Lucky am I

Over the course of the past five weeks, I've come to appreciate many wonderful things about Ecuador, as well as miss many precious luxuries in the States. To be honest, the amazing and good things here so far outweigh what I miss that it doesn't really affect life too much - but I'll still be grateful if and when I get back to such luxuries!

What things do I love and enjoy here?

The food. Oh heavens, ALL of the ridiculous amounts of delicious food.
The Ecuadorean people - generally, super friendly, interested, and sweet. This is genuinely the friendliest nation of people I've had the pleasure of being with.
The vistas - this is a spectacularly beautiful country. The mountains, the lakes, the sky (and eventually the other bits of the country too!)... breathtaking.
Weekends - actually relaxing and not being rushed... a novel concept.
A Family-centric Culture - It's lovely to be back in a world where family really is the center of peoples' lives, and they value their relationships above most everything else.
The availability of ice cream EVERYWHERE. I've already said food, but this needs to be stated very specifically.
The public transportation - it's a pain in the butt to use the buses, many of our trips are seemingly endless, and it can be dangerous, but dangit - I enjoy it. One day, I'll get a picture of a crazy-crowded bus to share my new reality - it's insane.
Business Casual = Not scruffy/skimpy clothes. I'm going to HATE going back to the dressy office gauntlet of business casual in the States.
Finally... My fellow Volunteers. Seriously, I keep running into amazing people, and these folks are some of the most inspiring and courageous people I've had an opportunity to work with.

What sorts of things have I learned to miss and value more?

Microwaves.
Drinking tap water.
Coffee machines.
Driving a car.
Paper Towels.
Joann's.
Flushing paper down toilets (Yup - miss it).
Washers and Dryers.

But oh, that which I miss the most? Hot, clean showers.

Sing hey! for the bath at close of day
that washes the weary mud away!
A loon is he that will not sing:
O! Water Hot is a noble thing!

O! Sweet is the sound of falling rain,
and the brook that leaps from hill to plain; 
but better than rain or rippling streams
is Water Hot that smokes and steams.

O! Water cold we may pour at need
down a thirsty throat and be glad indeed; 
but better is beer if drink we lack,
and Water Hot poured down the back.

O! Water is fair that leaps on high
in a fountain white beneath the sky;
but never did fountain sound so sweet
as splashing Hot Water with my feet!

- JRR Tolkein, Fellowship of the Ring