Ecuador is a beautiful country with beautiful people. In just two short months here I have learned a lot about culture and life in Latin America and let me tell you, the United States should start taking notes. Of course there are things that I can't wait to leave behind like machismo and parasites, but this beautiful culture has some values that people from the United States can learn from.

1. How to dance... like really dance.

The music here is just so... danceable. I'm not talking about "grinding" or any other uncomfortable dance moves we tend to practice in the Unites States. I'm talking salsa, merengue, and bachata. Dances where you actually look your dance partner in the eye. Dances that give you a sense of closeness and intimacy with the person you're dancing with. It is truly beautiful.

2. Ley Seca.

This is the best idea. How many people do you think go to US elections under the influence? Here, it is illegal to sell or consume alcohol 2 days before and 2 days after the presidential election. This (almost) ensures that everyone voting is sober for the election and can think clearly. Anyone else think that this law could have changed the US election? Maybe some of the "Harambe" write ins would have been for an actual (and competent) candidate.

3. How they look at Valentine's Day.

Valentine's Day here is lit. Not only are there cheap flowers every 5 steps you take, in Latin America Valentine's Day is called "día de amor y amistad" which literally translates to "day of love and friendship. That's right. SAD (single awareness day) doesn't exist here. If you don't have a significant other, who cares! You have all your friends and you can go get food with them. I saw exactly 0 Facebook posts from Latinos complaining about being lonely on Valentine's Day. So much more positive!

4. Cheap public transportation.

Ok, I'll admit the buses are a little gross and not always reliable, however they only cost 25 cents. You read that right. it's only a quarter for a bus ride. I take 2 buses to and from school. That means I spend only $1 a day to travel for a little over two hours. Not too bad. This is super accesible for everyone!

5. Cheap healthy food.

In the United States we have a problem with healthy food being ridiculously expensive and fast food being really cheap. Here, it's almost the opposite. Everything here is relatively cheap, but healthy food like fruits and veggie can be under a dollar. And avocados are HUGE.