First eve in Ecuador

My introduction to Ecuador has officially begun. I arrived earlier this afternoon and was met by a German who works as a volunteer and has been living in Ecuador since August of 06. He is only 20 but is mature and sociable as he has been showing me around the small town called Cumbaya(not the song). Initally we took a taxi from the airport (5$)to the small town to meet the director and others who volunteer in a daycare program for small children. After he accompanied me to take a brief walk so I would know where things are located such as the internet cafe, descent places to eat, etc.
I've already learned that Cumbaya has an economic mix of people. It has a University close by(25cent bus), which is where I am know writing this blog, and actually supports one of the most affluent communities in all of Ecuador. Not sure how founded that is yet, but it's interesting becuase there is poverty right next store to new strip malls. Hmmm, kind of like parts of our cities in the US.
Still is a bit early to comment on social, economic, or communal environment here. Therefore, I will wait for the next entry.