My Trip to Ecuador

Hey guys,

I’ve been in Ecuador for a little over a week and it’s been a fascinating experience. I’m so lucky that my work allows me these opportunities. I figured I’d jot down a few things I’ve found interesting about Ecuador. So here’s what I’ve got. I’ll just spit these out as they come to mind:

1. They use the Dollar as they’re official currency, except when using change – weird.
2. The tallest building I’ve seen is no more than 12 stories.
3. They call pets “Mascotas” meaning mascot – I found this super interesting – so your pet represents you as a mascot would. Hmmm.
4. No one washes their cars. A car is to get from point A to point B, who cares if its clean??? I didn’t see a carwash in the whole city!!
5. The KFC has fried shrimp!!!! Awesome!!!
6. The fastfood joints are all off the chain, better than in the U.S. – with granite counters inside and even at the drive-thru!!
7. All the drivers are constantly honking for “preventative measures”
8. Their art is absolutely amazing!!!!!
9. Summer starts in Jan. so school is off until May.
10. They’re religious by tradition but there aren’t a lot of churches…although I see a lot of pictures of Jesus on people’s windows…
11. People are nowhere near as overweight as we are in the U.S.
12. I’m the only blonde.
13. The people are ridiculously nice.
14. All the roads are one-way’s.
15. I’m the only crazy person hauling my dog around in a tiny bag…
16. They’re fascinated by my mac.
17. They don’t use daylight savings so the time never changes.
18. The people are very enterprising, there’s like a billions stores everywhere and you can buy lotto tickets, corn, magazines, crackers or water from people, even kids, standing at every intersection.
19. Water bottles are 20 cents!!!! I’m buying a truckload to send home.
20. They’re soda’s come in like 4 liters!! “What the hell can u do w/ a 2 liter?” is apparently they’re motto.
21. They have store knock-offs: lol! They have a Sunglass Hot and a store just like Macy’s with the red name and star but it’s sooo not Macy’s – I forgot the name.

I gotta give it to them though, I don’t really miss home all that much. They really got it together here. I’ve truly enjoyed my stay and will most definitely miss the people here when I go home.

Chaise