Successfully becoming an ex-pat...................makes me smile

Being in a new country, especially one with a different language and slower culture, requires a lot of patience.  It helps to not take yourself too seriously in most instances and to remember that you are a guest in someone else's country.  Local customs may seem in the very least old-fashioned or stodgy and at the most, possibly cruel and completely unnecessary.  It is most important to remember not to judge people on what we don't understand.   All countries are at different stages in their history and they don't always line up with your own place of origin.  It is my own opinion that it is best to be kinder than we need to be.  

Working her craft in Otavalo.

I don't have a lot of experience at being an ex-pat so this might be a bit premature.   I may be writing another one in a year or two.  First I want to point out that expat does not mean ex-patriot.   It means expatriate and the definition is a person temporarily or permanently residing in a country or culture other than that of the person's upbringing.  It comes from the Greek "Exo" (outside) and Patrida (Fatherland, Country)  With this in mind, it does not mean someone dislikes their country of origin.   But don't be surprised if some do.   There are two kinds of ex-pats.   One kind is running away.   The other is running towards.   The latter tends to be much more fun.

He was very proud of his beautiful horse.

Altogether now and repeat this statement.   Do not let the words "THEY DON'T DO IT THAT WAY BACK HOME" spill out of your lips.  Bite your lip, your cheek, your tongue or put a raw chicken bone in your mouth to avoid it.   You aren't back home.   You aren't in Kansas anymore.   Or, in my case, you aren't in Texas anymore.   No one cares.   Don't do it.

Incan ruins in Cuenca

One thing I never thought of until recently was to check if your life insurance policy will pay if something happens in your adopted country or any country in which you may travel.   Many policies may provide limited or no coverage at all outside of your country of origin.   You may be in a deathmobile  in Ecuador, a ski lift in Switzerland, or trip off a pier in Aruba.   It is important to know.

There is an abundance of bakeries around here.

Many expats, upon moving to a new country will immediately seek out expatriate forums and try to find the nearest expat "hangout".   It is perfectly understandable to attempt to reach like minded individuals.  The problem is if you limit your social network to the expat community, you will also limit the quality of your experience of living overseas.   It can be intimidating in a country in which your know very little of the language but there is a solution.   Learn the language.   Don't try to replicate your life in your home country.  Try new foods.   Expatriating can be a very rich experience if you have an open mind.

Do you think they meant "Leggo"?

In a decision to move overseas, do your research from the type of weather to expect, the (reasonable) cost of living, whether you can buy or rent a home and public transportation.   Do not go by what a magazine says.   It is usually best to do independent study in several different sources.  Be especially honest with yourself about how you want to live in your new country.   But most of all, have a back up contingency plan if it doesn't work.  

 Visitors!!

If you have to have a certain brand of cosmetics or toothpaste, a certain size and style of jeans, it is better to think twice.  If you think all sidewalks or streets should be hole free and that you are not responsible for yourself if you fall in a hole or trip on the sidewalk, this is definitely not the place you need to be.   If you need a lot of outside stimuli and constant entertainment, it may be best to stay where you are most comfortable.   Some processed foods are available but you will have to pay for them since most of them are imported.  

Yummy street food!!

Central and South America are areas that are considered developing countries and with good reason.   It is not the United States or any other place in the developed world.   If you believe you can adopt a live and let live attitude and enjoy the local culture, including language, it could be the best adventure of your life.

 Biggest rooster I ever did see!!!