I was running a little late, but excited because me and my girlfriends were having a birthday brunch for one of my favorite friends! We picked a cute restaurant downtown and all chose to start the day at 8 a.m.

I walked in, my black ankle boots clicking, hair curled, lipstick on, earrings in place, lacey floral black shirt lookin’ hot.

And saw all my girlfriends around the table, messy buns in place and big sweatshirts. We all laughed, but inside it was one of my cultural discrepancies – I had soaked in that part of Ecuadorian culture, those unspoken rules that you just absorb with time – you never show up for a celebration, or a birthday party, or any event you’re invited to looking anything less than extra cute. It’s the falta (lack) of respect.

So granted, I was in Wisconsin and could have remembered that casual equals comfort and trust, but it serves for a good illustration of how Ecuadorian culture goes – if you care about someone, and you are invited to their event, you dress up.

You also bring gifts. More on that later…