Ecuador - Named For The Equator and with Famous 'Pan de Yuca' naturally Gluten-Free Bread

Ecuador is a mineral rich country and known for the famous Andes Mountains, the Amazon Rainforest and Darwinism. The population of Ecuador is 18.4 Million. The Capital is Quito. A major city and main seaport is Guayaquil with a population of 2 Million people. The GDP in Ecuador per capita is $7,575.00 USD. The Land Area is about the size of the State of Nevada. Ecuador champions the Archipelago de Colon and the famous Galapagos Islands, the "Islands of the Tortoise" which are 600 miles off of Ecuador's Pacific Coast. The altitude is high. Be sure to drink lots of water and eat fruit. The rainy season is from November through May. The temperatures are very hot and humid with rain. Layer your clothing! Hire a travel guide. Do not walk anywhere alone. Be vigilant. "Bandits" are about. 

Although the economic growth in Ecuador is uneven, their Natural Resources are crude petroleum (second largest in South America), gold, copper, rich soil, timber, limestone, and bananas, and the fishing industry. As well, the safe, small Town of Vilcabamba is known as the "Valley of Longevity" as it holds the longest-lived residents in the world and has a large expat community.   

Ecuadorians are proudly 55% 'Mestizos' (this word is used in an Historical context ONLY and signifies Spanish and indigenous roots) mixed with 25% Native American and 10% European. NEVER refer to anyone as 'Mestizos' as it is considered rude. Spanish is the main language in Ecuador. Ancient indigenous traditions survive along with Old European Manners (see Old European Manners post on August 12, 2020). Individuality is prized. Family is first. Ecuador is 95% Roman Catholic. They have an 87% literacy rate. School is mandatory from ages 6-14. Teachers and the elderly are well respected. Ecuadorians are huge supporters of the arts and dance, the Salsa and Merengue to name a few. Sports includes 'Futbol' and 'Pelota nacional', an indigenous ancestral racket sport. There is a Sun Museum in San Antonio, because as we all know, Ecuador borders on the Equator. Great museums with 17th & 18th Century Fine Art is considered the finest examples of Spanish Fine Art. Ask permission before taking photographs of anyone.   

Public manners are that of hospitality. Dress Code is Casual Chic. Don't talk about US politics, Peru, or religion. Instead, talk about family, history, culture. No hand gestures. Don't point. Don't whistle. Do not yawn in public as it is considered rude. Shake hands with everyone when meeting for the first time. Men embrace each other if they are good friends. One may air kiss one's good friends. Ecuadorians show directions with their chins. Being invited to a home is a huge honor. Always use formal names until invited to use first names. Punctuality is not important. Parties include dancing. 

Dining is family and social time. No business is discussed. Stay for conversation after the meal. Breakfast is served early at 6:30am. Hotels may serve until 7:00 - 9:00am.  Breakfast consists of protein rich foods, such as eggs, fruit juices, corn, plantain balls stuffed with cheese ('bologna de verde') and fish. Most stores are closed for lunch, the main meal, from Noon to 3:00pm. It consists of hot soup, starches, proteins, juices and a small dessert. Hot cassava cheesy bread called: 'pan de yuca' is a popular afternoon snack. Women traditionally drink wine.  

Traditional Ecuadorian foods include delicious banana dishes, sweet corn tamales, Beer Humitas, potato and cheese pancakes ('Llapingachos') , hominy dishes (Mondongo'), pastries filled with meats and cheeses ('Empanadas') and Ceviche served with nachos. As mentioned above, Pan de yuca is a naturally Gluten-free bakery snack and is a popular offering among the street vendors. It is made from tapioca starch and salty cheese, it is served hot along with a cold fruit smoothie.  Caldo de bola is banana soup with meat and vegetables. Hornado is slow cooked pork. Arroz con fenestra is rice with spicy beans, BBQ and refried bananas. Arroz con pollo is boiled chicken with rice and spices. White rice is also a staple.  

Dinner starts after 8:00 pm. Drinks and appetizers to start. Dinner may not be served until 11:00 pm. Seating is formal. The Host makes the first Toast. Alcohol is imported and expensive. 20% "service compris" Add a small bit of cash after on the table if the service is good.  It is considered rude to call for a waiter by clapping your hands over your head, but some people still do it. Simply raise your hand extending your index finger. Tip the Porter $2 USD per bag. Tip the Maid $4-5 USD per day. For your security take only an official Yellow Taxi in Ecuador. Bring lots of small bills for tipping. Counterfeiting is a problem. Do not ever exchange money on the street.

Gift giving includes flowers, chocolates, photos from your home region, wines, liquors, desk accessories, books, candy bars for the children, Do not give Lillies or Marigolds as these are funeral flowers. 

Enjoy your meal time in Ecuador as it is a relaxing time for family and friends.