Hola Estados Unidos!

Back in the US and it is a slight culture shock!

It was one of the best weeks I have ever had in my life, what a different world! I don't even know how to completely process things right now and have to decide what is most important about this trip and how to explain it all to you readers out there. It is a crazy different world in this other country, with very different people (though identical to us at the same time).

It was very refreshing to be surrounded by a community of the most welcoming and happy people i have ever met in my life. And although they aren't completely content and lack some essential necessities, they are so happy and want to learn!

Over the next couple weeks I will slowly recap the most essential and shocking parts of my trip and fill you in on a life after Duran, Ecuador, and my slow (but good) understanding of what I experienced!

Our group at the Hemiciclo de la Rotonda on the Malecon (Guayaquil boardwalk)

Ciao!

Fun Fact #8

Outdoor markets sell fresh and flavorful fruit, but the markets are a place where germs fester. We have to make sure to peel our fruits and vegetables. Ones that can't be peeled need to be washed with soap and bottled water!
Thankfully we will have a RdC volunteer to show us how to do all this.

Fun Fact #7

The majority of Ecuadorians drink coffee - not the good stuff though, just instant!

Good thing that I don't drink coffee :)


EDIT: In fact, it is not the good stuff! It is a form of coffee that simply desolves into hot water... but it really isn't all that bad (and even good as iced coffee!).

Fun Fact #6

If you want to wave someone to come over to you, make a waving motion with your palm down and your fingers pointed towards your body (like the upside down way we would do it in the States).

Fun Fact #5

If you want to use your hands to demonstrate a person's height, place your hand ike you are going to shake someone's hand, not like you are going to pet a dog - placing your hand palm down expresses the height or size of an animal.

Fun Fact #4

Personal space between Ecuadorians is closer than personal space for Americans - this should be interesting since I don't really enjoy strangers touching me! :)

Fun Fact #3

In Ecuador, the sewage system is not built to handle toilet paper waste. In order to prevent a catastrophe, we have to drop any paper waste in a trash can - what is funny is that even though it is gross, i'm sure it will stick with me when I return to the states!