CULTURE SHOCK after 6 YEARS in Ecuador!
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- Опубликовано: 28 сен 2024
- After more than 6 years of living in Ecuador, we still experience culture shock! Some things are refreshingly positive compared to the United States, but others are real headscratchers. Join us as we share some funny and heartwarming stories that highlight the cultural differences between our home country and our home away from home.
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Hi Amelia and JP, we love your channel! We're looking to buy our future home in Central or South America in an area that: 1) does not have mosquitoes; 2) has access to regular clean water; and 3) is very walkable. Would Cuenca be a good option? Cultural events would be great, but we don't necessarily need a huge city or "smart" city. I'm guessing cities at a high elevation would be good. We're studying Spanish regularly. Thanks so much for any advice you can give!
Because of your video I moved to Albania one month ago. There are many Americans and other nationalities here. It is beautiful, safe and inexpensive. So, thank you for that.
Great! 🥳
Where in Albania did you move to?
I'm very interested in Albania.
I just left Albania after a year; it's pretty much same culture shocks I experienced there: street noise, fireworks, people walking into each other, trash laying around, not a decent infrastructure yet and be careful on taxi scams, BUT nice n friendly people.
@@tonyn3227 who cares? I wasn't born then.
I'm an Ecuadorian living in NYC basically my whole life and trust me, your culture shocks are MY culture shocks as well. I've also noticed that the staff in shops and stores don't usually like to go "above and beyond" with their customers. They'll help you, but you'll notice they'll give you a little attitude while doing so. This shocked me, as here in the US, customer service staff is usually very polite and helpful, with a few exceptions, and always go the extra mile to help you with your needs.
If you have lived in the U.S. almost your whole life , shouldn’t you be wearing the American jersey instead of Ecuador’s? Also, I would like to ask you something : Is life in Ecuador almost as though as in Venezuela ? The reason I ask is because I often hear about Ecuadorians attempting to enter the U.S. illegally .. and we aren’t talking about “a few” Ecuadorians , we are talking about a ton of them . Something that confuses me because as far as I’m concerned Ecuador is nothing like Venezuela .
I've been living in Colombia for 17 years and I can tell you, most of those problems are solved by moving to small town Colombia. We live in a small town about 25 minutes from the Medellin international airport and it's very comfortable with virtually all the conveniences I was accustomed to in the states... But, a whole lot less expensive and less pressure. Great and inexpensive healthcare too. We thought about moving to Ecuador but it just didn't compare.
What city are you in if you don’t mind saying
@@johnross5722 La Ceja
@@DaleAl-lg4ul I guess we can't have everything. 😰
@@DaleAl-lg4ulit’s COLOMBIA, not Columbia. And it’s not in NATO. NATO is the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and Colombia is in South America. 😂
I’m guessing that DaleAl-lg4ul confused Colombia with some European nation that also ends with “ia”.
Hi Amelia and JP, local Ecuadorian here, about the anecdote Amelia said about waiting in a bakery and the next person standing right behind you when there was enough room I have to tell I do the same and the reason is so that it is clear I'm next in line, otherwise another person could cut in front of me and not everyone is understanding if you explain to them that you were next, I think is most likely the other person would get rude, maybe even throwing expletives, and not move to the end of the line, so that's why, to protect my place in the line. Sorry for the long explanation haha.
Nunca había pensado lo del suelto.. es verdad!!! Jajaja
I love you guys, thanks for loving my country and making that others get to know a little more about Ecuador! ❤
I was in TIA in Cuenca yesterday. A woman reached over me and my basket to grab some oats. She was touching me. I tried to move but she wouldn't. When I came home I realized that she had robbed me. Went back to TIA. Their security camera captured the thief. The TIA lady wouldn't share copy of picture unless I go get the police. I asked her if she can leave the picture with their security to prevent the thief from entering TIA again. She apologized and said that is not possible. So no more TIA for me.
Man, what a sad story . What is sadder is that the lady who works at that supermarket didn’t try to help you. Did she take your money ? How much did she steal from you in total ? Can people tell that you are a “foreigner”?
I’m sorry about what you experienced . Hopefully you will now be more careful whenever you go out.
Beware, however. I just returned from Quito yesterday. During my trip there I was robbed at 12:30 p.m. on a Sunday.
Near Plaza Foch in Mariscal District, I was sprayed with a green mustard-like substance. Immediately, I was confronted by two men who robbed me of my wallet. I lost my driver's license, a debit card, and two credit cards. In total, the thieves attempted to charge nearly $25K against my cards. All of the charges were declined by my bank. Fortunately, I didn't have my Passport in my possession.
The thieves also pushed me against a metal electrical-circuit box, injuring my left knee. I'm currently unable to walk or sit without excruciating pain.
With all due respect to Ecuador, I've traveled around the world to dozens of places. I've never been a victim of violent crime before.
The owner of my hotel contacted the tourist policy. According to the owner, who is bilingual, they declined to take a police report, stating "This happens all the time."
The U.S. Department of State cautions, "Exercise increased caution in Ecuador due to civil unrest, crime, and kidnapping. "
Sorry that happened to you, but I was robbed in Mexico and Foster City CA. And someone tried to break into my house in Greenwood Village Colorado. It can happen anywhere.
I’ll stay away from Quito and Guayaquil . I’ve been in Cuenca for two weeks without any problems but I’m cautious.
The green spray was clearly to impede your ability to fight. They wanted you to be disadvantaged. Your attackers are cowards, in addition to being thieves.
An American woman friend of mine lived in Cuenca for years and loved it but moved to Albania because it was getting less safe in Ecuador.
I had friends in Ecuador and they left because is getting very dangerous.
Very interesting video. Some aspects of Ecuadorian culture sound pretty nice. Real friendships aren't all that common the U.S. anymore and there isn't a sense of community it seems. The reason I rarely go to the doctor is if I call for an appointment, it might be a month before they can see me and the way I see it, by then I'll either be over it or dead! It would be nice to be able to see a doctor more quickly. One thing here in the U.S. is many times, one makes an appointment with a doctor and they either get a Physician's Assistant or a Nurse Practitioner. I was in a car accident some years ago and sent to an orthopedist and never even met the man, just saw his 2 PAs. Back when HCJB was on shortwave still, they would have programs about Ecuador that were interesting so I developed a curiosity about the country. Thanks for these great videos telling the world about how it is.
Retired NP here- honestly, most of the time you will get care as good or better than from a physician. Any NP or PA worth their salt will refer further to a physician if further diagnostic help is needed. NPs tend to spend more time w/ pts. as well. But have you wondered why the US has mid-level providers when most other countries don't? It's because we have the most expensive health care (actually sick care; the US population isn't all that healthy!) system in the world. Doctor salaries partially drive that, esp. as relatively few practice primary care. Most are specialists or subspecialty, which means $$$$$$. They get lots of money to do lots of procedures. Mid-level are a way to stretch the dollar.
Thanks for the video and being honest about the cultural differences. Some would be hard for me to get used to. The noise would probably be the worst for me but I also like great service in restaurants. I'm originally from Seattle and we used to be known for impeccable service! And I'm definitely not very patient waiting in lines.
But I love that they are so warm and welcoming in Ecuador. And respect the elderly.
I'm so looking forward to seeing your travels and new videos!
I hope you make it Argentina.
Impeccable service in Seattle??
@@allenwatkins4972 absolutely. Nordstrom was the model for fantastic service. "The customer is always right" was the saying for restaurants and retail stores. Unfortunately, things have changed over the years, and not for the better.
Ecuadorian here: I share all of your cultural shock, even as a local. But it’s nice to hear you explain with such respect for my country.
Lots of good stories there! In Chile they play "sidewalk Chicken" where they refuse to swerve. I learned to stop and stand still, so they'd be forced to do something. In Portugal, people will walk into you in an open field! And let's not get started about the noise prior to 6 am...
Great video, thank you. My wife and I moved a year ago to a small Mexican town (no ex-pats here) next to Chapala, Jalisco MX. We love it. None of the cons you mentioned with one big exception, the noise. All night dogs bark, roosters crow and thunder during the rainy season. I want to know how you get the church to wait until 6am to ring the bells and set off fireworks; it starts here sometimes at 5am. It's all Ok. Someone commented they have ear plugs. Years ago, I bought from Sharper Image a "white noise machine". It imitates rain, rivers and my favorite the ocean. It successfully blocks out all the outside noise and I sleep wonderfully without interruption. I have been watching you for years. Quick question, you mentioned you might move back to Cuenca. When you left Cuenca for the coast, you said the elevation bothered you JP. Has your body now adapted to 8,000 foot elevation?
The elevation doesn’t bother me anymore 👍
I feel SAD that you both are leaving Ecuador. Good luck!
Old folks make some good points 👍
So an awesome thing about most places in Europe is that pedestrians rule, at least in the cities. Drivers unfailingly stop at crosswalks if someone looks like they are going to cross. It's wonderful! Very unlike the US, and apparently Ecuador.
On one of our visits to Quito we went to the Museo Nacional del Banco Central del Ecuador. The guide explained to us why it is so hard to get change and why it is always in coins. Ecuador has to buy new paper money from the US. Since paper money wears out they perfer coins to keep the money supply up. Plus there is the additional risk of pick pocketing with cash. That explanation made alot of sense to us.
The "I have no change" deal happened just as much before 1999. It's always been like this in Ecuador.
Don’t people in Ecuador find it odd that they are using American currency ? As an American I would feel strange if we started using the Mexican peso instead of our U.S. dollars .
@@Dah42 No, they embraced the USD 23 years ago. If your currency is losing all its value, you don't miss it.
Love this video so funny the stickers in everything and the karaoke 😆😂 so true! Also the friendship part is huge you care about the person not what he does or has just the friendships. It happened to me too that I would find out why a persons does after a long time! People in Ecuador included the elderly in everything they’re part of the society and not just left behind.
I feel you guys. I've been living in the U.S.A for the last five years and still go through a cultural shock every time I flight to my country.That moment alone condensses all you've mentioned throughout your video. People are very rude, disrespectful, etc. It's really disappointing for me because I remember different people while growing up in the same country. You guys deserve all respect. You pointed out these situations and still have a smile in your facee regardless the annoyance.
I'd be clandestinely peeling packaging materials off of everything I see.
6 yrs. went fast, glad you've done so well
Hi from Puebla, Mexico where we experience some of those same annoying things. Dangerous sidewalks, vomit along with dog do
the change problem , giving you coins in return. The street we live on has become Ted Mack Amateur Hour at any time of day or
Night. Mostly recorded music blasting while they pretend to play the electric guitar, fiddle, lip sink...etc.....ugh ! The same songs
over and over. Flavorless produce from markets...unbelievable. Where to go next ? ❤️
Ecuadorian businesses haven't had change since my family arrived there in the mid 70s!!! They treat it like they are worth their weight in gold and won't depart from it if they can. 😅😅😅
As an interpreter, I always tell my clients to answer the question first and tell the story later. Many Latin people tell you the story first and the answer at the end. Lol.
I bump into people all the time. I wonder if it's from growing up in Quito. I like to say that I'm attracted to the gravity of other people's bodies. 😅😅😅
Dress-code-wise, I'm sorry to inform you that Americans have a reputation for dressing poorly. When we were looking into Spain, we took a close look at our shoes. No one there wears tennis shoes unless they are practicing some sport. I have fewer tennis shoes now. Dress codes are more relaxed in Brazil. When I was living there, everyone wore sweatpants as regular pants. A friend did an internship in Portugal where he was asked why Brazilians dress like they were wearing pajamas. As a matter of fact, it was trendy for a while to wear pajamas when going out. It was women wearing men's pajamas, lol. Since you mentioned the sierra, yes, people in colder climates generally dress better. That's true even in places with hot summers. Come winter, everyone dresses up a tiny bit.
Great point, guys! I didn't know about keeping the wrapper on. Good to know.
I have lived in Costa Rica since the late 90. Here you don't dare slam a car door shut the way people are taught in the US. I remember as a kid in the US being scolded by my mom for not slamming the door shut "good and tight." Not here. You will make people really mad.
Opposite for me. My dad got upset when we slammed the car doors. He thought it wore them out.
Haaha ! We lived in CR, and lots of the cars are so "chatarra" (junkers), that slamming the door might make it fall off !
@@belle42 same here !! 😂
Living in multigenerational households is normal even for Ecuadorians outside of Ecuador. We had four generations living under one roof until my grandma passed away at 93.
Minnie Pearl kept the price tag on her hat, after all.
As a native Tennessean, I got a good chuckle! 😂❤
Minnie Pearl! Wow that takes me back...
They do the sticker thing here too! I've lived in Asia for 10+ years: Thailand, Vietnam, and Taiwan, and stickers are left on large appliances and even smaller things like water bottles. It's some kind of cultural phenomenon. The also do the the pedestrian blindness thing in these countries: when turning right onto a street they don't look to the left for oncoming traffic - some kind of "not my problem" thing. Especially dangerous when they're on a scooter, all vying for a Darwin award. Same with personal space: the zone is a fraction of what Americans deem appropriate. Still, it beats living in the USA and adds to the adventure quotient so you just move along and don't let it get to you - or book that flight home because you're not cut out for the life of an expat.
Based on everything you wrote , it surprised me that you said “still, it beats living in the U.S.A.
Another very helpful video. If the toughest part of getting used to the Ecuadorian culture is plastic covers and price tags, I'll deal with it.
Just about everything you covered applies to many South American countries. I probably peeled off an acre or two of plastic film off television screens, computer screens, remotes and even furniture, in less than a year. 🤣 To me, it's like popping those air bubble packing sheets or eating cashews; once you start!!! 😅
Very accurate !! I so agree with most of your points. I laughed hard when you mention the "yes-no questions" because I remember the first months in Ecuador it was driving me crazy! LOL
The volunteering information is so accurate - it has taken me months to get documents confirmed with my employment which could have taken a couple of weeks if the lawyer/employer had just given the right info to start with! It has been the equivalent of eye surgery.
The rest of the list - 100 percent accurate too!
The what's app or only phone calls for super true.
Yes! The doctors here are more attentive, but completely unprofessional. There is no quality training for doctors here. I don’t trust their diagnoses and treatment protocols.
Many times Drugstores in Ecuador don't tell you about the medicine they don't have and just bill you for what they have instead, and they do it on purpose. Because many times if they don't have all the recipe, customers prefer not to buy anything at all and go to the drugstore where they have everything to minimize number of bills for insurance reimbursement
My one beef - culture shock - is the line cutting. Waiting in line at the tienda there’s always the person who just steps in front of you, and everyone else, and starts jabbering to the attendant. Like nobody else is there. It amazes me that for such a kind and mellow people that they are absolutely oblivious to others. In as far as the bumper car sidewalks, I just stop and let them bump into me. They’re always very kind and apologetic. But since I’ve started walking with a cane that doesn’t happen as much. The respect for the elders. In fact the cane is my gateway to much faster and attentive service. Many times people will allow me to go ahead of them. In the States you’re lucky they don’t elbow their way around you. Sounds like you’re soon to be off for some new adventures. Looking forward to them. Buen viaje.
So many of those annoyances, especially ignorance, would be a dealbreaker for me. 8 years in Vietnam and Thailand, overall happier here.
Thank you for the wonderful videos about Cuenca.I love it here.
Here a couple of answers from my life in Ecuador that might solve some mysteries (and I am generalizing here and it is certainly not true for everyone):
Ecuadorians don't have change in the cashier, because they are advised not to do so. First, they are often not very good in math and calculating or counting in their head, and secondly they are constantly afraid of being robbed.
They are very sparse with their answers when you ask them something, because they are not used to think ahead for themselves and others. They often have a "I don't know, and I don't care!" attitude. The service is just not the same as in the US.
They don't give you the simple "yes" or 'no" answer and are talking about other things, because they don't want to admit that they don't have the answer.
As a Canadian it sounds like you are describing when I go to the US. Buying gas in the US is always amazing to me that you need to pay in advance and you can't give a cashier a $20 and 10c coin and 5c coin for 19.65 of gas without them staring at it and after a moment giving me a dollar back!!! Its like they can't understand you want two quarters back and not a quarter and a dime.
@@michaelmilne9914 I think, in the US it is more a 'richness' issue. It is a burden in the US to deal with nickels and dimes. If you give a homeless person in the US, and that happened to me personally, a hand full of nickels and dimes, he will throw it away or, if you are unlucky, at you. That would never happen in Ecuador.
It’s because the computerized registers TELL them what amount of change, and they don’t ever have to think. I grew up in the 60s with a mathematical-minded dad who used to quiz me on the way to church… ‘if I owe you $17.32 and give you a 20, count back the change’ 😂 but most folks here can’t do the simplest equations! And it’s worse with computers; these kids can’t even tell time with a clock v digital display, much less subtract in their head.
@@leapintothewild_original Sorry Americans your education system is ranked about 30th in the world. Sure you have the best universities but that is because of the population size of a western country. It is not computers or wealth issue - it is an economy based on cheap illegal immigration. The homeless people throwing coins at you is probably because they can't count to know what they are getting. I once drove a taxi in Toronto, A street beggar flagged me one day - paid all in nickels and dimes. The conversation was about his kids in university and how he winters in Florida. A great hockey player, a millionaire in the time when players were paid little, used to say "look after the nickels and dimes and the dollars will look after themselves."
The first two bullets of yours are describing the US, not Ecuador. Ecuadorians are much better at math IMHO. I bought a burger combo in Houston and paid in cash. It was like $8.76 and I gave him a $20. He stared at me for 15 seconds, then takes out his phone to calculate the change. Look at some Mark Dice videos on RUclips and you'll see how bright young America is.
Pedestrian blindness. Yeah. Had a guy honking the horn at us from a half block away (and he was facing a stop sign) because we were crossing the street in front of him - a half block away. They don't like to stop at stop signs at all - and god forbid you need to cross the street.
Volunteering info. That's another one. Had some dental work done and a surgeon was called in. He never introduced himself and never told me what he was going to do - I woke up and some work was done. Apparently he had to add some stitches, but didn't tell me how many or if they were there. Went back a week later and he started pulling stitches that I didn't know I had. I literally told him if he did it again I was going to punch him in the eye. Then had to ask him his name. The work was stellar, but the "bedside manner" leaves a lot to be desired.
We in Ecuador leave the plastic on new electronic devices because electronics are quite expensive here. It's a way to preserve the investment. It's maybe not a good thing on the long run, but people feel they are taking care of their stuff by doing that.
Everything you said about people bumping into you and not giving you space is also true about Vietnam. Waiters will walk behind you and bump into your chair over and over again despite having a lot of space to avoid you. The same for noise levels. Stores will play music so loudly that you cannot shop there. If you ask them to turn down the music they say "Up to you" meaning like it or leave. The only difference between Ecuador and Vietnam is that in Ecuador people are polite and Vietnamese are aggressive and rude. The staff in large department stores will make comments about customers' weight or skin color or facial features like a big nose etc. No manners at all. It looks like Ecuador beats Vietnam hands down!
I'm in culture shock just going from state to state. Sometimes a Spanish person will take over my space here too. Once I was in Walmart trying to find a certain small piece of equipment for my computer. Of course it was on the bottom shelf next to my feet. So here I am this old lady trying to read the small print on the containers bent over and wobbly. Here come this lady pushes me to the side, gently, and reaches right where I'm at and grabs one of the containers that I was reading. And off she goes. It was like I wasn't even there. I've experienced a lot of invisibility since I've aged though. Funny how people are.
I experience the same type of random order of food service at restaurants here in Japan all the time. At some of the nicer upscale restaurants they do bring out food in the proper order. But it’s very common for a main dish to arrive before an appetizer, etc. they just cook everything at once and bring it out when it’s ready. Even at some really nice restaurants with good food. I’m mostly talking about restaurants serving western cuisine, not Japanese dishes. I think it is because the waitstaff are just part time young people who don’t really care, and also because Japanese food tends be brought out to the table all at once, even if there are several different items being eaten. I’ve learned to order one thing at a time.
They also do the drink after the meal thing here, but they will bring it out first if you ask them to.
Japan does have very good service in most other aspects. It seems they are just not familiar with the western concept of proper table service. On the other hand, there is no tipping in Japan, so that’s nice.
I enjoy your videos. It’s always interesting to see how people experience living in a country that is not the one they are from.
I really enjoy your videos and insight into life as an expat and the culture of Ecuador. In fact, my family and I took a wonderful vacation to Ecuador and followed several of your exact itineraries in Manta and Quito all spurred from your wonderful videos. I am 59 and have been to over 60 countries and I appreciate your views and respect for other cultures and the positives you highlight in locals' unique lifestyles.
However, I found your recent newsletter dissertation regarding the costs of your recent trip to the U.S. as misguided. We have certainly seen a significant increase in prices here, no doubt. I also agree it most affects those on fixed income. However, blaming "parasitic" corporations for the increase in prices is just not accurate. Companies increase prices when their cost to provide services or goods goes up (labor and cost of goods). Companies are not making more profit margin (the stock market has been relatively flat over the last few years). You and Amelia have in fact worked for these "parasitic" companies and enjoy their U.S. level pay in an environment which is a fraction of the cost of the U.S. Great for you and that is smart.
But have you ever stayed at a hotel in Ecuador? I regularly spent $100 per night in very average places. Gas there is 80 cents less per gallon (but still a huge amount for an Ecuadorian) but the cost of my rental car exceeded what you paid in the U.S. The cost of a used car, even an old high milage one is much more in Ecuador than the U.S. The average salary in the U.S is 3.6x that of Ecuador (ave. salary in Ecuador is $16,300 per yr.). Do you think that may be why Ecuador is so cheap and so much more expensive here? If you are upset about the inflation here, blame the politicians and those who make monetary policy decisions and set government spending policy. That is what drives inflation per Econ 101.
I greatly enjoy traveling and look forward to living abroad one day. I always am positive and complimentary of everyone I meet in the places I visit. But I rarely bash and criticize my own country, no matter that it is not perfect. There is much here that is positive and sometimes you do get what you pay for.
Maybe bashing the US is part of their strategy to attract followers.
It is true that the medical care is fast, professional and human. But I went only to the hospital in Cuenca of course. I hope that the crime problem will be taken care of soon.
you two always look like you are in love and having fun ❤
I loved seeing the Zumba in the plazas in Cuenca. It was a surprise to see people assembling in the evening for workout - in various types of clothes.
The personal bubble thing is true. Now living in the u.s. ive noticed people step back when im talking to them. Ill stop what im doing and get close and people will ask me why im getting so close. 😂😢
We latinos are used to be close to each other and don't consider it rude or invasive. Same thing about kissing each other's cheek, in the sense that it doesn't mean that you're being romantic or looking for a chance with that person. It's just the way we're used to greet a friend or relative. In fact, it could cause us some shock that Americans tend to dodge when somebody invades their bubble by accident.
@@jcrivera24 plena, asi me ha pasado
So weird...I'm in Oxaca now and was walking down the street and yes, walked by a family on a side street and the father almost smacked into me... I was surprised but ya know...
One thing I quickly learned living outside the US is that in most countries it's considered rude to ask a person you've just met what they do for a living.
It's so common in the US but it's really a private question and it shouldn't be asked of a person you barely know. If they offer the information that's fine. But you shouldn't ask it.
maybe a little more expensive, but glad I decided on Porto, Portugal
Haha that is hysterical. Why would anyone leave those stickers on?! 😂 there has to be a logical explanation.
The stickers and price tags drive me crazy!
😂 I have a good friend in Oregon that leaves product stickers on everything.
This is one of my pet peeves, too!
As an ecuadorian, I would say that we do that to protect the screens/gadgets that we use
So when you sell it, it still looks new.
Customer service in Ecuador does have some issues, but I find it better than the US in many ways. One thing I notice happening more and more in the US are hospitality employees that start fights with customers. They argue with them like they are fighting with classmates or siblings. Years ago, you'd be fired on the spot. Not anymore. I've never seen restaurant/hotel staff get rude or disrespectful in Ecuador.
Ecuadorian in the U.S. Subscribed 🙌🏼💖
And, the change issue is frustrating!
I am happy that Equador is mostly a cash society. Do they have their own currency. Or do they use American currency
American
It would have taken you half the time to search engine that than to type that out. People on this site continue to crack me up. 🤣
Thanks fo another great video. Having spent some time in Ecuador, I agree with most of your observations but one. I really did not experience bad restaurant service. We spent several weeks in Cuenca and a week in Quito (historic center). The drinks always came first, that is for sure. I guess there were a couple of times when we waited too long for the main course. I probably ate in the same restaurants you did in Cuenca, including 2 Indian restaurants. Evrything was fine and not expensive:) I really cannot name one thing that bothered me in Ecuador.
The Indian restaurants provide good service. It’s the Ecuadorian restaurants in local neighborhoods that could use a little help.
Thanks!
Thank you!
Hello Amelia and JP. Your video is very interesting. I would like to give you some answers and advice, if you allow me, to your “cultural shock in Ecuador”, in order to have a better knowledge of our society. The same thing happens to me when I go to the United States for long periods of time and I consider that “shock” as something normal, because whether we like it or not we are different cultures. Regarding plastic in things, I agree with you, as soon as I buy any equipment or appliance I remove the plastics, but I have noticed that some people do not do it, and it is surely for a simple, although unjustified, reason, and it is this: they leave them because They believe that this way the equipment is better preserved, the paint or plastic is not scratched or worn out; Sure, it sounds absurd, but that's how some people think. On the other hand, regarding the lack of respect for pedestrians by drivers, it is something that I personally fight every day, and it is something that greatly bothers me about our country, because the people who drive cars must respect and give way. passage to the pedestrian. The good news is that this has been changing little by little, but I tell you, because I see and analyze it every day, there are more and more people who respect pedestrians; Unfortunately, there are no campaigns by municipalities or the media in favor of pedestrians and against noise.
Service in restaurants has also been improving; I know there is still a lot to do, but it must be achieved. However, JP and Amelia be patient, but I encourage you not to be passive in these changes but rather active subjects, and you will ask me how do I achieve that? Well, I will explain: I am an expert in communication and corporate image, and when I see that something is not working well, for example, they serve me badly in a store or restaurant, I take action, for example, I ask who the manager of the restaurant is and I express my annoyance and show them how they should improve; Many would say this is not the client's job but rather the company's, however, I try to take the time to talk to those responsible and give them my opinion, since clients must be listened to and we must demand good service. Unfortunately, in Latin culture changes are made when people complain, the problem is that in Ecuador clients do not complain, because they flee from the conflict, but that is a bad idea. In fact, when a car doesn't stop, I approach the driver and in a good way say "excuse me, but the pedestrian has priority, respect the pedestrian", or I simply cross and put my hand in front of me as a STOP sign, well this My wife doesn't like it, because she says it's dangerous and that a car is going to hit me.
Finally, the fact that Ecuadorians, and Latinos in general, get very attached or get together with people is because we are used to physical touch, do not take it as “sexual harassment” ha, ha, it is that in the culture of the United States people They keep their distance a lot, they don't like a hug or someone touching them, I think they consider it offensive. My son-in-law is American and it has been difficult for him and us to have a middle ground in our two cultures. First, he has understood that we Latinos hug and kiss, that we like to talk more, and that in fact we do not like to just say YES or NO, because it seems rude to us to be very sparing or say things very quickly, since we like dialogue. When I am in the United States, something that hurts me is that people come to a house and don't say hello, at most they stretch out their hand; That is very rude for an Ecuadorian, because even if we don't know someone, we approach to say hello. As an anecdote, I tell you that at my job everyone came to the office and waved to the 32 people in my office, and wished them a nice day. I think that's why they appreciated me, because they noticed that I cared about them. When someone says “how are you?” or “Are you okay?”, it is because in our culture we are truly interested in the well-being of others.
There are many things to improve in Ecuador, but when I spend four months in the United States, which by the way is a country that I love and consider it my second homeland, I'll be honest with you, there comes a point where I miss my culture, my country, that heat human, that warmth, I often miss the craziness of Ecuador, which sometimes bothers us, but which are part of our life, that chaotic way of walking bumping into each other, that lack of concern for time and for not wanting to “be so perfect.” ”; But, in short, they are things that make this country a quality place to live, where in the midst of problems love and family unity still flourish, where there are traditional values, and where we like to dress well and put on a delicious perfume, In other words, looking nice, because that makes us feel good emotionally, makes our soul flourish, and wakes up every day thanking God for living in this wonderful country.
I must tell you something sad, but true, that Americans have lost the love of living, they have money but they don't use it on themselves, I think they think too much, or they say "it's just an unnecessary expense, it's a waste of money", but You know that sometimes you have to say “I'm going to live a little”, I'm going to buy that jacket that I like so much or go to that restaurant that has always been recommended to me or stop being such a slave to time, work or money. I consider that the Ecuadorian is happy, even if he has little, because life is a gift and we must enjoy it, but life is also balance, the Universe itself is a point of balance, God made it that way, and that is why we must always seek that point of balance between the culture of the United States and that of Ecuador, because surely we cannot change the world, but we can change the way we see the world and be happier. I know that there are serious problems to be resolved, but the Ecuadorian is very persevering and we hope that the next government improves reality, especially in security, and I trust and have every optimism that this will be the case. May God bless you Amelia and JP, it is always a pleasure to see you on RUclips and consider you two more Ecuadorian brothers. A hug.
Thanks for sharing your perspective 😊
I agree! Indeed in general the Ecuadorian people are happier, more relaxed and better socially-connected than most expats from the US and in the US. We tend to live our lives thinking about the problems of our past and worrying about our future, always focused on efficiency, planning and improving things including ourselves and other people. The Ecuadorian people tend to live in the present moment and savor life with gratitude, believing that life is to be enjoyed and celebrated as much as possible. Muchas gracias Oswaldo.
"what apps" is also use a lot in Turkey, Europe too
They drive like madmen. Terrible beef. No postal service
Thanks for the laugh! Most common item where the brand name stickers are left on is the toilet tank. 😆
Great list of culture shockers! I always think about the dog poop thing. I’m in Mexico and it drives bonkers. I’m also a light sleeper but invested in some quality noise cancelling earplugs that are comfy to sleep in.
I wouldn’t trade my life here for anything.
Amelia, you look amazing in orange! You both look vibrant and happy.
Care to share which noise canceling earplug? Thanks in advance
@@grouchynorwegian8690 Sure thing. There are many to choose from on Amazon and I got the Ear Plugs for Sleeping Noise Cancelling, Super Soft Reusable Earplugs for Sleep, Noise Sensitivity, Work, Study - 8 Ear Tips in XS, S, M, L with Small Box -25dB Silicon.
I wish I could send you a photo here, but it doesn’t allow
Yeah, we need to know about those earplugs.
Yes the no change thing is weird. Also you pay afterward here, even at hotels. They must trust people...
Very interesting, thank you
I like you channel, and you do a good job. Just got another point of view.
I have seen some of this with other nationalities as well. When working with the Japanese space agency we were told that they wont give an answer you may find disappointing. Understanding whether their product was a good fit was challenging.
Plastic wrap 😡 100% agree with JPeeve 😇!
Nowhere in the world is customer service as good as it is in USA. In the USA there is anticipation of the customers needs even before the customer is aware of it probably a more capitalistic society. Also lack of civic sense and consideration of others is evident in these other countries
Guys, you should live in Cotacachi where an american comunity lives. Try to contact them
Great video - made me laugh and go oh no also! Very important to know the "norms" of another culture. Thanks to both of you. We hope to do our exploratory trip in June. Will you be able to keep up your information about Ecuador as you travel to other countries?
We still read the Ecuador news and we WhatsApp our friends most days so we’ll keep up on the news, but we won’t be doing a lot of videos about EC for a while. I’ll continue writing about important events in our newsletter: ameliaandjp.com/newsletter/
Gracias...practico mi Inglés con ustedes...
The no changed thing kills me they seem to do that all over Latin America. And yeah, it’s funny how they’ll run around to other stores, asking people for change. It really kills me when taxis do that. It almost feels like a scam, so you just give them the change no matter how big the bill you give them.
Grow a set. If a taxista can't give you change when you are not giving them a ridiculously large bill, just leave, you'll be amazed how they can suddenly make change.
Sometimes (in smaller stores) in Ecuador, they will ask you to buy something else so they can give you less change.
😂😂😂 the stickers drive me nuts too.
Hello Amelia and JP, I have watched quite a number of your videos, and have just reviewed all the titles again, but am trying to find one where you discuss the healthcare options in Ecuador. Can expats get on any Ecuadorian medical system or, etc? If you haven't done one I sure would like to see that as I am trying to decide Mexico or Ecuador or?? Thanks, from Cambodia
We have a couple of blog posts about healthcare. Here are the links: ameliaandjp.com/ecuador-healthcare-experience/
ameliaandjp.com/ecuador-health-insurance/
Here's a link to our live stream where we talked about healthcare:
ruclips.net/user/liveaq7I8rAjVZA?si=bfvoAveSpnAZTuUW
Congratulations on reaching 100,000 subscribers.
I remember during 2020 to 2021, the US went nearly cashless during COVID while shopping
After ripping out that plastic in the fridge, you can probably kiss your security deposit goodbye.
I’m 58 and still weird about removing price tags. My friend said that I am commitment phobic.
There are plenty of cultural differences here in Thailand but the relaxed pace of life here has rubbed off on me and nothing really bothers me.
The yes or no question with a long response is an actual thing. My ecuadorian family all do this and my mom says it's because that not how she thinks - she has to tell the story to get to the answer. It's annoying.
I never understand the change thing (in Mexico). If you have a business, you KNOW you have to be able to make change!!! Even sometimes at the major grocery chains they seem upset if you pay with a "large" bill.
I was thinking the same thing and annoyed for quite some time. I think I found one reason for why they don't have change. I had counterfeit money. Apparently counterfeit bills are more common here. So people don't want to accept a $20 for a $6 purchase because if the bill is fake they lost more money. That and they run out of coins after a while.
I enjoyed watching and learning about what you experienced there. I was a visitor in Cuenca and Quito years ago and I loved it. I experienced that mas tranquilo way of life, and being from the northeastern US was like, this feels weird but good, no need to rush. Anyway, I felt like I can identify with what you all are experiencing recently. Enjoy and be healthy !
Are there any English speaking churches in the area?
Go to a spanish mass, it's clear and it will improve your spanish skills. Cheapest spanish lesson you will ever encounter!!!
I find the change issue in Mexico. I try to always spend large bills in the Walmart and then save the smaller change. I migh tuse $500 ( about $30 US) peso billls to buy something for 50 pesons (About $300 US) just to get smaller bills that I can then use for smaller purchases. Then I try to save the change for even smaller stores.
Ecuadorians never update anything online. Google maps will usually have wrong hours or even list places as "open" that went out of business months ago. You always have to check first before going anywhere
you both are looking great
I've got a shocker for you. It hasn't been long at all that it got dark at 10PM. Today is the first day of, turn your clocks back an hour. Now it's getting dark at 5PM and not long until it's getting dark at 4PM. It's got to be better in Ecuador where the sun sets around 6PM everyday. Ya know a couple years ago the US Senate unanimously voted to end time change. It went to the House of Representatives for the next step to making it law. Couldn't get it done! Sat so long it died. Most people want to end the time changes. More people die and have accidents when the time changes. At least we're past getting shocked at how bad our government is.
LOL re: Ec customs....Grrrr!
I've lived in Ecuador for nearly five years and EVERYTHING you mentioned is absolutely true. It seems that no business here ever has change and the cashier has to go find change to give you and often times it will be a bunch of nickels or dimes. I try to always have a supply of $1 coins on hand along with $5 and $10 bills but those are often times hard to come by when I request them from my bank. Restaurants are frustrating because of the order you receive things. I've often sat and waited for my food to arrive while my wife has received her food or vice versa and one or the other was nearly done eating before the other received their food. Another thing you didn't mention was the impatience of drivers in Ecuador. If you are the lead car in a line of cars at a red traffic signal and the light turns green and you don't start driving forward within a nanosecond, every car behind you will immediately beep their horn at you.
Sounds like driving in Dallas where they honk all the time.
Don't take it personally
@@sinnombre3855, what is the point of your comment? What I wrote was NO different than the things that JP and Amelia said in their video and I was merely confirming what JP and Amelia said in their video. Why didn't you tell them to "don't take it personally?"
People walking into each other seems to be happening in the U.S. too. Maybe zombieism is setting in?
Here the Whats up is crazy. Everybody has Whats up.
Sorry. I understand you. I used to hate carnivals when they throw you water. I hated new year and all that noise but... There are bad things here un USA also. Schools, weather, expensive everything. No place is perfect. When l feel bad my fr I end Maggy says: Remember thisvis not paradise! Its tue! Even churches are going CRAZY. The Pope, everything.
DO NOT OFFER A LOT OF INFORMATION !! check!!! I was not prepared. There are still things I dont know about my apartment, and I have to ask repeatedly. This is a big issue for me to get used to. Still not. Check on everyhing. I learned the expression “ permisso” to get by people and use it but have heard it ONCE! and yes, no doubt Cuencanos are polite and amiable people but….. human pinballs lol. so true. I have some choice words i yell at drivers who almost hit me lol. gives me a release, i know it wont help.
Your wife/girlfriend should dress more modestly
And barking dogs.
Wow, that's quite a list. They must be cultural issues, but it's odd. Some of the things you mentioned are the same in Mexico.
You've made me think twice about buying a condo. Maybe a house in a quiet neighbourhood.
Thank you Amelia and JP, good comments on culture shock, some of them were hilarious.
Some countries allow felonious lawlessness but thankfully most places in the Western hemisphere aren't like that. A lawful society is a civil society.
Luv the cultural nuances but the plastic wraps are an issue on electronics..
I always carry extra change to all countries but try cards most places..