The Unconventional Life is an ideology about time and location freedom. The exact look and feel varies based on your personal values and priorities, but the end result is the same: A more enjoyable, higher quality of life on your own terms.
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Discovering the Sights, Sounds, and Tastes of Sangolquí Ecuador
/in Blog, Ecuador/by JP StonestreetWe woke up early on a Thursday morning, eager to explore a part of Quito, Ecuador that we had never visited before. Sangolquí is located in Valle de los Chillos, which is a suburb on the southeast corner of the Quito metro area.
Mountains vs Coast of Ecuador: Deciding Where to Live
/in Blog, Ecuador/by JP StonestreetIf you’ve chosen Ecuador as your new home abroad, your next decision you need to make is whether to live in the mountains or on the coast.
In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of each option to help you make an informed decision.
How to Adapt to a New Country
/in Blog, Live Abroad/by JP StonestreetMoving to a new country can be an exciting, but also an overwhelming experience. One of the biggest challenges to foreigners is understanding the local culture and customs.
In this article, we will explore various ways to gain a better understanding of the local culture in different countries so you’re better prepared for the cultural differences and better able to adapt to your new country.
Medellín Colombia: Even Better Than We Expected!
/in Blog, Colombia/by JP StonestreetOur first trip to Colombia was even MORE surprising than we expected! We spent a week in Medellin in the neighborhood of El Poblado, which the New York Times just listed as a “must-visit place in 2023.” We also visited some of the other neighborhoods, like Laureles, La Floresta and Sabaneta.
So, in this article, we’ll tell you about the top 10 things that surprised us about Medellin, Colombia.
Ecuador Temporary Resident Visas
/in Blog, Ecuador/by JP StonestreetThere are several different types of Ecuador Temporary Resident Visas: Professional, Investor, Pensioners, Rentista/Digital Nomad, Dependent, etc. The qualifications and requirements vary for each type of visa so you’ll need to select the best option for your specific circumstances.
How to Prepare Your Children for a Life Abroad
/in Blog, Live Abroad/by JP StonestreetEnrolling in school abroad can be an exciting and rewarding experience for both children and parents. Not only does it provide a unique opportunity to learn about different cultures and ways of life, but it can also open up new academic and career opportunities.
Jaw-Dropping Homes For Sale in Valle de los Chillos Ecuador
/in Blog, Ecuador, Real Estate Tours/by JP StonestreetValle de los Chillos is located in the southeast corner of the Quito Ecuador Metro Area and offers a diverse range of properties that are perfect for any budget.
This area is just a 30-minute drive from downtown Quito and 45 minutes from the Quito International Airport, making it an ideal location for those looking to be close to both city and airport amenities.
Medical Tourism: Escape The USA Healthcare Scam!
/in Blog, Comparisons, Health & Medical/by JP StonestreetHealthcare and Health Insurance in the United States is a huge headache that can rightfully cause you a lot of distress. We know people who work jobs they hate or even delay retirement simply because they need health insurance. It doesn’t have to be that way!
Echoes of Olón Ecuador: A Sunset Story
/in Blog, Ecuador/by JP StonestreetWhen Amelia and I lived in Olón, Ecuador, we often took evening strolls on the beach to watch the sunset over the ocean as the soothing sound of foamy white waves lapped the shore. The colors of the sky transitioned from yellow to orange to pink to purple.
How to Build a Strong Social Network Abroad
/in Blog, Live Abroad/by JP StonestreetMoving to a new country can be an exciting and enriching experience, but it can also be overwhelming and isolating at times.
One of the key ways to make the most of your time abroad and feel at home in your new community is to build a social network.
The Magical Hummingbirds of Mindo Ecuador
/in Blog, Ecuador/by JP StonestreetAs we walked through the lush rainforest near Mindo, Ecuador, we didn’t know quite what to expect. Our guide, Xavier, said he had something special he wanted to show us, but that was a monumental understatement!
These were the hummingbirds of San Tadeo Birding, known for their fearless nature and stunning plumage.
10 Reasons Ecuadorians Leave (And Why it Shouldn’t Bother You)
/in Blog, Ecuador/by JP StonestreetImmigrating to a new country takes a lot of time and thought, so of course, you want to be sure that the place you’re moving to is just right. Many would-be expats interested in starting a new life in Ecuador look at the immigration statistics and see that lots of Ecuadorians are leaving their country. This can be troubling.
A Week of Wonders: Exploring the Charming City of Loja Ecuador
/in Blog, Ecuador/by JP StonestreetWe arrived in Loja, Ecuador just as darkness was falling. It was cloudy and a light rain fell, forming puddles on the street. We were worried that our first day in Loja would be more of the same, but we were pleasantly surprised when the sun woke us up the next morning.
The Beauty of Vilcabamba Ecuador: An Unforgettable Day
/in Blog, Ecuador/by JP StonestreetNestled in the lush green valley of the Andes Mountains, Vilcabamba, Ecuador is a quiet little town that’s known for its beauty and its reputation as a place of healing and rejuvenation.
48 Hours In Cuenca Ecuador: FUN Itinerary to Experience the Gem of Ecuador
/in Blog, Ecuador/by JP StonestreetWe were so excited to be able to return to one of the most beautiful and vibrant cities in the world, Cuenca Ecuador. There’s so much to do, and we were able to pack a lot into 2 days.
If you’re lucky enough to be visiting Cuenca for a few days and want to make the most of your time, here’s a fun itinerary to experience the breadth of the city in just 48 hours!
Experience the Charm and Beauty of Cuenca Ecuador
/in Blog, Ecuador/by JP StonestreetWhen we stand in the heart of Cuenca, Ecuador, we can’t help but feel completely in awe of such a beautiful city. The vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and endless opportunities for adventure are truly special. Nestled in the Andes mountains, Cuenca is a place where the past and present come together, creating a unique and old world atmosphere.
Why Expats Love Cotacachi Ecuador (mostly)
/in Blog, Ecuador/by JP StonestreetCotacachi, Ecuador, is one of the most popular cities in Ecuador among expats. It’s a small, slowly growing and developing town in the Andes Mountains gaining popularity for its rich culture, climate, low cost of living, and scenic beauty.
Top 10 Expat Countries (According to Expats)
/in Blog, Comparisons, Live Abroad/by JP StonestreetAre you planning to move abroad to enhance your quality of life? The process is complicated and you have several things to consider before you take the leap.
Your first and most difficult decision is to decide where you want to live. To help people who are planning their move abroad, InterNations asked 12,000 expats in 181 countries what they thought about their home away from home. So in this article you’ll learn about the top 10 expat countries for 2022 according to the people who already live abroad.
Reverse Culture Shock In The USA: 22 Wild Things That Took Us by Surprise!
/in Blog, Live Abroad/by JP StonestreetThey say that distance makes the heart grow fonder, and after 5 years of living in Ecuador, we were prepared for a huge dose of nostalgia going back to the United States. However, there were a lot of things about the US that felt really foreign to us!
Top 10 Countries with Cheap Rentals
/in Blog, Comparisons, Live Abroad/by JP StonestreetIt is increasingly difficult for people to find affordable rental options, especially for those living on a tight budget. But did you know that you can live comfortably and affordably in various other places around the world? You don’t have to spend an arm and a leg renting a home.