The question about building new is finding someone who actually has the skill to do it right. I really thought about it all, from many perspectives, but renting is still the best in my opinion.

And it's not because of a foreign country - I'm not really happy about inheriting a house in Germany, either, but it will come to it. It's my general mindset about not owning material. I never had that wish of owning a house or something. Maybe once I have one for whatever reason, that will change. My brother is thinking about buying an apartment here in Cotacachi, so he and mom can visit easier. Maybe seeing how that works will bring me closer to it.

The mental block could be the responsibility to care for yet another thing. I have enough of those responsibilities already, and am happy to not have to stress about a house.

As to your other questions - I don't fit well in either culture. I do consider myself German still, as most of my values come from there, although they have shifted over time. I do consider Ecuador, especially Cotacachi, my home, though. Going back to Germany brings back beautiful memories, but not the desire to create new memories besides the vacation.