An Expat Talks about Moving to We are retired and wanted a change from the U.S. at least for a few years, perhaps longer. That being the case we considered and visited several countries. We came to Ecuador at the start of August spent some time in Guayaquil which we liked and enjoyed and then moved on to Loja our target city. We absolutely love Loja, have rented an apartment and have started on our papers. Jona Poma of Life in Loja has assisted us greatly in showing us around the city and even found our apartment for us. Maite Duran of Gringo Visa is looking after our visas. Loja is a very walkable city so we wonder around daily to the markets, the parks and enjoy the artwork and monuments of the city. The people have been very pleasant and accepting of us and recognize us when we visit their market stalls, restaurants etc. People we pass on the street greet us and we respond with our limited Spanish. This is not North America and yes service can be slow. You have to learn how to work with it as the pace here is indeed slower. Come and see and decide for yourself. We love it here in Ecuador and hope that you will too. Good luck., Ecuador

What advice would you give someone preparing to move to your area about the actual move, choosing a neighborhood and finding a home?

We are retired and wanted a change from the U.S. at least for a few years, perhaps longer. That being the case we considered and visited several countries. We came to Ecuador at the start of August spent some time in Guayaquil which we liked and enjoyed and then moved on to Loja our target city. We absolutely love Loja, have rented an apartment and have started on our papers. Jona Poma of Life in Loja has assisted us greatly in showing us around the city and even found our apartment for us. Maite Duran of Gringo Visa is looking after our visas. Loja is a very walkable city so we wonder around daily to the markets, the parks and enjoy the artwork and monuments of the city. The people have been very pleasant and accepting of us and recognize us when we visit their market stalls, restaurants etc. People we pass on the street greet us and we respond with our limited Spanish. This is not North America and yes service can be slow. You have to learn how to work with it as the pace here is indeed slower. Come and see and decide for yourself. We love it here in Ecuador and hope that you will too. Good luck.