Oh Ecuador! Oh Ecuador... Part 2

If you recall, I promised that I would update my list of Ecuadorian pros and cons as my year progressed. Seeing as I just recently passed the sixth month mark of my time here, I felt that an update was in order. So without further ado, Part 2...

Oh Ecuador...
- I appreciate the warmth and closeness of the Ecuadorian people. But, no, I do not want you to be so close to me in the grocery store line that your boob is grazing my elbow. I'm sorry. I'm not okay with that.
- I understand that this next one is something born out of necessity and not recklessness, but it bothers me just the same. I can't tell you how many times I've seen a mom, dad and their infant child squeezed between them riding full speed on a motorcycle. I know it saves on gas and a lot of people can't afford cars but still...it gives me a minor panic attack each time.
- The slow pace of life. Sometimes you just want things to get done right now.
- If I am out on the sidewalk walking, it means I am going somewhere. And that I would like to get there relatively quickly. I realize my legs are longer than entire people here, but if you could just move to one side of the sidewalk and not walk directly in the middle arm in arm with six of your besties, it would be greatly appreciated.
- When Ecuadorians ask you to go and run an errand with them, one errand, know that you will most likely be gone for the rest of the day. Or at least a solid five hours.
- We've established that germs don't exist in Ecuador. But it still makes me a bit squeamish when the same cup that eight other people have just drank out of is passed to me and I'm expected to drink up and pass it on.
- Buses. (If you've been keeping up with this blog, you know why.)

Oh Ecuador!
- Ecuadorians do not waste food. All you need to do is watch them eat a chicken leg and you'll understand what I mean.
- The slow pace of life. Yes, it's okay to spend the whole day in your PJs lounging around the house watching TV and knitting. No one will judge you or tell you to get your life together. In fact, they'll probably join you.
- That moment when the clouds part and the skies clear and you can see the very tops of all the volcanoes and mountains and you realize yet again just how incredibly majestic they are.
- Eating with your fingers! That's right. There's no shame here. Who needs a knife when God gave you ten fully functioning fingers. You go right ahead and dig in, girl!
- Things are cheap here--five bucks will get you a long way. Unfortunately, this is going to lead to some major reverse culture shock when I return home. "$3.00 for a hamburger! What?!? I can get a soup, main dish, dessert, and a freshly squeezed juice for $2.50!"
- As a minority from the midwest, I'm used to being the only brown face in the crowd. But here in Ibarra, thanks to the mix of Ecuas and Afro-Ecuas, I blend right in. Being dark-haired and brown-skinned is the norm not the exception here. And I like it.

Okay, I think that just about covers it.

I might do one more installment in December at the conclusion of my time here. We'll see if anything new crops up between now and then.

Until then, stay tuned and if you haven't already, sign up for email updates to my blog. Just enter your email address in the upper right hand corner and new blog posts will automatically be sent to your inbox. No need to keep checking back every few days (I know you all do!). :)