Expat Community > Ecuador

HGQ2112
Joined 2009
Posts: 1640

The Simple Contrasts in Life

11 years ago

Sometimes, posting something about Ecuador is not about the next “end of the word dilemma” and the accompanying [inset drama here] headline. Sometimes, it can be about something simple

Completely unrelated events, both in recent days, reminded me of the many reasons why I came to Ecuador. One of the events, did not even address Ecuador...so a bit of patience is begged, as I make the correlation. As with most contrasts...there is a positive and negative theme.

On the positive side...we are driving through a more remote part of Ecuador, with clients. We are on a narrow and somewhat treacherous road, with full knowledge that there is a clearing ahead. At the clearing, we encounter a road block. The type of roadblock that normally would have us turn the car around and find another route. Not so easy...as the narrow road prevents the car from making a full u-turn and driving backwards, even with a top-notch experienced driver, over a road that was barely navigable going forward, did not seem like a prudent option. The source of the road block? A community-wide birthday party, with a massive number of chairs arranged in a circle, preventing road access. The choices were an impossible drive in reverse, a multi-hour wait, for the party to end...or...creativity and cooperation. We approached the person hosting the party, mentioned our predicament and asked if we could be allowed to move the chairs, long enough for us to pass, and that we would gladly return the chairs to their original locations, once the car passed. We were met with an immediate and welcoming smile. Our request was granted and our word was honored, as we returned everything to its original order. A warm “thank you”, as we waved good-bye, was the last exchange.

On the more negative side, a reminder of what was left behind. I will not, privately, let alone publicly, identify the author. My goal is not to demean anyone, but rather to offer perspective. A fairly well-known newsletter writer released a report in the last week, lambasting a Latin American (LA) nation’s policy on mortgages. The country was not Ecuador. The gist of the piece was exactly how difficult said LA nation made acquiring a mortgage, for the purchase of real estate. The central theme was punctuated by expressing astonishment in the apparent need to close down several open lines of credit - mostly credit cards - in order to qualify for the otherwise, relatively speaking, attractive loan. The conclusion was to walk away from the transaction, based on, as quoted, “...I couldn't run my business or my life without credit cards, I gave up.”

I wonder if the dichotomy of these very different lifestyles and perspectives is taken for granted...lost on most? I wonder if we even begin to understand the fundamental nature of such lifestyle differences, as it pertains to the renewed desire by many in the USA to “find something different”? As the fiscal Matterhorn approaches, I wonder if the USA mentality will ever change, or if Ecuador will simply continue to receive wave, after wave of new expats, seeking a “better life”? Now...those of you who know me better didn’t think I was going to close this thread on such an uplifting note of fluff, now did you? Also, leads me to wonder, how many of those incoming expats, following the romanticized depictions offered in this publication or that, will wince heavily, the first time their credit card is rejected? If it is not change you seek, then do not exchange your current lifestyle, just for the sake of something different. Unless, of course, sans credit card, you can embrace the simple pleasures of life...such as a cooperating smile and a warm goodbye.

Hector G. Quintana
[email protected]
"I believe there are more instances of the abridgment of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations." -- James Madison

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The Simple Contrasts in Life

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