The People
If you were to ask me to describe the people of Ecuador in one word. . .
I would have to say FRIENDLY! As with any where else on earth some people are friendly
and some are not but for most of the people I have met in Ecuador I would have to say
the majority of them are very friendly. The first time I traveled to Ecuador I met
Raul and Gina Tobar who were the owners of the hotel we stayed in Crucita, Manabi.
Though Gina did not speak any English and Raul did speak enough to carry on a conversation,
they broke the cultural barrier and treated us like we had been old friends for years.
Now I am happy to say we are. My wife and I have made many friends in Ecuador and people
are very accommodating and like most people.
One thing I have to say is Ecuadorian’s like to have fun and will make any excuse to party and celebrate any thing they can find as an excuse for. A local in Crucita purchased a used fishing trawler and my wife, a friend and I were invited to “Bless” the boat though we had never met the owner. We took a small fishing boat out to the anchored trawler and we were welcomed aboard with opened arms. There were many friends and local towns’ people there as well as a Catholic priest. He proceeded with a ceremony blessing the boat as well as the people on board by flinging “Holy Water” everywhere. The owner then announced that my wife, my friend and I were to be the God Parents or the religious guardians of the boat and were then christened and blessed again. Wine and hour' deurs were served and everyone partied to celibrate the christening. Not bad for someone you had never met!
The people in Ecuador also have no concept of time or distance what so ever! If they tell you that
the town you are trying to find is 20 kilometers up the road and it should take about 30 minutes
to get there . . .
DON’T EVEN THINK YOU WILL GET THERE AT THAT TIME!!
It will be more like 80KM and take 3 ½ hours to get there. . . Well at least safely.
Blind corners uphill (with cars coming down at 65 MPH) doesn’t mean slow down and be careful
That is only a suggestion. It means go faster and beat the other guy coming down the hill
(even though you can’t see him).
The people of Ecuador originated from Indian tribes and have been mixed with Inca and the Spanish. They are a beautiful, friendly and family oriented people. Easy to get to know (if you are friendly and open to them) and most of all easy to like and be come friends with.
