Vonage – our traveling phone

When we built our home in Lake Tapps (Seattle, WA area) we started with Vonage. That was almost 12 years ago. We are still loyal Vonage customers. We travel with a router & phone and use it all over the world. We have the same numbers we started with (great for the business). Calling people here – is easy! You… Read More

Mattresses

Most beds here do not have box springs, they are on wooden slats (not comfy at all). We brought down a Q Aerobed (elevated) Costco has them pretty reasonable – again fits in a suitcase!! The place we were renting when we first got here had a full bed (hubby is 6ft 2in) – had a frame built for it… Read More

Notary Services (Cuenca)

Special thanks to Gregory Medeiros from Ecuador Expats A couple of years ago I was in Ecuador and needed to have documents notarized for use in the USA which included a Power of Attorney to sell my vehicle and sign my tax returns and also a Quit Claim Deed to remove my name from the deed of a piece of… Read More

Bed in a Box

Special Thanks to Rick Taylor of Ecuador Expats!! Our mattress plan is to get a couple from the following link. Have one now and very pleased. The kicker is that it is vacuum compressed into a box. Trying to remember, I’d say the box was 16″ x 16″ by the width of the mattress. You open it up and in… Read More

Internet & Security Systems (Cotacachi/Otavalo)

Christian provides internet service, 1 meg and 1.5 meg (not shared) The cost is $45 and $60 US, the installation is $150, it includes the antenna and configuration. If there is a problem he will give fast assistance. because he lives in Cotacachi and speaks great English. About the security system, it is $250 US, includes 1 control panel, 1… Read More

Making Cream Soup

Instant “Cream Soup” – Compliments of Liz Bower 2 cups powdered milk ¾ cups cornstarch ¼ cup instant chicken bouillon 1 tsp onion powder ½ tsp thyme (optional) ½ tsp basil (optional) ¼ tsp pepper Combine and store in an airtight container. To use for soup, combine 1/3 cup mix and 1-1/2 cups water and bring to boil, stirring often.… Read More

DHL (Quito, Ibarra)

General information: Went to U.S. Embassy to get something notarized, then needed to send it to the States. The DHL building is on Eloy Alfaro which is the same cross street (major throughfare) as the Embassy. The address is: S.A. Eloy Alfaro 113 y Pasaje de los Juncos. Mon,-Fri. 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Telephone: 2 248-5100. If you are… Read More