Things I've learned at orientation.

1. There are seven different kinds of bananas in Ecuador. Some you have to cook, some you can eat raw. I have no idea how to tell the difference.

2. If you want to have your personal space completely invaded, take the trolley in Quito. Seriously, you see people smashed against the windows and practically falling out of that thing. I have the joy of commuting on it this semester.

3. A handshake here is more like receiving a dead fish. So much for all that emphasis on strong handshakes in the social work department! But after you've shaken someone's hand once, you're typically on a kissing (besito) basis with that person.

4. Bring your own toilet paper. If you're lucky, there might be an automatic dispenser in the public bathroom...but that's if you're lucky. 

5. Ecuador is so not the place to try illicit drugs. In this country, you can sit in jail for up to 364 days before you see a lawyer or get a court date. If you're caught with drugs, it's four years no matter what, whether you're American or Ecuadorian. And you have to pay for everything in jail, including your own cell! Believe it or not, this kind of thing happens to young Americans who just thought they'd have a good time.

6. How to hail a taxi. You can either call someone to pick you up at your apartment or hail one by waving your hand face down. The face up wave we use in the states is more of a "come hither" type gesture. ;)

7. Pointing with your index finger is considered rude. However, it's totally okay if you make a kissing face and raise your chin in the direction of that person/object.

8. Make sure you know a taxi is registered with the government before getting in. Otherwise...it may or may not be sketchy. (You can tell this by simply looking at a giant orange sticker on the windshield, so it's not a big deal.)

9. Taxi secuestra is known to happen here. Meaning, kidnapping by taxi. Luckily, if you avoid taxis that already have people in them you should be good to go!

10. Aji, choclo, and chimichurri are delicious! Aji is a semi-spicy Ecuadorian sauce, choclo is some kind of corn (not sweet corn though; they eat it off the cob with ranch-like sauce and shredded cheese), and chimichurri is an oregano/garlic sauce for meat. This was our lunch today :)

11. The pickpockets here are very good at what they do! You won't know you've been robbed until you look for something and it's missing. Petty theft is the most common crime here, so as long as you're aware of your surroundings you'll be okay.

12. Ecuadorians have a ton of respect for the elderly, pregnant women, and parents with young children. Always offer your seat to them, and let them cut in line. I think this is a beautiful part of the culture.

13. Share, share, share! This is a developing nation, so everyone here shares what they have, no matter how little. It's all about taking care of each other. Another really cool tradition here.

14. Volcano eruptions are very cool.

Also, a bazillion other things but I honestly don't remember a whole lot. They threw a lot of information at us today, but thankfully this is the last day of intense orientation!