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@MelindasNaturals

Жыл бұрын

Doing so now!

@janosnemeth5365

Жыл бұрын

I love to living in Ecuador that’s my dream.

@88keys98

Жыл бұрын

Do you use a water tester to know for sure the quality of the tap water in Loja?

I spent 8 days in Loja a few years ago and found that there are very, very few ENGLISH speaking expats, but there are quite a few European expats, many of which speak English as well as European languages. I especially encountered lots of French and German expats, not just as tourists, but residents of Loja. Loja also has an "Alliance Francaise", a cultural, artistic, and language center for locals to learn French culture and language. The French government opens these cultural centers in many, many cities around the world. If you go to the Alliance Francaise, you will encounter more European expats than American expats. Since I enjoy meeting people from all around the world, it was a joy for me to be in Loja.

Funny, I've been drinking the tap water in Loja and have never had a problem...

We have our eyes on Loja...considering moving back to Ecuador, having returned Stateside in 2016 - we lived in El Oriente for almost 4 years...love, love, love Ecuador!

I lived for 8 months in Loja close to 40 years ago and at that time it did not rain a lot. To be honest all I remember are the cool sunny days. I walked all over town in that city of 80,000 people at the time. Looking forward to go back and see the growth.

Glad you made it to Loja. As a frequent visitor to Loja Province over the years I would definitely say that the entire province is special..it is more traditional Ecuador in many ways. The fact that it is harder to get to has preserved a lot of the history and culture there that have slipped by the other large cities in Ecuador. Loja has a thriving music tradition found nowhere else in the country and the town is full of artists. There are many words, foods and mannerisms that you will only find in Loja and nowhere else in Ecuador. To have the local horchata, made from grasses, leaves, flowers and berries is something that you will never forget. There are wonderful day trips from Loja to Malacatos and Vilcabamba, the Basilica at Cisne, Saraguro, and the roads to Cariamanga and Macara are breathtaking. A short drive away is Zamora and you are on the edge of the Amazon basin. I came to love the people there and their way of life as I hope you will. Soy gringo de nacimiento, pero lojano por elección...

@AmeliaAndJP

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing! 😊👍🇪🇨

@inaruboricua

Жыл бұрын

Que maravilla! The only way I could live in a city again is with so much nature so near. And the music and arts sound like the other part of heaven, thanks, lojano! I wasn't considering EC until now, it's the first perfect mix I've seen, of all the places they've showed us.

Sounds like a delightful place. I visited Vilcabamba and although a delightful town the expats there really turned me off. The vast majority of them had no interest in learning Spanish. Could be a problem getting from Loja to the airport with landslides! I would love to know more about the symphonies, etc there. And the Universities.

I’m so happy to finally see a video like this on Loja. I have not visited Ecuador yet, but Loja has been on my radar for several years due to it being a quieter city in a warmer mountain region with plenty of rain to keep things green. I’m so thrilled to see how beautiful it really is! This has solidified my plans to make a visit. Thank you for making this video!

Yes, people in Loja kept the old good ways of greeting others in the streets or anywhere. Very polite people.

WOW - Loja is very modern ! Actually, much cleaner than similar sized cities in Costa Rica - which often have storm drains clogged with plastic bottles & bags. VERY NICE !

If you go to Ecuador please #1 RESPECT NATIVE AMERICANS

Thank you for the upload. I'm stunned by how clean the city looked.

@AmeliaAndJP

Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it! Loja is super clean!

@donminecuador6044

Жыл бұрын

I agree and compared to any city I've been to, Loja has an amazing amount of civic pride. JP did a great job capturing this.

I've been drinking the tap water in Loja and have never had an issue. I have many Lojano friends who also drink tap. Loja's potable water comes from the El Carmen watershed which is carefully managed for biodiversity and sustainability. In some of the older neighborhoods with really old plumbing, I'd drink bottled water.

@AmeliaAndJP

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the info! We stayed in an old building in El Centro. We didn't feel comfortable drinking the water there, but it's nice to know you can drink it in some of the newer places.

@PassionForLifeGallery

Жыл бұрын

We don't drink the water anywhere in Ecuador

@silvanavelasco1147

Жыл бұрын

Si es potable el agua pero igual yo hierbo diario 3 lts en Quito por si acaso 🖐️

@davidc1961utube

Жыл бұрын

The issue is that it is not chlorinated when it leaves the treatment plant.

@rody822

Жыл бұрын

Water is good in Loja ECUADOR and in the mayority of cities, the water is better than the water in USA. IN USA water has 100 chemicals lo be purified and also in USA ALL the water is processed in the same place drinking water and sewage full of poo.. so it has so many chemicals.. people from other countries are the ones who come sick from their own countries.. so you so called tourists should be careful.. and take care of yourselfs when you go to other countries and then blame the country that is hosting you . When I go to USA CANADA. and europe.i don't drink tap water . because I know how it has been processed and it is not good for the body.. that is why so many people have so many more. Than poor countries incurable diseases. When I go to your country I drink bottled water and also I boil tap water .thanks. . not culpen Al agua de ECUADOR . El agua de ECUADOR es mas saludable que el agua de sus paises.USA por EJEMPLO purifica en el mismo lugar el agua para el toilet y el agua para beber .con 100 quimicos lo que Les causa enfermedades incurables LAS eztadisticas EZTAN ahi para que analicen. En ECUADOR el agua es mas pura. Son ustedes turistas que vienen ya enfermos de sus paises. Si van a algun lugar son USTEDES que tienen que adaptarse Al lugar el DICHO dice CUANDO en Roma hacer lo que Los Romanos hacen.. there is a saying. WHEN IN ROME DO WHAT ROMANS DO.. THANKS gracias 😁😁👍

Saludos from England. Really interesting video, thanks! I just got back from a couple of weeks in Ecuador and would recommend a couple of day trips - Cero Blanco is a tropical dry forest just outside Guayaquil (on the via la costa road) and Churute which is an ecological mangrove reserve and tropical dry forest. Both great if you want to see some wildlife - howler monkeys, snakes, lizards etc. and amazing pants and trees. However, do take your mosquito spray if you go, the mosquitos love the taste of an extranjero😄

@AmeliaAndJP

Жыл бұрын

Great suggestions!

According to Numbeo, Loja is also much safer than other cities in Ecuador.

Very accurate comparison, based on my own experiences. Most of the important differences are related to the fact that Loja is smaller and lower than Cuenca. Definitely better for my Spanish skills!

I can see how it would remind you of Ft. Collins, and in some areas, even like Boulder. But it looks like a dream town.

Great info! Thanks for all you share with us.

I sure appreciate the details & the nuance you include in your videos. Beyond helpful 💕

I’ll most likely be in Ecuador this winter, im thinking of doing 3-4 weeks each in Guayaquil, Quito and Cuenca. Might have to add Loja to the list.

@BOULDERGEEK

Жыл бұрын

We plan on doing the same thing.

Fantastic!! Informative and based on what I know about the two of you - very much a guide for newbies in Ecuador. Thanks both for this!

Well done & informative video as usual guys.

ANOTHER amazing city to consider! Thank you!

Great to see you both again! I enjoy your videos! You are inspirational and you make me think maybe I would like it there as well! Thanks for posting!

@AmeliaAndJP

Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

Amazing review of my beloved city Loja! Usually on Sundays or weekends, we spend more time in Malacatos or Vilcabamba which could be one of the reasons why on Sunday the city itself is not as active as during the week, but if you travel south for around 45 minutes, you will find these amazing valleys where you might even find a lot of expats.

I landed in Loja and lived there for four months, it is a really nice small city! 💗 You really nailed the pluses and minuses. The gas trucks LOL!, and the garbage trucks with the same melody, definitely cemented in my mind, but it just became a ubiquitous background sound that I actually missed once I left! Personally, I was cold every minute while indoors there, my heating pad got quite the daily workout keeping my feet warm... the house never really warmed up inside after the overnight lows in the mid to lower 50´s F, but I get cold easy and much prefer a warm environment, so I am on the coast now. Also, I never really adjusted to the altitude... a lot of housing is on those very steep slopes and while that does provide for amazing views, it was a super huff fest for me in that way.

@AmeliaAndJP

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing your thoughts 😊👍

@PassionForLifeGallery

Жыл бұрын

We were cold all the time too. That is why we moved to Malacatos. And the garbage trucks are actually a different melody.

@janosnemeth5365

Жыл бұрын

Loja it’s a big city! Let’s make this straight!

as always guys wonderful well balanced video.

Thinking now Cuenca for my first year, then exploring and fer sure go to Loja. Sounds quieter and looks beautiful!!

I need a lover to get there to run away. Thanks again and big air hugs

I am headed down there from Cuenca in Late September to spend a week there thanks to your videos.

I really enjoy your channel. Loja definitely looks like a cool place. I need to get out of the US soon and Cuenca, and now Loja, is at the top of my list for a longish term place to live. Keep the info coming!

@proyectonuevo7487

Жыл бұрын

I recommend you look at Santa Elena and the valleys of Sangolqui or Quito, they are at a not so high altitude, at 2350, although loja is at 2100 and malacatos and vilcaba 1400.. The city of Ibarra at 2000 meters with a bine health system and many long-lived people.

Great video!! My husband and I are headed to Ecuador for our second exploratory trip in September - 3-4 weeks in Cuenca and then 10 days staying in Loja at this same AirBnB. We're very excited!

@AmeliaAndJP

Жыл бұрын

That AirBnB was great and the host was super helpful! Enjoy!

You guys are awesome! Good job

You really nailed Loja. Great job! We moved to Cuenca in 2001, and at the time, there were virtually no expats there either. Somewhere around 2010, I made the prediction that once expats discovered Loja, it would explode in the same way that Cuenca did. Well I sure missed the mark on that one. I returned in 2013 to write about it again, and found Loja to be mostly the same as when I left in 2006. And you show that it's still mostly the same today. Frankly, I don't understand it. Loja's awesome. But I'm glad that it's never become the expat haven that Cuenca did. There are a handful of expats who prefer it that way, and places like it are harder and harder to find.

Excellent presentation. Great job. The issue of rainy weather means you always need to use a dryer (sometimes in short supply). When I lived in Manizales, Colombia it would take days to dry clothes and you'd often have to take a taxi or get drenched pushing up day to days costs.

Again, I commend JP & América for good reportaje. In my 3 years in Ecuador i did not visit Loja. I have spent more than enough $$ in search of residency, so now stay within the 180 days available on my visas. I Will visit Loja enroute to Colombia later this winter.

Enjoyed it very much … thanks 😊

Great bird view filming!

Thank you for mentioning the land slides. I'd asked about them in a different forum and was told no big deal. Also very good to know about the tap water. Thank you again for this informative video.

@AmeliaAndJP

Жыл бұрын

Glad to help! The landslides are usually cleared quickly, unless they're really bad. Then they can take weeks or months. The road between Vilca and Cuenca was closed for several weeks earlier this year. Buses and taxis took people to the landslide, then they had to walk with their luggage to the other side where other buses and taxis were waiting. Not ideal.

@pamsibley5662

Жыл бұрын

The info suggesting the tap water isn’t drinkable is false. Loja has very good water. Yes, we drink it.

Loja has maintained it's friendly, provincial attitude. About 5 years ago they tore up the streets and sidewalks and refurbished everything, also creating the pedestrian mall. They want to be a world-class Smart city, which some expats may have a concern about. The Supermaxi mall is getting an overhaul and enlargement currently. Boyaca has moved and got replaced with a Pycca. Loja is known in Ecuador as the country's music capital so there are several venues for mostly classical music.

Great job guys ❤️

It looks like a very good small city for a foreigner (retiree or digital nomad) to live in. Once again, I must emphasize the importance of studying Spanish to be able to live within society and not on the fringes. It is an inexpensive city to live in though. A quick check on Numbeo, comparing to Porto, Portugal, a city that I am familiar with, Rent Prices in Porto are 230.45% higher than in Loja Restaurant Prices in Porto are 69.89% higher than in Loja Groceries Prices in Porto are 67.20% higher than in Loja Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment are 248.16 % than in Loja Of course, salaries in Porto are much higher, being +154.76 %. But, if you are living there on a fixed income of maybe 2000,00 euros a month (for two) life in Loja would be very affordable.

@AmeliaAndJP

Жыл бұрын

EC is much more affordable than Portugal.

@rayvogensen2983

Жыл бұрын

@@AmeliaAndJP Yes, it sure is.

You guys are so lucky to be there. The US is a mess, everyone is angry all the time, the economy is jacked up, prices are skyrocketing, and both political parties are radicalized and out of control. I am soooo jealous you guys are there!

@AmeliaAndJP

Жыл бұрын

We are thankful to be elsewhere 👍

Thanks for this video on Loja, it's on my list for a visit or residence by this winter. Still leaning toward Manta though.

@proyectonuevo7487

Жыл бұрын

If you are young, blanket is ideal, lots of beach experience and sun

Thank you for sharing. You guys are the best, you share what matters and not like other channels it’s all about blah blah blah blah blah and annoying to watch. Keep up with the good work you guys are amazing!!

You reference in the video, the city provided outdoor Fitness Areas. This is one of my favorite things about parts of South America including a fantastic one in Medellín Colombia.

Excellent video Thanks 😊

Thanks ! Very informative.

@AmeliaAndJP

Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

Cuenca is definitely a better choice for most expats. Good job on the video.

Closed on Sundays! Good! Everybody deserves a day OFF.

Great video! And thanks for talking about plastic bottles! Although recycling is important, the best option is not having to recycle at all! The carbon footprint of transporting bottles of water is almost always overlooked.

@AmeliaAndJP

Жыл бұрын

We hate plastic bottles! It’s hard to believe they’re still allowed!

About getting from Cuenca to Loja: I've done that four hour trip, both in a taxi on the way there (not good, to say the least)- and in a hotel shuttle on the way back (better, but not by much). Stunning views and beautiful countryside, to be sure; BUT, the most terrifying road trip of my life. The drivers drive WAY too fast trying to make good time. They pass at every opportunity including on narrow, winding, semi-washed out mountain roads. Doesn't matter if it's another car, or a truck, or even a bus- if another vehicle is going even a little slower they will pass it. Bottom line, I recommend taking a flight from Quito to Loja if you want to visit Loja/ Malacatos/ Vilcabamba, and arrive with your body and nerves intact. Unless you're an adrenaline junkie- In which case I'd say eat a light breakfast and go for it. : )

@AmeliaAndJP

Жыл бұрын

We can record private drivers who won’t take years off your life 😁 liveabroadnow.com/referrals/ecuador-private-driver-referral/

@contingencywoman8550

Жыл бұрын

@@AmeliaAndJP Thank you! I will definitely look into a private driver next time I need to travel in Ecuador.

JP & Amelia, I recommend checking out "Pristine Hydro" portable water filtration system from California. I bought mine and had it shipped to Cuenca in the container with my other household goods. It comes with a box of handy adapters for every kind of faucet. It produces the best water I have tasted in years, superior to any bottled products I've tried.

Some how I think as much as you mention SuperMaxi in your videos that it is a tourist destination. I know people have to eat and are interested to know it is available but it is so funny that you mention it so much. Keep up the good work. Your videos keep me informed if I can ever get my wife to move. I am ready now. There is only one catch. She is five years younger than me and I am 72. I am going to die in Nashville, TN .

I pretty sure everywhere you guys go are well loved. You are such a lovely people . Greetings from Canada 🇨🇦

@AmeliaAndJP

Жыл бұрын

Gracias 😊

I've been living in San Gabriel up way farther north than you guys and have been for 6 years. It helps that my wife is Carchense and we are close to the farm her grandparents live on outside of town. I have never gone farther south than Quito, and I doubt my wife and I would ever want to live somewhere like Cuenca or Loja, but it is always interesting for me to see through the eyes of some fellow expats as compared to what I hear from the locals up here in Carchi. And yes, the white guy living up in Carchi for 6 years married to a local driving an old Lada around working as an English teacher will turn heads no matter how long I stay here or how much I integrate haha.

Cuanto la adoro esta cuidad!!

I began my retirement in EC in Loja in 2018. I didn't care about it not having a big expat community, but I found it too small. I rented an apt. in Rodriguez Witt, the wealthiest neighborhood. I experienced both water & electrical outages a few times a month, along with a German Shepard living in the biggest hacienda in town that barked nonstop (home was probably a weekend home for a Quito resident) and lots of trash (city workers rarely came to clean). Gave up on Loja and moved to Cuenca.

@AmeliaAndJP

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing your perspective.

@PassionForLifeGallery

Жыл бұрын

Dogs are a real problem here. We heard that the mayor some years ago tried to restrict them to some degree but was not successful

@patnewman1

Жыл бұрын

I have found in Cuenca, the residents use dogs as a pseudo burglar alarm and it is really maddening at times. I had to move from a beautiful apartment because of the neighborhood dogs barking constantly.

@healthyaging7901

Жыл бұрын

@@patnewman1 The best investment I made to ensure a contented retirement here was bringing Bose noise-cancelling over-the-ear headphones. 😀 Worth every penny when EC noise level is at an 11!

Excellent video.

@AmeliaAndJP

Жыл бұрын

Glad you liked it!

wish you both all the best

Great video! Yes. I've never read anything negative about Loja while negative appraisals of Cuenca abound on KZread! Great to get your perspective on it.

@AmeliaAndJP

Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

Hey JP ... I'm "old" too ... 68 years joven ... you'll get there ... soon ... JayHawk !

Thanks for all the great videos! Like you, I was surprised at how "urban" Loja is. I don't recall you having ventured into Amazonia. Any plans. E.g., Nueva Loja? I guess I couldn't blame you if you avoided that city. When I lived in Ecuador in the early '80s, it was named Lago Agrio.

You guys rock.

Hello loving couples we love your video . Loja & Vilcabamba gorgeous place to living.

You should get on the "garafon" wagon (5 gallon water bottles).The purified water is much cheaper and you exchange your empty for a new full bottle.One just has to carry one of the many models of small hand pumps which fit on top and can be purchased there or brought from home.I been doing that overseas for 40 years.Zero plastic to a landfill and not burned as they do in some countries which can tox you out !

Sounds like a city for me, thanks.

@AmeliaAndJP

Жыл бұрын

Great! We really liked it!

Thanks for the update on life in Loja. Lived there in the late 80s; Malacatos/Vilcabamba in the early 90s. Loja and Cuenca have always been different in atmosphere. I prefer the more authentic, less "gringo" feel of Loja. "Isolated"? If you live in Loja, why would you want to go anywhere else? LOL. From your drone shots Loja doesn't look like a "smaller city" anymore. Love what they did with the pedestrian only streets. Looks like they have turned former SRO housing into little shopping malls. Very cool. Thanks again.

Thanks for Loja.

Sound nice like the altitude is less and temps a little warmer. Don't mind a smaller town. Working on getting my visa so exploratory visit maybe early mid next year. However we're vegetarian's. Also be more of a culture shock with few Gringos and my poor Spanish. Thanks again guys.

@AmeliaAndJP

Жыл бұрын

There were more vegetarian options than vegan, but still limited compared to Cuenca.

Just read your newsletter on coming back to the US and the outrageous prices here. Loja sounds lovely. My biggest drawback is that they do not seem to have have a Spanish language school and associated homestay options. Hopefully if it is getting more people from different countries they might get one! On the other hand - it is a Plus + for me that it is not an expat community! More of an Ecuadorian culture:)

Thanks so much for sharing. I like Loja more and more, the more I see from there and, the people I've spoken with from there, all sounds like just my style.. 😊

@AmeliaAndJP

Жыл бұрын

Great!

@asdrubalvivanco2301

Жыл бұрын

Hi you doing JA. Neither the landslides, nor the rain, nor how far the airport is, few people speaking English and etc, nothing of these cons stop you. Right?

@Jetmab04

Жыл бұрын

@@asdrubalvivanco2301 Exactly dear Astrubal and guess what! It must have to do with the people there - and off course the Amazonas 😊 Remember, I promised myself to live the last part of my life in or close to the Amazon many years ago, simply because I fell in love with the place I researched and wrote about back then. This love hasn't become less over the years.. 💕 I don't expect much but the smiles from the people and off.course the iguanas.. I love them - except their sharp claws when they decide to walk on my legs. They are SO funny 😊 Take care in the US...

@asdrubalvivanco2301

Жыл бұрын

@@Jetmab04 Definitely there are a lot of your loved iguanas there . lol. If you enter little more into the rain forest you will find all kind of "exotic animals" such as pumas, jaguars, big anacondas, crocodiles and much more. hahaha...You must stop going further into the jungle because you will meet the TAGAERI and TAROMENARE tribes. They are people not contacted by anyone, who have lived in the Ecuadorian amazon basin for centuries, isolated from our civilization. So, said this, don't forget to stop in the first rain forest....hhhhh. Greetings and take care df J. A.

@Jetmab04

Жыл бұрын

@@asdrubalvivanco2301 ha--ha Astrubal 😊 I wouldn't say, the anakondas are the one's I want to befriend - huh and, off course there are other creatures, I'd prefer never to meet in the jungle... However... When compared to certain of the Colonial human race as they are - not again but, as they have always been.... I think I prefer the jungle and the animals as, I believe the animals only will harm me if I scare them. These Colonial humans are worse than Hell I'm afraid - yrgh😢 My former country - the oldest Colonial - have a sad reputation of, still being the most extreme pedophile place (the worst child-sex-traders 😰) on Earth and, I'm afraid the reputation is more than true.. So, so sad 😪Some of the Colonial rielgions are so horrible by now. It's human impossible to fathom.... They are way past forgiveness by now and, I condemn them with all my heart😭 Maybe it wasn't an "accident" where Epstein chose to buy his Pedo-Island... He was a freak but, he certainly wasn't stupid.... I've heard about this tríbe you are talking about! Do you know where I can find more about them? I know there is a similar tríbe on an island in the Pacific somewhere.. Nobody have ever come out from there alive.. Huh Anyway, my Irish friends keep saying, they won't allove me to go to Ecuador before I have left my new address there and, as we know the Irish, they will definitely come visiting me so, maybe I'll have to open an Irish B & B in Ecuador - exclusely for my Irish friends - just so they can see the scorpio's the anakondas, iguanas, vulcanos and earth quakes etc with their own eyes ☘️

Travelling to Ecuador in October to look into moving. Loja looks perfect to me. The negatives actually seemed not so negative to me, especially the lack of English speakers. My attitude is that you're living in their country so you should speak the language. Lower elevation than Cuenca, warmer, smaller, fewer expats, a bit more isolated, all sound great. Having a national park nearby along with Vilcabamba seem like huge pluses. The only real downsides are the water and Sunday's. However, you just have to adapt.

@francolu7660

Жыл бұрын

El agua de grifo es de buena calidad

Bravo 👏

We are really enjoying your content! We are planning an extended tour of South America with our four kids (ages 16 months, 11yo, 12 yo, and 13 yo) and planning to start with a few years in Ecuador. Loja has been number one on our list from the get go. I am curious about the expact centered services that are missing in Loja. Do you mind providing more information concerning this, as we do not yet know what that will be like. Thank you so much!

@AmeliaAndJP

Жыл бұрын

We’re mainly referring to expat oriented events, activities and restaurants run by English speakers. Cuenca is like a cruise ship with tons of things to do and a large variety of great food. Loja is more utilitarian.

JP's favorite song: "If your cylinder looks like it won't last... ...don't worry here's the truck with gas!" Beep Beep XD XD

@AmeliaAndJP

Жыл бұрын

Haha! 😂

HI there! Love your vlog! I appreciate that you are plant-based. I like to stick to organic when possible. Are most of the vegetables and fruits grown in Ecuador and Peru organic? What about at the markets? Thanks so much! Would you be able to do a vid about being plant-based in South America ... what to look for when you shop the small markets, Restaurants, etc ... I imagine the Sushi bars might be a good option.

@AmeliaAndJP

3 ай бұрын

Most produce is not organic because they use chemical fertilizers and pesticides. However, there are a lot of organic options and it’s growing in popularity 👍

Loja looks nice. Street cleaners doing a good job. I take my Shaklee water filter pitcher when going to places where you can't drink the tap water. Lightweight and you can stuff some clothes or whatever in it when it is in your bag.

@AmeliaAndJP

Жыл бұрын

Great suggestion!

@pamsibley5662

Жыл бұрын

You can drink the water. Loja has great water.

It's a pity you didn't discuss property options, I assume due to lack of time. The rain does make the environment green and lush, but if I wanted that I'd retire to Ireland. The day trips mentioned by one contributor here I might be wary of if the one main artery out of town is subject to landslips.

Very very nice...

The timing of this video could not have been any better...for me, at least...lol. I have plans to take a trip to Ecuador in April or May next year with the possibility of moving there at the end of 2023/beginning of 2024. My intent is to start on the coast (Manta/Salinas or somewhere in between), but I would like an alternative city in mind in case the coast is too warm/humid for my liking. I don't think I'd be able to handle the altitude of Quito or Cuenca, so something close to 'mile high' status would be preferable. Just yesterday I was looking at Loja and the surrounding area and I think if the altitude of Loja is still too high for me to handle, nearby Catamayo looks like a good 2nd option if the coastal area doesn't work out for me. Thanks for all the info you guys make available for the rest of us 'dreamers' to take in...an invaluable service!

@Mrbynby

Жыл бұрын

You and Amelia are living the life I wanted. Many thanks for showing us colorful and modern LOJA. Is footwear there reasonable in price or similar to the US?

Loja is beautiful

In Misahualli we have the orange crew to keep it clean !!

Loja is good for learning spanish, because there is no english, so you are force to acquire the language, that can be an advantage o desadvantage for you, depends on what your preferences are.

@AmeliaAndJP

Жыл бұрын

We think that’s a great advantage! It’s too easy to speak English in Cuenca.

@briscoedarling3237

Жыл бұрын

Be advised that Lojanos love spanish diminutive suffixes…such as aguaita for agua, cuentita for cuenta, lechita for leche, amorsoski …and on and on for a lot of nouns. You will even hear some English words used in this way such as babycita, punkincita and whiskoski. You also hear the word ‘buenaso’ here almost exclusively and nowhere else in Ecuador, denoting the friendly final, satisfactory end to almost any conversation or transaction.

@andresloaysa4283

Жыл бұрын

@@briscoedarling3237 sí, lo sé, yo soy ecuatoriano y también hablo en diminutivo a veces jaja ... A veces también se omite la última vocal como "tomates" por "tomats"

@jsphat81

Жыл бұрын

I’ve heard Loja is considered to have the most correct Spanish spoken in Ecuador. Not too sing songy like Cuenca, not too much dragging or the Rs like Quito and other Sierra regions and no aspiration of the S like Guayaquil and the rest of Coastal Ecuador.

It would be good if you gave some prices and date when...

thanks

For some reason I thought you’d moved to Aloha Inn then moved back to Cuenca and that you were settled back in Cuenca. Just wondering which one it is.

Is this a re-post of an earlier video? I could have sworn I watched a video from you two on Loja about a month ago. This says it was just posted today. My wife and I love your work here, by the way.

@AmeliaAndJP

Жыл бұрын

We shared a first look video about Loja 2 weeks ago. This is a pros & cons video.

@kaypie3112

Жыл бұрын

@@AmeliaAndJP Yes, I’m sorry. I went and looked at your library and found the other one from two weeks ago. I should have done that first, I suppose.

Amelia and Jp did you go to Banos de Ambato is a beautiful city

Are you considering moving to Loja ? Lower altitude?

Botanical garden...sold!

What's the elevation there in Loja.

Thanks so much for providing food options for those of us who are mostly "plant based" and gluten free. The gluten free issue has made me weary of travel, not because I'm some kinda snob, but because I'd rather not have diarrhea for 2 days. Even today in the US, restaurants in sophisticated areas seem to resent it if you ask. Sorry to disrupt your comfort zone and daily routine.

@DurangoC

Жыл бұрын

I can’t eat gluten in the US, but never have a problem w it in Europe or S America. Maybe it’s psychosomatic. Maybe it’s bc we have exploded the gluten content of our wheat.

@msbeecee1

7 ай бұрын

​@@DurangoC probably the glycosphate pesticide on American wheat which is banned everywhere else. USA food supply is basically poisoned

Toda la vida he bebido agua de grifo y nunca he tenido algún problema, tampoco la hervimos, saludos 😃

Planning a "new" trip to Cuenca in about two weeks. How far is Loja from Cuenca? Any long distance buses?

@AmeliaAndJP

Жыл бұрын

It’s a 4 hour drive in a car. There are lots of buses, but they take longer.

Nice video, 🥰🥰 good luck 🌟🌟 always waiting for your new 🌟🌟🔃🔔🔃🔔🔃🔔

I'm planning to go to Ecuador on an exploratory trip. Do the buses from Cuenca to Loja run everyday? I'm planning to go to Loja on a Sunday. Is there a particular bus company that you recommend? Thanks.

@thomashowison8598

Жыл бұрын

Holly, I see that JP hasn’t responded to you yet so I’ll give you an answer based on when I used to live in Loja from 1973 until 1977, there was a bus service every day from Loja to Cuenca and vise a versa, as to the name of the service I can’t recall.

@hollyc3838

Жыл бұрын

@@thomashowison8598 Thanks Thomas, I appreciate your help.

Great video! I know you weren't in Loja for an extended period of time but what is your impression of crime there?

@AmeliaAndJP

Жыл бұрын

It seemed very safe to us. Lots of kids playing and walking by themselves. Loja rarely makes the news for crime.

@PassionForLifeGallery

Жыл бұрын

I walked in many of the parks with a large telephoto lense without any problems, though no city is completely safe

I am not sure if anyone has ever asked this question, are there assisted living or nursing homes in Ecuador/Cuenca?

@AmeliaAndJP

Жыл бұрын

There are retirement homes, but most expats prefer to hire in-home care. You can hire a full time nurse for around $500/month and 24/7 care for around $1500/month. They will also do shopping, cooking and cleaning. We interviewed a company that provides these services. They’re a bit more expensive than hiring individuals, but they provide a turnkey solution and manage everything. VIP Home Healthcare of Cuenca Ecuador kzread.info/dash/bejne/pGWA0rOeerrVj7g.html

Cuenca looks great, but the weather is a bit cooler than I like...........and I like cool weather.

@AmeliaAndJP

Жыл бұрын

It is very cool there!

@SenorJuan2023

Жыл бұрын

@@AmeliaAndJP I like highs in the 70's.