Our Journey to San Clemente, Ecuador: Embracing a New Chapter

Hey there, fellow adventurers! Today, I'm excited to share with you how we ended up in the beautiful coastal town of San Clemente, Ecuador. Our story is one of unexpected twists, new beginnings, and the irresistible allure of this charming place we now call home.

It feels like a lifetime ago. In 2005, as a young family of 5, we embarked on a venture and opened a kids' gym and play center in Portsmouth, NH. It was one of the first of its kind and a rewarding way to use my creativity, love of teaching and working with children. Like most entrepreneurial endeavors, it was labor of love. I’ll never forget the big eyes and excited wiggles when kids came through the doors for the first time, and often every time thereafter. The absolute best part was the joy of seeing children and families come together in a space we created. However, the COVID-19 pandemic presented challenges we never could have imagined. With expensive rent and no end in sight, we found ourselves having to make the difficult decision to close my beloved gym. With our 3 children grown, the sudden absence of a job, and tired of enduring the harsh winters of New Hampshire, the idea of "snowbirding" appealed to us. We set out on a quest to find an affordable place where we could escape to a tropical climate somewhere near a beach. I was thinking Florida, but my husband had much more adventure in mind.

His search led us to the shores of Crucita, Ecuador, where we initially planned to spend just a month. Little did we know that this brief getaway would spark a cascade of life-changing events. As we mingled with fellow expats during the daily happy hour to watch the pretty orange and pink sunsets, we were intrigued by the stories of their years in Ecuador. Each tale was filled with many reasons why retiring in Ecuador holds such allure—more to delve into another day.

We could not resist the allure of beachfront living, the property prices were also irresistible. We often comment that Ecuador reminds us of Costa Rica 30 years ago. We regret not buying in Costa Rica while it was still affordable, compelling us to consider investing in a home here. And that's exactly what we did! We found our home in San Clemente, just 10 miles up the beach from Crucita. This photo was from the listing and then showing off some of the great changes we’ve made in just in a few years. 

Here’s a good time to mention, as much as we love it, Ecuador is a developing country with some rough edges. Either you accept them or you leave, but they are here. I’m excited to see the growth and change happening before our eyes on a daily basis and wonder what it will look like in 10, 20, 30 years. I’ll check back at 83 to fill you in.

San Clemente was a place unknown to us, but the talks of a vibrant expat community piqued our curiosity. Little did we know that this charming town would soon captivate our hearts in ways we never anticipated. The warmth of the locals, the captivating scenery, and the allure of a life filled with sunshine and timed by the tides —the magic of San Clemente began to weave its spell upon us.

There's so much to love about San Clemente, Ecuador. We just love the people. An Ecuadorian family, who care for our home, lives on our property. They’ve lived here since the home was built, 12 or so years ago. We adore them. They have welcomed us into their extended family and have given us a unique closer look at life here in Ecuador. The other nationals we have met are so kind, peaceful and welcoming. The vibrant expat community has welcomed us too, fostering a sense of camaraderie and belonging that we never expected to find so far away. 

From the beauty of the sun-kissed coast to the colorful local trucks bursting with fresh produce to big tropical flowers and cozy beach bars, San Clemente itself just feels right.

My husband is on his way to town now to buy chicken and fresh produce from the sidewalk vendors. In front of our house, we can buy big fresh shrimp off the boat for $3 a pound. We can go 45 minutes to the city for big grocery stores and a mall typical of those in the US. Most days, we love watching the fishermen work along the beach in this traditional fishing village. I like to walk on the beach, paint and read. John still works full time. He’s fortunate to be able to work from here. After a busy day, John usually makes an appearance at the local tiki bar. Later, I catch up on my USA tv shows, and John enjoys wine and ocean watching on the terrace. The laid-back pace of life here is a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of our previous existence, and we've come to relish every moment of it. I’ll tell you about opening a restaurant another day.

As we immerse ourselves in the culture, cuisine, and landscapes of San Clemente, we find ourselves embracing a new chapter filled with adventure and the joy of creating a home in a place we never thought we'd call our own.

So, here's to new beginnings, and unexpected journeys to remarkable places. Our journey to San Clemente, Ecuador, may have been unforeseen, but it has become an extraordinary chapter in the story of our lives—one that I’m thrilled to share with you.

Until next time, stay full of life, full of color. And keep spreading the tagua love! xo, Amber