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19 of 19 found the following review helpful:
 A "Must Read"! Feb 15, 2002
I heartily recommend Culture Shock! Ecuador, to anyone who is planning on visiting Ecuador. I have been to Ecuador several times, and I can tell you that this new publication is a valuable resource. Whether you are planning a short term visit to Ecuador, or have plans to live there for a while, this book will really help the uninitiated, to better understand the Ecuadorian culture and the Ecuadorian way of thinking. Nicholas Crowder includes information in his book, Culture Shock! Ecuador, that other travel books on Ecuador don't think to include. The book is chock full of information on how to navigate your way around in Ecuador. It suggests things to do and places to see. The author also provides information on reliable hotels and restaurants. There is even an extensive list of web sites, so you can surf to your hearts content and learn about other things of interest pertaining to Ecuador. The most valuable thing that can be gained from reading Culture Shock! Ecuador, is a better understanding of the people. The knowledge gained by reading this book can help the traveler avoid falling into the dreaded stereotype of "The Ugly American". It will help the traveler to avoid embarrassing situations caused by a lack of understanding and cultural differences. Nicholas Crowder's book, Culture Shock! Ecuador, presents a well rounded view of Ecuador. I really liked it!
16 of 17 found the following review helpful:
 helpful for the businessman maybe ... Mar 26, 2004
Having bought this book in anticipation of a trip to Ecuador, I am having second thoughts based on the negative impression with which I'm left after reading this book. Although he relates fond memories and favorite foods and regions, it's not clear if he really likes it there. That said, however, Crowder's book is factual(if not a little outdated since it's now 2 yrs old).
As a seasoned traveller to Mexico and Guatemala, I would expect some of the cultural differences (concept of time, casual bribery to get anything accomplished, trouble with visas, etc.), but he offered very little, if anything, to make me actually want to visit Ecuador. Though the book does contain a lot of information for anyone who wants to do business in Ecuador, it's not terribly well written (most business books aren't imho) and certainly not written for the average tourist. Of course, that can be a good thing if you follow the path that he took. Crowder DID live there, though I found it strange that even with an Ecuadorian wife, he mentions that his son doesn't speak Spanish. Makes me wonder how much of Ecuador he really got to know aside from his business ventures. He does include examples of native poetry, a rundown of typical food fare, transportation issues, and a brief helpful history, all good things to know in a new country. And I do appreciate his advice that you should speak Spanish or employ a native speaker you can trust if you want to spend any time there. In short, I can confidently recommend this book for anyone wanting to do business in Ecuador but not necessarily for the average traveller. Unless this is your very first trip to ANY Latin country, the cultural information won't be anything new and it may discourage you from visiting altogether.
16 of 17 found the following review helpful:
 Essential to all travelers! Aug 28, 2002
This book is essential to all travelers going to Ecaudor for either business matters, to live, or for vacation/pleasure. My friend gave me this book before I left for my community service program in Ecuador this summer, and it helped me tremendously in to relating to the country and the people there. In his easy-to-read, almost conversational narration, Nicholas Crowder gave me some insight on manners (what is and is not appropiate to do: for example, usually it is not expected to meet a person until 45 minutes after the time said), social events (parties and what kinds of presents to bring), information on all the cultural traditions, festivities and national cuisine (what's really in that stew?) ... and so much more! Without this book, I would have been clueless. It also includes valuble guides to buying a house, dealing with business colleagues, and setting up bank accounts, etc for those who intend to move there. I recommend this book highly - it tells you the valuble information that other guide books don't mention at all. Don't go without it.
10 of 10 found the following review helpful:
 Outdated Feb 09, 2004
We have been living in Ecuador for the last 7 months and purchased this book before leaving home to help prepare for what was to be instore for us on our arrival to Ecuador. We have found that much of the information contained is very outdated and not really that applicable. We did enjoy the section on history and as an insight into how things may have been done 10 years ago.
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
A very mixed message from this author Aug 06, 2010
By Michael Stephens
I'm hoping to retire to Ecuador or another Andean country in three years or so, so I really looked forward to reading this book. The author is married to an Ecuadorian woman and has lived there for well over 20 years now, and he obviously loves the country. I found the sections on history, geography/ecology and culture/customs quite useful as a starting point. But then, he splashes cold water all over the reader with his sections on crime and health/medicine. He makes even a short visit to Ecuador seem like the most perilous possible journey -- if you don't die from some tropical disease, you surely will be mugged, robbed or murdered. In effect, he seems to be saying "Gringos! Keep Out!" Very disappointing.
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