Differences

Obviously Ecuador is a different place than Bend, Or or Davis, CA the two places I´m used to. However there are some major differences that really are quite interesting and unique...

• Just because there are stop lights, stop signs and one way streets doesn´t mean that you actually need to follow them. They are subtle suggestions. If it looks faster to go up the 1 way street, go for it! There is always a sidewalk and curb you can drive up onto if a car comes your way.
• If you are a pedestrian and would like to cross the street, again you can´t obey the lights. Simply wait for a break and run as fast as possible. This is reiterated in the few ¨walking` lights that are around. Instead of the normal, white, lit up man telling you cross, there is a bright green, running man saying run for your life.
• If there are no parking spots along the street and you really need to run into a store or wait to pick someone up, simply stop in the middle of the street, put on your emergency flashing lights and instantly you have a parking spot!
• When you use the bathroom, there is a little garbage can next to the toilet for all your toilet paper and anything else because the sewer systems can´t handle anything else but the basics...I´ve forgotten this rule on many occasions, not cool.
• The bread, juice and fruit are amazing here
• Everyone kisses your cheek when you walk into a room, regardless if they know you or just want to know you

That`s all for now, but I´m sure I will come up with more later.

For more fun pictures and narratives of the trip, one of our teachers has her blog that she updates often!