Ecuador Expat Profile – Gary Sisk, Cuenca Ecuador
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Ecuador Expat Profile – Gary Sisk, Cuenca Ecuador
The Expat: Gary Sisk
What is your blog url?
Blog: gas2335.blogspot.com
Facebook: gas2335
Where are you currently living?
Cuenca, Ecuador for three months.
What’s Your Story?
I am a single 63 year old man still seeking new adventures in life.
I am retired, I was born in Long Beach, CA and grew up in Ojai, CA. I have lived in Oregon, Arizona, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, Ohio, Colorado, Missouri and Mexico.
When and where did you get the idea of living in Ecuador?
I wanted to live in a healthy affordable enviroment and after a few months of on-line research I decided Cuenca, Ecuador was the place.
I have been living in Cuenca for almost three months now and plan on becoming a resident here. I have applied for retirement residency and expect it will take a few months.
How’s your Spanish?
I speak serveral words in Spanish and I can communicate when it is necessary but I have relyed on my Ecuadorian friends for major tasks. It is important to speak Spanish if you are going to live here and easier to learn while you are living here. I am American and speak English.
What do you do?
I am retired from the Time-Share industry, which I got involved with in 1983 in Hawaii and continued in the industry in Puerto Vallarta, Cabo and Playa Del Carmen during my twelve years of living in Mexico.
I also worked in Time-Share in Branson, MO., Tucson, Arizona and Las Vegas.
How do you find the cost of living in Ecuador?
Everything in Cuenca is much less than the USA except for imported items which I can live without. The cost of living here is pretty much what I expected.
What do you love about Ecuador?
The things I love most about living here in Cuenca is number one the Ecuadorians are very friendly and seem happier than people from my hometown.
The positive things for me about living here is the clean enviroment. Fresh air, great water and fresh fruits and vegetables all year around. I really did not read many negative things about Cuenca other than some unhappy Expats who probably would not be happy living anywhere anyway.
I feel very safe here, but of course watch what I carry with me as I would also do anywhere in the USA.
I found a great two bedroom/two bathroom condo here on the 11th floor overlooking the Tomebamba river. My rent is $280 a month, water is $8, gas $6, electricity $8, Cable $56 and Internet $26. My major expense was appliances and furniture.
Any gringos considering moving here should do their research on line. I found GringosAbroad to be my best resource. I contacted my attorney recommended by Gringos Abroad before I came here. I faxed them my paper work to make sure I had what was required. I followed Bryan’s advice about finding an apartment for rent and the cost of furnishings.
I have been to a couple of Expat parties and made a few gringo friends. But I also have made some great Ecuadorian friends that I enjoy being with very much.
Gary,
I am a 62 y/o single woman and looking at retirement in probably the next 3 years. I am looking seriously at Cuenca, but want to come for a few visits before I make a commitment. Any advice you can give on planning for such a move would be appreciated.
I found all the info I needed to move here on Gringos Abroad. But I have put lots in info in my book Why Ecuador for me on kindle with amazon and in my blog: AAA Living in Cuenca gas2335.blogspot.com
Let me know when you come for a visit so we can meet!
Gracias for the comment
Gary
Gracias, Gary,
Just purchased your book and have a few more to read. Will let you know when I travel down for a scouting trip.
Pases un buen dia.
Priscilla
HELLO we are also moving to Cuenca and my husband we are coming from California and we are sooooo happy to leave. I have read your story thank you for sharing. We hope to see you in Cuenca walking about….thank you for sharing your experience and your day trips I take notes and I will make sure to visit those sights you have been. Ciao for now ..un fuerte abrazo… Maria Aurelia and Gervasio
Maria,
Thanks for the comment, please let me know when you are here and we can meet for coffee. Where are you coming from in CA?
Also my book Why Ecuador for me on kindle with amazon has good info for those wanting to move here.
Gracias, Gary
I was raised and lived most of my life in San Francisco and my husband lived in Van Nuys for a few years…we currently live in Sacramento…He was raised in Rio de Janiero.. I will check out your book..yes, we would love to connect with you. Will contact you when we get to Cuenca. Have a fabulous day!!!
I look forward to meeting you!
Hi Gary,
Cedula? Is that a visa?
Also, given 99% of all expats come with passport, why would immigration need a birth certificate?
More than curious,
Thomas Condon
Yes a cedula is a resident visa good for 10 years and then it can be renewed for another 10 years. After 3 years you have an option to become a citizen of Ecuador which means you can also keep your US citizenship. Laws change all the time when I cam it was not required to have the birth certificate, but now it is as well as divorce papers. Also I think the apostle stamp can’t be more than 90 days old now! Should always check with EC Emigration before you decide to come down.
Hi Gary, my wife Ruth and I have had Ecuador in the forefront for our retirement destination for some time now and are thinking of visiting sometime in the spring. We would love to meet with you for a heart to heart about your life there, the pros and cons etc,if you can spare the time that is!
Best regards
Martin & Ruth,
Vancouver Island Canada
I would be more than happy to meet you when you are here. Just drop me a e-mail gas2335@yahoo.com when you are here. And thanks for thinking of me.
I just put my book Why Ecuador for me on Kindle with Amazon and I noticed a couple of other books on Cuenca.
Gracias, Gary
Many Thanks
Will be in touch.
M.
Hi Gary,
Thanks for all the info. I am planning to arrive in Cuenca march, but still gathering info on changes of the cedula. It seems that there is a limit of time you can stay(90dys) without a cedula or extension. Meanwhile the best apartments want 6 months lease! Does opening an account give you extra time or just better fund options? Is there a min amount to open a savings account?
I’ve also been on your web site and tried to add up all the cost of getting the cedula as I will be on a teacher type pension..means very low $$.
Happy Holidays
M.
You can do the cedula yourself now in Cuenca and save $1300. It takes some leg work but I have some friends who have done it, they do speak English at Immigration.
I have an account just at Coppera details in blog. don’t need cedula to open. Now besides the other papers needed in blog on cedula you need birth certificate and divorce papers if it applies. Looking forward to hearing from you when you are here.
Hi Gary – I have decided to move to Cuenca in the next couple of months I am looking forward to making new friends and experiencing new places and culture. I am reading your book now. My biggest fear is the how and cost of shipping my belongings. I appreciate any and all knowledge you can share with me. Warm regards, Dave Nichols.
David,
Congrats on you up-coming move! I understand a container can cost $10,000 and for duty free you must have your cedula before shipping.
Let me know when you are here.
Gary
Gary, Hello
Great info about your move to Cuenca. I’m about six months out from relocating there myself. I was hoping you could share your experiences with initial cash management. I’m talking about the span of time before the EC bank account and debit card gets established. Did your US bank cards have any problems generating cash in their ATM machines. I don’t want to get stranded but I also don’t want carry a “wad” if I it’s not necessary.
Bill,
I brought cash with me in a money belt. As soon as I got here I opened a savings account with Coopera which only required a Passport. I wrote them a check from my US account which takes 3 weeks to clear. Every couple of months I deposit US checks with them and there is no fee! A National Bank account can be opened when you have a cedula. But you can open a CD with a National bank without one. ATM’s are usually limited to $300 a day and my Bank charges 1% + $5 & EC Bank charges $3.50. I have a ATM card with my Coopera account which I can take $200 a day from my savings anywhere in EC. You need to notify your Bank & CC’s if you are going to use them outside the US. I use my Capital One here because they don’t charge extra fees litke my other ones do.
Gary,
Thanks for the reply…….very helpful.
Bill
So helpful! Thank you so much as this was a concerning piece for me. I’m in the throes of getting my six month Ecuadorian Visa here in Canada and I will be travelling alone with little Spanish except that I could easily get a beer! I’ve just signed up for your blog and look forward to learning more from you.
Please let me know when you are in Cuenca for coffee! You will have fun here!
Gary. I live in Bahia de Caraquez and have been in Ec for almost 1 1/2 yr. I’m from Ventura and did live in Ojai. When I come to Cuenca I’ll let you know and we can have a “tall one”. Ok? My email is attached so let me know when you come to Bahia. Enjoy your blog and it will only get better. Regards Gar
Gar,
I will be in Bahia around the 20th of Aug., do let me know when you are in Cuenca.
gas2335@yahoo.com
Gary
Gar,
I graduated from Nordhoff in 66′! I will be in Bahia around the 20th of Aug. after a trip to Galapagos. If you come to Cuenca let me know, I am gas2335@yahoo.com
hola mi name is colon campos im e chef and tenis player i like by a small restaurante and bar every body like me and very popular in naples floroda bud is not cuenca please if yuo have any idias plesaev contacme at tacunga@centurylink.net go to restaurantedoncoloncentroquito
Try cuencasbestproperties.com They speak Spanish – e-mail Micheal about buying a business.
My blog: Blog: AAA LIVING IN CUENCA
Post: Cuenca services I recommend!
Link: http://gas2335.blogspot.com/2012/05/cuenca-services-i-recommend.html
Hi Gary!
Sounds like you’ve landed on your feet in Cuenca, a nice place to find yourself. I’m curious how you find the social life, expat or otherwise. When we were renting a place on Calle Larga in 2009 for a couple months, there was a group of expats that got together once or twice a week. If you work your way back on my blog you can see our two month stay, pix and all.
That’s really the only concern I’d have about moving, maintaining a decent social existence. Hope you’ve found your paradise. We may be back some day.
-TD
There are still ZOE on friday’s and now Calif. Kitchen also on friday.
De Bacco’s on tuesdays. And lots of cooking classes, Spanish classes, concerts and bus trips!
My self I like ZOE, being single I find more single people here.
De Bacco seems to have lots of married couples sho tend to stick together.
I need to go more often, but find 3 beers or 3 glasses of wine do me in up here! Ha!
I do have some great Ecuadorian friends and spend more time with them.
Also I have run into some gringo finatics! But variety is the fun in life!
Where do you live now and what is your blog?
Gary
We live (still) in southern Oregon, Ashland, a university town. One of the things I fantasize about is having an organization of expats (wherever we go) that has classes (we’re active in the local learning in retirement scene here).
Things I would miss would be sports, though hiking would take the place of some of that and the continued learning (classes in whatever from films to literature). I’ve got a wife and plenty of interests including golf (I know there’s a 9 hole course there), photography (with great opportunities in/around Cuenca).
Think we went to the expats gathering Zoe’s a few times in the two months we lived in Cuenca but Calif. Kitchen is a new one. And bus trips? What is that about? Travel & activities in different places?
More than a couple beers or wines and I’m liable to do something stupid.
Oh! my blog (kind of inactive cuz I post pix on Flick) is at http://terrydarc.wordpress.com. The Flickr stuff is at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/35742767@N04/collections/ with Ecuador both 2007 (our first visit) and 2009.
Well Terry things are probably pretty much the same as when you were here in 09′.
I lived in Ashland Oregon in 1972! Ha! It was full of the peace and love groups in those days. Lots of head shops, Organic and Health stores. And of course the bars! I still have a friend living there Bryan Bellamy. He has worked for a local print shop for years.
I don’t go to the Expat nights to often and not into the cooking classes or Concerts!
My main goal when I arrive here in Dec. was to get healthy. I have asthma and with the altitude here and being out of shape its been a real challenge. But I do my Rio walk everyday and hit the gym 2 or 3 times a day. I have dropped 30 pounds so far and looking to lose 20 more.
I still have the coast to explore as well as the North and South of Ecuador, that should keep me busy for awhile being I am in not much of a hurry these days! Ha!
You might check gringotree.com it is a daily news letter anouncing activites in Cuenca as well as bus trips etc.
I will check out your blog!
Gary
Small world! Good going on losing weight: that is really important. You get such great food in Ecuador with absolutely the best veggies and fruit including stuff you’ll not see in the north.
I really thing there’s enough in Ecuador to last a lifetime. I absolutely love the Amazon rain forest! Get to Podpocarpus and view it from Vilcabamba and Zamora both. Entirely different. We stayed in Izhcayluma in Zamora (I think the spelling is roughly correct) and in Vilcabamba at another inn of good quality south of the town. That is some gorgeous hiking! Gotta get back! Hope we can connect up when we do.
-Terry
Hi Gary,
What an amazing life you have. I am recently returned to the states after 18 months in Burundi, Africa. I am coming to Cuenca on May 2nd and staying about two weeks. I would enjoy the chance to make some conections while I am there. This will be my first time to Ecuador, but I am interested in moving there if the fit is right. Working on a blog now. Would like to meet up if you have the time to. I have no fixed itinerary (Im not an itinerary kind of guy). Just want to enjoy the country, the people, and the culture.
Thanks so much for your blog!
Scott Emerson,
Concord, New Hampshire
Sounds like you are having a exciting life Too! Please send your blog when it is completed!
Gracias,
Gary
Hi Scott….
We live just down the road from you in Bedford, NH. Last year my wife, who is from Zanzibar, and I were a month in Ecuador and I just got back from a second month as discribed here:
http://jlcollinsnh.wordpress.com/2012/11/25/so-what-does-a-month-in-ecuador-cost-anyway/
If you are so inclined, post a comment on that blog entry and we’ll meet for coffee sometime.
Thanks, Gary, for letting me intrude on your post. Next time I’m in Cuenca, coffee is on me!
Hi Gary, I am a single 56 year old female looking to move to Ecuador. I haven’t decided yet where to buy but thought I would rent something in Cuenca until I make that decision. It is always best to find someone who has some experience in relocating and any help would be much appreciated. I have established contacts in Quito and Banos, but when I visited found those elevations to be too much for me as I like working out and enjoy the outdoors, but found it too difficult to breath. I am hoping to eventually find something closer to or on the coast, as I do paddle boarding, running, etc. Also I like the warmer climates, being from Florida, so it’s probably more to my liking. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. I enjoyed the photos posted on your blog.
Angela Downing
Anglela,
I also have had difficult adjusting to the altitude here in Cuenca + I have asthma. There is 21% less oxygen up here than the coast but using all our lung copacity provides the blood with lots of red blood cells which feed the body oxygen. I keep struggling and walking and going to the gym and I am breathing much better minus 25 pounds! And striving to lose another 20 pounds will also help with my breathing. I will check out the coast this summer when it is cooler.
Thanks for the comment and keep in touch,
Gary
Let me know when you are here! Gracias!
[...] Gringos Abroad – I met Gary Sisk during my recent visit to Cuenca (turns out that we knew his sister when we lived in Ojai, small world.) He is the feature of Gringos’ most recent Ecuador Expat Profile. [...]
Hello Gary:I enjoyed your post.I am a 63 year old male with a 7 1/2 year old Daughter currently in the Philippines-past 12 years-and 11 1/2 years too long.Ecuador has”peaked”my interest and I also lived in Branson Mo.20 years owning my own refrigeration business.I knew many”time bandits” (ha ha)personally working for Point Royal and Kimberling City.Small world.
Sounds like you have found your home and happy for you.
Gary and Logan
What a small world we live in now days! I lived in Branson the 1st time in 1997 – 2000 and again 2009 – 2001. I worked at Surrey, Spinagger, World Mark and Diamond Resorts.
Keep in touch,
Gary