from an Ecuadorian  businessman in Quito.

Gary here are a few of my thoughts on these problems:

The FARC has indeed increased its presence in the Colombian-Ecuadorian border, but you can’t really claim that Ecuador is allowing that to happen (if they freely cross the border it means that Colombia is responsible as well). The border is pretty much in the Amazon, meaning that anyone could easily cross between the trees. The Ecuadorian government received criticism that it was allowing the FARC to come in and out with no resistance so the military presence in the region has increased. Now Ecuadorian military units patrol the border at day and night.

There is no exact number on how many drug labs there are in the Amazon, but the Ecuadorian government has destroyed many of them in the past years, and they burned thousands of tons of drugs.

The government also created a special commission to go over the drug related accusations that it was facing after Raul Reyes was killed by a Colombian bombing in Ecuadorian territory. The commission found that there were ties between some government former employees and members of irregular groups, but found that the government was not in direct contact neither with the FARC or any other “irregular group” (they don’t call them terrorists).

The conclusion was that few bad apples actually were talking to the FARC, but they claimed that it was for humanitarian reasons. Non of the implicated former employees are in jail right now and the commission is just that, so whatever they found is just for common knowledge.

The Ecuadorian police has confiscated and arrested hundreds of people this past years fighting drug traffic. It seems at times that the Ecuadorian government on the other hand is not that committed to that, but then again there is no proof or at least, not proof that will be legally strong enough to arrest any government employee or former employee.

So people can claim that the Ecuadorian government is suspicious of  being permissive toward the FARC, but since many arrests have been made and also we still collaborate with the US in fighting drug related issues, Ecuador had it’ s ATPDA renew for one more year, meaning that the US government still believes that Ecuador is fighting along it’ s side.

However there are issues out there that are not conclusive and lead to believe that some connection may be between government employees and the FARC. Things are even more complicated since the FARC also said that they had nothing to do with the Ecuadorian government, and the computes seized in several occasions by Colombia have no conclusive information either.

Bottom line, there is a feeling that something fishy is going on mainly because the FARC is a leftist movement and this is a leftist government, so ideology plays a big role, linking several government ex-funtionaries to FARC related issues. But there is also a big military presence in the border taking over the security and occasional fights that ended up in FARC members being killed by the ecuadorian military. Also the police captures hundreds of drug related people and thousands of tones of drugs each year.

My personal thought is that the government is not collaborating with the FARC but some people that it has relations with are. And it seems not to be that upfront in going after it’ s former members on trials leaving that sour taste that is somehow involve, which I don’t think it is.

The hard thing is to prove that this is actually happening, and it particularly hard because our judiciary system is deficient, so yes we are suspicious but there is nothing conclusive and the commission that I told you about found no friendly government policies toward the FARC, it found few people that had ties, but then again unless the Ecuadorian judicial system indicts any of them, it is just talk, it won’t be true unless someone proofs it in court.

So I think that unless the US government issues a statement accusing Ecuador of wrongdoing, we will still enjoy the ATPDA and we will still be considered to be a friend of the USA as well.

About the ties with the Iranian Central Bank I think it may be more out of desperation since Correa talked nasty about the IMF and other international financial institutions and renegotiated our foreign debt as illegal, taking a big chunk in discounts. This means that no one will lend money to Ecuador.

My opinion is that Ecuador is a wonderful country. It has some political problems yes. It has some drug problems yes. It has some economic problems yes.  What country does not?   On the plus side, the wonderful weather, excellent soil and agricultural background of the culture means there is always plenty of food.  The strong indigenous roots allows for a more natural lifestyle and the friendly nature of the people of Ecuador means that any turmoil is likely to remain peaceful.

Read more thoughts from readers about Ecuador, drugs and the FARC here

and at FARC in Ecuador

Gary

Join Merri and me plus nine other speakers and contacts this February  at a seminar that shares ways to invest, do business and live in Ecuador or globally February 11-14  at Quantum Wealth -International Investing & Business Made EZ, Mt. Dora, Fl.

You can also come on with us to Ecuador.

February 15-16 Travel to Quito and tour Quito

February 17     Travel Quito to Manta

February 18-19  Manta & Mid Coast Real Estate Tour

February 20 Travel Manta to Cotacachi

February 21-22 North Andes, Imbabura & Cotacachi Real Estate Tour

February 23-24  Quito & Mindo Real Estate Tour

February 25 Travel Quito Cuenca

February 26-27  Cuenca Real Estate Tour

Or join us in March 2010

March 11-14     Super Thinking + Spanish Course, Mt. Dora, Fl.

March 15    Travel to Quito

March 16 Travel Quito Cotacachi

March 17-18  North Andes, Imbabura & Cotacachi Real Estate Tour

March 19-20    Cotacachi Shamanic Tour

March 21  Travel Cotacachi to Manta

March 22-23   Manta & Mid Coast Real Estate Tour

March 24 Travel Manta to Cuenca

March 25-26 Cuenca Real Estate Tour

March 27  Travel Cuenca to Salinas

Mar. 28-29   Salinas & South Coast Real Estate Tour

The Ecuador airfare war makes it cheaper to get to Ecuador than ever before… and there is still time to enjoy great Ecuador tour savings.

Read Catholic Church seeks talks with Colombia rebels

The email report entitled  “Ecuador at Risk: Drugs, Thugs, Guerrillas and the Citizens Revolution” is at http://www.strategycenter.net/research/pubID.221/pub_detail.asp

Here is another Ecuador airfare savings idea.

Since the Ecuador air fare war began last week, we have been showing our Ecuador Living subscrobers how to grab the losest Ecuador airfares.

We have been receiving some great feed back from readers in Canada and the US.

There are three gateways for US airlines… Houston, Miami and Atlanta.

When Merri and I are in North Carolina, we take the Delta Atlanta to Quito.

When we are in Florida, we fly Miami Quito… Lan, Aerogal or if we must American Airlines.

However we are on the US West Coast a lot.   When returning to Ecuador from there,  we like to breakup the flight… go to Atlanta… Houston or Miami, spend the night and fly down.

Usually the least expensive way to fly is to look for specials from PDX to the three gateways and look for specials from the three gateways to Quito (or Guayaquil if you are going there)… at the same time.

For example Jet Blue was recently offering LAX – MIA for $99.  Lan Air was offering $340 flights for Miami Quito.  This made the flight from Los Angeles to Quito at just $439!

A reader from the West just confirmed this when she wrote:

Hi Gary, You don’t know me … yet …. but I’m planning to move to Ecuador in the future. I follow your emails excitedly and I’ll be coming to your seminars.  I wanted you to pass on to the others that Jet Blue just announced a fare sale from all over … NYC, LAX, etc. as low as $99 to Miami/Ft. Lauderdale which as you know, would make a trip to Ecuador affordable even from the west coast.

There are three downsides in this approach which I have just explained in a message just sent to our Ecuador Living subscribers along with another Ecuador airfare savings tactic.

You can subscribe to Ecuador Living here.

Gary

You can use this tactic to join us for our February or March split sessions. Find a discount fare to Orlando (near Mt. Dora)… then enjoy a low cost group fare with all of us from Miami to Quito.

Join us this February in Florida and Ecuador.  Feb. 11-14  for Quantum Wealth Florida -International Investing & Internet Business, Mt. Dora, Fl.

or Mar. 11-14     Super Thinking + Spanish Course, Mt. Dora, Fl.

Enjoy a Split session and join us in Florida and Ecuador.  After the Florida course, on Feb. 15-16  we’ll travel to and visit Quito.

Feb  17         Travel to Manta
Feb. 18-19   Coastal Real Estate Tour
Feb. 20        Travel to Cotacachi
Feb. 21-22   Imbabura Real Estate Tour
Feb. 23-24  Quito-Mindo Real Estate Tour
Feb. 26-27  Cuenca Real Estate Tour

or

Mar. 11-14     Super Thinking + Spanish Course, Mt. Dora, Fl.

Mar. 15-16    Travel to Quito and Andes
Mar. 17-18     Imbabura Real Estate Tour
Mar. 19-20    Cotacachi Shamanic tour
Mar. 22-23    Coastal Real Estate Tour
Mar. 25-26    Cuenca Real Estate Tour
Mar. 28-29   South Coast Real Estate Tour

Here is Ecuador beach acreage for sale north of Bahia, Ecuador. This area may be Ecuador’s best secret.

Readers who have been reading our site for some time know that I like Manta Real Estate in Ecuador.

But areas north of Bahia may have the greatest long term potential.

This picture at tripadvisor.com shows one reason why. Here is Bahia, Ecuador.

The full name of the city is Bahia de Caraquez. This is a town that makes living on this part of Ecuador’s coast a great place to be.

Bahía is a Pacific coastal city located on a peninsula about an hour and 15 minutes north of Manta and is bordered by the Chone River. This river creates the opportunity.  The estuary has always stopped the traffic flow.

Here is a shot taken on one of our coastal real etsate tours over the Chone Estuary.

Over the last decade Bahia has become one of the country’s most attractive resort areas due to its beauty, cleanliness and access to Manta and Quito (five hours by car once the roads are completed) and Guayaquil (four hours by car) but the estuary makes it hard to get north of Bahia from Manta.

There are also two very important reasons why this area north of Bahia real estate may now rise.

First, a new highway is being built between Quito and the coast. This construction is taking much longer than it should and costing way more than budget..but eventually it will be complete and one more concrete freeway will be able to whisk from Quito to Bahia.

Second, some day there will be a bridge across the Chone. Bahia sits on an isthmus between the Pacific Ocean and the huge estuary of the Chone River. If you are traveling from the south up the coast in a northwards direction, you are stopped at the Chone. The drive onwards moves down the Chone for a couple of hours just to get back to the coast north of the estuary north. Here is a group of our real estate tour delegates looking across the Chone.

This map shows the area… Manta in the south… Perdernales on the beach and Quito to the east.

The only way to cross the Chone at this time is via ferry. There are usually two car ferries. This is the Pacific Coast Highway running from Columbia all the way down to Peru and Chile so cars, buses and trucks use them.

Big trucks are loaded, first followed by the cars. These ferries also take foot passengers and are free.

There are also passenger ferries that continually go back and forth costing about 30 cents for the trip.

However, at times it can take up to two hours to get on a car ferry.

So a bridge across the Chone would be invaluable and is in the process.

President Correa came in 2008 and promised to get the bridge built.

Here is President Correa in Bahia.

The bridge construction is quite advanced as you can see below.

Below is a paid advertisement of 16.7 acres of land for sale in this zone of opportunity on Ecuador’s Pacific between Bahia and Perdernales.

Ecuador Beach Real Estate for Sale… four hours west of Quito… 28 miles south of Perdernales… 20 miles south of Jama in the village of Tasate.

A new highway under construction will reduce driving time to Quito by an hour.

There are no services at the moment. Electricity and telephone services are  at the the front of the property and are easily available. A deep well will be needed for water.

This 16.7 acres sits on…

the main highway between the cities of Pedernales and Jama.  It is very close to the village of Tasaste. The main highway runs along the Coast, is asphalted and in good driving conditions. This highway is the south – west border of the property.

The property is well fenced along the highway and has a gated entrance, leading to…

interior roads that…

reach…

many areas of…

the land…

and…

the beach.

with views…

and plenty of sand.

The previous owners had planned a tourist development and provided me with a SWOT plan (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunity and Threats).

Here are excerpts from the SWOT study:  The goal of this project is to provide tourism and residential services to the cities of Quito and Santo Domingo de los Colorados. The ways to access from Quito are: Aloag – Santo Domingo, Santo Domingo – El Carmen and El Carmen – Pedernales. The driving time is approximately 4 hours.

We should consider very important that the Council provincial of Pichincha and Manabi signed an agreement to finish the highway from La Concordia to Puerto Nuevo. This new highway will reduce at least one hour driving from Quito to Pedernales.

All these highways are asphalted and in good driving conditions. With this, it is demonstrated that the Pedernales beaches are the closest ones to the city of Quito because they are on the latitude 0.0.

There are few hotels within 2 miles and the highway is being widened between Pedernales and Jama.

STRENGTHS

Strategic location of the land (close to the sea)
The project is located inside of the tourist zone.
Easy access and highways in good driving condition.
Good public transportation system with regular service.
Landscape of dry forest and extraordinary view to the sea.
The projected area per unit and their costs are totally accessible compared with other similar programs in other provinces.
A total wearing down of the emerald tourist zone.
The distance from Quito to the project is 3 to 4 hours.

OPPORTUNITIES

The zone is projected for tourist and residential uses, according to strategic  Municipal plans.
The project is close to the cities of Jama and Pedernales to have access to their goods and services.
The project will be transformed in a development pole, using manual labour from the small town of Tasaste.

WEAKNESSES

Acoustic contamination because of the highway Jama – Pedernales.

THREATS

Constant growth of the real estate supply
Presence of establishments of temporary lodging (hotels)

DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT

The topography of the land determines 2 elevations with a regular slope, the central part of the lot is but flat and is crossed by a matting.

By the morphology the project has been divided in 2:  The North part is destined for the house and 40 units will be implanted. In the South elevation the hotel zone will be located where they will be located the restaurant, 12 single rooms, 10 cabins, an area of reception, a museum, a small commercial center and all the areas of viewpoint to take advantage of the natural enchantment.

The estate is crossed by a ballast way that gives access to the beach and to the hotel zone.

In the green areas of the project we propose sport fields, gardens, 2 swimming pools: one for the residential zone and another one for the hotel zone, all this framed within the norms of respect to the ecology, remembering that the impact to the nature.

The entire 16.7 acres is offered as is.

I can send interested parties a 97 page Power Point presentation showing more of the property and the entire SWOT.

The asking price is US$285,000.

Please send requests to me Amrit Nahata at amritnahata@hotmail.com

See more details on the property here.

End of paid advertisement. We have no interest in this property or the sale of this property. All the data in the paid ad above has been provided by the seller and anyone interested should take all due diligence.

Gary

Join our real estate tours in January.

Jan.   8-11     Ecuador Export Tour
Jan. 13-14     Imbabura Real Estate Tour
Jan. 15-18     Coastal Real Estate Tour
Jan. 19-20    Quito-Mindo Real Estate Tour
Jan. 21-23    Cuenca Real Estate Tour

If you plan to join us at six or more seminars and tours in Ecuador, Florida or  North Carolina in 2010 you can save as an International Club member

See details about each of our seminars and tours below… then see our December special that allows you to attend as many of these courses you like at a huge savings.

For International Investing and Business.

For Super Thinking + Spanish

For Ecuador Shamanic Tour

For Ecuador Export

For North Andes, Imbabura & Cotacachi

For Manta & Mid Coast

For Quito & Mindo

For Salinas & South Coast

For Cuenca

You gain discounts by attending multiple seminars and tours.

Here are our multi tour adventure discounts.

Two Pack… 2 seminar courses & tours $998 Couple  $1,349 Save $149 on couple

Three Pack… 3 seminar courses & tours   $1399 Couple  $1,899 Save $98 single or $348 on a couple or more

Four Pack… 4 seminar courses & tours   $1,699 Couple $2,299 Save $98 single or $697 on a couple or more

Five Pack… 5 seminar courses & tours  $1,999 Couple $2,699 Save $496 single or $1,046 on a couple or more

Six Pack… 6 seminars courses & tours  $2,199 Couple $3,099 Save $795 single or $1,395 on a couple or more

But our 2009 International Club membership which allows you and a guest to attend as many of the 56 courses and tours we’ll sponsor and conduct in 2010  (fees would be $40,947 for all these courses individually) is only $2,999.

The International club fee rises to $3,500 in January 2010. Enroll in the International Club now at the original fee of $2,999. Save $501.

International Club 2010

Attend our 56 investment, business, Spanish, real estate and export, courses and tours in 2010 with one small enrollment fee.

International Club 2010 Membership Enroll here

Here are the 56 courses and tours you can attend free. Plus there is even one more savings you will see below.

Jan.   8-11     Ecuador Export Tour
Jan. 13-14     Imbabura Real Estate Tour
Jan. 15-18     Coastal Real Estate Tour
Jan. 19-20    Quito-Mindo Real Estate Tour
Jan. 21-23    Cuenca Real Estate Tour

Join us in February or March.

Feb. 11-14   Quantum Wealth Florida -International Investing & Internet Business, Mt. Dora, Fl.

Feb. 15-16   Travel to and visit Quito
Feb  17         Travel to Manta
Feb. 18-19   Coastal Real Estate Tour
Feb. 20        Travel to Cotacachi
Feb. 21-22   Imbabura Real Estate Tour
Feb. 23-24  Quito-Mindo Real Estate Tour
Feb. 26-27  Cuenca Real Estate Tour

Mar. 11-14     Super Thinking + Spanish Course, Mt. Dora, Fl.
Mar. 15-16    Travel to Quito and Andes
Mar. 17-18     Imbabura Real Estate Tour
Mar. 19-20    Cotacachi Shamanic tour
Mar. 22-23    Coastal Real Estate Tour
Mar. 25-26    Cuenca Real Estate Tour
Mar. 28-29   South Coast Real Estate Tour

Apr. 12-15   Ecuador Export Tour ($499 or couple $749)
Apr. 17-18   Imbabura Real Estate Tour ($499 or couple $749)
Apr. 20-21  Coastal Real Estate Tour ($499 or couple $749)
Apr. 23-24  Quito-Mindo Real Estate Tour ($499 or couple $749)
Apr. 26-27  Cuenca Real Estate Tour ($499 or couple $749)

May  13-14     Ecuador Shamanic Minga  ($499 or couple $749)
May  16-17    Imbabura Real Estate Tour  ($499 or couple $749)
May  19-20    Coastal Real Estate Tour ($499 or couple $749)
May  22-23    Quito-Mindo Real Estate Tour  ($499 or couple $749)
May  25-26    Cuenca Real Estate Tour  ($499 or couple $749)
May  28-29    South Coast real Estate Tour ($499 or couple $749)

June 24         Quantum Wealth North Carolina
June 25-27    International Investing and Business North Carolina  ( $749 or couple $999)
June 28-29   Travel to Ecuador and Andes
June 30-Jy 1 Imbabura Real Estate Tour  ($499 or couple $749)
July 3-4          Coastal Real Estate Tour   ($499 or couple $749)
July 6-7          Quito-Mindo Real Estate Tour    ($499 or couple $749)
July 9-10        Cuenca Real Estate Tour   ($499 or couple $749)

Sept.   3-6      Ecuador Export Tour  ($499 or couple $749)
Sept.   8-9      Imbabura Real Estate Tour  ($499 or couple $749)
Sept. 11-12     Coastal Real Estate Tour   ($499 or couple $749)
Sept. 14-15     Cuenca Real Estate Tour    ($499 or couple $749)
Sept. 17-18     Ecuador Shamanic Minga  ($499 or couple $749)
Sept 20-21      South Coast Real Estate tour ($499 or couple $749)

Oct.    7          Quantum Wealth North Carolina
Oct.   8-10     International Investing & Business North Carolina ($749 or couple $999)
Oct.   11-12    Travel to Quito and Andes
Oct.  13-14     Imbabura Real Estate Tour ($499 or couple $749)
Oct.  16-17     Coastal Real Estate Tour ($499 or couple $749)
Oct.  19-20    Quito-Mindo Real Estate Tour ($499 or couple $749)
Oct. 22-23     Cuenca Real Estate Tour ($499 or couple $749)

Nov.    4-7        Super Thinking + Spanish Course Florida ($749 or couple $999)
Nov.    8-9       Travel to Quito and Andes
Nov. 10-11       Imbabura Real Estate Tour ($499 or couple $749)
Nov. 13-14      Coastal Real Estate Tour ($499 or couple $749)
Nov. 16-17      Quito-Mindo Real Estate  ($499 or couple $749)
Nov. 19-20     Cuenca Real Estate Tour ($499 or couple $749)
Nov  22-23      South Coast Real Estate Tour (($499 or couple $749)

Dec.   3-5       Ecuador Shamanic Mingo  ($499 or couple $749)
Dec.   7-8       Imbabura Real Estate Tour ($499 or couple $749)
Dec.  10-11    Coastal Real Estate Tour ($499 or couple $749)
Dec. 13-14     Quito-Mindo Real Estate Tour ($499 or couple $749)
Dec. 16-17      Cuenca Real Estate Tour ($499 or couple $749)

If you join the International Club, the entrance fee for 2010 is $2,999 (until January 2010).  Your attendance fees at all courses will be waived. You and your guest can attend courses worth $40,947.

You can calculate the savings as our schedule of all 2010 courses is shown below.

Arrival dates are always one or two days earlier. Please double check with us before booking flights.

I invite you to be a member of the International Club which allows you and your guest of your choice to attend all of these courses which are valued at $40,947!

International Club 2010 Membership Enroll here

You may well wonder why I would make such an offer and ask why the cost is so low? Let me answer this question frankly and from the heart.

First, it helps us do a better job for you. We feel greatly enriched when we can really help our clients improve their lives. We have learned through years of experience the best way to do this is to meet with you regularly. We can best help you learn how to improve your health and wealth through continual expansion of knowledge.

Second, we gain enormous fulfillment from the many friendships we form through the years. Our friends have enriched our lives tremendously. Let me explain this in more detail.

As a member, you will be part of our international family that meets intensively over the next year to examine ways we can make our lives better. Our goal is beyond just having money. Our goal is to have quantum wealth… good health… wealth and fulfillment through service.

Though I give all course delegates my very best, I cannot help but to do a better job for those who come again and again. As we meet often; your particular wants, needs and desires become clear, and it is easier for me to point you in the right direction.

Another phenomenon is that repeat delegates help each other! They get to know one another, help each other learn, share their insights, make contacts and gain more wealth.

Out associates in Ecuador, are experienced business people who live or work and conduct our real estate and export courses.  They can also act as your local backup for the business.

Lifestyle for Two. There is more! I have learned at my courses that many repeat delegates were couples.

We want couples! As a member of the program, you are entitled to bring another person to every single course or tour. The cost for that extra person will be ZERO!  You can bring whomever you wish. Bring your spouse, a friend, son or daughter, partner, accountant, adviser. You can bring the same person each time or a different person, whomever you choose to accompany you. (Accommodations and air fares relating to the courses are not included for members, delegates or their guests.)

Won’t you join us in this exciting club and share Merri’s and my lifestyle for the next year? We look forward to seeing you at as many courses as possible and sharing this wonderful world of abundance and well being with you!

Gary

International Club 2010 Membership  Enroll here

We are adding four Salinas Ecuador real estate tours to our 2010 schedule.

Mar 28-29. 2010
May 28-29, 2010
Sept 20-21, 2010
Nov 22-23, 2010

Enroll here  $499 Couple $749

(when you enroll, please state which dates you will attend the tour)

See how to save on multi tours below.

Delegates gained so much useful information on the October 2009 southern Ecuador beach tour that we have added this tour as a regular part of our 2010 multi tour adventure.

We have been our expanding our focus in Ecuador and this helps readers look in the southern coastal areas.

Ecuador beach property has always represented incredible value and this expansion means we can help readers see a much larger part of the Ecuador coast.

Those who have been reading our messages for any length of time know that we have focused our efforts on the middle portion of Ecuador’s beach from Manta to Bahia in the province of Manabi.

However there are many other great Ecuador beach areas that you may want to visit.

I recently sent readers an article “SEE SALINAS LIKE A LOCAL” by Amy Pinoargote  that said:

The Salinas Malecon area has long been a favorite destination.

Salinas is one of the favorite in Ecuador for good reasons.  It has beautiful beaches, with calm waters perfect for swimming, water sports, activities or just relaxing.   Along the Malecon, or beachfront promenade, you will find a variety of restaurants, hotels, bars and other attractions.  During the summer season there is even a giant sandcastle.  If you “tip” the sculptor $1, he will take your photo.  However, to really enjoy all that Salinas has to offer, you need to get to know it like a local.

Pose for a photo by the giant sandcastle

Salinas at a Glance

There are two seasons in Ecuador.  Summer runs from December to April and winter from May to November.  The summer in Salinas is usually sunny, with occasional showers.  Daytime temperatures reach the low to mid 80s and nighttime temperatures run in the low 70s.  The winter tends to be overcast to partially sunny, but not rainy.  The winter is actually the drier time of the year and temperatures run about 10 degrees cooler than during the summer.   Because Salinas is semi-arid, it doesn’t experience sticky, tropical humidity.  This makes a comfortable environment for outdoor activities all year long.

As with most beach towns, the dress code in Salinas is casual.  It is perfectly fine to go from beach to restaurant.  Along with your swimsuit, pack plenty of shorts and short sleeved shirts, plus pants and long sleeves if you are visiting in the winter months.   Have a sweater handy, as some days are cooler than others.

Where to Eat

The Salinas area is a prime spot to enjoy fresh fish and seafood, as well as other Ecuadorian specialties.

A great spot to sample those specialties is Delícias de Ecuador, located near the entrance to the Costa de Oro neighborhood on the main road that runs from Salinas to La Libertad.

Prices here are very reasonable.  The daily lunch special or “Almuerzo” includes a soup, entrée and beverage, usually priced at $2.50.

Don’t ask for changes or substitutions on the lunch special; it comes the way it is.  Other options include Seco de Pollo, which is chicken stewed in a tomato-based sauce, and Menestra, lentils or beans served with your choice of grilled chicken, beef or fish.

If a relaxing lunch at the beach, complete with a hammock for a post-meal siesta is your style, drive about 30 minutes north of Salinas to San Pablo.  In this fishing village you will find cabana style restaurants right on the sand, specializing in fresh fish and seafood.

Las Manabas restaurant is one of the best.  If you can’t decide what to order from the extensive menu, try the Chupe de Pescado (fish stew) or Corvina (a mild tasting sea bass), cooked to order.  Most meals run between $3 and $5.

Ecuadorians typically eat a big meal at lunch and a light dinner.

Roca Parilla is the spot to enjoy an Ecuadorian style dinner.  Located a block off the Malecon, it opens at about 6 p.m.  Place your order at the counter, then take your receipt to the grill.  Specialties, which are typically priced from 50 cents to $1 each, include:

Chuzos -shrimp, chicken, beef or sausage grilled on a skewer
Torta de Papa – potato pancake filled with cheese
Torta de Choclo – corn pancake (this one is usually a favorite!)
Muchín – a yucca croquet filled with cheese

No trip to Salinas is complete without a visit to the Cevicherías, casual outdoor eating areas a few blocks off the Malecon that specialize in ceviche.  Shrimp ceviche in a tangy salsa is a good choice.  Shellfish and fish ceviche are also available.  Be aware that the shellfish or fish will not be cooked in the traditional manner.  The citrus juice in the salsa is said to “cook” the fish.  If you have concerns about eating uncooked fish, go with the shrimp version, which is cooked.

Things to See

If you want to browse for souvenirs, visit Mercado de Artesanias, an outdoor flea market in the Chipipe area of Salinas, where you can buy a variety of Ecuadorian handicrafts.

To get a glimpse of days gone by, visit the Museo de Sumpa.  This small, but well thought out museum features exhibits of artifacts from the early residents of the Santa Elena peninsula, including the Las Vegas culture.  It also features a Las Vegas burial site of the “lovers of Sumpa,” mummified remains of two people that appear to have died in an embrace.  You can also tour a cane dwelling typical of those built by the early settlers.

Enjoy a relaxing evening drive a few miles across the Santa Elena peninsula to the Punta Carnero beach, where you can see some of the most beautiful sunsets in Ecuador.  On your way back to Salinas, pass by the Malecon of La Libertad and stop for an evening stroll.

Whether dining, sunsets or beach activities are your idea of a fun time, you will find it in Salinas.

Gerardo & Amy Pinoargote spend their time between their home in Florida and Salinas and together with relatives are building and managing Spondylus II, a small beachfront development in the Costa de Oro area of Salinas, about 2 miles from the Malecon.

This is an area they like due to its privacy, great beach for walking, sunbathing and water sports. Yet it is just a short ride to dining and shopping in the central area.

Spondylus II  is a family business consisting of three towers. Tower A1 is sold out, except for a ground floor ocean front 1000 square foot unit. Several one and two bedroom suites are still available in tower A2, priced from $49,500 to $50,500.

Larger 1300 square foot units are also still available, priced under $110,000. Tower B has just been release for sale and features larger units (1400 – 1500 square feet), in the $120,000 – $135,000 price range.

Spondylus II offers the following amenities… beachfront pool & social area, a workout center, 24 hour security and the Pacific Ocean as a front yard.  All units feature granite kitchen counter tops, tile floors, tile baths, inset ceiling light fixtures and wooden kitchen cabinets.

Now it is possible to see Salinas like a local with Amy and her husband acting as your hosts and guides.

Amy and Gerardo Pinoargote will conduct four Ecuador southern coastal real estate tours for us on the following dates.

Mar 28-29. 2010
May 28-29, 2010
Sept 20-21, 2010
Nov 22-23, 2010

On this tour you can get to know Salinas property and the real estate along the beaches north of Salinas.

This is an opportunity to view more than a dozen properties and get tips from experts who are living in this area right now.  You save time, risk and zero in with help from those “in the know”.

The tour makes your real estate investigation efficient and productive but also allows time for relaxing in the evenings and enjoying the beaches.  Plus as you’ll see in a moment could save you thousands should you ever decide to buy in this area.

Here are a few of the properties you’ll see:

•    New 2 bedroom condo located directly on a tranquil beach in popular Salinas… $55,000.

•    3 bedroom, 3 bathroom house with ocean views in the most popular complex in Olon…. $100,000.

•    Large house on a ¼ acre lot near Montanita, complete with basketball court, ample parking and caretaker’s cottage that could be a bed & breakfast… $250,000.

Here is an example of the type of Salinas coastal beach condos for sale you’ll see. This was viewed on the October Ecuador South Coast Real Estate Tour.

This is a property on the tour where the tour operator is offered a 2% discount to Ecuador Living subscribers who are on the tour.

Amy Pinoargote who led the tour wrote:   This is a 5 bedroom townhouse for resale in Spondylus I.  It is listed at $79,000.  It is a small complex with cobblestone streets and a nice pool area.  It is about 1/2 a mile from the beach, conveniently located to shopping.

Living area

condos

Project

stairs to condo

pool

Salinas sunset

beach

Kitchen

Here is the schedule for the March 28-29 tour.

On March 27, 2010. you should travel to Guayaquil and on to Salinas.

Day one of the tour begins on March 28. After breakfast property in the Salinas area is viewed.

On day two after breakfast, Ruta de Sol and Olon properties are inspected  (Ballenita to Montanita), lunch and return in the evening to Salinas

On Sunday, March 30, you can return to Guayaquil.

See how to save even more on multiple tours below.

The tour package includes all property tour travel from Salains back to Salinas but does not include your flight, travel from Guayaquil to Salinas, food or accommodations.   You should plan to fly into Guayaquil on March 26 and depart from there on March 31.  If you are attending the Cuenca real estate tour which ends March 26, we’ll help you join this tour with other delegates.

Save 2% on real estate purchase.

We are promoting this tour in cooperation with Gerardo and Amy  and when we promote outside tours, we always ask for the tour operator to give something special to our Ecuador Living subscribers.

In this case,  Amy & Gerardo will provide Ecuador Living subscribers a 2% discount on any  Spondylus II condo purchase. This is possible because we do not accept real estate commissions and ask that the benefit of exposure to our large readership (this message will reach over 18,453 readers) be pass onto our Ecuador Living subscribers.

Here is a Salinas Ecuador coastal update sent to us by Amy Pinoargote.

Ecuador is known for the Galápagos Islands, the Andes Mountains and the Amazon Jungle.  Did you know that it is also home to the westernmost point in continental South America – the “Chocolatera,” at the tip of the Santa Elena Peninsula in Salinas?

This carries strategic significance. During the World War II era it was home to an American military base.  Now it is occupied by the Ecuadorian armed forces.  However, that doesn’t mean that it is closed to the public.  Visitors simply need to check in at the main gate, where they are asked to leave their driver’s license with the guard.  It will be returned when you check out.  Don’t be alarmed that the guards wear fatigues and carry guns.  Keep in mind that this is normal dress for a military base.

There are no signs or billboards announcing that you have arrived as far west as you can go.  Instead follow signs for the Chocolatera.  You will know you have arrived when you see a black and white lighthouse.  In Spanish chocolatera refers to the container used to make hot chocolate, which is whisked until foamy.  It is said that the waves crashing against the rocky shoreline look like the foam on top of hot chocolate.

Be sure to wear sturdy shoes.  The terrain is rough and rocky.  Pay attention when you venture towards the edge.  Large waves can suddenly top the cliffs and could even knock you off your feet.  The Ecuadorians say, only half in jest, that if the fall onto the rocks below doesn’t kill you, the sharks lurking in the area will.

Before leaving the base, travel a short distance east from the Chocolatera to the Mar Bravo beach.   It is marked with a sign and lined by a row of tiki huts on the sand.  Surfers say this is the place to find the best waves in Salinas.   This secluded beach is also the perfect spot for a stroll or just to relax and enjoy the sound of the surf.

During the Ecuadorian winter (North American summer) the rocky outcropping at the eastern end of Mar Bravo beach becomes home to a group of sea lions.

You will get the best view from the elevated observation area.  And be sure to take your binoculars or use the zoom on your camera to get a closer look.

No matter what time of year you visit Salinas, make sure to include the Clocolatera in your itinerary.

Save with Multi tours.

Learn more on how to save with multiple tours to Cotacachi Imbabura, Ecuador’s coast, Cuenca and more.

Join us on Ecuador’s coast this winter.   Attend our seminars and tours in Florida and Ecuador. See the best Ecuador property for you.  Find the best real estate offers.  Know more of Ecuador. To help you experience a bigger adventure in this wonderful nation, to broaden your horizons, to expand your awareness of all Ecuador offers, we are providing deep discounts in 2010 for those who sign up for multiple tours.

Jan.   8-11     Ecuador Export Tour
Jan. 13-14     Imbabura Real Estate Tour
Jan. 15-18     Coastal Real Estate Tour
Jan. 19-20    Quito-Mindo Real Estate Tour
Jan. 21-23    Cuenca Real Estate Tour

Join us in February or March.

Feb. 11-14   Quantum Wealth Florida -International Investing & Internet Business, Mt. Dora, Fl.

Feb. 15-16   Travel to and visit Quito
Feb  17         Travel to Manta
Feb. 18-19   Coastal Real Estate Tour
Feb. 20        Travel to Cotacachi
Feb. 21-22   Imbabura Real Estate Tour
Feb. 23-24  Quito-Mindo Real Estate Tour
Feb. 26-27  Cuenca Real Estate Tour

Mar. 11-14     Super Thinking + Spanish Course, Mt. Dora, Fl.
Mar. 15-16    Travel to Quito and Andes
Mar. 17-18     Imbabura Real Estate Tour
Mar. 19-20    Cotacachi Shamanic tour
Mar. 22-23    Coastal Real Estate Tour
Mar. 25-26    Cuenca Real Estate Tour
Mar. 28-29   South Coast Real Estate Tour

Enjoy extra savings with a multi tour pack.

Two Pack… 2 seminar courses & tours $998 Couple  $1,349 Save $149 on couple

Three Pack… 3 seminar courses & tours   $1399 Couple  $1,899 Save $98 single or $348 on a couple or more

Four Pack… 4 seminar courses & tours   $1,699 Couple $2,299 Save $98 single or $697 on a couple or more

Five Pack… 5 seminar courses & tours  $1,999 Couple $2,699 Save $496 single or $1,046 on a couple or more

Six Pack… 6 seminars courses & tours  $2,199 Couple $3,099 Save $795 single or $1,395 on a couple or more

These four new south coast tours and our six pack tour price create a bit of a crisis here.

As you can see above a six pack costs $3,099.  This is already a really low price for a tour that last up to 21 days (under $150 a day).

But as you will see below, our International Club membership which allows you and a guest to attend up to 56 courses and tours in 2010  (fees would be $40,947 for all these courses individually) is only $2,999.

Which would you choose… 6 courses and tours for $3,099 or those same 6 courses and tours plus 50 more for $2,999?

“Duh,” I said when this was pointed out to me.

So our only solution is to raise the International Club membership to $3,500… still a terrific deal… but $501 more than before.

Save $37,457…plus $501.  I will not raise the International club fee until January 2010. Enroll in the International Club now at the original fee of $2,999.

International Club 2010

Attend our 56 investment, business, Spanish, real estate and export, courses and tours in 2010 with one small enrollment fee.

International Club 2010 Membership Enroll here

Economic turmoil today will create more future prosperity then ever before…for those….who accept change and adapt.

This is why we bring together experienced, like minded souls, who take a positive view and think outside the box..in a constructive…thoughtful way.

Merri and I are in our 41st year of organizing courses, seminars and newsletters about international and quantum lifestyles.

The importance of this sharing…by like minded souls…was reinforced when a delegate from a course sent an email that said:

My Dearest Merri and Gary, Thank you for your most gracious hospitality last weekend. I am just thrilled at being a part of your group. You and Gary were exactly as I imagined you to be, warm friendly, kind, considerate, genuine, helpful, fun, sincere, what else can I say……I felt so comfortable in your presence and learned so much in your course. I was sad to leave the farm that Sunday afternoon. You made us all feel so welcome and cared about.

You were so kind to make arrangements for a ride with the other delegates from the Charlotte airport. They were so nice to me and so helpful, by the time the weekend was over I felt like they were my long lost brothers. Monday morning we all had breakfast at the airport together and I was so sad to see them go, I was sad the weekend was over, perhaps sad is not the right word for how I was feeling perhaps Gratitude is a better way to describe it. Grateful for having the opportunity to share the weekend with such wonderful, like minded Human Beings, in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina. Thank you Merri and Gary…………..Thanks to you I now have new hope and a new direction to move forward in my life. Thanks to you I am so ready to move to Ecuador and begin a new life. I just have to figure out what I am going to do and how to do it……… I know by attending your classes and conferences that through education and due diligence I will make the right choices.

This delegate’s comments about “belonging and feeling like a brother” to the other delegates is a wonderful refrain we have heard from our readers, year after year.

This why I want to share how you can attend 56 of our investment, business, Spanish, real estate and export, courses, tours in 2010 worth $40,947.

20 years ago Merri and I created a way that readers can join us to be immersed in a year-long learning program through our International Club.  The ideas behind this program began 21 years ago in Vienna, Austria while we were conducting a course there. One of our older delegates, had some sort of attack. The first fear was heart trouble. Several delegates took him to the hospital. Others stayed with him there. I don’t think that delegate was alone for a minute!

What impressed Merri and me was that no one asked the delegates to help this man. The friendships of delegates sharing many courses had just grown so strong that it was a natural reaction, just as if a family member was ill. Fortunately, it was only travel fatigue and the delegate didn’t miss a session of the course!

When you join our International Club 2010 you become part of a special family. The very first member to join the club all those years ago wrote,

“Thank you for the enjoyable and informative courses. I am pleased to be part of your international family and look forward to continuing my education at the next course.”

His feeling struck a familiar chord. It has always been one of my greatest satisfactions to see how much fun delegates have getting together, sharing information and making friendships. These courses somehow draw together like-minded souls. For this reason some delegates come back again and again. They come to learn, but also to be with their many friends made at the courses.

When like-minded souls get together again and again to discuss a common purpose, magic happens! I can’t explain it in any other way-but it is true. In a way our meetings are almost like family reunions. Perhaps it is getting together and reflecting on what has been said and what has been happening. Learning with those who are also interested in the world creates thoughts that multiply the value of what we gain. This is hard to describe but results are most powerful and wonderful!

This is to me is as important as the great financial benefit of attending 52 courses that would cost $40,947 if all booked separately.

See why and our 2010 schedule below.

We started and have continued this program for 20 years because there are wonderful benefits from having repeat delegates at courses. Having repeat delegates makes the whole course somehow more exciting for all. Being a repeat delegate makes it easier to make and keep wealth and to lock in the knowledge you gain. It’s an exciting lifestyle. We have fun, gain adventure, discovery and friendships and share ways to improve our health and wealth!

We have more than doubled our courses in 2010… 56 courses and tours, two in the Blue Ridge of North Carolina, three in Central Florida and the balance in Ecuador.  Few club members actually attend every course and tour…  but you can if you desire. If you attend even a few of the courses, you gain considerable savings.

For those not interested or unable to visit Ecuador, we have our North Carolina courses in the summer when it is cool here in the Blue Ridge Mountains and don’t forget the autumnal beauty in October…. plus in Florida during the winter.  Each US course is attached to an Ecuador tour so you gain information in the US and then travel with others to Ecuador for experience (if you desire).

Here are the 56 courses and tours you can attend free. Plus there is even one more savings you will see below.

Jan.   8-11     Ecuador Export Tour   ($499 or couple $749)
Jan. 13-14     Imbabura Real Estate Tour  ($499 or couple $749)
Jan. 16-17     Coastal Real Estate Tour  ($499 or couple $749)
Jan. 19-20    Quito-Mindo Real Estate Tour  ($499 or couple $749)
Jan. 22-23    Cuenca Real Estate Tour  ($499 or couple $749)

Arrival dates are always one or two days earlier. Please double check with us before booking flights.

Feb. 11-14   Quantum Wealth Florida – International Investing & Internet Business, Mt. Dora, Florida ($749) Couple $999
Feb. 15-16   Travel to Quito
Feb. 17         Travel to Manta
Feb. 18-19   Coastal Real Estate Tour ($499 or couple $749)
Feb. 20        Travel to Cotacachi
Feb  21-22   Imbabura Real Estate Tour ($499 or couple $749)
Feb. 23-24  Quito-Mindo Real Estate Tour ($499 or couple $749)
Feb. 25         Travel to Cuenca
Feb. 26-27   Cuenca Real Estate Tour ($499 or couple $749)

Mar. 11-14     Super Thinking + Spanish Course Florida ($749 or couple $999)
Mar. 15-16    Travel to Quito and Andes
Mar. 17-18     Imbabura Real Estate Tour  ($499 or couple $749)
Mar. 19-20    Cotacachi Shamanic Tour  ($499 or couple $749)
Mar. 22-23    Coastal Real Estate Tour   ($499 or couple $749)
Mar. 25-26    Cuenca Real Estate Tour  ($499 or couple $749)
Mar. 28-29   South Coast Real Estate Tour ($499 or couple $749)

Apr. 12-15   Ecuador Export Tour ($499 or couple $749)
Apr. 17-18   Imbabura Real Estate Tour ($499 or couple $749)
Apr. 20-21  Coastal Real Estate Tour ($499 or couple $749)
Apr. 23-24  Quito-Mindo Real Estate Tour ($499 or couple $749)
Apr. 26-27  Cuenca Real Estate Tour ($499 or couple $749)

May  13-14     Ecuador Shamanic Minga  ($499 or couple $749)
May  16-17    Imbabura Real Estate Tour  ($499 or couple $749)
May  19-20    Coastal Real Estate Tour ($499 or couple $749)
May  22-23    Quito-Mindo Real Estate Tour  ($499 or couple $749)
May  25-26    Cuenca Real Estate Tour  ($499 or couple $749)
May  28-29    South Coast real Estate Tour ($499 or couple $749)

June 24         Quantum Wealth North Carolina
June 25-27    International Investing and Business North Carolina  ( $749 or couple $999)
June 28-29   Travel to Ecuador and Andes
June 30-Jy 1 Imbabura Real Estate Tour  ($499 or couple $749)
July 3-4          Coastal Real Estate Tour   ($499 or couple $749)
July 6-7          Quito-Mindo Real Estate Tour    ($499 or couple $749)
July 9-10        Cuenca Real Estate Tour   ($499 or couple $749)

Sept.   3-6      Ecuador Export Tour  ($499 or couple $749)
Sept.   8-9      Imbabura Real Estate Tour  ($499 or couple $749)
Sept. 11-12     Coastal Real Estate Tour   ($499 or couple $749)
Sept. 14-15     Cuenca Real Estate Tour    ($499 or couple $749)
Sept. 17-18     Ecuador Shamanic Minga  ($499 or couple $749)
Sept 20-21      South Coast Real Estate tour ($499 or couple $749)

Oct.    7          Quantum Wealth North Carolina
Oct.   8-10     International Investing & Business North Carolina ($749 or couple $999)
Oct.   11-12    Travel to Quito and Andes
Oct.  13-14     Imbabura Real Estate Tour ($499 or couple $749)
Oct.  16-17     Coastal Real Estate Tour ($499 or couple $749)
Oct.  19-20    Quito-Mindo Real Estate Tour ($499 or couple $749)
Oct. 22-23     Cuenca Real Estate Tour ($499 or couple $749)

Nov.    4-7        Super Thinking + Spanish Course Florida ($749 or couple $999)
Nov.    8-9       Travel to Quito and Andes
Nov. 10-11       Imbabura Real Estate Tour ($499 or couple $749)
Nov. 13-14      Coastal Real Estate Tour ($499 or couple $749)
Nov. 16-17      Quito-Mindo Real Estate  ($499 or couple $749)
Nov. 19-20     Cuenca Real Estate Tour ($499 or couple $749)
Nov  22-23      South Coast Real Estate Tour (($499 or couple $749)

Dec.   3-5       Ecuador Shamanic Mingo  ($499 or couple $749)
Dec.   7-8       Imbabura Real Estate Tour ($499 or couple $749)
Dec.  10-11    Coastal Real Estate Tour ($499 or couple $749)
Dec. 13-14     Quito-Mindo Real Estate Tour ($499 or couple $749)
Dec. 16-17      Cuenca Real Estate Tour ($499 or couple $749)

If you join the International Club, the entrance fee for 2010 is $2,999 (until January 2010).  Your attendance fees at all courses will be waived. You and your guest can attend courses worth $40,947.

You can calculate the savings as our schedule of all 2010 courses is shown below.

Arrival dates are always one or two days earlier. Please double check with us before booking flights.

I invite you to be a member of the International Club which allows you and your guest of your choice to attend all of these courses which are valued at $40,947! 

International Club 2010 Membership Enroll here

You may well wonder why I would make such an offer and ask why the cost is so low? Let me answer this question frankly and from the heart.

First, it helps us do a better job for you. We feel greatly enriched when we can really help our clients improve their lives. We have learned through years of experience the best way to do this is to meet with you regularly. We can best help you learn how to improve your health and wealth through continual expansion of knowledge.

Second, we gain enormous fulfillment from the many friendships we form through the years. Our friends have enriched our lives tremendously. Let me explain this in more detail.

As a member, you will be part of our international family that meets intensively over the next year to examine ways we can make our lives better. Our goal is beyond just having money. Our goal is to have quantum wealth… good health… wealth and fulfillment through service.

Though I give all course delegates my very best, I cannot help but to do a better job for those who come again and again. As we meet often; your particular wants, needs and desires become clear, and it is easier for me to point you in the right direction.

Another phenomenon is that repeat delegates help each other! They get to know one another, help each other learn, share their insights, make contacts and gain more wealth.

Out associates in Ecuador, are experienced business people who live or work and conduct our real estate and export courses.  They can also act as your local backup for the business.

Lifestyle for Two. There is more! I have learned at my courses that many repeat delegates were couples.

We want couples! As a member of the program, you are entitled to bring another person to every single course or tour. The cost for that extra person will be ZERO!  You can bring whomever you wish. Bring your spouse, a friend, son or daughter, partner, accountant, adviser. You can bring the same person each time or a different person, whomever you choose to accompany you. (Accommodations and air fares relating to the courses are not included for members, delegates or their guests.)

Won’t you join us in this exciting club and share Merri’s and my lifestyle for the next year? We look forward to seeing you at as many courses as possible and sharing this wonderful world of abundance and well being with you!

Gary

International Club 2010 Membership  Enroll here

Ecuador hotel discounts are available to Ecuador Living subscribers.  The Ecuador hotel savings can be much more than the subscription cost.

We receive comments like this continually.

“Gary & Merri  Wow, — My daughter and I are coming to Ecuador next week. I checked the Radisson prices and did not appreciate the good deal you provided us in the past.

May I still book those rooms at Gary Scott prices through you?   As you may know we bought a house on the beach in San Clemente, however we still intend to take your “new” tours just for the fun of it.  Your assistance is greatly appreciated. Thank you.”

The reply is that our Ecuador Living subscribers receive Ecuador hotel discounts across Ecuador.

Subscribers are entitled to a free nights stay at both Ecuador hotels Meson de las Flores in Cotacachi. (the fourth night is free the first time three nights are booked).

Cotacachi hotel Meson de las Flores is…

right on the main Cotacachi plaza.

The foundations of this building were started here over 180 years. Here is the entrance.

The inner courtyard is open and this (plus an inside dining area) where meals are served.

Five minutes away is the Cotacachi Garden Hotel & Spa La Mirage a Relais and Chateuax Spa.  La Mirage offers Ecuador Living subscribers who stay a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine and free room upgrades… plus a reduced room rate.

Ecuador Living subscribers also receive reduced rates and free upgrades at the luxury Quito boutique hotel Mansion del Angel, perhaps the most luxurious boutique hotel in Quito.

The Ecuador Palmazul Boutque Hotel & Spa is in San Clemente on Ecuador’s coast.

The ordinary room rate is $ 117 + 22% taxes and including breakfast.

For Ecuador Living subscribers a single room with breakfast is $ 60 + 22% taxes.  A double room with breakfast is $ 90 + 22% taxes.

This is the Palmazul Boutique Hotel and Spa dining room on the Ecuador beach.

Other Ecuador hotels that currently provide discounts to subscribers include the Radisson in Quito Ecuador.

In Cuenca Ecuador three hotels & hostels offer discounts to our subscribers.

Boutique Hotel Mansion Alcazar.

Cuenca’s Boutique Hotel Mansion Alcazar is luxurious inside.

This is true luxury.

Villa Nova Inn

The five star hostel Villa Nova Inn in Cuenca Ecuador is open and offers a savings opportunity for you.

This is an attractive location overlooking Cuenca’s Tomebamba River and directly across from Parque de la Madre (Mother’s Park).

El Dorado Hotel

Here is a shot of a Cuenca El Dorado…

Plus we will soon offer discounts in Loja, Guayaquil, Manta and Vilcabamba Ecuador.

See more about Ecuador Living subscription here.

Gary

Join us in Ecuador or Florida or Both. See the best Ecuador property for you.  Find the best real estate offers.  Know more of Ecuador. To help you experience a bigger adventure in this wonderful nation, to broaden your horizons, to expand your awareness of all Ecuador offers, we are providing deep discounts in 2010 for those who sign up for multiple tours.

Jan.   8-11     Ecuador Export Tour $499 Couple  $749

Jan. 13-14     Imbabura Real Estate Tour   $499 Couple $749
Jan. 15-18     Coastal Real Estate Tour $499 Couple $749
Jan. 19-20    Quito-Mindo Real Estate Tour  $499 Couple $749
Jan. 21-23    Cuenca Real Estate Tour  $499 Couple $749

Enjoy extra savings with our special early bird fees (if you enroll in November 2009)

Join us in February or March.

Feb. 11-14   Quantum Wealth Florida -International Investing & Internet Business, Mt. Dora, Florida ($749) Couple $999

Feb. 15-16   Travel to and visit Quito
Feb  17         Travel to Manta
Feb. 18-19   Coastal Real Estate Tour   $499 Couple $749 or discounted fee for multiple tours below.
Feb. 20        Travel to Cotacachi
Feb. 21-22   Imbabura Real Estate Tour  $499 Couple $749 or discounted fee for multiple tours below.
Feb. 23-24  Quito-Mindo Real Estate Tour $499 Couple $749 or discounted fee for multiple tours below.
Feb. 26-27  Cuenca Real Estate Tour  $499 Couple $749 or discounted fee for multiple tours below.

Mar. 11-14     Super Thinking + Spanish Course, Mt. Dora, Florida $749 Couple $999

Mar. 15-16    Travel to Quito and Andes
Mar. 17-18     Imbabura Real Estate Tour   $499 Couple $749 or discounted fee for multiple tours below.
Mar. 19-20    Cotacachi Shamanic Tour      $499 Couple $749 or discounted fee for multiple tours below.
Mar. 22-23    Coastal Real Estate Tour        $499 Couple $749 or discounted fee for multiple tours below.
Mar. 25-26    Cuenca Real Estate Tour        $499 Couple $749 or discounted fee for multiple tours below.

Enjoy extra savings with our multi tour adventure packs.

International Club attend up to 52 courses and tours in 2010 free.

See our entire 2010 seminar and tour schedule here

Ecuador Legal Checklist

A recent message about Ecuador Legal scams started when I received this note from a subscriber.

“Gary, When I read your newsletter today, I was hoping you would say something about the cost of a visa.  Unfortunately, there are people who are promising newcomers a resident’s visa for $7000.  I’ve never heard of anyone paying more than $2000 for a resident’s visa, no matter which lawyer they used.

The reader went on to say that one  couple discovered this scam and tried to back out of the contract.  This elderly couple was threatened by a lawsuit.

I did not have all the facts so was not able to know if this was a pure scam… or just really unfair pricing or if more than just a visa was offered, but $7,000 seemed awfully high if all that was provided was just a resident visa.  I immediately wrote to the three attorneys who advise us in Ecuador to check on the price.

I am happy to say that this problem was resolved.  The person offering this service is no longer in Cotacachi.

I asked Ecuador attorney Roberto Moreno, about this and he wrote:   Gary,  Yes, $7000 is absolutely out of range. Depending on the visa we charge from US$900 to US$1200.  Also, it is important to inform the readers that some lawyers will just obtain visas with few requirements, especially in Guayaquil.  The risk is that the visa could be removed later on. We prefer now to obtained all the visas for our clients at the immigration office in Quito.

Gary Scott and immigration attorney, Roberto Moreno, at Meson.

Learn more about Roberto and his firm here.

To help our Ecuador Living subscribers better understand Ecuador laws, Roberto shared an Ecuador legal checklist. Here are excerpts from this list:

LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS TO LIVE AND INVEST IN ECUADOR
By Roberto Moreno

DIFFERENT TYPES OF VISAS

Non- Immigrant:
*    to stay for an specific amount of time
*    most common: Commercial Acts visa good for up to six months.

Immigrant (indefinite time):
*    retired
*    investment in Property
*    investment in Certificate of Deposit

*With an immigrant visa you can apply for citizenship after you have lived in Ecuador for three years.

NON IMMIGRANT VISA : COMMERCIAL ACTS VISA
Requirements:
*    passport valid for at least six months
*    visa application
*    personal information form
*    bank statement
*    government fee:  US$230.00 plus US$80 for each dependent

MOST COMMON IMMIGRANT VISAS

RETIREMENT

INCOME OF AT LEAST US $800 PER MONTH FOR PRINCIPAL AND US $100 FOR EACH DEPENDANT
*    passport valid for at least six months.
*    application for visa and form of personal information.
*    official document of support of the retirement pension or permanent income apostille or legalized at an Ecuadorian Consulate
*    certificate issued by the Ecuadorian Consul verifying the income

INVESTOR IN LAND PROPERTY FINAL DEED OF PURCHASE OF A PROPERTY MINIMUM US$25,000 and $500 for each dependent
*     application for Visa and form of Personal Information
*     deed of purchase registered before the Register of the Property
*    actualized encumbrance certificate from the Registry of Property

INVESTOR IN CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSTI MINIMUM US$25,000 for one year and $500 for each dependent
*     visa application  and  Personal Information form
*     time deposit with a term of 365 days minimum
*     To get a Title, Policy or Certificate of Deposit:
- your passport (original and copy)
- bank account in Ecuador
- a letter from your lawyer certifying that it will be used to get the visa

GENERAL DOCUMENTS FOR ANY KIND OF IMMIGRANT VISAS:
*    passport valid for at least six months
*     visa application
*     personal information form
*     5 photos (2×2)
*    Marriage License (wife or husband – dependent) / Apostilled or Legalized at an Ecuadorian Consulate
*    Birth Certificate (for children – dependent) / Apostilled or Legalized at an Ecuadorian Consulate
*     government fee: $350 (titleholder)  $350  (each dependent)

OTHER IMMIGRANT VISAS:
*    GENERAL MANAGER
*     AGENTS
*     UNDEFINED LABOUR CONTRACT
*     RELIGIOUS
*     PROFESSIONALS
*     DEPENDENTS

IMPORTANT NOTE: All official documents coming from abroad should be legalized by APOSTILLE.

BANK ACCOUNTS
Open a bank account locally:
*    prolonged stay
*    if you plan to invest in the future

Requirements:
*    will vary from bank to bank
*    open your bank account with your passport  and  a letter from a law firm

Restrictions:
*    no restrictions to transfer money
*    large amounts (banks will request a licit source form)

DO YOU LIKE A PROPERTY? GO FOR IT!
*    no need of special visa
*    don’t miss a good opportunity
*    to rent be sure of all details  (rental price includes utilities?)

THE IMPORTANCE OF TITLE INVESTIGATION
*    be sure to get the necessary investigation of the property before you take your decision,
*    review previous ownership title before the corresponding authorities.
*    you can get  Title Insurance. (First American Title Insurance provides this alternative)

STEPS TO PURCHASE A PROPERTY
Define:
*    one document purchase (only one deed)
*    a promissory or general deed (first to secure the purchase and  later to finalize the final deed).
*    in your name
*    in the name of a company

Expenses:
*     municipal taxes
*     public notary fees
*     registry of  property

*if you plan to use the property as an investment to obtained your VISA you will need the final deed of purchase.

TAXES AND SENIOR BENEFITS IN ECUADOR
Income tax rate:
*    individuals:  5% -35%
*    companies: 25%

VAT:
*    12%
*income coming from abroad is not object of withhold

Other legal requirements covered in the entire Ecuador legal checklist include:

* SENIOR BENEFITS including exoneration of all type of municipal taxes, income and vehicle  taxes.

* GENERAL PROCEDURE TO SET UP HOUSEHOLDS

* IMPORTING VEHICLES WITH HOUSEHOLD GOODS

* PET REQUIREMENTS

* HEALTH INSURANCE, SOCIAL SECURITY AND PRIVATE INSURANCE SOCIAL SECURITY

* PRIVATE INSURANCE

You receive full access to the entire Ecuador legal checklist plus an internet Ecuador legal address to answer any questions as an Ecuador Living subscriber. Learn how to subscribe here.

Gary

Join us in Ecuador or Florida or Both. See the best Ecuador property for you.  Find the best real estate offers.  Know more of Ecuador. To help you experience a bigger adventure in this wonderful nation, to broaden your horizons, to expand your awareness of all Ecuador offers, we are providing deep discounts in 2010 for those who sign up for multiple tours.

Join us at our upcoming courses and tours.

December 6-8 Blaine Watson’s  Beyond Logic & Shamanic Tour

December 9-10 Imbabura Real Estate Tour

December 11-13 Ecuador Coastal Real Estate Tour

Join us in 2010. See our winter Ecuador real estate tours below.

Jan.   8-11     Ecuador Export Tour $499 Couple  $749

Jan. 13-14     Imbabura Real Estate Tour   $499 Couple $749
Jan. 21-22     Coastal Real Estate Tour $499 Couple $749
Jan. 23-24    Quito-Mindo Real Estate Tour  $499 Couple $749
Jan. 22-23    Cuenca Real Estate Tour  $499 Couple $749

Enjoy extra savings with our special early bird fees (if you enroll in November 2009)

Join us in February or March.

Feb. 11-14   Quantum Wealth Florida -International Investing & Internet Business, Mt. Dora, Florida ($749) Couple $999

Feb. 15-16   Travel to and visit Quito
Feb  17         Travel to Manta
Feb. 18-19   Coastal Real Estate Tour   $499 Couple $749 or discounted fee for multiple tours below.
Feb. 20        Travel to Cotacachi
Feb. 21-22   Imbabura Real Estate Tour  $499 Couple $749 or discounted fee for multiple tours below.
Feb. 23-24  Quito-Mindo Real Estate Tour $499 Couple $749 or discounted fee for multiple tours below.
Feb. 26-27  Cuenca Real Estate Tour  $499 Couple $749 or discounted fee for multiple tours below.

Mar. 11-14     Super Thinking + Spanish Course, Mt. Dora, Florida $749 Couple $999

Mar. 15-16    Travel to Quito and Andes
Mar. 17-18     Imbabura Real Estate Tour   $499 Couple $749 or discounted fee for multiple tours below.
Mar. 19-20    Cotacachi Shamanic Tour      $499 Couple $749 or discounted fee for multiple tours below.
Mar. 22-23    Coastal Real Estate Tour        $499 Couple $749 or discounted fee for multiple tours below.
Mar. 25-26    Cuenca Real Estate Tour        $499 Couple $749 or discounted fee for multiple tours below.

Enjoy extra savings with our special early bird fees (if you enroll in November 2009)

2 seminar courses & tours $949 Couple  $1,399

3 seminar courses & tours   $1199 Couple  $1,749

4 seminar courses & tours   $1,399 Couple $2,149

5 seminar courses & tours  $1,599 Couple $2,499

6 seminars courses & tours  $1,999 Couple $2,999

(Be sure to show in the comments section which courses and tours you are attending)

International Club attend up to 52 courses and tours in 2010 free.

See our entire 2010 seminar and tour schedule here

Cuenca Real Estate

The Cuenca real estate market grows.

Real Estate in Cuenca has wonderful architecture. Here is Cuenca’s Main Square.

Even the daily press is catching on to Cuenca and Ecuador real estate.

An article “House Hunting in … Ecuador” by Lisa Keys recently appeared in the New York Times.

Here are excerpts from that article: A THREE-BEDROOM, 3000-SQUARE-FOOT HILLTOP HOME IN CUENCA
$220,000  This rustic home — made from local bamboo, hardwood, river rock and tile — was built two years ago by a local architect. It sits on a third of an acre in the Cuenca, a Unesco world heritage site about 300 miles south of Quito.

The front door is inlaid with the local wood, called chanul. An open living room/dining area has mountain views, as well as a stone fireplace, exposed hardwood beams and posts, and a brick ceiling. Off the dining area is a 96-square-foot terrace. The eat-in kitchen has granite countertops; off the kitchen is a maid’s suite. The master bedroom is on this level, along with a second bedroom; both bedrooms have en-suite baths.

A brick-and-bamboo staircase leads upstairs to a sitting area and another bedroom, which has a sloped ceiling and a 36-square-foot terrace. The lower level has a workshop and a storage room.

The house is off an unpaved road in the Rio Amarillo neighborhood, in the foothills of the Cajas Mountains. The area, until recently very rural, is morphing into a suburban neighborhood with large homes, according to David Morrill, the home’s listing agent.

Colonial buildings, art galleries, museums and concert sites are about six miles away in Cuenca. A shopping center as well as Cuenca’s indigenous market is four miles away; the airport, with numerous daily flights to the international airports in Guayaquil and Quito, is eight miles away.

MARKET OVERVIEW

Though predominantly a local real estate market, Cuenca is becoming increasingly popular with American expatriates, particularly retirees, said Mr. Morrill, a partner at Cuenca Real Estate. They are attracted to the relative affordability, he said.

In spite of the global economic downturn, home prices in Cuenca continue to rise, in part, because of they are relatively low to begin with. Condos sell for around $700 a square meter ($56 to $65 a square foot); new construction is $850 a square meter ($79 a square foot), Mr. Morrill said. Single-family homes are $300 to $500 a square meter ($28 to $46 a square foot); new construction is approximately $500 a square meter ($46 a square foot), he added. The house featured here is more expensive than the average, at $73 a square foot, because of its unique design and expensive building materials.

North American buyers are not the only reason for the uptick.

There are some great things about Cuenca like…

The agriculture that surrounds Cuenca. Here is an organic farm in the San Joachin area of Cuenca.

One of Cuenca’s public markets.

Here a Cuenca flower vendor in one Cuenca’s many public markets.

Cuenca has many parks. Here is Parque de Paraiso which has walking and biking trails.

Four rivers flow through Cuenca.

Yet there are more forces pushing Cuenca’s and Ecuador’s real estate market.

An article from entitled “$600 Million Earmarked by Government for New Housing projects” World Assurance Group Inc.” says: Nov 02, 2009,  World Assurance Group Focuses on Central America in Conjunction With a New Ecuadorian Housing Mandate . World Assurance Group (PINKSHEETS: WDAS) announced today that the Ecuadorian Government has recently announced substantial policies aimed to increase new home buyers in Ecuador.  New home buyers will be allowed a $ 3,960 bonus given by the Housing Ministry for a new house they purchase. It seeks to expand such support to $ 5,000 for homes with a value of up to $ 60,000.

WDAS had announced on Oct 22, 2009 that its subsidiary ANAV Holdings Corporation signed a proposal to enter into a purchase agreement for an 8.5% participating interest in a 15 hectare private housing community located at one of the leading ports in Latin America with Premier Developments. The project’s first phase is in full production and has already sold 20% of the 207 homes. The entire project including phase two will be an estimated 500 home development. Currently these homes sell for $40,000 – $80,000 price range.

Low prices…  great natural resources… colonial charm… every facility a city can possess… but not too many people are all helping Cuenca real estate grab attention.  All of this will help the Cuenca real estate market to grow.

Gary

See the best Ecuador property for you.  Find the best real estate offers.  Know more of Ecuador. To help you experience a bigger adventure in this wonderful nation, to broaden your horizons, to expand your awareness of all Ecuador offers, we are providing deep discounts in 2010 for those who sign up for multiple tours.

See more on Cuenca real estate  at “Cuenca Real Estate”

Gary

Join us in Ecuador or Florida or Both. See the best Ecuador property for you.  Find the best real estate offers.  Know more of Ecuador. To help you experience a bigger adventure in this wonderful nation, to broaden your horizons, to expand your awareness of all Ecuador offers, we are providing deep discounts in 2010 for those who sign up for multiple tours.

Join us at our upcoming courses and tours.

December 6-8 Blaine Watson’s  Beyond Logic & Shamanic Tour

December 9-10 Imbabura Real Estate Tour

December 11-13 Ecuador Coastal Real Estate Tour

Join us in 2010. See our winter Ecuador real estate tours below.

Jan.   8-11     Ecuador Export Tour $499 Couple  $749

Jan. 13-14     Imbabura Real Estate Tour   $499 Couple $749
Jan. 21-22     Coastal Real Estate Tour $499 Couple $749
Jan. 23-24    Quito-Mindo Real Estate Tour  $499 Couple $749
Jan. 22-23    Cuenca Real Estate Tour  $499 Couple $749

Enjoy extra savings with our special early bird fees (if you enroll in November 2009)

Join us in February or March.

Feb. 11-14   Quantum Wealth Florida -International Investing & Internet Business, Mt. Dora, Florida ($749) Couple $999

Feb. 15-16   Travel to and visit Quito
Feb  17         Travel to Manta
Feb. 18-19   Coastal Real Estate Tour   $499 Couple $749 or discounted fee for multiple tours below.
Feb. 20        Travel to Cotacachi
Feb. 21-22   Imbabura Real Estate Tour  $499 Couple $749 or discounted fee for multiple tours below.
Feb. 23-24  Quito-Mindo Real Estate Tour $499 Couple $749 or discounted fee for multiple tours below.
Feb. 26-27  Cuenca Real Estate Tour  $499 Couple $749 or discounted fee for multiple tours below.

Mar. 11-14     Super Thinking + Spanish Course, Mt. Dora, Florida $749 Couple $999

Mar. 15-16    Travel to Quito and Andes
Mar. 17-18     Imbabura Real Estate Tour   $499 Couple $749 or discounted fee for multiple tours below.
Mar. 19-20    Cotacachi Shamanic Tour      $499 Couple $749 or discounted fee for multiple tours below.
Mar. 22-23    Coastal Real Estate Tour        $499 Couple $749 or discounted fee for multiple tours below.
Mar. 25-26    Cuenca Real Estate Tour        $499 Couple $749 or discounted fee for multiple tours below.

Enjoy extra savings with our special early bird fees (if you enroll in November 2009)

2 seminar courses & tours $949 Couple  $1,399

3 seminar courses & tours   $1199 Couple  $1,749

4 seminar courses & tours   $1,399 Couple $2,149

5 seminar courses & tours  $1,599 Couple $2,499

6 seminars courses & tours  $1,999 Couple $2,999

(Be sure to show in the comments section which courses and tours you are attending)

International Club attend up to 52 courses and tours in 2010 free.

See our entire 2010 seminar and tour schedule here

$600 Million Earmarked by Government for New Housing projects

www.marketwire.com/press-release/World-Assurance-Group-Inc-1069068.html

Cuenca Real Estate

Cuenca real estate offers excellent quality and value for exapts visiting Ecuador. Here is a shot of downtown Cuenca.

One of the first cities that Merri and I visited when we began looking for Ecuador property was the Spanish tile roofed colonial city of Cuenca which sits in a broad valley surrounded by lush green mountains. I have always loved the real estate opportunities in Cuenca and am happy to report we can now share this with you in our upcoming 2010 Cuenca real estate tours.

Here is an example why Cuenca is such a popular place.  Our friends, Bill Bushnell and his wife, Leita Hulmes live in a spacious and modern condo in Cuenca within walking distance to the historic colonial city center.

Cuenca Condo building

We’ll look at more Cuenca property pictures below.

Cuenca is easily Ecuador’s (and perhaps all of South America’s) most beautiful city with a distinctly European look and feel. In a previous
article I reported that MSN has named Cuenca the best retirement city in the world.

It is both modern and classic in its architecture. This is an aristocratic town with hard workers and a solid middle class. The downtown area is remarkably clean and is built around a central park bordered by a huge golden cathedral with brilliant ceramic domes. There is a sense of order in the narrow cobblestone streets which for the most part run on a grid. The markets are filled with color and exotic design, and there is no sense of crime or poverty found here.

Tall Willows and Eucalyptus are abundant along the river banks of the four rivers running through its center where you’ll see locals washing their
colorful clothes. Red tiles on white stucco sparkling in the brilliant sun are the predominate vista.

Cuenca has perhaps the largest North American population in Ecuador though it is a much smaller city (350,000) than Quito or Guayaquil which have many millions of people. It’s large enough to offer almost all goods and services one could want without the hustle and bustle of a big city.

The beautiful sites are not the only joys Merri and I have experienced  in Cuenca. Property prices are startlingly low. Values have certainly risen
since we first began looking almost 15 years ago, yet asking prices still seem like bargains.

For example brand new apartments just down the road from the 5 Star Oro Verde Hotel are offered at just $42,000.

Here is that condo, just…

four blocks from the center of Cuenca.

Quality is not lacking.

Here are some more shots of our friends Cuenca condo with all hardwood floors, cabinetry and top quality fittings and additional lighting.

There’s is a 1,690 square foot condo cost  that they bought for under $100,000.

the studio

The views from the 5th floor living room of the Ecuadorian Sierra Mountains show Cajas National Park in the distance.

There is space throughout this Cuenca home.

Hardwood excellence is seen throughout this Cuenca house.

Currently there is a lovely first-floor 2-BR apartment located just across  the Tomebamba River from Cuenca’s historic district. It is within walking distance of El Centro which is Cuenca’s version of Central Park and is offered for $35,000.

If your preference is a house, only four blocks from downtown there is a new 4 bedroom, 4 bath house with 1991 sq ft of living space on 1/3 of an
acre for $77,000.

Another delightful opportunity in Cuenca is within a 10 unit gated community where there are only two townhouses left. The 1600 sq ft 3BR, 3
bath units have solid wood cabinetry, doors and windows and feature an open floor plan connecting the living area, dining room and kitchen for
$89,900. These units are within walking distance of supermarkets, shopping malls and some great restaurants for which Cuenca is renown.

Here are the these brand new condos, outside and…

in.

You can find superb spacious country homes in an area called San Joaquín which is known for its agricultural heritage still evident today. Numerous
farms and livestock abound in this area just 10 minutes from downtown.

Here houses sit above the city on gentle slopes with commanding views offering tile, hardwoods and marble, plus exquisite workmanship not found
in the U.S. Yet prices are as low as $145,000.

Just a few kilometers down the road from Cuenca is Challuabamba which has seen a fair amount of new construction in the last few years. It is a
slightly lower than Cuenca so is a bit warmer. Because of the highway, it is more accessible than in the past and many locals have moved out of the
city to be in a more rural locale. New homes range from the low $70s to over $200,000 so there is a wide variety to be had.

In the country you may find the best buys as is the case in most parts of the world. In-town prices are always higher than in the country and if
living closer to nature is your preference, you can have a large hacienda with plenty of land for farming and livestock at unbelievably low prices.
We’ve seen prices starting at $1.50 a square meter ($15,000 per acre) for land featuring stunning views, flowing streams and rich dark soil.

Yunguilla, about an hour from Cuenca via the newly paved highway, is one of the most beautiful valleys in the world. It’s like a Swiss mountain
valley covered in Irish emerald green – all in South America! Explosions of white pampas grass line the road and paisley swaths of forest and
cotton wool clouds cover the broad valley floor. Huge waterfalls spring from the hillsides like gigantic white snakes crashing hundreds of feet.

Here is a shot of Yungilla.

Currently there is a house with outstanding views sitting on just over an acre. It has 4 bedrooms and 2 baths in 2045 sq ft with an asking price of $80,000 or how about 5 acres with a river running along one boundary for $35,000.

Further on you can find plantations with entrances lined with sugar cane, bananas, mango, papaya, mango, naranjilla, babaco, orange, lemon, lime,
yucca, coffee plants, bread fruit, guavas, achote, grapefruit, coconuts and all the vegetables you could eat. Also abundant are avocado, bamboo,
corn, potatoes and tomatoes.

These veritable gardens led to rustic old farm houses graced by birds of every type, humming birds, toucan, choco, bromeliad fly catchers,
tanagers, finches and animals include agouti, tapir, fox and deer.

You can find land with horses, cows, pigs, numerous dogs, chickens and even llamas which are indigenous.

I viewed one plantation there some years ago that had its own .7 kilowatt hydro electric turbine and sugar cane crusher, distillery where they
distilled 50,000 liters of schnapps a year overlooking the San Francisco river, a broad cascading mountain stream bounds the land and the smaller
Sarayunga river runs through it.

All in all Cuenca, and the area immediately surrounding it, has a great deal to offer no matter what your preferences. Whether you want to live in
an apartment, a home or buy land and build your own – it’s all possible at prices that are a throw back to times past.

Speaking of prices that are from times gone by, our friends and representatives in Cuenca, Stephen Milden and Leanna Palermo, reported today that they went to a local co-op and bought 12 bags of organic fruits and vegetables for only $20.91! If they had purchased the same items in the US it would have cost them close to $200.00 and everything was locally grown. They will be delighted to be your hosts and show you their adopted home during the first tour of 2010 which is set for January 22-23 2010.

Not only will you have an opportunity to see a cross section of available land, homes and apartments, you will be able to experience the local
culture by way of fantastic restaurants, galleries, artisan shops and a walking tour along cobblestone streets that will take your breath away.

Cuenca is one of Ecuador’s most popular towns and we look forward to sharing Cuenca with you on our 2010 Ecuador real estate tours.

Gary

See the best Ecuador property for you.  Find the best real estate offers.  Know more of Ecuador. To help you experience a bigger adventure in this wonderful nation, to broaden your horizons, to expand your awareness of all Ecuador offers, we are providing deep discounts in 2010 for those who sign up for multiple tours.

Join us in Ecuador

Join us at our upcoming courses and tours.

December 6-8 Blaine Watson’s  Beyond Logic & Shamanic Tour

December 9-10 Imbabura Real Estate Tour

December 11-13 Ecuador Coastal Real Estate Tour

Join us in 2010. See our winter Ecuador real estate tours below.

Jan.   8-11     Ecuador Export Tour      $499  Couple  $749

Jan. 13-14     Imbabura Real Estate Tour   $499  Couple $749
Jan. 21-22     Coastal Real Estate Tour $499  Couple $749
Jan. 23-24    Quito-Mindo Real Estate Tour   $499  Couple $749
Jan. 22-23    Cuenca Real Estate Tour  $499  Couple $749

Enjoy extra savings with our special early bird fees (if you enroll in November 2009)

Join us in February or March.

Feb. 11-14   Quantum Wealth Florida -International Investing & Internet Business, Mt. Dora, Florida ($749) Couple $999

Feb. 15-16   Travel to and visit Quito
Feb  17         Travel to Manta
Feb. 18-19   Coastal Real Estate Tour   $499 Couple $999 or discounted fee for multiple tours below.
Feb. 20        Travel to Cotacachi
Feb. 21-22   Imbabura Real Estate Tour  $499 Couple $999 or discounted fee for multiple tours below.
Feb. 23-24  Quito-Mindo Real Estate Tour $499 Couple $999 or discounted fee for multiple tours below.
Feb. 26-27  Cuenca Real Estate Tour  $499 Couple $999 or discounted fee for multiple tours below.

Mar. 11-14     Super Thinking + Spanish Course, Mt. Dora, Florida ($749) Couple $999

Mar. 15-16    Travel to Quito and Andes
Mar. 17-18     Imbabura Real Estate Tour   $499 Couple $999 or discounted fee for multiple tours below.
Mar. 19-20    Cotacachi Shamanic Tour      $499 Couple $999 or discounted fee for multiple tours below.
Mar. 22-23    Coastal Real Estate Tour        $499 Couple $999 or discounted fee for multiple tours below.
Mar. 25-26    Cuenca Real Estate Tour        $499 Couple $999 or discounted fee for multiple tours below.

Enjoy extra savings with our special early bird fees (if you enroll in November 2009)

1 real estate tour  $499 Couple $749

2 seminar courses & tours $949 Couple  $1,399

3 seminar courses & tours   $1199 Couple  $1,749

4 seminar courses & tours   $1,399 Couple $2,149

5 seminar courses & tours  $1,599 Couple $2,499

(Be sure to show in the comments section which courses and tours you are attending)

International Club attend up to 52 courses and tours in 2010 free.

See our entire 2010 seminar and tour schedule here

Most investors miss the importance of  cycles which are affecting international and national investments as well as Ecuador’s electricity.

See why value investing is a key to everlasting wealth and learn about Ecuador electricity blackouts below.

Ecuador electricity makes Quito beautiful at night. Here is Quito as it begins to awaken.  This shot was taken at Hotel Quito.

Seeking good value is the most important goal when it comes to investing… understanding cycles helps anticipate value.

An excerpt from a recent Multi Currency Update explains why when  it says:

Take for example an article that appeared in the Nov. 1, issue of USA Today.

The headline was: “Recent downturn sparks fears of possible market correction.  Drop comes despite good earnings, growth reports”

The reality is that we should expect stocks to slide with earnings growth!

The economic cycle has an impact on shares and the economic cycle is reaching the stage where we should expected equities appreciation to fall or at least slow.

This site suggested last February (2009) in Multi Currency Prediction 2009: “We are reaching the phase of the economic cycle when we should be coming out of cash and bonds and into  shares as:

* Interest rates are down.

* There is a rush for liquidity.

* Employment is growing.

* Uncertainty is high.

The chart below explains which assets are normally best in various phases of the economic cycle.

Equities tend to rise when earnings have fallen or are falling.

Most investors misunderstand the fact that share pries almost always rise at a faster rate than earnings.

This means that shares tend to rise, after a crash even though an economy is faltering.

Once the economy recovers and businesses start to do better,  the big buying is over!  The big investors bought on the bad news (saw good value) and  take profits by selling to small investors who rush in on the good news (as good value falls).

Many statistics suggest that we are entering the period when reducing shares and becoming more liquid makes sense.

Interest rates and inflation are feeling upward pressure.  Bond yields have risen as have P/E ratios.  Unemployment is looking less severe.

Perhaps that USA Today article should have read: “Recent downturn sparks fears of possible market correction.  Drop comes AS EXPECTED along with  good earnings, growth reports”

You can read the full multicurrency update as a multi currency subscriber. See details here.

Value investing is most important whether buying shares or equities because predicting short term market moves is like predicting weather.

Speaking of weather… Ecuador electricity has recently been affected by the weather.  Droughts are part of  Ecuador’s weather cycles and these droughts affect Ecuador’s electricity.

Ecuador electricity at work in Cotacachi.

Ecuador’s electricity blackouts (which have been light) are likely to persist until Ecuador’s drought subsides.

Saturday’s Ecuador Living Update entitled Ecuador Electricity Shortage suggested that we take the Ecuador government’s statement that “power blackouts would mainly affect homes and not business”  with a grain of salt.

Our friends in Salinas now confirm this fact and wrote:

“Hi Gary, You are right that not only Ecuador’s big cities experiencing electrical rationing.  Luckily in our area of Salinas we haven’t had a black out yet, but in nearby Ballenita, my inlaws were without electricity for the afternoon and evening yesterday.

“Not sure why the government would say businesses are not effected.  The evening news from Guayaquil last night showed a series of shots of all kinds of businesses that were without power yesterday, including restaurants, bakeries and doctors’ offices.

Ecuador electricity at night from Vistazul condos

“What we are not hearing a lot of is publicity of tips for the average person on how to conserve energy.  There was a blurb on the news two nights ago reminding people to turn off the lights when they leave a room but that is about all.”   Learn more about Ecuador’s electricity blackouts here.

Gary

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There were some Ecuador demonstrations last week.

This and the AP photos below by Dolores Ochoa show Ecuador protesters blocking the Pan Am Highway. See excerpts of the related article below.

Merri and I are used to these Ecuador protests as they are part of life in Ecuador. Though we have not seen any Ecuador demonstrations for several years,  they represent a good part of the Ecuadorian way and I am proud of how the  people exercise their democratic rights…. peacefully… but effectively.

The French use demonstrations as well and remember France is where many of the current ideals of democracy as we know them and processes that helped the industrial revolution really begin.

Yet the French leave cars flipped and shops burned. Remember what they did to some of their royalty!  In Ecuador violence is rarely the case.

Part of Ecuador’s political problems are created because the majority of the population are very poor… and poorly educated… but they are gaining.  This is Maria…  excited to be headed on her first day to university to study tourism management through a scholarship provided by our foundation, Land of the Sun.

Merri and I have been in the midst of several Ecuador demonstrations.  Our first protest party took place many years ago in the 1990s.  We had to get a friend from Latacunga, (one of the most active places for demonstrations), to Quito airport.

There is a “moving through Ecuador road blocks art” that we learned.

Ecuadorians are by nature friendly and easy going. Violence is rare… in their protests, crime or politics. These girls attend the Topo Grande school that Land of the Sun foundation is assisting.

In that first protest adventure we were with a yatchak… in his car… a four wheel drive. This meant that  a lot of the demonstration avoidance tactics came in the form of driving down railway tracks, through football fields and for quite some distance on the grassy path that formerly was the Incan trail.

Eventually however one meets a roadblock.  On that trip the yatchak did most of the work. As gringos we stayed in the car and let the yatchak do the talking.  Most road blocks are more like street parties… the blockers only half serious. There are generally two types of demonstrators… those with a real gripe and the majority who see the demonstration as a sort of fun time.

If you meet up with the party types… usually a dollar or two is a sufficient consideration to be able to move on IF one approaches the road block correctly… never with pushiness or aggression.

If one meets up with those who have a true grievance… the process is more difficult but usually  an earnest listen to their complaint… a murmur of agreement, some sympathy and an explanation of why you need to pass through, with perhaps a dollar or two will open the block.

In that first trip, the taxi drivers had the complaint… so they were the hardest nuts to crack… but the yatchak never failed.  Gentle words… appreciation for their plight and explanation of our own problems always opened the gates.

That trip to the airport took much longer than normal… one does not rush through these events… but we were able to help our friend board his plane on time.

Our second Ecuador demonstration trip took place on the day before one of our seminars in Ecuador.  Talk about terrible timing!

We always met delegates when they arrive at the airport the day before the seminar so we needed to travel from Cotacachi to Quito.  Normally we would make the two hour trip via the Pan American highway.  But Otavalo is another major, strong point for demonstrations.

We have developed a network of friends across the country so we knew that the Pan American was tightly closed.

So we headed down the back roads with an intrepid taxi driver who knew the ropes.

At each road block I would lay down in the back seat, close my eyes and groan.  Owh owh owh.

Merri, looking as pathetic as possible, rambled on “Me esposa necesita un hospital”.

The taxi driver requested clearance to the “hospital” and offered a few dollar for the favor.

This worked half way to Quito.  However there are some road blocks that just cannot be passed.  We found such a place where one group had dug a large pit through the road.

Another AP photo shows how some road blocks cannot circumnavigated.

Here I experienced a major recovery from my illness, grabbed our suitcase and we walk through the burning tires… NOT LOOKING ANYONE IN THE EYE.

The only hangup came when our hound dog Ma became tangled in the wires from burned tires. On the other side of the road farmers awaited with their pickups.   For $20, they were willing to give us a lift into town. The normal two hour journey turned into six…. but we were there, smiling when our delegates arrived.

The demonstrations (as with those last week) lasted only a day and we accompanied our delegates on the bus back to Cotacachi next day on the Pan American highway.  No one really suffered.

In short Ecuador demonstrations can range from kinda fun to frustrating… but rarely dangerous… as long as one takes their time, remains passive and avoids getting involved.   These Ecuador demonstrations, are in my opinion, a good part of Ecuador’s democratic process.

I expected political tensions to tighten in January… but they seem to be winding up sooner.

Here is my thinking why there will be more political turmoil in the months ahead.

Part of Ecuador’s political problem began over 500 years ago when the Spanish began colonizing the area that is now Ecuador. The system favored a few at the expense of the majority and has remained that way.

Today the majority of the population is indigenous….but historically have had little political power and they have the smallest portion of wealth and income. Here is a resident of the village of Topo Grande.

Slowly they have become increasingly organized and must be considered as a political power that now determines elections.  Yet due to the fact that they still remain among the poorest sector of the population, they also understand the global economy the least.

Almost every Ecuador president, since Merri and I began living in Ecuador, has been elected in part by making promises to poor people, like this lady above, that could not be kept.

President Correa is included in this definition and had two added benefits… his ability to speak Quichua (the indigenous language) and high oil prices when he entered office.

Oil revenues provide the major part of the government’s income and the high prices allowed Correa to keep many of his promises in his first years in office.

Then oil prices dropped and the government began cutting back.

This put so much pressure on the government income that in July 2009 it sold a billion dollars of oil to the Chinese.

An excerpt from a Reuter’s article entitled “Oil-hungry China moves to strengthen Ecuador ties” explains as it says:  QUITO (Reuters) – Oil-hungry China is moving to strengthen ties with OPEC member Ecuador, part of a global trend in which the Asian giant is providing billions of dollars in financing to producer nations to guarantee energy supplies.

Ecuadorean President Rafael Correa said on Saturday the country will receive $1 billion as advance payment for future oil sales to China. Ecuador sends most of its oil to the United States, and is trying to diversify its market.

Details remained unclear on Monday. But China, the world’s second biggest petroleum consumer after the United States, is striving to cement better ties with resource-rich Ecuador.
Chinese company Sinohydro is bidding for a contract with Ecuador to build a $2 billion hydroelectric plant in the country.

In addition, the leftist Ecuadorean government says it is in talks with Chinese companies interested in investing in the Manta air base, which the U.S. Army is due to leave in September. Ecuador wants to build a commercial airport in Manta.

According to the Chinese customs office, China imported 326,000 tonnes of crude oil from Ecuador in the first four months of 2009.

Ecuador is the fifth largest producer of crude oil in South America after Venezuela, Brazil, Argentina and Colombia. It produced 486,000 barrels of crude oil a day in May.

Impoverished Ecuador faces a liquidity crunch due to low oil prices. The government’s recent debt default has shut the country off from the international capital markets.

Here is how one sharp Ecuador businessman explained the problem to me.

The government took payment now on 30% of its future oil, beginning next January to balance the current budget. How will it balance its budget next year with only 70% of its oil?

This leaves the Ecuador government only two options… higher gas prices… a factor beyond its control… or a cut back which means breaking more election promises.

That’s why it made sense to me that demonstrations would start next year not now.

However I was wrong. On hearing of the demonstrations I wrote to a network of friends and contacts across the country to get people’s opinions. Here are some of the replies I received.

Business person from Manta:

Dear Gary, Today Sunday the indigenas stared to make groups in different places of Guayaquil  and especially Quito. It Iooks like they want to make strikes tomorrow and to close main roads especially in highlands areas.   Until this moment everybody is quiet and nobody worries over  that situation.  The people are asking for solutions to water problems and something more.,

I think we have to see what happens tomorrow and hope that there is nothing more than a one day demonstration.

The Real Estate Tour in Manta was very good yesterday.  The people were very nice and it looks like two couples and two men are planning to stay in Manta to see more properties.

Demonstrations have been brewing and are now taking place on two fronts.

One of them regards schoolteachers that are part of a much politicized association called UNE (Union Nacional de Educadores – or National Teachers Association) who opposes the widely celebrated regime effort to bring higher quality to public schooling via teacher examination and training.

UNE appears to be divided in this and the government is gaining ground in this legitimate endeavor.

The other front regards mostly the indigenous population (also somewhat divided), who opposes the draft for the new Water Law, claiming that it will “privatize” water, something that has no grounds.

They say that they have not been taken into account in drafting it and that it has elements for the privatization of water. Please note that the indigenous peoples of Ecuador are very dependent on natural water sources for their livelihood.

The indigenous population is adept at closing-off highways in very disruptive demonstrations.

So far it seems that the demonstrations have been mostly mild but it’s hard to tell if they will flare-up big time.

The indigenous people also oppose the new mining law on environmental grounds. The general public believes this new mining law is important as it provides environmental safeguards but also allows the exploitation of our mineral riches under a better framework. There are always tradeoffs of course.

President Correa’s Government keeps a very high level of support amongst the population and has been extremely able to defuse situations like this, even though it has had a confrontational stance.

Change brings discomfort and demonstrations are part of our culture. I hope and trust they fade away amidst inclusive dialogue.

It seems that by Tuesday the demonstrations were defused. The biggest supporters have lifted their demonstrations in order to start a dialogue process.

Some fringe groups still remain protesting but for the most the demonstrations should be over now.  Best regards,

Business Person from Puerto Viejo

Hi Gary, Sorry I could not get back to you before.

As you probably know already, demonstrations have been going on this week.  There  are several groups such as teachers (UNE), indigenous people (CONAIE), high school and university students and other small groups who have gotten together protesting against different things they consider that violate or diminish their rights:  all of them have in common their opposition to the government, although the majority of them were part of the government in the past .

Each of the group is protesting against a particular law that is about to pass in the congress:  CONAIE  are against Ley del Agua or a law which regulates water and that in their opinion privatizes the water.  UNE or the teachers are against a new law of secondary and elementary education and also against some regulations that will reduce their salaries.  Students are also against  the law of university education which will not allow to have private universities in the future.  Of course political parties are also involved in these demonstrations.

CONAIE is now splitt and having talks with the government so I do not expect their strike to be as strong as in the past.  UNE  or the teachers are the ones that seem to be stronger and they are right now in their third week of protest.

Please let me know if you need more information or comments on these issues.

Kind regards,

Vilcabamba Teacher:

How are you?  I just read a little about this problem in my Country.  You know I feel sad about it because the only people who suffer the consequences are the students, right now the public schools and some universities are closed, students are in their homes.

UNE (national union of teachers) is protesting for 3 reasons:

1) The Ministerio de Education did some kind of administrative process against the teachers who did not do a test (I do not what kind of test) before, this administrative process could cause a teacher to be fired, so, UNE do not accept this process.

2) Also UNE protests about the new reforms in the law that reduce 1.5% of their salary.

3) UNE protests because a new law says that school´s authorities should get a commission of service without a salary.  Regards

Quito Businessman

Hi Gary,  There are 2 ways to read into this:

1.  Correa is trying to clean up the mess that Ecuador’s education system has grown into over the years, with UNE, the main teachers’ association becoming a by-product of the left wing political party MPD.  He has run into opposition and this has lead to the UNE’s strike which started last week.

He is also trying to put some order into the way water rights are distributed and managed in the country, thus angering CONAIE (whom he no longer needs as a political support base because through the same CONAIE and Pachakutik he has gained direct access to the indigenous people by providing them housing, infrastructure, etc.).

Now it turns out that the UNE strike will tie into the CONAIE demonstrations, and things could turn nasty next week.

2.  Correa has become obsessed with his power, and as such is trying to get control of every aspect of Ecuadorians’ life, including education, the use of land and water, the economy in general and of the production and industrial sector (taxing importers out of business in order to support local industry).  In doing so, he has alienated many of his former allies and has made worst enemies of his former foes.  This is unsustainable in the long run and the first signs that his government is heading into severe difficulties are starting to appear.  As you are aware, Correa has a very aggressive political style, criticizing his opponents and trying to make anyone who does not support him look bad and ridicule.  This has its cost and now Correa may be starting to pay the price.

Frankly speaking, I do not know how serious that is.  The main support of Correa’s “Citizens Revolution” has been the poor people.  If they start to turn against him, I do not think he will fare very well.  On the other hand, these demonstrations may just be caused by a minority of UNE and CONAIE, in which case, they will pass and it will be business as usual in Ecuador.   It is hard to tell at this time, but one thing that is for sure is that people are starting to run out of patience with respect to Correa.  We will have a clearer picture by next Monday, because it will be possible to gauge how strong and successful CONAIE’s closing of roads turns out to be.  Best,

Loja Businessman:

University and high school teachers have been protesting the elimination of a 1.5% payment and a couple of other issues. These protests began last week.

This is normal in Ecuador particularly by the union involved. They like to do this in the beginning of the school year.

The police are involved which makes this more serious, but I don’t know how serious.

Guayaquil businessman:

Gary, I do not see it so bad.

Ambato Investor:

By the way, from reading the article, it is not so against the Correa-Government.  Nonetheless, there has been some small protests in Ambato as well.

Coastal Businessman

Gary, thanks..I am in San Clemente and no demonstrations here!

The students and the teachers have always spent most of the time demonstrating..but of course the government thought they would avoid demonstrations against them with the “peoples revolution” slogan..

The indigenous people seem to want to march again against the new mining law and the governments intent to start big scale mining operations to improve finances..

I do not think any of these demonstrations will be even close in size to what they used to be during previous governments..basically because all these movements supported the government and it’s policy and many still do..They also lack the charismatic leaders they once had.

Regards,

This last comment seems to be supported by excerpts of an Associated Press article entitled “Ecuador Indian group protests water, mining laws”: The Associated Press  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.

Monday’s protests on the main national highway paled in comparison to protests that ousted Ecuadorean presidents in 2000 and 2005.

Third AP photo from this article.

Things are improving. Ecuador’s indigenous are getting richer and better educated.

Enrique is one of the excellent Cotacachi indigenous builders who is developing homes in Cotacachi. He is among a growing sector of hard working, highly successful and dependable indigenous businesses that help form a strong, integrated  middle class in Ecuador.  Be sure see to see some of Enrique’s houses at this site next week.

Ecuador demonstrations are a part of Ecuador’s democratic process.  Since moving to Ecuador I have seen many presidents comes and many go… very few serving their full term… a process I like better than having a bad president last.    President Correa has enjoyed a time without Ecuador protests because of high oil prices and his willingness to default on Ecuador bonds.  That former decision is now biting him back… along with low oil prices… so more and more are saying… “throw the bum out”.

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could do this at home?

Gary

Combining good international investing with the greatest asset of all, the ability to earn wherever you live, brings everlasting wealth.

This is why we offer our course Tangled Web… How to Have an Internet Business.

A clear mind and healthy body are also a vital assets… plus a second language is a powerful diversification tool.

This is why I am willing to pay you $300 to attend either our Ecuador Super Thinking plus Spanish seminar in September or our North Carolina International Business & Investing seminar in October.  Sign up for either seminar and I will email you our Tangled Web… How to Have an Internet Business Course (offered at $299) free plus I’ll knock an extra dollar off your seminar fee…. to round up the $300 savings.

See details of the two seminar below.

Delegates at our Ecuador seminars and tours enjoy Ecuador music.

Join Merri, Thomas Fischer of JGAM, our webmaster David Cross and me in North Carolina this October and enroll in our emailed course on how to have a web business free.  Save $300.

Learn more about global investing, how to have an international business and diversification in Ecuador at the seminar.

Oct. 9-11 IBEZ North Carolina

Here is an email for a recent seminar delegate: Hello Gary and Merri,  I have wanted to write to tell you how much we enjoyed your IBEZ seminar, and to thank you both for inviting us all into your lovely home for lunch last Sunday.  Merri, again, thank you for taking the time to prepare foods especially for me; they were delicious, and I appreciate your effort!  Thank you for a thoroughly enjoyable, very well done, stimulating seminar.  I came away not only with all the notes provided, but also with many ideas which I plan to begin working on now that we are back home.  Wishing you all the best,

Or join us in Ecuador and learn more about living and retiring in Ecuador.

We take delegates on our Ecuador seminars to Otavalo markets.  Many buy enough goods to resell in North America to pay for their entire trip.  Ecuador textiles like these I photographed in Otavalo are popular.

Here are comments from one seminar delegate about the followup from our course:  Gary & Merri -
I know why I get a ‘warm and fuzzy’ feeling when I see your two names in the ‘From’ column of my emails!  I sincerely hope that others are getting that same satisfaction.  Thank you both again for the help and assistance in getting to Ecuador.

October 16-18 Ecuador Southern coastal tour Sold Out

Oct. 21-24 Ecuador Import Export Tour

Oct. 25-26 Imbabura Real Estate Tour

Nov. 6-8 IBEZ Ecuador Seminar

Nov. 9-10 Imbabura Real Estate Tour

Nov. 11-14 Ecuador Coastal Real Estate Tour

December 6-8 Beyond Logic Shamanic Tour

December 9-10 Imbabura Real Estate Tour

December 11-13 Ecuador Coastal Real Estate Tour

Attend any two Ecuador seminar or tours in a calendar month…$949 for one.  $1,349 for two.

Attend any three Ecuador courses or tours in a calendar month…$1,199 for one.  $1,799 for two.

“Oil-hungry China moves to strengthen Ecuador tieswww.reuters.com/article/GCA-Oil/idUSTRE56C6FF20090713

www.thestate.com/world/story/962859.html?RSS=untracked
Ecuador Indian group protests water, mining laws