*1. When possible, choose the window seat on crowded buses (esp. if you are a female). You never know what to expect in this "machismo" society. Avoid standing/sitting next to men wearing gym shorts. You might end up using an entire bottle of antibacterial gel on your leg...
2. Sometimes it's better to admit you can't understand what someone is saying instead of pretending like you do. Example:
-'Planned parenthood' lady (in Spanish): "Are you on any kind of contraceptive/protection plan?"
-Me (no idea what she just asked): "No mucho." (Not much)
-'Planned parenthood' lady and Eliah: *laughing at me*
-Me: *awkward smile and chuckle*
3. Never flush ANYTHING down the toilet.
4. Always bring your camera with you (in case a cow decides to give birth in front of the classroom like Jocelyn and Dunc)
5. Avoid carrying anything over a 5 dollar bill; otherwise, you may not get change.
6. Pennies are worth saving.
7. Use "tengo calor" to say "I am hot" instead of "estoy caliente" (which is a more inappropriate meaning of "I am hot").
8. Don't rely on the internet to find information on...anything around here.
9. If you like someone, say "Me caye bien" instead of "Te gusta." (Girls will think I'm attracted to them, and guys will think dirty dirty thoughts)
*10. On Wednesdays, immediately leave Bungalow seis after 10pm when they let all the hungry Ecuadorian males in (ladies drink free 6-10pm every Wed).
*11. Do not look at an Ecuadorian man on the street in the eye for over 3 seconds. They will think you're interested.
12. Don't trust a stray dog like Diego who will use Gringos for food and then leave you and break your heart.
13. Do not tell an Ecuadorian you don't like Pilsener (an Ecuadorian beer) even though it really is gross. It will shatter their national pride and they will get defensive.
14. Don't attempt to play soccer with locals until you have had plenty of time to acclimate.
15. Always bring a rain coat with you...everywhere.
16. The Godfather is the most confusing movie ever made in the history of mankind.
17. "Chinese" restaurants are owned by Ecuadorians.
18. Bed bugs actually DO bite.
19. Try to put national pride aside if you want to conquer the world in "Risk."
20. Don't tell Ecuadorian Evangelical Christians you are agnostic, or worse, atheist.
*Disclaimer: Not trying to give off the wrong image of Ecuadorian men. Many are really genuine and respectful, and almost everyone we've met are extremely helpful and friendly.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment