Ecuador - The Storm-Free Country

By: Larry Swenson

News headlines you may never see: TROPICAL STORM DEVISTATES ECUADOR COAST HURRICANE CAUSES WIDSPREAD DAMAGE AND FLOODING

When I contemplated the purchase of beachfront property in Ecuador, I did my homework and you should too!

My Google search for “tropical storm Ecuador” and “hurricane Ecuador” produced ZERO, NONE, NADA returns. On the other hand, try the same search with the U.S. Gulf Coast, ANYWHERE in the Gulf of Mexico, Baja Mexico, Pacific Coast of Mexico, Yucatan Peninsula, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, and ANY island in the Caribbean. You will see pages of the current and past results for these types of storms.

Why are we inundated with advertisements for beautiful, warm climate, tropical places that offer property deals that are “Once in a life time” or “Buy now before the secret gets out”? Because they are deals! That is, until the next storm hits. Visualize your international dream home, your investment, shredded to pieces, flooded or both.

If you are living in the U.S., any of these areas may be a bit closer to home than Ecuador. A quick flight to Baja, Dominica or Belize sounds good. But that should not be a deciding factor. If a few added hours to a travel schedule can practically insure a safe and secure investment, now that is a deciding factor! Look at the facts and be historically certain the probability of damage or destruction by storm is extremely low.

When I explored Ecuador as South America’s oldest democracy, it’s amenities, infrastructure, currency, health services, low cost of living, inexpensive and efficient transportation, friendly, welcoming people, geographical abundance, etc., it was not difficult to make a decision.

Don’t be wooed into your next investment venture by fancy ads and glossy pictures. When the major factors are added up you will see that Ecuador’s coast may provide everything that is right for your international venture.

Larry Swenson lives in Bend, Oregon U.S.A., and frequently visits Ecuador. He began investing in Ecuador several years ago and may be contacted by email or through his website: http://www.Ecuadorbeachfront.com

Uruguay - One of the Best Places to Retire For Affordable Retirement Living and Gambling

By Stephanie Hofstetler

Experiencing an economic slump, the Oriental Republic of Uruguay has turned to the foreign pensioners to help bring it out of an economic doldrums. Many who have moved to Uruguay have discovered it is one of the best places to retire - this article will tell you a little bit more about Uruguay.

The 68,037 sq mi land area, which largely relies on its agriculture production to keep its economy running, is searching for other options on how it would improve its gross domestic product (GDP).

It intends to embark on an aggressive marketing campaign to attract more foreign retirees or pensioners who are in search of a second home. Oftentimes, these expatriates prefer spending their twilight years in a tropical country, where the sun is out several hours in a day.

But there are a lot of countries in South America that have also declared its intention of being a retirement home for foreign retirees. Uruguay believes that it could stand up to the challenge and take a slice of the market as a retirement haven.

The 68,037 sq mi "heart shaped" country fought off its former invaders such as the Spanish, Portuguese and Brazilians but sheer tenacity and determination to gain independence drove 33 exiled Uruguayans to lead an insurrection. This same level of determination, plus the attraction of the city and strong tourism market propaganda, would attract the tourists and retired pensioners alike to visit and live, respectively, in the country.

What will happen next is inevitable-an economic recovery.

It would be practical for foreigners to live off their retirement years in Uruguay where they would be maximizing the value of their hard-earned money.

Quiet and quality time, whether on your own or with a loved one, would be strolling the beach Punta del Este. In the evenings, you could eat in one of the fine dining restaurants before you play a game of chance, or as others put it luck, in casinos.

While the peace and order situation in the country would need improvement, it is not bad as some other countries. Tell me what country can claim complete nirvana? None right. Every country is a work in progress at one point or another.

In this predominantly Roman Catholic country, petty crimes are recorded in its capital city of Montevideo such as pick pocketing, purse snatching, confrontational robberies and thefts from unsecured vehicles. But these crimes usually do not involve violence.

The Uruguayan law enforcement authorities have also increased the number of uniformed foot patrol policemen in an effort to improve their visibility. They particularly roam the streets noted for their notoriety or where criminal activity is concentrated. A number of patrol cars can also be seen around residential communities. No country is completely safe from crime.

Uruguay has many reasons that make it a best place to retire, learn more about retiring to Uruguay Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stephanie_Hofstetler