Hi Reader!

This is the final day of our first Leap to Cuenca and everyone is heading back home or to another far off destination around the world.

Technically, a paro (national strike) has been going on since before the Leap started, but it hasn't affected our time here in Ecuador.

Unlike previous paros that shut down the entire country, there have been very few road closures and most are north of Quito in the Otavalo area.

There have also been a few protests in the heart of Quito near the government buildings.

Here in Cuenca, we haven't seen any food or fuel shortages, and the Turtles were able to take two day trip excursions to nearby areas without any issues.

Last week, Amelia took everyone to San Bartolomé, Chordeleg and Gualaceo while I was sick in bed.

On Wednesday, we all drove south to Girón to see the waterfall at El Chorro and Laguna de Busa.

We didn't see a single sign of the paro on either day trip. In 2019 and 2022, it would have been impossible to leave Cuenca because nearly all of the roads were closed in Cuenca and around the country.

A close Ecuadorian friend of ours told us that this paro is being viewed as political maneuvering more so than for the public good, which could explain the lack of broad support.

The President says the taxpayer funded fuel subsidies benefited criminal networks who have been illegally shipping discounted fuel to Colombia and Peru where it can be resold for a profit.

The indigenous leaders argue that removal of the subsidies disproportionately affects farmers and the poor despite the fuel voucher system that was put in place to reduce the burden of higher fuel costs.

How this plays out is yet to be seen, but so far, it's nothing like the last two paros we experienced in Ecuador (despite how the international news media is portraying it).

Thankfully, it hasn't hindered our experience over the past few weeks and hopefully that continues for Leap 2, which officially begins tomorrow.

👉 If you would like to join the Turtles in Siem Reap or Europe next year, join the Turtle Travel Club now so you get notified as soon as we announce the Leaps (you'll also get immediate access to the Xpat Club and the Slow Travel EXPRESS eCourse).

---

NOTE: If the LINKS do not work, you'll need to disable your VPN, try a different server, or visit AmeliaAndJP.com/NewsArchive to view this newsletter in your browser. Sorry for the inconvenience, but more and more websites are blocking VPN IP Addresses.

---

News for Global Citizens

Here's what we learned about the world this week...

Travel News

At 72, She’s Rolling Solo Around the Globe and Inspiring Us All

At age 72, this intrepid traveler refuses to let her wheelchair define her boundaries. She’s journeyed on her own across continents, tackling airport hurdles, inaccessible hotels, and cultural attitudes along the way. Yet despite the challenges, from narrow bathrooms to airline indifference, she presses on, proving that grit, curiosity, and self-belief can transform limitations into explorations. Source​

Kyoto’s Hotel Tax Is About to Get a Major Upgrade

Starting March 2026, Kyoto will introduce a new tiered hotel tax system - the highest in Japan - with rates ranging from ¥200 (about $1.30) for budget stays up to ¥10,000 (around $66) per person per night for luxury accommodations. Mid-range travelers will see smaller surcharges between ¥400 ($2.65), ¥1,000 ($6.65), and ¥4,000 ($26.65) depending on room price. The move comes as Kyoto works to manage overtourism, improve infrastructure, and preserve its cultural treasures amid record visitor numbers. Source​

Don’t Get Fooled: Ryanair Blasts OTAs Over Hidden Markups

Ryanair is pulling no punches. The airline claims that certain online travel agencies (OTAs), like eDreams, Tix, and Vola, are charging up to 125–148% more than their own site for identical flights and extras. The accusation centers on inflated seat-reservations, baggage fees, and add-ons, often hidden until the final purchase screen. To avoid being overcharged, Ryanair urges travelers to compare directly with the airline’s website, scrutinize all fees before checkout, and steer clear of “non-approved” OTAs. Source​

Want to explore the world slowly, like we do? Check out the Slow Travel EXPRESS eCourse (it's on sale for 50% off).

See Switzerland the ‘Right’ Way: Travel by Train

If you really want to experience Switzerland, skip the highways and flyways, and ride the rails instead. The best way to soak in Switzerland’s beauty is by train, weaving together three of the country’s most scenic alpine rail routes into a single itinerary. Think panoramic windows, changing landscapes, and slow travel that lets you savor the journey, not just the destination. Source​

Expat News

Inside Asia’s Top Picks for Expats in 2025

Asia is rising fast on the expat radar, and a recent ranking by BBC Travel highlights why. Countries like Thailand, Vietnam, China, Indonesia, and Malaysia are turning heads thanks to their mix of affordability, cultural vibrancy, and improving infrastructure. Many expats praise the balance between opportunity and lifestyle: decent salaries, friendly communities, and plenty of things to see and do. Of course, it’s not all perfect — language barriers, bureaucracy, and adapting to new social norms still come up — but if you're looking to restart or rediscover life abroad, these Asian nations are making a strong case. Source​

Portugal Eyes Overhaul of Its Citizenship & Immigration Rules

Portugal is moving fast to reshape how people live, stay, and become citizens there. The proposed reforms include doubling the residency requirement to qualify for naturalization (for most applicants) and imposing stricter criteria for job-seeker visas and family reunification. Under these changes, some routes to legal status would be eliminated, and residents currently in transitional cases may face deadlines to apply. Source​

Planning a move abroad? Check out our Move Abroad EXPRESS eCourse (it's on sale for 50% off).

Why So Many Americans Want to Retire Abroad

A new survey shows that about 44% of Americans have seriously considered spending their retirement years abroad and 14% are actively planning to relocate in the next couple of years. The biggest draws? Lower living costs, better (or more affordable) healthcare, frustration with domestic politics, and the chance to boost overall quality of life. But before you hop on a plane, you’ll need to dig into visa rules, tax obligations, local laws, and what life’s really like in your target country so the dream doesn’t turn into a headache. Source​

4 Overseas Cities Where Social Security Stretch Farther

A recent Moneywise article spotlights four cities where U.S. retirees can live comfortably, even “rich”, on Social Security alone. Phuket, Thailand leads with a low monthly cost of living (around $736 for a single person) and a retiree visa for those aged 50 or older. Over in Mendoza, Argentina, the cost of life is nearly 50% lower than in the U.S., making it possible to enjoy a relaxed lifestyle in the heart of wine country. Santa Marta, Colombia offers warm weather, coastal charm, and great healthcare, while Manila, Philippines has one of the lowest living costs among major capitals, with monthly expenses falling as low as $646. As tempting as it sounds, the article reminds you: dig into local rules, visas, taxes, and real-world living before pulling the trigger. Source​

Ecuador News

Quito on Guard: Tensions Rise After Conaie Threatens Protest in Capital

The city of Quito is bracing itself after the President of CONAIE, Marlon Vargas, warned that protests could escalate to “taking over” the capital if the government fails to heed their demands. In response, the municipality activated security protocols, and Mayor Pabel Muñoz declared that Quito “will not be held hostage” by threats, even as he called for calm and dialogue. Meanwhile, national leadership has pushed back on the idea of a forceful takeover, emphasizing the need for order amidst unrest. Source​

Ecuador to Vote on Military Bases & Big Constitution Changes

Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa has proposed a Consultation & Referendum 2025 including a controversial question: should the constitution’s ban on foreign military bases be lifted? Alongside that, voters may also weigh in on issues like party funding, the number of legislators, and whether to call a new Constituent Assembly. The question about bases cleared constitutional review, and the government is aiming to put the package before the public — tentatively in December — for a direct democratic decision. Source​

IMF Greenlights $600M Disbursement for Ecuador

The IMF’s technical team has approved Ecuador’s second review and cleared a USD 600 million immediate disbursement, while also expanding the existing financing program from USD 4 billion to USD 5 billion. The move recognizes Ecuador’s strong performance in meeting key fiscal and macroeconomic targets and offers fresh breathing room for the government’s agenda of reforms. Source​

Planning a move to Ecuador? Check out the updated Ecuador EXPRESS eCourse (it's on sale for 50% off).

Peruvian President Seeks Political Asylum in Ecuador

Peru’s embattled President Dina Boluarte has formally requested political asylum from Ecuador as unrest and political pressure mount at home. The move comes amid multiple investigations, a cratering approval rating, and rising calls for her removal. It adds a dramatic new chapter to Peru’s turbulent political crisis and could reshape Ecuador’s diplomatic posture in the region. Source​

---

That's all for now! Let us know if you have any questions by replying to this email 👍

JP (Amelia Says Hola)​
​AmeliaAndJP.com​

​