Ecuadorian Drivers Ed

Today I (Pete) started Ecuadorian drivers ed. I can drive legally in Ecuador with my US and international licenses, but to be covered by insurance, which is not mandatory in Ecuador, I need an Ecuadorian license.
The last time I did drivers ed, I sat in the back of the classroom with my other 15-year-old friends and we made faces and played catch because our in-class teacher was legally blind. She would say, "I know you're probably doing something back there, but I just don't know what."
The first thing I did today, before any in-class training, was behind-the-wheel practice. I guess they figure that most people have already driven, whether legally or illegally, here. For the record, I wore my seatbelt when I drove - my instructor did not. He did wrap his seatbelt around the handbreak once to look like he had it on when he saw a policeman.
In-class training was fun. I could understand almost everything the teacher said, and I even understood his jokes, but I stood out like a big foreign exchange student with my Northern-European complexion. Any chance of blending in was lost when the teacher wanted me to teach him to pronounce my entire name, Peter Blake Vanderlinden Grangaard. But it was funny for all, and it gave classmates a conversation starter to talk to me afterward. A couple of college-age guys were especially welcoming and willing to help me if I need it.
I'm sure the class will be a great learning experience, and it will give me lots to write about.
-Pete