I'm making a real effort at learning the language and will take classes in Spanish once my residency is approved (if approved). I've had some people already show unusual kindness to me here.
The owner of the place where I stayed in Quito drove me down yesterday to Cuenca where his family lives instead of me shipping my two big bags by freight and taking a plane. I tried to give him money and he would not accept it saying he was coming down to Cuenca anyway and he's appreciated me staying at his hotel.