Impressions of Ecuador as we leave

As we prepare to leave for Quito's new airport and return home, I'm collecting my thoughts and impressions about this unique, beautiful and strange country, to get me ready for when we come back. These are my views only, and not necessarily management/Mary's views:

• I need to learn more about soccer -- rules, teams, vocabulary, strategy.
• I need to learn Spanish -- to enrich the experience here.
• Anyone can get along with just English, but it's not as much fun and you miss things; but if you try a little, the folks here will help with the rest.
• The indigenous people of Ecuador are a large part of the charm.
• They dress in a really cool way, especially the women; it's hard not to stare
• Smiles go a long way here
• The people are happy, friendly, but reserved
• And they are short; I get lots of stares/glances
• Young people -- students as well as small children-- are everywhere, and are very charming and attractive -- almost all students wear uniforms
• Old folks are obviously respected and cared for by their kids, grandkids and other family
• We need to get cracking on finding out residency visa requirements
• We made many valuable contacts here that will be invaluable if we decide to move or spend lots of time here.
• I need to get in better shape for hiking at altitudes over 8,000 feet; I'm OK for walking almost anywhere, but we've seen some stunning hiking terrain.
• Communicating with family and friends is important -- Skype works well.
• The cities and towns are safe (except maybe parts of Quito); I feel really comfortable wandering around downtown after dark. The cities are also very clean.
• Need to check air quality progress, especially Cuenca
• The politics and economics of this country are fascinating, and shed an interesting contrast with the USA; Ecuador's president is a smart, clever leader.
• Keeping up with Ecuadorian and expat blogs and websites will be important.
• I don't like drinking bottled water everywhere; Cuenca seems OK, though.
• I miss my family and friends, and will be glad to be home
• Next visit will be longer, and we won't be living out of suitcases