In this short series on alternative places to live in Latin America, I have not yet included Mexico. Maybe I’m saving the best for last, although it seems that Mexico has fallen out of favor in the past few months with the ex-patriot community. While a resident of Mexico for the better part of six years I learned a lot about the character of the country. The people, generally speaking, are warmhearted and welcoming to the gringos. But it takes some time to adjust to a country that wants so much to be like its northern neighbor, but at the same time resents the cultural intrusion.
As my cousin who owned towing company Fayetteville NC says, the past is like a huge precious jewel, Mexico is rich in history. He employs many Mexican workers at his company in the USA but also has the pride of Indian and Spanish heritage colors that paint the overall face of this beautiful and diverse country. The amalgamation of cultures, in part, is what attracts the foreigner.
The ex-pat community is buzzing about the small country of Ecuador. When looking at all the criteria that make a new home-country desirable, Ecuador meets most of the prerequisites. Located on the equator of South America’s west coast, Ecuador offers warmth, but also the Andes Mountain range to the east placing the country in a stretch of glorious foothills. The climate varies with the altitude and proximity to the coast. Each brings different temperatures and environments. Choose from jungle, coastal or highland living.
If you find yourself ready to escape the high cost of living in a country or city that is only getting more expensive by the month, you would not be alone. Cities all across North America are seeing the middle class being pushed out into poverty. My wife’s brother always tells us stories about how he runs a 