See the video below where Dan Prescher reports from Cotacachi, Ecuador, with a wrap up of International Living free daily postcards for the week ending August 21.

On August 16, Mexico Editor Glynna Prentice says it’s no surprise that this country’s Colonial Highlands have attracted expats for years—they have some of Mexico’s finest colonial architecture and a great climate. But this year they also have the bicentennial of Mexican independence. The highlands are where it all began, and Glynna tells you where the biggest and best party is going to be.

Panama Editor Jessica Ramesch explores a place in Panama that still looks like small-town America. Neat rows of houses, wide avenues, green lawns…it’s part of la zona, the old U.S. sector, and Jessica says it’s a kind of American Colonial oasis in Panama City.

Dena Haines writes from Cuenca, Ecuador, rated as one of the best places in the world to retire by International Living. After living there for a year, Dena says she knows why… The climate is great, the medical facilities are excellent and the cost of living is low. Find out how low in Dena’s postcard.

Investment writer Rob Marstrand says that, although everyone talks about China and India, he has his eye on a different kind of part of Asia for investment. It’s small, stable and rich with the highest share of millionaire households in the world. Shelter from the investment storm? Rob thinks so…find out where this little gem is.

Finally, Ronan McMahon writes to say you can now leave San Jose at 9 a.m. and be eating deep-fried brie in blackberry sauce at a French restaurant on Costa Rica’s southern coast by lunch time.  Just six months ago, it would have taken all day to make that trip, and the new infrastructure is having a dramatic effect on more than the restaurant choices in this beautiful area. Ronan has real estate deals, and he explains them in his postcard.

You can read all these postcards and more for free, and don’t forget to visit the International Living Facebook page.

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