Amelia And JP’s Blog
Embrace the Unconventional Life!
Our blog is dedicated to the 3 pillars of The Unconventional Life: Online Income, Living Abroad, and the FIRE Movement. Each pillar is pivotal in living a dream life on your own terms. Together, they allow you to choose where you live, when you work, and what you do. This section is a rollup of everything we share.
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The HARSH Realities of Expat Life!
/in Blog, Live Abroad/by JP StonestreetEven after five and a half years of living in Ecuador and lots of personal and national changes, we’re still thankful we moved here. It was (and still is) the best decision we could have made.
However, moving abroad also comes with a set of harsh realities that are often overlooked or underestimated.
Looking back, here are some of the most challenging aspects of expat life that we experienced and that you need to be prepared for…
Mexico City Pros and Cons: A Comprehensive Review for Digital Nomads and Expats
/in Blog, Live Abroad, Mexico/by JP StonestreetOver the past few years, Mexico City has become increasingly popular with foreign residents, and especially digital nomads. However, we were very hesitant to go there. We didn’t know what to expect or if we’d even be welcome.
We did enjoy our time in CDMX. It has a lot of great things going for it, but several drawbacks and one thing in particular that will probably keep us from going back. So in this article, we talk about the pros & cons of Mexico City.
Why Does The United States Cost so Freaking Much?!
/in Blog, FIRE, Live Abroad/by JP StonestreetThe cost of living in the United States is OUT OF CONTROL! Many of the things we need to live have become unaffordable for the vast majority of people. Things like food, healthcare, transportation and elder care are being charged on credit cards and driving people further into debt. It’s INSANITY!
You might not realize that the cost of living is NOT sky-high everywhere. In many countries, you can still afford to buy the things you need without breaking the bank.
We Believed The Propaganda About Latin America!
/in Blog, Live Abroad/by JP StonestreetIf you’re considering a move to Latin America, it’s normal to have fears and concerns about making such a dramatic change.
When we first considered moving abroad, we had a lot of fears about the safety, healthcare, infrastructure, language barriers, and other challenges that come with living in a new country.
However, after doing a lot of research, and after living in Ecuador for more than five years, we realized that our fears were largely unfounded or exaggerated.
How To Avoid a Common Rental Car Scam
/in Blog, Live Abroad/by JP StonestreetWe’re not brave enough to drive in foreign countries, which has helped us avoid a common rental car scam that our viewers often complain about in the comments.
These rental car scams occur throughout Latin America, including Ecuador and Mexico. If you’re not careful, you could end up paying hundreds or thousands of dollars in extra fees, but scams aren’t the only issues you might face by driving in a foreign country.
How To Travel to Ecuador from the United States
/in Blog, Ecuador, Live Abroad/by JP StonestreetEcuador is more comfortable and more affordable than ever, and traveling to Ecuador from the USA is easier than ever. In this article, you’re going to learn about several of the options at your disposal for getting to Ecuador, and how to get around once you’re here.
Cotacachi Ecuador vs Ajijic Mexico (Pros & Cons)
/in Blog, Comparisons, Ecuador, Live Abroad, Mexico/by JP StonestreetAre you considering a move to Mexico or Ecuador and wondering which expat destination to choose? Both countries have plenty of options, but two towns that stand out are Ajijic in Mexico and Cotacachi in Ecuador.
These two picturesque mountain towns have a lot in common, but also some unique features that may sway your decision. In this article, we’ll compare the pros and cons of living in each town.
Unexpected Benefits of Living Abroad in Ecuador
/in Blog, Ecuador, Live Abroad/by JP StonestreetAs humans, we have a tendency to focus on the fears and the risks of making a change from “the way we’ve always done it.” It’s our innate protection mechanism to keep us safe from harm. We’re here to help you focus on the incredible and unexpected benefits of living abroad in Ecuador.
Enchanted Encounters at La Casa del Venado near Cayambe Ecuador
/in Blog, Ecuador, Live Abroad/by JP StonestreetAmelia and I visited La Casa del Venado, which translates to The House of the Deer. It’s a magical animal sanctuary nestled in the rolling hills of Ecuador near Cayambe. We were joined by our Ecuadorian friends, Gene and Mateo. Gene was SO excited to to see the small Peruvian deer!
Cotacachi Ecuador Real Estate Tour
/in Blog, Ecuador, Live Abroad, Real Estate Tours/by JP StonestreetCotacachi is a charming town located in the Andean region of Ecuador that has been drawing the attention of expats and real estate investors from all over the world.
Its strategic location, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant culture make it an ideal place for those looking for a second home, a retirement destination, or an investment opportunity.
One of the most appealing aspects of Cotacachi is its affordability. Real estate prices in Cotacachi are significantly lower than in other popular destinations in Ecuador, such as Quito or Cuenca.
How To Find a Job Abroad
/in Blog, Earn Online, Live Abroad/by JP StonestreetThe prospect of finding a job abroad can be both exciting and daunting. The opportunity to live and work in a different country can open up new doors for personal and professional growth, but the process of finding a job can be challenging.
The Panoramic Beauty of Cotacachi Ecuador
/in Blog, Ecuador, Live Abroad/by JP StonestreetWe recently visited Cotacachi, Ecuador to film a real estate tour for our YouTube channel. This picturesque mountain town is truly mesmerizing and we always enjoy our time there!
The Dark Side of Cuenca Ecuador!
/in Blog, Ecuador, Live Abroad/by JP StonestreetCuenca is a popular expat destination in Ecuador. It’s a beautiful city with a colonial center and friendly people. Cuenca’s healthcare is also of high quality and affordable. The cost of living is also relatively low. But, there is another side to Cuenca that is not so pretty.
Discovering the Sights, Sounds, and Tastes of Sangolquí Ecuador
/in Blog, Ecuador, Live Abroad/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, Live Abroad/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, Live Abroad/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, Live Abroad/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, Live Abroad, 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.