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"Living Inside a Postcard"
Notes from Visitor, Eric Tate
No 8: May 13, 2006

About a year ago, Joe Simonetta and I were playing tennis at his Sarasota, Florida home. Joe mentioned that he was exploring a possible move to Central or South America.

"Really?" I asked, quite surprised. "Who would just up and move from 'the good life' to another country where he doesn't even speak the language?" I thought. At that time, I was unaware of the countless Americans who were moving to Central and South America.

Week by week, as Joe and I got together for tennis, the story evolved. Joe, who was not drawn to Central America, turned to South America. He was taken by Ecuador, particularly the spectacular Andes mountains region.

If you've received his 'Glimpses' you know what happened next. Ecuador led to Vilcabamba. A trip to Vilcabamba resulted in his purchase of a large riverfront ranch, Hacienda San Joaquín.

Now, here I am writing to you from an internet cafe in Vilcabamba! Without repeating information you can find on Joe's web site, here are my impressions after being here one week.

The People

I've always had an affinity for Italians. They are warm, authentic, and relationship-centered. Ecuadorians are the same. People are real, present, and kind. They smile brightly, look you in the eye, shake hands, and kiss on the cheek when greeting and parting. The children, maybe because they don't have millions of TV images in their heads, seem healthier and more vibrant.

It seems to affect everyone. On my second day here, I ran into a retired American couple living here. I was a bit surprised when he asked, "What do you do for fun in Sarasota?", not "What do you do?"

Vilcabamba

When I walk out of the hotel where I am staying into full view of the Andes, I feel like I'm living inside a postcard. I wish I could send a piece of it to everyone I know. Factor in the people, and Ecuador is a cross between Switzerland and Italy.

The weather seems to be permanently stuck on 'perfect', a word I avoid but seems to fit here. Surrounded by the Andes mountains and lush vegetation, one feels at ease and richly connected to life. The town of Vilcabamba is clean, quaint, and lively. You feel that you are living in a former era when life was simpler and more pristine.

Hacienda San Joaquín

If you'll permit me one more comparison, if living in Vilcabamba is like living in a postcard, those fortunate enough to one day live at the Hacienda Joe is developing will feel like they are living at a resort. The property is enormous and beautiful.

Joe and the Ecuadorian engineers he's worked with have mapped out 50 extraordinary home sites, each unique, over 663 acres. You can read more details on the website. The progress made in just five months is astonishing.

Joe has asked me to help introduce the properties to like-minded people who might have interest in property at Hacienda San Joaquín. I agreed to assist and have become part of the project.

Joe Simonetta

It would be nearly impossible for me to be involved if Joe was not the one to lead this project. His integrity, attention to detail, commitment to completion, and sensitivity to people and the land are all evident.

He employs 80 local Ecuadorians all of whom he knows by name. They are paid above normal wages and are treated with great respect. With Joe's insistence on the highest quality, every decision is focused towards creating a stunningly beautiful and enriching development and community.

Closing Thoughts

You realize two things here. First, when people in the U.S. and Europe find out about Vilcabamba they are going to want to come here to live and vacation. It's not if but how soon. Second, if this place is going be developed, which is inevitable, you're sure glad it's Joe who is setting the standard.

You might be inclined to think I might embellish my experience here given that I am now involved in the project. All you need to do is visit to understand that all the superlatives I might use to describe my experience would not be enough to do it justice.

The truth is good enough.

Joe's focus is on building an extraordinary community of like-minded people. Imagine not only living in Vilcabamba at Hacienda San Joaquín but in a community of progressive and stimulating individuals from the U.S., Europe, and South America.

If the idea of living in such a community has appeal, I encourage you to visit as soon as you can. Maybe include a trip to the Galapagos Islands off the coast of Ecuador or stop at Machu Picchu in Peru. Whether you end up living here or not, you'll find yourself more connected to yourself, people, and life. That is a beautiful thing!

May I suggest that you also refer friends to Joe's website and pass on this and other 'Vilcabamba Glimpses'. They could be your future neighbors and will be grateful to you for life for letting them know about this extraordinary place.

Please contact me if I can provide you or any of your friends with insight about this area or Joe's Hacienda San Joaquín.

Eric

Sarasota, Florida
941-346-0313
erictate@iglide.net

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