Learning "poco a poco"

So, we've been in Cuenca over two months now, and have established quite the routine.  I try so hard to rebel against establishing routines, but for some reason, it's the first thing I want to do when I get to a new place.

To be honest, my life isn't too much different than normal, aside from the fact that every day is sunny here and most things are 1/4th of the price in the US.  And oh yeah, I have a kitten named *Perrito, meaning "puppy" in Spanish (well, a temporary kitten-- we're cat-sitting for 3 months)!

*Just so you know, I did not choose that name.

Some other differences that I have noticed: 

- When on the bus in Ecuador, the window seat is often left open, while Ecuadorians sit in the aisle.  This might be considered rude in the United States, but here it's apparently normal.

- Restaurants advertise food using pictures outside of the restaurant.  However, the picture is not of a meal they have created in their restaurant, but rather, a completely random picture.  Once Dan ordered an ice cream sundae that was shown in the picture to have nuts, chocolate, and crumbled cookie toppings.  When it arrived, it was a plain cup with sprinkles.

- Lighter skin is admired in Ecuador.  It probably doesn't make sense to them why Americans would go tanning.

- Ecuadorians often interrupt bus rides to try to sell items to you.  First, they will walk down the aisle and give everyone an item, which those unfamiliar with this trend might assume to be free.  Then they will advertise.  After they finish their advertising spiel, they walk around to either collect back the item or to collect your cash in exchange for the item.  This forces you to directly reject their item, rather than just politely look away in an attempt to avoid eye contact (my usual technique).  The odd thing is, at least 25% of the bus always buys the item for sale!


Some Interesting Facts about Ecuador:
- Ecuador exports more bananas than any other country in the world.  That's probably why you can buy 16 bananas here for $1.

- Ecuador is a little smaller than the state of Nevada.  That puts things into perspective a bit.  And now it makes a little more sense why Ecuador has won only one Olympic gold medal (the Men's 20km walk in 1996).

- Panama hats are of Ecuadorian origin.  Not sure why they are called "Panama" hats.

- Ecuador is home to the highest active volcano in the world, Cotapaxi Volcano.  I hope to visit there before I leave!