The Grand Bazaar If you're into shopping for ethnic items, this market is a galore of Turkish, African, and Persian rugs, colorful lights, jewelry, and Turkish spices to take home. I came in with an intent of buying rugs!! Before I came to the bazaar,...
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
Saturday, May 23, 2015
Thursday, May 21, 2015
Travel outside the country, safe and sound Part two Think about retiring to Ecuador?
Ecuador - 10 Best Places To Retire
Ecuador? You say, “live in Ecuador? Sì. Ecuador is a great place to live not just because it’s one of the least expensive places in the world to live, but because it also offers a wonderful lifestyle. Let’s discover what makes Ecuador one of the 10 best places to retire in the world.
Sun-drenched beaches, the famous Galapagos Islands, snow-capped volcanoes – Ecuador has them all. It is known as the land of eternal spring and for good reason. Berceuse it lies right on the equator, Ecuador has 12 hours of direct equatorial daylight 365 days a year, making its weather just about perfect the year around no matter where you are in the country.
The country’s size is 283,560 sq. km, making it a bit smaller than the state of Nevada. It is in Western South America and borders the Pacific Ocean at the Equator. Columbia is at its north and Peru lies to the south. Ecuador’s population is estimated to be about 14,600,000.
The food
Ecuador is a fertile country and a land of plenty. A typical meal in the country’s highlands might consist of locro a delicious soup of potato, cheese and corn; followed by a main course of llapingachos (cheesy potato cakes) served with chorizo (sausage), lomo (steak) or pollo (chicken). For desert, there could be morocho de leche – baked cheese dough balls brushed with sweet syrup or humitas.
As you might imagine, coastal delicies center on seafood with the classic ceviche, and encondados (fish dishes with a Caribbean flavor) that are usually served with rice, bananas or plantain.
The cost of living
It is not really a stretch to say that you can live like a king in Ecuador on a pauper’s budget. In fact, it is said that you can take $250 U.S. out of an ATM machine on Monday and this will cover your expenses for the next week. Many expatriates say you can live fairly well in Ecuador for about $700 U.S. a month or $1,000 tops. Groceries typically cost about $250 a month and you can buy a week’s worth of fresh vegetables and fruits for around $13 U.S. A full-time maid costs around $100 a month.
Taxes
Ecuadorian taxes are very reasonable. Income taxes are progressive with rates from 5% on annual incomes up to $6800, to 25% on incomes of $54,400 and higher. There is also a Value Added Tax (VAT) of 12% on most goods and services. Property taxes vary depending on the province and cantonin in which the property is located. As an example of this, the annual property taxes on a $170,000 home in Cuenca are $110.
Real estate in Ecuador
Buying real estate in Ecuador is fairly simple. However, there is no such thing as a multiple listing service so a real estate agent in Quito may have no idea as to what’s available in Manta or Cuenca.
Many of the real estate agents in Ecuador act as a buyer’s agent and charge a commission. Also, foreigners are not permitted to own property within 50 km. of the country’s borders or coastlines.
When you buy property in Ecuador, you will make a down payment with the rest of the value of the property deferred over one to seven years with a bank credit of mortgage. This is because most Ecuadorian banks make only short-term loans.
As examples of real estate costs in Ecuador, a two-bedroom apartment in Cuenca’s colonial center just sold for $39,000. Out in the country, in the Valley of Longevity (Vilcambamba), a two-story house with five bedrooms on 2.5 acres – with fruit trees and a fresh water source – recently sold for just under $60,000.
The climate
Ecuador’s coastal lowland (La Costa) is usually warm with temperatures averaging 77o F. The highlands (La Sierra) have a much cooler climate and its temperatures vary by altitude. For example, Quito’s average summer temperature is about 60.8 o F.
Ecuador’s third region, the Amazon (El Oriente) is humid and rainy with an average daytime temperature around 77 o F. And the Galapagos Islands have a mostly dry climate year around with temperatures averaging 80.6 o F.
As you can see from these average temperatures, there is a good reason why Ecuador is called the “real land of eternal spring,”
Retiring to Ecuador
If you choose to retire to Ecuador, you should b happy to know that the task of becoming a resident is fairly straightforward. You will submit an immigrant-status visa application at the Ecuadorian consulate nearest your current place of residence. It will have to be approved by the country’s Ministry of Foreign Relations. This process normally takes four to eight weeks. Once your application is approved, you can have the visas for your dependents processed directly at your consulate.
The language
Spanish is Ecuador’s official language. English is the most spoken foreign language, especially among young professionals and those who provide services to tourists. If you plan on living in Ecuador, you will probably want to learn Spanish as this makes day-to-day living easier.
The economy
The Ecuadorian economy is heavily dependent on its oil exports. It is the world’s largest exporter of bananas and also exports gold, shrimp and other primary agricultural products.
The country’s industrial sector had had a tough time growing significantly due to a lack of energy. However, the country’s government is working to improve the performance of existing hydroelectric plants and to create new ones. The government has also developed incentives and tariffs that are designed to help tourism, food processing, renewable and alternative energies, bioenergies, automotive parts and pieces, and several other industrial sectors.
Health care
Ecuador offers excellent health care. In the larger cities, especially Quito, Cuenca and Guayaquil, there are hospitals with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment. There are specialists in all fields. The average visit to a doctor’s office runs $20 U.S.and a visit to a specialist about $25 U.S.
Health insurance costs just a fraction of what it does in the U.S. Dentists are highly skilled and widely available. Partial plates usually cost about $329 US. and a complete set of dentures around $l,200 U.S. This includes all office visits, fittings, impressions lab work, etc.
Cultural activities
Ecuador offers wide variety of cultural and historical activities. Guayaquil has great Museums of Anthropology and Contemporary Art. Its downtown features many architectural styles that combine a colonial look with the feeling of a bustling commercial center.
Ecuador’ capital, Quito, has the Telefriqo, which is the city’s best-known attraction. Riding it up its mountain offers some of the most spectacular views of the city. Quito also has the Basilica del Voto Nacional, one of the country’s most striking churches, and the Parque Metropolitan, one of the largest city parks in North America.
As you might imagine, Ecuador also offers an amazing array of outdoor activities, including cycling, swimming, hiking, climbing, horseback riding, birding and rafting – to name just a few.
Three Ecuadorian cites we like for retirement – Where to retire in Ecuador
If you intend to retire to Ecuador, there are three cities you should investigate – Manta, Cotacachi and Cuenca.
Manta. If waking up to a great view of the ocean and pristine beaches is your cup of tea, Manta might be the place for you.
When lying on the beach gets too boring, fear not. Manta is a bustling city on Ecuador’s east coast with a population of 250,000 and the same high level of medical, transportation and communication services you would find in Quito or Guayaquil.
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Manta’s housing prices are very reasonable. Condos on the beach north of Manta are currently being offered for $18,000 and a Mediterranean-style beach house with 1,937 sq. ft. was recently listed at $170,000. It was described as a “beautiful two bedroom beach house with dining-living room with fireplace, kitchen and store room.
Cotacachi. A second Ecuadorian city worth investigating is Cotacachi. It is perched at 7,825’ above level in the Andes Mountains of northern Ecuador. Many visitors say that being in Cotacachi is like being on top of the world – except its weather is spring-like year around.
Cotacachi is an artisan town. Its artisans are the masters of leather good and their shops line the city’s main street. You can buy just about any type of leather product in these shops from a saddle to booties.
It’s difficult to find example of housing costs in Ecuador, as there is no multiple listing service. However, there was recently a home listed in Cotacachi in a gated community with two bedrooms, two baths and 1,600 sq. ft., and an asking price of $87,000 U.S. There was also new, 1 ½ story, Spanish-style homes within walking distance of Cotacachi called Paradiso Homes advertised at $78,500 to $84,000 U.S. These homes have two bathrooms, two bedrooms, covered porches, wood burning fireplaces and landscaped yards.
Cuenca. A third Ecuadorian city that’s great for expats is Cuenca. It is in the Ecuadorian highlands at 8,200 feet above sea level. It is the country’s third largest city. Like all of the Ecuadorian Andes, Cuenca has a mild climate year around. The days are usually warm and nights so cool, you will need a sweater or jacket.
Real estate prices in Cuenca are very reasonable. As an example of this, a new condo in the city’s center was recently listed at $30,000. There was also listed a hour with living room, great room, dining room, kitchen, laundry area and three parking spaces – all for $115,00 U.S.
Beautiful sun-dappled beaches, the Galapagos Islands, the Amazon Rain Forest, inexpensive housing, a low cost of living and a bustling economy all come together in Ecuador, making it one of the best places in the world to live.
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Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Travel outside the country, safe and sound
There is an undeniable fact that most
people have this great chance to travel abroad for some time in their
lives. For some reasons, others go abroad for work. Whatever the
purpose of that travel abroad is, see to it that you make yourself
safe from whatever hassles and be prepared for the whole trip.
These are the tips you have to bear in
mind so that your travel experience is trouble free. Traveling is intended
to be fun and trouble free. With a few pointers your travel experience can be fun and trouble free. .
Here are the things I have Learned from traveling abroad:
- See to it that you have signed the right passport and visa, double check everything for these are the most important things you have to secure before anything else. And be sure to fill in the information intended for the emergency page.
- More readings would definitely help you out. Get to know the country you want to visit. The Consular information sheets would surely be very essential as a reading material. You really have to get to know the country you choose to go
- As you are in the other country, of course, you have to be under the rules and law of the country you are paying a visit. For it would surely decide your total stay there. Stay out of the hassles and troubles by being of knowledge.
- Be aware of their custom as well. Do not get yourself that feeling of being an outcast or do not hurt others just because you have gone against their usual beliefs and their usual acts. When you know the culture and the custom, the more you sow seeds of respect to the place and its people.
- Make another copy of your important travel papers.
- And of course,know where the American Counsel is and other agencies that will be important to you.
I am going to use my trip to Galapagos Islands last year and wish that someone had written an article about what I should know, before I went.
If you’re flying into Quito, check out Mansion Del Angel, a 14-room boutique hotel with a peaceful garden and delicious buffet breakfast that’s only about a 10-minute walk from the main tourist area. Note that the new Quito airport is a long drive from Quito itself, so sleep somewhere closer if you’re flying in late and leaving early for your Galapagos flight.
When flying into Guayaquil, Hotel Oro Verde Guayaquil is a convenient option because it offers a free shuttle to the hotel (which is only about a 10-minute ride away), and has good service.
Most Galapagos tours begin and end in Santa Cruz. You might want to spend an extra night and splurge on a stay at the Finch Bay Eco Hotel. A quick ferry ride from the dock at Puerto Ayora, it has its own secluded beach where you can snorkel, kayak and swim.
- Clothing Suggestions to Take with You
- 1 pair of casual dress slacks
- 3-4 pairs of shorts
- 9 t-shirts
- tank tops
- 4 casual dress shirts
- 1 pair of tennis shoes
- 1 pair of water shoes or light hiking boots
- underwear
- pajamas
- flip flops
- socks
- 1 pair of casual dress slacks
- 3-4 pairs of shorts
- 9 t-shirts
- tank tops
- 4 casual dress shirts
- 1 pair of tennis shoes
- 1 pair of water shoes or light hiking boots
- underwear
- pajamas
- flip flops
- socks
Camera/video equipment Misc
-
- camera
- video camera
- extra lenses
- hood
- filters (especially a polarizing filter)
- film/tapes/batteries
- waterproof carrying bag
- underwater camera
- lens cleaner/dust laundry bag
- sunglasses
- binoculars
- business cards
- backpack (for island excursions)
- Galapagos travel guide/book
- travel alarm clock
- waterproof watch
- plastic bags (that close completely)
- rain gear
- bandana
- snorkel gear (fins, mask, tube, gear bag, wet suit)
- plastic water bottles
- handi-wipes
- Swiss army knife
- reading/writing materials
- 2 swimsuits
- sweatshirt, sweater, or light jacket
- hat
Toiletries
- shampoo/conditioner
- soap
- contact lens solution
- eyeglasses/extra contact lenses
- razor
- toothbrush/toothpaste
- comb/brush
- travel-size hairdryer
- first aid kit/medicine (i.e. motion sickness medicine)
- sunscreen/aloe vera
- lip protection with SPF
- camera
- video camera
- extra lenses
- hood
- filters (especially a polarizing filter)
- film/tapes/batteries
- waterproof carrying bag
- underwater camera
- lens cleaner/dust laundry bag
- sunglasses
- binoculars
- business cards
- backpack (for island excursions)
- Galapagos travel guide/book
- travel alarm clock
- waterproof watch
- plastic bags (that close completely)
- rain gear
- bandana
- snorkel gear (fins, mask, tube, gear bag, wet suit)
- plastic water bottles
- handi-wipes
- Swiss army knife
- reading/writing materials
- 2 swimsuits
- sweatshirt, sweater, or light jacket
- hat
- shampoo/conditioner
- soap
- contact lens solution
- eyeglasses/extra contact lenses
- razor
- toothbrush/toothpaste
- comb/brush
- travel-size hairdryer
- first aid kit/medicine (i.e. motion sickness medicine)
- sunscreen/aloe vera
- lip protection with SPF
The Galápagos Islands (official name: Archipiélago de Colón, other Spanish names: Islas Galápagos, Spanish pronunciation: ˈislas gaˈlapaɣos) are an archipelago of volcanic islands distributed on either side of the Equator in the Pacific Ocean, 906 km (563 mi) west of continental Ecuador, of which they are a part.
The Galápagos Islands and their surrounding waters form an Ecuadorian province, a national park, and a biological marine reserve. The principal language on the islands is Spanish. The islands have a population of slightly over 25,000.1
The islands are famed for their vast number of endemic species and were studied by Charles Darwin during the voyage of the Beagle. His observations and collections contributed to the inception of Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection.
It costs $100.per adult and $50. to visit the park it is a charge to maintain the park.
Weather
These satellite maps show chlorophyll focus (which compares with the wealth of phytoplankton) amid El Niño (top) and La Niña (lower). Blue speaks to low focuses, yellow, orange and red demonstrate high fixations. Streams that typically treat the phytoplankton opposite amid El Niño, bringing about infertile seas. These same streams are fortified by La Niña, bringing about a blast of sea life.
The base picture shows ocean surface temperature, cool upwelling waters are shaded purple. Flourishing phytoplankton populaces are demonstrated by high chlorophyll fixations (top picture), hued green and yellow. Pictures procured on 2 March 2009.
Albeit situated on the Equator, the Humboldt Current conveys chilly water to the islands, bringing about successive sprinkles amid the majority of the year. The climate is occasionally impacted by the El Niño occasions, which happen about like clockwork and are described by warm ocean surface temperatures, an ascent in ocean level, more noteworthy wave activity, and an exhaustion of supplements in the water.[9]
Amid the season known as the garua (June to November), the temperature by the ocean is 22 °C (72 °F), a consistent and icy wind blows from south and southeast, continuous showers (garuas) last the greater part of the day, and thick haze hides the islands. Amid the warm season (December to May), the normal ocean and air temperature ascends to 25 °C (77 °F), there is no wind by any means, there are sporadic, however solid, downpours and the sun sparkles.
Climate changes as elevation increments in the extensive islands. Temperature diminishes progressively with height, while precipitation increments because of the buildup of dampness in mists on the inclines. There is a substantial range in precipitation starting with one spot then onto the next with height, as well as relying upon the area of the islands, furthermore with the seasons.
The accompanying table relating to the wet 1969 demonstrates the variety of precipitation in better places of Santa Cruz Island:
Location Charles Darwin
Station Devine Farm Media Luna
Altitude 6 m 320 m 620 m
January 23.0 mm 78.0 mm 172.6 mm
February 16.8 mm 155.2 mm 117.0 mm
March 249.0 mm 920.8 mm 666.7 mm
April 68.5 mm 79.5 mm 166.4 mm
May 31.4 mm 214.6 mm 309.8 mm
June 16.8 mm 147.3 mm 271.8 mm
July 12.0 mm 42.2 mm 135.6 mm
August 3.8 mm 13.7 mm 89.5 mm
September 18.5 mm 90.9 mm 282.6 mm
October 3.2 mm 22.6 mm 96.5 mm
November 11.0 mm 52.8 mm 172.7 mm
December 15.7 mm 84.1 mm 175.3 mm
TOTALS 469.7 mm 1901.7 mm 2656.4 mm
The precipitation likewise relies on upon the land area. Amid March 1969, the precipitation over Charles Darwin Station, on the southern bank of Santa Cruz was 249.0 mm (9.80 in), while on Baltra Island, the precipitation amid that month was just 137.6 mm (5.42 in). This is on the grounds that Baltra is situated behind Santa Cruz regarding the overarching southerly winds, so the vast majority of the dampness gets hastened in the Santa Cruz good countries.
There are huge changes in precipitation starting with one year then onto the next, as well. At Charles Darwin Station, the precipitation amid March 1969 was 249.0 mm (9.80 in), however amid March 1970, it was just 1.2 mm (0.05 in).
On the bigger islands, the example of by and large wet high countries and drier marshes sways the vegetation. The vegetation in the good countries has a tendency to be green and rich, with tropical forest in spots. The swamp ranges have a tendency to have dry and semi-bone-dry vegetation, with numerous prickly bushes and desert flora, and practically uncovered volcanic shake somewhere
Continued in Travel Outside the Country Safe and Sound Part 2 for other tips.
Visiting BadLands
From Vancouver B.C. our next stop is the Badlands, in South Dakota
We plan to visit Mt. Rushmore
Mount Rushmore National Memorial is a large-scale mountain sculpture by artist Gutzon Borglum. The figures of America's most prominent U.S. presidents--George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt—represent 150 years of American history.
The Memorial is located near Keystone in the Black Hills of South Dakota, roughly 30 miles from Rapid City.
We plan to rent an RV while we are there and a car. I was born in North Dakota so after seeing the beautiful Bad Lands we will head north and see the farm I grew up on the easiest way to do that is to rent an RV then fly home from Minot, North Dakota when we are done.
I f y o u ' r e a g e o l o g i s t , a n a t u r a l i s t , o r j u s t s o m e o n e t h a t ' s i n t e r e s t e d i n a p l a c e a b i t o f f t h e b e a t e n t r a c k , t h e n T h e B a d l a n d s , S o u t h D a k o t a i s t h e p l a c e f o r y o u .
A m i x t u r e o f s p i r e s , v a l l e y s , b u t t e s a n d s h a r p l y e r o d e d s a n d s t o n e , t h i s m i x e d p r a i r i e g r a s s p r e s e r v e i s a g r e a t p l a c e t o g o
w h e t h e r y o u ' r e a f o s s i l h u n t e r , o r j u s t i n t e r e s t e d i n n a t u r a l
b e a u t y .
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| Yellow Mounds by Photographer Carl Johnson, 2009 Artist in Residence |
B a d l a n d s N a t i o n a l p a r k i s a g o r g e o u s p l a c e w i t h u n i q u e a n d u n u s u a l s a n d s t o n e r o c k t h a t l a y e r s i n w a y s t h a t h a s t o b e s e e n t o b e b e l i e v e d . T h e s p i r e s , a n d e r o s i o n s f o r m e d o v e r s e v e r a l t h o u s a n d m i l l e n i a m a k e f o r a u n i q u e s k y l i n e . V e g e t a t i o n a n d f a u n a s p r i n k l e c r e v i c e s a n d v a l l e y s , m a k i n g f o r i n t e r e s t i n g w a l k s , a n d o f c o u r s e , t h e b a d l a n d s a r e h o m e t o a l l k i n d s o f w i l d a n i m a l s , f r o m B i s o n t h a t g r a z e b y t h e s i d e o f t h e r o a d a s y o u ' r e d r i v i n g t h r o u g h , t o P r a i r i e d o g s , E l k , C o y o t e s ,
a n d w i l d H o r s e s .
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Black Hill Wild Horse Sanctuary
Come Visit the Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary, one of America’s greatest private wilderness areas!
See hundreds of wild mustangs roaming free across wind swept prairies. Travel back in time and view the rugged natural beauty of America as it was 100 years ago. Explore wild horse history and learn how important horses were to early man. |
Come Visit the Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary, one of America’s greatest private wilderness areas!
See hundreds of wild mustangs roaming free across wind swept prairies. Travel back in time and view the rugged natural beauty of America as it was 100 years ago. Explore wild horse history and learn how important horses were to early
See hundreds of wild mustangs roaming free across wind swept prairies. Travel back in time and view the rugged natural beauty of America as it was 100 years ago. Explore wild horse history and learn how important horses were to early
M a n y i n t e r e s t i n g f o s s i l s h a v e b e e n f o u n d t h e r e , s i n c e t h e i n t e r e s t i n p a l e o n t o l o g y k i c k e d u p i n 1 8 4 0 o r s o . S e v e r a l s p e c i e s o f f o s s i l s h a v e s i n c e b e e n d i s c o v e r e d i n t h e W h i t e R i v e r a r e a o f t h e B a d l a n d s m o r e t h a n 3 / 4 s o f t h e t o t a l f o u n d b y 1 8 5 4 h a d c o m e f r o m t h a t o n e
a r e a .
s were to early man.
T h e o d o r e R o o s e v e l t n a t i o n a l p a r k i s t h e m o s t i n t e r e s t i n g o f t h e B a d l a n d s p a r k s , m a d e u p o f t h r e e p a c k a g e s o f l a n d t h a t a r e s e p a r a t e f r o m o n e a n o t h e r a n d a r e a l l c o n n e c t e d b y T h e M a a h D a a h H e y t r a i l . I t i s s a i d t h a t T h e o d o r e R o o s e v e l t a s s o c i a t e d s t r o n g l y w i t h t h e ' d y i n g ' w a y o f l i f e o f t h e W e s t e r n c o w b o y , a n d r a n c h e r a n d h a d h i s o w n r a n c h t h e r e t o r e c o v e r f r o m t h e l o s s o f h i s m o t h e r a n d l a t e r , h i s w i f e . H i s R a n c h i s s e t d e e p w i t h i n t h e h e a r t o f o n e o f t h e p a c k e t s o f l a n d a n d t h o u g h t h e r e ' s n o t h i n g l e f t o f i t n o w , h e w r o t e a b o u t t h e p e a c e h e f o u n d t h e r e , b e f o r e r e t u r n i n g t o p o l i t i c s l a t e r i n h i s l i f e .
Saturday, May 9, 2015
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