Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 10 hours ago
In this update from Ecuador, I talk about the announced power outages and why they are happening: drought affecting hydroelectric power, overloads and failures in the transmission grid, and increasing electricity demand. I also share my experience from previous long power outages in my building, how generator systems work in real life — and how they do not always work the way you might expect — and what the planned outage schedules mean for Manta/Manabi over the coming weekends.
I also include an interesting side story about an email from the local cooperative JEP, where I use AI to read and translate numbers and key financial information about solvency and the loan portfolio. In addition, I talk about an unexpected and very pleasant photography moment when I was asked to sign a photo that friends had hung on their wall, along with good news about making contact with the VA in the United States for my tinnitus evaluation. Finally, I discuss common questions about Medicare, medication costs in Ecuador, and a little about crime — including why I still experience everyday life as safe where I live.
JEP Document: docs.google.com/document/d/1QsUYfuK6RkbAHYi8ngk-pegZdxEkFijPaAPFfpsRFrg/edit?usp=sharing
Links to know:
Facebook - Manta and Manabi Expats and Amigos - facebook.com/groups/323275021650751
My Channel Video Index - docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1-f4Wv3uBMulCX9OK6oNqS5a9wrS84cbUBYXzoq24JNA/edit?usp=sharing
The ultimate checklist (always subject to change)
docs.google.com/document/d/1ySNcEa6_ffaKutXgMdlhdwAoD46lkwqKvd_H7DlEYGY/edit?usp=sharing
In this update from Ecuador, I talk about the announced power outages and why they are happening: drought affecting hydroelectric power, overloads and failures in the transmission grid, and increasing electricity demand. I also share my experience from previous long power outages in my building, how generator systems work in real life — and how they do not always work the way you might expect — and what the planned outage schedules mean for Manta/Manabi over the coming weekends.
I also include an interesting side story about an email from the local cooperative JEP, where I use AI to read and translate numbers and key financial information about solvency and the loan portfolio. In addition, I talk about an unexpected and very pleasant photography moment when I was asked to sign a photo that friends had hung on their wall, along with good news about making contact with the VA in the United States for my tinnitus evaluation. Finally, I discuss common questions about Medicare, medication costs in Ecuador, and a little about crime — including why I still experience everyday life as safe where I live.
JEP Document: docs.google.com/document/d/1QsUYfuK6RkbAHYi8ngk-pegZdxEkFijPaAPFfpsRFrg/edit?usp=sharing
Links to know:
Facebook - Manta and Manabi Expats and Amigos - facebook.com/groups/323275021650751
My Channel Video Index - docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1-f4Wv3uBMulCX9OK6oNqS5a9wrS84cbUBYXzoq24JNA/edit?usp=sharing
The ultimate checklist (always subject to change)
docs.google.com/document/d/1ySNcEa6_ffaKutXgMdlhdwAoD46lkwqKvd_H7DlEYGY/edit?usp=sharing
