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Vilcabamba Glimpse #01
First Trip to the Dentist in Ecuador
I've decided to send those of you who have expressed interest in Vilcabamba and Hacienda San Joaquin glimpses of what it is like here.
If you would not like to receive these "glimpses" please let me know...at any time.
Today I went to the dentist in Vilcabamba (there is also a small hospital in Vilcabamba). The dentist's name is Cecilia. A very pleasant lady, as are most people here.
I went for a routine cleaning. Cecilia is the receptionist, hygienist, and dentist, i.e., she runs her office by herself.
She cleaned my teeth. As good a cleaning as I ever got in the U.S. Price: $20.
She discovered two small cavities. The same two my U.S. dentist pointed out last year.
I was glad she found them. It confirmed for me she knew what she was doing.
She asked if I would like to have her repair the cavities.
I didn't know what to expect but said yes.
She repaired them. She did a great job. Price: $30.
Total bill today at the dentist: $50.
Haircuts, incidentally, are $1.50. Carlotta is as good a cutter as any high-priced stylist I've used in the U.S.
Land prices in Vilcabamba are not cheap.
The Andes Mountains' region of Ecuador is a special place in the world. Vilcabamba, with its extraordinary climate, is a special place in the Andes. Hacienda San Joaquin is a special place within Vilcabamba.
The big savings in real estate here is in home building.
For example, you could buy a spectacular Lot, about 3/4 of an acre, at the Hacienda. Horses would be in a beautiful corral in front and just below you and beyond that you would look at an extraordinary view of the Vilcabamba River and Andes Mountains. Your total cost for the Lot and a beautiful home with all modern conveniences, about 2,000 square feet, would be about $150,000.
Best, Joe
Joe Simonetta
Owner/Architect
Hacienda San Joaquin
Vilcabamba, Ecuador
P.S. International Living named Ecuador "The Best Place in the World to Retire" http://www.haciendasanjoaquin.com/best_in_the_world.html