Concept of Time

The concept of time here is so different than in the United States. Before we left the country, I read in a book that when you are invited to a party or other events, you are to arrive at least half hour later than the stated time. I just didn't actually believe it. Though I haven't gotten invited to any parties or events yet, I at least have come to see that time is a very flexible concept in Ecuador, especially compared to the United States. When we went on hikes in the Amazon, the guides stated that they weren't that long of hikes...and yet they were at least three hours long. In addition, my classmates and I were told that our Spanish classes were to start promptly at 8am, and every single class has started at least five or ten minutes late so far this week. As another example, my host mom makes me breakfast every morning, but doesn't have it ready until 7:20. The problem is that I have a 30 minute commute to school every morning and classes start at 8am. If I were in the United States, I would make sure I was at class at least ten minutes early, let alone on time, or else I would be being extremely rude to my professors. The irony is that I don't arrive at my school until right at 8am, and I still tend to be five minutes early. In general, Ecuadorians seem to be very relaxed getting places they need to go when they need to be there. I think all of us Americans can learn from this. I know I personally get super stressed out when I'm running late for an appointment or for class. But while I've been here, I've also learned that there's no use stressing out over time. Time, truly, is irrelevant.