I was born in the 1940′s in California, where I remained until 1992. At the time of this writing, I am living temporarily in Cotacachi, Ecuador … escaping the chilly winter weather of the coastal Atlantic city of Punta del Este, Uruguay. 
My wife (Kristy) and I have lived in Uruguay for several years, because it is a beautiful place to live … with warm, friendly, generous inhabitants. We have many friends in Uruguay.
What keeps you there?
Where? Uruguay? Nothing. Although there are now strong ties to keep us in Uruguay, nevertheless, we have decided to move to Ecuador because it also is beautiful, with a completely different culture than Uruguay. Life is an adventure. So this next part of it we have decided to live on the equator, in what some people refer to as the land of eternal spring.
What do you do to make a living?
I teach via the net, and I write. Recently, I finished the Second Edition of my 2003 publication, 1000 Days to the Bar – 
But the Practice of Law Begins Now, (Wm. S. Hein & Co., N.Y. 2010), now on sale through Amazon (click here). The book is a guide for those students who want to excel in law school; the first edition has been required or recommended reading at many law schools across the U.S. for many years. Visit the companion website at DennisTonsing.com.
As a senior instructor at Concord Law School, I am able to continue teaching on a daily basis through the miracle of online education.
Kristy continues her legal secretarial work via the net as well.
Describe your average weekday and weekend day.
That I cannot do—every day is different. However, we both work several hours most days of the week. We read, we stroll, we jog, we swim, we buy fresh local fruit and veggies and other comestibles, we watch a movie now and then at home, play with the dog, and visit often with friends and neighbors. But no day is “average.”
What skills have you learned while living abroad?
While in Uruguay I learned to ride a motorcycle. I’ve also learned to communicate well in Spanish. My motorcycle capabilities are considerably more advanced than my Spanish language capabilities.
What are you missing (professionally) by not being in your home country?
Not enough to mention.
If you could live anywhere, where would that be and why?
Punta del Este, Uruguay or Cotacachi, Ecuador.
What is your favorite gadget that makes your work life abroad better?
If a laptop is a gadget, that’s it. If not, my corkscrew.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Dennis and Kristy Tonsing are amazingly gifted people who share their time, energy and talents promoting the practice of Law. They are missed greatly in the states by the lives they have touched along the way. I cannot wait to hear the next chapter of their lives as we (the left behind) follow them through their blogs and emails.
Dennis was a trusted confident and a good friend and though I miss him (and Kristy) I am delighted that they have left behind the known and comfortable and embarked on a remarkable journey, one that clearly is ongoing.
Welcome to Cotacachi … we await your full time arrival as a valuable addition to our condominium and to expat community. Your enthusiasm, humor, and candor make it so much fun to be around you. Debbie and I enjoy your company and new found friendship.
how is life in Cotacachi?
Dennis & Kristy,
We are hoping to come to Eucador in Oct. , is there a weekly meeting of expats in Cotacachi or montly? We would like to plan a trip where we could meet other expats. My husband also loves to ride his motercycle and has 2 older BMW,s that we understand he won’t be able to bring into the country should move. We are both born in the 40′s and have lived many places in the US. Home is currently Santa Fe.,NM. We are looking into what it take to move our 4 sm. Jack Russells! We just can’t leave them behind. Thanks again, Lynnae
Dennis, Kristy,
Sounds like a wonderful life! (The photo comfirms your satisfaction).
I am a seasoned English language teacher in Houston, Texas. Could you steer me toward a reliable website with info for people wanting to live, work in Uruguay?
Thanks, and found your site by googling for schools in Cotacachi.
Regards, Merri
Dennis, Kristy,
Sounds like a wonderful life! (The photo confirms your satisfaction).
I am a seasoned English language teacher in Houston, Texas. Could you steer me toward a reliable website with info for people wanting to live, work in Uruguay?
Thanks, and found your site by googling for schools in Cotacachi.
Regards, Merri