Page 44 March 2013 Ecuador still a big draw for couple from Arcadia By Kaley Kalil Nicholas and Mercedes Crowder have lived in Arcadia since 1983, when they moved here after attempting to start a manufacturer’s representative business in Ecuador. “It was bad timing,” Nicholas said. “The El Nino storm hit right after we arrived and it was one of the worst in Ecuador’s history. The economy was suffering and pretty much halted imports.” Nicholas has visited Ecuador more than 60 times in the past 30 years. “It has been a wonderful experience to see the changes,” he said. “The latest government has invested tremendous amounts of money on improving the roadway system. It is much easier to get around Ecuador now as compared to 30 years ago.” Nicholas has seen fi rsthand the affects of advancements such as Internet and cell phones on the local economy. “In town squares or other public areas, you used to see men with typewriters sitting on benches who would fi ll paperwork out for you or write a letter, even love letters.” He said he also has noticed a growing number of American and Canadian expatriates settling in such cities as Cuenca or Cotocachi. “Ecuador is a very small country and it is very diverse, so you can see much of it over a short period of time,” he said. Throughout their visits, Nicholas and Mercedes enjoy activities like dolphin- watching, walking on the beaches, attending rodeos and riding the train. They spend a signi fi cant amount of time in the major cities of Quito, Guayaquil and Cuenca. “The smaller towns are also worth visiting,” Nicholas said, such as Baños, Salinas and the many small beach communities. Nicholas has traveled Ecuador by bus, taxi, car and foot. “The views are incredible driving through the Andes to the coast,” he said. For safety reasons, he does not recommend taking the bus at night or renting a car, as driving in Ecuador can be dif fi cult for those not used to it. While visiting Baños on one trip, Mercedes’ camera was stolen by another passenger on the bus. Be aware the people of this region are extremely superstitious, Nicholas stood at the front of the bus Continued on page 50 A BREAKDOWN IS A BREAKDOWN IS NEVER LUCKY. NEVER LUCKY. SCHEDULE YOUR SUMMER TUNE-UP! SCHEDULE YOUR SUMMER TUNE-UP! Family Owned & Operated Licensed, Bonded & Insured Service & Install on all Makes & Models Free Estimates on New Equipment RESIDENT Ʈ AL & COM 0( R ǨƮ AL RESIDENT Ʈ AL & COM 0( R ǨƮ AL REBATES & CREDITS AVAILABLE! I Ǖ6 TA ǒ L $ N Ʃ W I Ǖ6 TA ǒ L $ N Ʃ W ENV , ƺǖ ƴ 0 ENTA dz ǒ Y ENV , ƺǖ ƴ 0 ENTA dz ǒ Y F ƺ , E ǕLjǒ Y $ /C ǜ ǣ67 Ʃ 0 ! F ƺ , E ǕLjǒ Y $ /C ǜ ǣ67 Ʃ 0 ! ROC Licenses: 80131, 80132, 80133 R E F R I G E R AT I O N  A I R C O N D I T I O N I N G  R E S I D E N T I A L  C O M M E R C I A L 3231 East Washington 602-957-3745 www.AccuTempAZ.com Bill Murley, President ACCUTEMP IS AN APS/SRP QUALIFIED CONTRACTOR $ /C • H Ʃ $ TI Ǖ G • Ʊ OW 7 Ʃǔ P • , Ǩ( M $Ǩƭ IN ( & M 2 R ( ! $ /C • H Ʃ $ TI Ǖ G • Ʊ OW 7 Ʃǔ P • , Ǩ( M $Ǩƭ IN ( & M 2 R ( ! Simply Sell It Now is the new alternative for selling your vehicle. We’re licensed, bonded, and insured and handle every transaction with honesty and integrity. Call us today and let the Simply Sell It Now team handle all the details of selling your car, truck, RV or boat—from start to sale. They gave me very good advice on pricing my car and were considerate of my schedule in setting appointments to show it. They did all the work and it was well worth their reasonable fee. My car sold quickly at the price I wanted. I will definitely use Simply Sell It Now again! — Ken P., Phoenix Want to Sell Your Vehicle? “ ” To learn more, visit www.SimplySellItNow.com 480.219.4050 Licensed • Bonded • Insured What does well-being look like? At Maravilla Scottsdale, it’s a perfect blend of comfort, convenience and a personalized approach to care. It’s all here, in a beautifully crafted community in the heart of Scottsdale. From basic assistance with activities of daily living to our award-winning InTouch ® memory care program, Maravilla is the perfect fit. Our well-appointed private alcove and one-bedroom residences are available to the public on a convenient monthly fee basis, with no entrance fee required. Come see how rewarding and reassuring care can be at Maravilla. 7325 E. Princess Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ 85255 480.359.1980 | MaravillaScottsdale.com ASSISTED LIVING | MEMORY CARE

Page 45 March 2013 Spring Break plans should include safety awareness By Kaley Kalil With spring break just around the corner, young adults are making vacation plans to get away, chill out and soak up the sun. With all of the fun that’s there to be had comes a fair share of dangers to be avoided. Here are a few quick tips to stay safe. Safety in numbers Stick with your friends when going out, especially to bars and clubs. Avoid walking alone at night, even if it’s only from one hotel to another. Especially when drinking, you’re much more of a vulnerable target when alone. Besides, spring break is about enjoying some time off with your friends, so stay together. Hotel rooms If you and your crew are booking a hotel room this spring break, be sure to book it nearby where you’ll be hanging out most of the time, whether it’s by the beach, downtown area or “strip,” etc. If possible, avoid booking a room on the fi rst fl oor because they’re easier targets for break-ins. Never leave any doors unlocked or fi rst fl oor windows open. The closer your hotel is to your destination spot, the less you’ll have to worry about fi nding transportation or walking long distances in unfamiliar areas. ATMs, cash and credit cards Let your credit card companies know where and when you’ll be traveling to in order to avoid any holds that might be placed on your account for irregular spending. Try to avoid going to any ATM by yourself. In tourist areas especially, they’re hot spots for quick robberies and you could be left with nothing in a matter of seconds. Always be cautious and look around for any bystanders, near or far. If someone looks out of place or seems suspicious to you at all, leave and either go to another ATM or come back another time. When typing in your pin number, always use your other hand to hide the keypad from anyone who might be watching. Additionally, never write your pin down for someone to fi nd and never carry more cash or credit cards than you need. Always have at least one back up credit card safe in your hotel in case you lose your other one(s). touristkilled.com For those traveling out of the country this spring break, it’s important to research Continued on page 50 Sure it’s about maintaining personal and financial independence, but as a fundamental part of your retirement plan, having long-term care insurance can signify so much more to your loved ones. Most of all, it can include more choices for living life the way you see fit. Talk to a New York Life Insurance Company Agent. Find out if long-term care insurance is right for you. They offer knowle ` ge and experience to help protect your retirement assets and income, standard of living and quality of life. Long-Term Care Insurance Protection for you and your family Chad Tucker, Agent ctucker@challandassociates.com (480) 371-3355 • ctucker@challandassociates.com 6710 N. Scottsdale Road • Suite 160 Scottsdale AZ 85253 351662CV-B The purpose of this material is solicitation of insurance. An insurance agent may contact you. 2007 New York Life Insurance Company, 51 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10010. DUI CLASSES ONLINE! 3200 N Hayden Rd ~ Suite 170 - Just South of Osborn Rd 480.429.9044 WOW! WOW! ONLINE DUI ONLINE DUI SERVICES! SERVICES! SCOTTSDALETREATMENT.COM ARIZONA’S FIRST ONLINE DUI SERVICES HOME • OFFICE • TRAVEL ANYWHERE YOU CAN “LOG ON!” ONLINE SERVICES: MVD • SR-22 ALCOHOL SCREENINGS, EDUCATION & TREATMENT ARIZONA’S FIRST ONLINE DUI SERVICES Compare our rates. CALL US LAST!