Cultures

It's funny how a culture can change the way you think and how it sometimes requires a lot of adaptation. When I moved to the States, I remember having to adapt to the culture there. Now that I'm back in Ecuador, I have had to re-adapt to some of the cultural things here.

Sometimes it's just the small differences that I notice between the American culture and how the people do things in Ecuador... 

• This doesn't really relate with the culture, but never did I once during my childhood in Ecuador question why I had to yell down from the top of the stairs "DON'T RUN THE WATER!" every time I was about to take a shower. After living the U.S. for four years, it is something that I have had to adapt to once more. It's definitely becoming a habit again. 
• There is a big difference between the way Americans and Ecuadorians greet each other. Ecuadorians are so much more touchy-feely than Americans are. Even when people here talk to you, they stand so much closer. They aren't afraid to get close up and personal. I have definitely had to get used to the traditional Ecuadorian way for greeting and saying goodbye to others (a kiss on the cheek) once more. 
• Time. The concept of time is very different between the two cultures. People in America are always going and going. They have hectic schedules, and usually have pretty busy lifestyles. In Ecuador...it is quite the contrary. People don't care about what time it is. They just enjoy being in the moment and they are very relaxed. When you invite an Ecuadorian over to your house at 3:00...they think that you actually mean 3:30 or 4:00. Maybe even 5. It's all relative.
• The driving here is ridiculously amusing sometimes. If someone came to visit Ecuador for their first time, and they got their first impressions of Ecuadorians from being on the road and watching people behind the wheel, it would not be a good first reaction. Ecuadorians are very friendly, but one would not think that seeing the way that some of these very friendly Ecuadorians drive.
• People in the back of pick up trucks, about 10 people stuffed into a little tiny weeny car, and babies sitting in the front seat are all very common sites.  
• Speaking the local language. The people absolutely love it when a foreigner attempts to speak Spanish with them, even if that foreigner is completely awful at it. They usually won't correct you either. They just smile and pretend to know what you're saying. 
• If you were to stop and ask an Ecuadorian for directions while driving, they will give you directions. Even if they don't have the slightest clue of where you want to go. 
• The concept of putting ice in ones drink here is non existent. A lot of Ecuadorians are actually disgusted by it. They usually drink all of the refreshments (usually Coke) at room temperature. Actually, some Ecuadorians even think that if a woman drinks a drink with ice in it while she is nursing her baby, then the baby will catch a cold.
• If you go to a birthday party here, don't expect for the one having the birthday to open their presents during their party. They are opened after everyone has left and the party is over.  
• Soccer is pretty much the only sport played here. The other night I played basketball with my Ecuadorian church youth group...man was it funny.  

I love how God made each country so unique. I can't wait to visit other countries and learn about their cultures. :)