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Date: Thursday, June 25th
Time: 2-4 p.m.
Location: Hogar de Esperanza on Juan Montalvo 9-78 and Gran Colombia
Program: Similar to what has been done in the past when we lose an expat friend. There will be refreshments and photos of Carol, our bookstore, etc. People will have an opportunity to share memories and tell stories about Carol. Someone will be available to translate.
A note from Lee Dubs …
Carol and I came to Cuenca in 2004. I tell people that we were among the first gringos in town. I had known Cuenca since my first trip in 1990 to establish an exchange program between the University of Cuenca and my college in North Carolina. One day when Carol and I were in a local bookstore, she confessed to me that she always had a dream of “owning a bookstore with a cat in the corner.”
I agreed in 2005 to give it a try, and we accepted the invitation of the owner of that bookstore to join her. A fire in the upper floors of that building forced us to move in 2007, and we resettled on Hermano Miguel and Calle Larga. I named us the Carolina Bookstore in honor of Carol. We became a gathering spot for gringos and many others. A common farewell in Cuenca was “See you at the bookstore.” Everyone knew which bookstore, which a traveler once called “the Barnes and Noble of South America.”.
As Carol’s health deteriorated, she could no longer leave our apartment and I persuaded her to sell her beloved store in 2016. It survives to this day but without the grandeur of its glory days. Carol died in her sleep on May 21st. She suffered from three major illnesses that conspired to carry her off. Her beautiful heart finally stopped.
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According to current regulations, the minimum income for retiree and pensioner visas must be three times the basic salary of a worker in Ecuador. This year, the basic salary is $482, therefore the minimum income for retirees and pensioners is $1,446. If you do not meet this income requirement, you will not be eligible for a two-year temporary residence visa in these categories.
For any questions or concerns regarding this information or any other immigration categories, please contact Dr. Lina Ulloa, an immigration attorney with over 20 years of experience.
info@liveinecuador.com
uz.asesoresecuador@gmail.com
uz.servicios@gmail.com
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Many expats living in Ecuador rely on translation apps to navigate daily life. While these tools can be helpful, there are situations where translating words is not enough.
Medical appointments, legal matters, government paperwork, banking procedures, and other important interactions often require context, clarification, and follow-up questions that technology simply cannot provide.
A facilitator does more than translate. They help ensure you understand what is being discussed, what options are available, and what steps need to be taken next.
For many expats, having someone by their side who understands both the language and the process can reduce stress and prevent costly misunderstandings.
At Expat Services Center, our Facilitator Service is designed to help expats navigate serious situations with greater confidence and clarity.
📩 Contact us to learn more.
Understanding matters.
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FREE “Smilehealth Ecuador Dental Clinic” WEBINAR by your WHATSAPP number (NOT Zoom) on Wednesday, June 24th at 12:00pm Ecuador time (1:00pm US Eastern Time), answering all of your Dental questions and showing samples of Implants, Bridges, Crowns, Dentures, and much more 🩻🪥!
Sign up for this first-ever-of-its-kind in Cuenca 1-hour DENTAL WEBINAR by WhatsApp (utilizing your already registered WHATSAPP number) by simply sending your WhatsApp message IN ENGLISH to Adam (your fellow expat in Cuenca) at +593 98 392 9606 to request (secure) your spot and receive the link to join it by your own WhatsApp number, as space is limited for this live event with “Dr. No Pain” (Dr. Andres Pacheco) 😷🦷!!
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What an opportunity! Take advantage now of a great home on the beach in Ecuador. Fresh seafood an excellent walking beach a pool and comes completely furnished too all at a very affordable price. This house was built to North American standards. All plugs are grounded. PVC double pane insulated windows. It even comes with a beach car.
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If you are filing for a Temporary/Permanent visa, I offer a 100% money back guarantee. That’s right. If I don’t get you your visa, you pay nothing. My name is Isabel Mosquera. I am an Ecuadorian, who studied and lived in Canada for many years. I have been a Visa Facilitator for over 7 years and have assisted more than two hundred and fifty Expats in obtaining their Visas, Temporary and Permanent, Cedulas, Translations, Health Insurance, housing and much more. These services are available as one fee package or individually. I own a car, so transportation is always included at no extra charge. I have always gotten my clients their Visas, even under the most difficult of circumstances, such as unreadable fingerprints for FBI reports. Have you moved to Ecuador without the required documents? Don’t worry, I can help. I offer free consultations, either by telephone, email or in person. I am at the Immigration office on a very regular basis, so I am knowledgeable about all recent changes in the law and am happy to share my knowledge with you. I will be happy to provide you with references.
I look forward to serving you.
Isabel Mosquera
0999603663
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Looking for the ultimate combination of vibrant flavors, great drinks, and a relaxed atmosphere? Look no further! Anubis Tex-Mex brings the authentic, bold taste of traditional Mexican cuisine.
From our signature sizzling fajitas and crispy, hand-pressed tacos to our famous freshly made guacamole, every dish is crafted to bring a smile to your face. Perfect for a mid-week escape or a weekend gathering with friends!
🍹 The Perfect Plan Awaits:
When: Wednesday through Saturday
Where: Av. 12 de Octubre and Gonzalo Pizarro
Time: Doors open at 5:30 PM
The Vibe: Authentic flavors, cold drinks, and great company.
Don’t let your cravings wait. Gather your favorite people and come share the best Tex-Mex experience in town!
📍 Find us at Anubis Tex-Mex – Flavor lives here!
To stay updated on our Tex Mex specials via our newsletter, please subscribe here: http://eepurl.com/dufP_H
🔥 Something Big is Sizzling…
The surprises don’t stop there! We are also preparing to launch a brand-new Steakhouse very soon 🕒
🥩We know how much our community appreciates a perfectly grilled steak, and we are working hard to create a premium dining experience just for you. Keep a close eye on your inbox—we will be announcing the official opening date and the new location shortly.
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This is a nice opportunity to buy and own a nice eco-lodge situated on an upper Amazon basin (950 meters over the sea), and scattered in our reserve (sanctuary of birds and butterflies), with an unbeatable view over the “Sangay” National Park, Sangay, Altares, Chimborazo Tungurahua Volcanoes, and “Pastaza and Puyo” Rivers.
The eco-lodge has 25 rooms for simple, double and triple occupancy plus 48 hectares (160 acres) of virgin rainforest, 30 Km from Puyo city, km 14 route to Pomona town, Pastaza Province, Ecuador South America.
Please see our web page: www.altosdelpastazalodge.com where you can see our videos y photo gallery that show our eco lodge and reserve
Those with a genuine interest in this Ecuador Amazon Eco-lodge and unique profit and environmental opportunity should contact for terms and price at info@altosdelpastazalodge.com WhatsApp +593-984184069
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Come join us at Otorongo Lounge on June 24th to experience a very British High Tea. Corazones de Oro (Hearts of Gold) will be hosting this event from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. My father was British and I spent an entire summer with my British relatives. High Tea is an extravagant and very ‘upscale’ occurrence that does not actually occur every day. It is something very special and our volunteers know how to do this right.
This is one of the ways Corazones raises funds to support our life-changing services and provide programs that have become a safe space and source of hope for so many families.
See the QR code on the poster or call or email the provided info to make your reservation. There is limited space at Otorongo Lounge, so reserve your ticket now!
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Here’s something many newcomers to Ecuador don’t discover until years later:
They may qualify for IVA refunds, but they haven’t applied for them.
Not because they aren’t eligible.
Not because the refunds don’t exist.
Simply because nobody explained the process.
For many expats, that means money stays unclaimed year after year.
If you’ve recently moved to Ecuador—or even if you’ve been here for a while—it may be worth learning how the IVA refund system works and whether you’re eligible.
💡 A little information today could save you money tomorrow.
Are you leaving money behind? To learn more, contact us
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Moving to Ecuador comes with many exciting opportunities, but it also means adapting to unfamiliar systems and procedures.
One area that often surprises newcomers is utility management. Electricity, water, internet, telephone services, and other monthly expenses may involve separate providers, unique payment methods, and varying due dates.
Many expats find themselves spending more time than expected trying to understand bills, track payments, and avoid missed deadlines.
Fortunately, a little organization can go a long way.
Understanding who your providers are, when payments are due, and how each service is paid can help reduce stress and prevent interruptions.
At Expat Services Center, we assist expats with practical day-to-day challenges so they can spend less time managing paperwork and more time enjoying life in Cuenca.
📩 Contact us for more information.
A simple system today can save time and headaches tomorrow.
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Fundación Hogar de Esperanza is making a final appeal to the community as its diaper donation campaign enters its last day.
The organization has been collecting diapers for vulnerable families in Cuenca who are struggling to afford necessities for their children. While the community’s response has been encouraging, additional donations are still needed to meet current demand.
Residents, expatriates, local businesses, and community organizations are invited to participate before the campaign closes tomorrow.
Requested donations include diapers in sizes M (16 packs), L (16 packs), XL (13 packs), and XXL (15 packs).
Donations can be delivered to:
📍 Hostal Pichincha, Juan Montalvo 9-78, between Gran Colombia and Bolívar
A single package of diapers can help relieve financial pressure on a family and provide comfort and dignity to a child.
With only one day left, the community still has an opportunity to make a direct and immediate impact on the lives of local families.
Contact information:
There has been a category change in the Investor Visas. The new regulation authorizes the substitution of the investment that guarantees the visa; as long as the new investment complies with the new values ($42.500); You can change the CD investment visa from one bank to another bank or from CD to property and vice versa.
For more information, contact Dra. Lina Ulloa at:
Email: uz.asesoresecuador@gmail.com,
Address: Av. Jose Peralta 1-19 and Av. 12 de Abril, Acropolis Building, 3rd Floor, office 312.
Telephone numbers: (07) 410-3588 or 098-420-5336
Contact information:
What happens when we move beyond observing a place and begin participating in it?
It’s a question I’ve been reflecting on a lot lately. Many of us move abroad seeking community, connection, adventure, or a different way of life. Yet belonging often takes longer to develop than expected.
We can learn a great deal about a culture through books, articles, museums, language classes, and conversations.
But some things can only be learned through participation.
Through showing up.
Through sharing food.
Through attending community celebrations.
Through being willing to enter spaces where we may not fully understand everything, yet remain curious enough to listen, observe, and learn.
As Inti Raymi approaches, I’ve been reflecting on what festivals and traditions can reveal about a place — not only about its history, but about its values, relationships, and ways of understanding community.
This Wednesday, I’ll be hosting a free online conversation exploring what participation, reciprocity, and cultural traditions might teach us about belonging.
We’ll use Inti Raymi and the Andean Raymis & seasonal calendar as a starting point, while exploring how living traditions continue to shape relationships between people, place, and community today.
📅 Wednesday, June 17
🕒 3:00 PM (Ecuador Time)
💻 Online
Whether you’re planning to attend Inti Raymi, interested in Ecuadorian culture, or simply curious about community and belonging, you’re warmly welcome to join us.
Send me a message for the Zoom link.
Contact information:
Residents and visitors in Cuenca have an opportunity to save while supporting a local nonprofit organization.
From June 15 through June 19, Esperanza Thrift Shop is offering 50% off selected items throughout the store. Shoppers can find quality pre-loved clothing, household goods, décor, books, and other unique items at exceptional prices.
The sale is more than just a chance to find bargains. Proceeds from purchases help support the work of Fundación Hogar de Esperanza, which provides programs and services that benefit vulnerable members of the community.
For those who enjoy sustainable shopping, supporting local causes, and discovering unexpected treasures, this week’s sale offers the perfect combination of value and impact.
📅 Sale Dates: June 15–19
🏷️ Discount: 50% off selected items
Location: Juan Montalvo 9-80 between Gran Colombia and Bolívar
Every purchase helps create hope in our community.
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These are lightly used, but are in great condition. They are official name brands, not imitations or knock-offs.
• Thor MX SXT 2 Dragon Motocross Helmet-L & Bag $20
• HJC Arena CL-X5 Flyin’ Kolors Pink/Silver Motocross Helmet-M & Bag $20
Both helmets are Snell DOT approved with removable visors (crack free) & cloth carrying bags
They have minor scratches but the pads are clean & in great condition
• A.R.C. Racing Tapered Motocross Pants, Men’s size:36 (like new) $15
• Answer Racing ION Tapered Motocross Pants (Women’s size:8) $20
• Fly Racing Kenetic Boot Cut Motocross Pants (Women’s size:5/6) $35
Over-the-boot cut w/adjustable, zippered lower leg cuff & large zippered front & back vents allow for airflow on warm days
• Fox Racing Jersey (Women’s M) $20
• Take the complete outfit (Fly Racing Pants & Fox Jersy) for only $45
• Concept Kryptonite 12″ HD U-Lock w/1 key
The lock is in excellent condition and works perfectly & is ideal for a motorcycle, scooter, or electric bike.
For questions or to arrange pickup just call 099 220 3001 or WA +1 561-859-6699.
Contact information:
Call today and you can transport your 17.3” Toshiba Satellite Platinum laptop, wireless mouse and gel mousepad in a high quality Swiss Gear padded shoulder bag for only $90. So don’t delay, call today!
Specifications:
6GB RAM
750GB Hard Drive
Integrated Webcam and Microphone w/Face Recognition
DVD & built-in Harmon/Kardon Stereo Speakers
Broadcast wirelessly to your TV with Intel Wireless Display (WiDi)
NOTE: The battery no longer holds a charge, so while it is portable, you will need an electrical outlet or a new battery.
Included:
* 5 button mouse w/USB dongle stored in the battery compartment
* Fellowes wrist rest gel mouse pad
* Swiss Gear’s padded shoulder bag (18×14″) w/2 exterior pockets
For photos, questions or to arrange pickup just call 099 220 3001 or WA +1 561-859-6699
Contact information:
** I’m looking for a doctor who will draw my blood for a VERY SPECIAL TEST (TESTING BLOOD FOR PFAS – ATTT) – (THE TEST IS FOR — FOREVER CHEMICALS).
** The blood sample needs to be specially packaged and shipped by air overnight to the lab.
**ALL LAB FEES NEED TO BE PAID, AND THE LAB NEEDS TO KNOW who is sending it AND IS EXPECTING THE SPECIMEN.
** There are only a few labs in the world that can do the testing; I NEED TO SEND THE BLOOD SAMPLE TO THE LAB IN THE USA.
** We will also be working with the (VA) Veterans Administration in the USA. ( I’M A US VET)
** Basically, I need some blood drawn here and shipped overnight by air to the lab in the USA.
** I have the address of the lab and was quoted a fee. Now I’m trying to get a doctor, the lab, and carrier lined up so we all are on the same page. I have more information to help.
Contact information:
For People over 65 Years of Age, Children and Teenagers and People with Intellectual Disabilities will Be Exempt from the Naturalization Exam.
THE REGULATION TO THE LAW OF HUMAN MOBILITY, which we have waited so long for, only waiting for it to be published in the Official Registry so that it becomes effective.
The good news is confirmed through this regulation, foreigners who have completed a university or postgraduate degree in Ecuador, who have received these classes in Spanish, are also exempt from the exam.
For more information, contact:
Dra. Lina Ulloa
Immigration, Civil and Constitutional Lawyer
Email: uz.asesoresecuador@gmail.com
Address: Av. Jose Peralta 1-19 and Av. 12 de Abril, Acropolis Building, 3rd Floor, office 312.
Telephone numbers: (07) 410-3588 or 098-420-5336
Contact information:
A mother can carry the weight of the world for her child—but she shouldn’t have to do it alone.
We’re collecting diapers (sizes M, L, XL, and XXL) for families in need. Every pack donated brings comfort, dignity, and hope to a mother and her child.
Actually, we are seeking 16 packs of diapers in size M, 16 packs in size L, 13 packs in size XL, and 15 packs in size XXL.
It takes a village to raise a child. Not every mother has one.
Be part of that village today. Donate, share, and help us make a difference.
Collection dates: June 12-17, until 5:00 PM.
Drop-off location: Hostal Pichincha, Juan Montalvo 9-78 between Gran Colombia and Bolívar.
For more info, contact Patricia at 0990294899
Contact information: