Learnings

Language learnings (really, there's way too many to list!)

Norteamericanos - North Americans
Sopa de queso - Cheese soup with a milky broth and vegetables
tortillas verdes - a thick tortilla with plantain and cheese/hamburger inside
guineo - banana
papel hygienico - TP
batido - fruity yogurt drink
subibaja - seesaw
moras - berries
Morros - lentils
canarios - small, bright yellow birds, very common around town
la clave - password for Wifi
puntajes - points
dados - dice
osos perisosos (literally "lazy bears") - sloths, commom in forests here
loras - parrots


Other learnings:

-- The trash truck plays catchy, annoying music, similar to the ice cream truck in our parts.  How else would you know when it's time to take out the trash?!
-- Don't use water from faucet to brush your teeth!  (Not for drinking either, but that's easier to get used to.)
-- Many of our houseplants are just (much) smaller versions of native plants here (and other tropical areas).
-- We get really tired from being in the sun, and from trying so hard to speak/learn Spanish!  The girls need English-time, Kent needs naps, Teresa needs a good book.  We all need an electric fan and occasional ice-cream.
-- There aren't mosquitos, to speak of, in Guayaquil!  :)  (I won't mention the many ants and the one cucaracha, so far.)
-- Don't stand under a tree where iguanas are perched....or don't be surprised when pee, or even an iguana, lands on you!  (We saw this happen, but didn't experience it ourselves.)