CliffsNotes on Ecuadorian Weddings & Karaoke Bars

I had the pleasure of attending a wedding this past weekend with two good friends. Interesting cultural notes:
1. The drink of choice is whiskey. While champagne was plentiful during toasts, each table passed around a bucket of ice and a bottle of whiskey. Traditionally, the groom’s parents pay for the whiskey and the bride’s parent’s pay for the wedding. I’m thinking that it is expected you cough up a nice amount of money for the best whiskey. Beer is frowned upon as informal at weddings. I would attribute this to the fact that most drinking establishments serve two beers—“Pony” and “Pilsner” (side note: Pilsner is the company name as well as type of beer).
2. The first dance between the bride and the groom is traditionally a waltz.

I met up with some friends at a bar this past weekend. Upon arriving I realized it was a karaoke bar. I am all for karaoke—it’s a good time, right? Belt out some lyrics, generally it doesn’t matter if you can really sing, a chance to let loose. These rules hold true here. Yet, unlike in the USA where rock and pop take center stage, ballads were the stars of the night here. I will admit, this was not for me. Most ballads centered around: Longing for your old lover, Feeling like you can’t go on without your old lover, Remembering your old lover. Not exactly jamming songs for a Saturday night! Eek. Hey, at least I got to follow the lyrics on the screen and watch images of tranquil oceans, doves, and furry animals. In summary, I checked off Ecuadorian Karaoke Bars.