ot-ot-ot- ecuador.LOL, I had to laugh just a little when I read your post Alberto............
As a rich gringo, you will always be a target in Ecuador. Do you think a rich gringo is not a target in Canada? The only difference is that it isn't necessarily those who have little money that are targeting us........it's those who cannot manage the money that we give them.
Canada is indeed one of the best, if not the best place in the world to raise your children and make a life for yourself. The only problem is that it is NOT the best place for retirement, simple as that.
5 months of tough winters in Quebec and the highest taxes in North America sometimes simply make your mind wander, and mine did indeed. Once you retire, you may find that your needs are different. When I was in business here, it was a wonderful place to be. In many aspects and I thought I would never leave. Once I retired I had to protect what I have from those who wish to re-distribute it in a manner that I personally do not agree with. It is an issue going forward, knowing what is lurking around the bend. Having said that..............it is a matter of choice. If it was only a question of a bigger bang for the buck, I would go to India or Thailand, but that is not the case.
The 5 months of winter was the main variables that we needed to address. One could talk about it for a long time, but in the end, it is to each their own. Canada is great, and it has its values and a great many advantages, certainly for people who are having a hard time making their lives in countries with less to offer. One of those advantages, though, is not as a venue for retirement. I have yet to meet anyone who with great excitement and enthusiasm has expressed: "I cannot wait to retire....................to Canada."
Being robbed is not a deterrent, because we get robbed every day of the week wherever we are, gentlemen. It is just that in some places, the law is on the side of those robbing us, as they write it...lol.
You know........there is a lot more involved than can be stated in a simple post on a bullboard but suffice it to say that we feel that South America will be a nice place to exercise our need to give back. We feel that our assets may be put to better use there and for the good of more people. Like I said.............to each their own.
I can however fully appreciate your position, as I share your love for Canada as my homeland. Our priorities are simply not the same. Our situation in life lends itself nicely for such an adventure and we hope to enjoy it.
If not, then we will at least have experienced it and we can always move on from there............Simple as that.
Life is too darn short and the world is a playground.
cheers,
Vwig.