Not bad, just different.

I'd like to share my on-going list of things, some very small, that I've noticed about living here in Ecuador.

1.) TP is thrown in the trash can, not flushed down the toilet. Sewer systems here can't handle it.
2.) You don't ever go barefoot... not even in the house.
3.) Rice is eaten with every meal.
4.) Freshly made fruit juice is eaten with every meal.
5.) Milk isn't always kept cold. It sits on regular shelves in the stores.. and it only comes in boxes or bags, no jugs.
6.) The tap water isn't okay to drink. Families either: have huge jugs delivered, boil their water, or have a different faucet with drinking water.
7.) There isn't hardly any grass at all. Cement or dirt is pretty much everywhere.
8.) There are stray dogs wondering almost all streets. I've asked about shelters, and I've been told that there are some, but there is no where near enough room for all of the dogs and cats.
9.) There are traffic suggestions, not laws. The lines on the roads to separate lanes, are never obeyed, and I've never actually seen someone stop at a stop sign. Automobile crashes are the #1 cause of death here.
10.) The majority of children live with their parents until they get married... even if they've already graduated college and everything.
11.) Girls dress up to go to college every single day. No rolling out of bed for them.
12.) Girl-girl greetings and girl-guy greetings consist of touching cheeks and kissing the air. Guy-guy greetings are just usually shaking hands.
14.) There are tons of street vendors at stop lights and on the side walks... and even some who will sneak on to public buses to give you a speal about their product... (usually candy or gummies).
13.) Social classes are huge here-- if you have even a little money, people do anything to make it seem like they're rich... and if they're rich, you definitely will know it. And they aren't afraid to say that others are at a different level.
14.) Along with that, there are maids here. The majority of all middle-class and upper-class families have maids. They may live there or just come during the days, but the labor is incredibly cheap, so most families can afford to have them.
15.) Patience... almost unheard of here. They don't wait in cars, they don't wait in bathroom lines, they'll form a line at each stall... even if that means passing you right up.

I'll keep this list going as I think of more... Just a little food for thought!

xoxo,
Jenna