Spanish is Ecuador's official language. I have taken Spanish classes since I was your age, so I am able to communicate well with my host family and colleagues at the university. However, I still have a lot to learn! It's a good thing that everyone is patient and helpful when I speak Spanish.
Ecuador uses the same money that we do! The U.S. dollar has been Ecuador's official currency since the year 2000. Before that, they used a currency called "sucre."
I do not know! I brought my own water bottle with a filter to Ecuador so that I can safely drink water while not wasting plastic.
I never leave home without my water bottle, especially because it is so hot in Guayaquil. It is not safe to drink tap water in Ecuador. However, drinking water from a bottle with a filter is a small, great way to reduce your impact on the environment.
I had many delicious meals this week. My host mother is an excellent cook. One of my favorite parts about the food in Ecuador so far has been that there is much much fresh fruit juice. Every day, we drink a different flavor, always made with fresh, local fruit!
