The Little People of Cuenca

 

The second week in Cuenca has definitely been another interesting one.  I am getting more acquainted with my surroundings, and I am learning how to navigate my way around a little better. Communication with my family has also become easier. We are able to know each other a little better. While spending another week in Cuenca, I was able to notice much more about life in Ecuador. My first day in Quito, four weeks ago, I instantly noticed the differences of driving in Ecuador. The people in this country barely stay within the lines. It is more of a free for all on the roads. It is rare that one will see a speed limit sign while walking around the city. I have noticed so many differences in this city, especially in this last week.

I have noticed a big difference between the children in Ecuador and those in America. My host sister has a two year old and they have no car seat or stroller for her. When we travel in the car, she just sits on someone’s lap. With the ways that people drive, I am baffled by the fact that there is no type of restriction in vehicles for young children or babies. In the United States when a woman has a newborn and is leaving the hospital, the car and car seat are checked to make sure that it meets all of the safety requirements. Even my brother who is six years old sits in a booster seat in the car because he does not weigh enough.  Throughout my walks across the city, I have also seen young children just sitting in the passenger seat by themselves…UNBELIEVABLE! While walking through the city, I have noticed that I have not seen many strollers; all of the women carry their babies or strap them on their back. It is rare in America that you see parents with a baby tied on their back with a scarf. In America, it is typical that the parents will carry the baby in their car seat or push them in a stroller. I am stunned by the young children walking up and down the streets in this city. I cannot believe that their parents are not with them. Children as young as five are just hopping off the bus and walking blocks to their home. I do not even feel safe walking home in this country because I am not comfortable with my knowledge of navigating from destination to destination.

Do I think that the way children are raised in America is better than the way they are in Ecuador? Not at all, but I do think there are issues that could be debated. This is just another difference I see every day in this country that makes my mind run wild. Adios!

An example of the driving in Ecuador!

The "STOP" sign!

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit

Communicating with my family is getting easier by the day. I am so thankful to be living with such nice and caring people. They remind me so much of my actual family in the United States. I really enjoy spending time with my host family, and today I was able to attend a Catholic mass with them. I was excited about this because I was raised Roman Catholic. I was very interested to see how similar a Catholic mass is in Ecuador compared to ones in the United States.  I really enjoyed being there. I liked that even though it was in Spanish, I was able to understand what was going on and what was being said because I know the rituals of a Catholic mass. The main difference that I noticed was that there were pews and people around three sides of the altar. In most catholic churches, all of those in attendance sit in front of the altar. However, I think that this was just to allow more people to have room. However, it did cause the procession for communion to be a little more chaotic. I also noticed, at this particular church, they did not close the doors during the mass. Therefore, the loud noises from the outside could be heard the whole time. I do have to admit that it was a little distracting. Along with many other things in the country of Ecuador, mass did not start promptly at eleven; it started about ten minutes late. The “Ecuadorian time” is just fascinating to me. This country is definitely much more relaxed than the United States when it comes to the start of activities. Another difference I found astounding was that there was food being sold outside of the church. This is never seen at Catholic churches in America. There were people buying meals! It was fascinating. In America, many families make a large breakfast before church or have brunch afterwards, but in Ecuador it is sold right there!

Cuenca is known for its beautiful churches; there are 52 churches in this city. Those that live in the city talk about how they could visit a different church every week of the year! During our first week here, I have been able to see only a handful of the beautiful churches.

My experience today was amazing! I loved being at a Catholic mass in another country. It was fascinating and beautiful. However, there was also a downside to being at mass today. My heart is breaking for my host mother and her family. I found out yesterday that the mother of my host mother is dying. She has severe Alzheimer’s and cannot even walk on her own. It is so sad to see my host mother upset. She has been crying so much, and I wish that there was more I could do to help her through this. I cannot imagine how she must feel. I am so fortunate to have two healthy parents. I was glad to be at church today. I was able to be closer with God to pray for my host mother, her mother, and their family. I am going to continue to pray for her all day, every day. I hope that those of you reading this pray for her too. The language barrier between us makes it hard for me because I feel like I cannot help her the way I could if we could understand each other. Tomorrow I am going to the market to buy her flowers, so that I can show her how much I care. She has taken such great care of me this week; it is the least I can do. I look forward to attending church with her next Sunday, hopefully it is a different one! J

Here are some pictures of the churches we have seen throughout the week!

 

The Good, The Bad, & The Cuenca Hospital

 

Our first week in Cuenca has definitely been a roller coaster ride. The idea of living with a family I had never met before made me so nervous. So many thoughts were going through my head. I quickly learned that there was no reason for me to be so nervous. My host family is amazing! They are so nice and take very good care of me. Even though it is so hard for us to communicate with each other, we make it all work out. They are so patient. I am so thankful to have such a loving host family because it is very hard for me to be so far away from home. We are taking classes at a Spanish school, Amauta. The class is really a lot of fun, and I am beginning to learn the language. It is getting easier to communicate with my host family. I was able to experience many cultural differences this week, as well.

While many of the differences where minor, there was one instance where I was in complete shock. Earlier this week, one of my friends on the trip became extremely sick and needed to be taken to the hospital. She asked that I go with her, and of course, I did. The second our taxi pulled up to the hospital, I realized that it was nothing like an American hospital. It was not even clear where we enter the building to go to the emergency room. There was no front desk or emergency “area”. When we walked in they laid her down in a bed and gave her an IV. This was all without asking her name, her allergies, or any of her other information. I was stunned at how no one bothered asking. They had administered a type of morphine, an IV, and a few tests all before getting her personal information. We were there an hour and a half before they asked for a name. Hospitals in America require all personal & insurance information before any treatment, and they quickly give the patient a wristband.  I was also surprised with their method for storing their medicines. The drugs were in an unlocked, glass cabinet for everyone to see. It would have been so easy for someone to steal any type of drug. In addition, when in an American emergency room, the patient typically has the same emergency room doctor the whole time. This is done so that the doctor can closely watch the progress of their patients. Over the course of the time we were in the emergency room, four different doctors had taken care of her. Yes, I understand that we were in a foreign country, and I realize that they may not be as clean or as strict as hospitals in America. Getting all of the patient’s information, their allergies to medicines, their health history, keeping medication locked, and being consistent in viewing and recording the patient’s progress during their visit is vital. Forgetting to do one of those protocols or choosing not to could be very harmful to the patient. Imagine the consequences if a nurse administered a drug that the patient was allergic to because no one asked and noted it. Fortunately, my friend left the hospital feeling much better and has returned to normal.

 As I continue my pre-medical education, I think about what kind of doctor I want to be and how I want to make sure my patients are as comfortable as possible. My trip to an Ecuadorian emergency room was definitely an eye-opening experience. As I continue my ten-week journey through Ecuador, I know I am going to have many more of these experiences. Adios!

The sunset as we drove to Cuenca!

The Technological Earth

               

            Spending a few days last week in the Intag Valley at Carlos’ farm and spending this past week in the Amazon has helped me to realize much about technology. While at the farm, Carlos spoke to our group about his thoughts on technology. He discussed the abundance of natural resources that are used in making items like cell phones, iPods, and computers. The high demand of these products causes producers to destroy precious land of countries, such as Ecuador, that have copious amounts of natural resources. Copper is one of the primary resources.

I realized much by being without technology. I have grown up surrounded by technology. Personally, it was difficult for me to be without those items. I realized how much I use electricity and how I am so used to being able to communicate with others through phones and computers. Carlos stressed his concerns for technology because of the use of so many natural resources. While I agree that it is wrong to use a large amount of natural resources and destroy the beautiful land that Ecuador occupies, I feel that one can still respect the Earth while using technology.

In the Amazon, we stayed at the Tiputini Biodiversity Station. Clearly, they respect the natural beauty of the Earth. Yet, they use technology during certain hours. I found it very fascinating that they told our group to join the Tiputini Facebook page, if we were interested. Even an organization that was six hours away from civilization, in the middle of the Amazon jungle, had a Facebook page! I was shocked to hear that. However, it made me realize the depths that technology has reached. Technology is helpful for communication if it is used in moderation, promoting a biodiversity station would be a good example of this. I think people that are concerned about technology and its growth need to realize that it’s not the technology itself that is doing the harm to the Earth; it is the people that use it that cause the harm. So many people throw away a working cell phone just to buy the ‘newer’ version, or leave the lights on when they are not in a room. The carelessness of people is what harms the Earth. While I love technology, I also love the Earth, and I feel I can exercise the benefits of technology while preserving the natural resources and breathtaking land on this Earth. Thanks to the beauty of Ecuador, I was able to further realize my love for Earth.

paradise!

              My first week in Ecuador has been absolutely AMAZING! I cannot believe how beautiful it is here! The first week has been very, very busy. After travelling all day we arrived at our beautiful hotel to get some sleep. It was definitely hard to adjust to being in another country! Not only were we at a high altitude, but after getting used to certain things for 19 years, activities like brushing your teeth with bottled water only make for an adjustment. We spent the next day traveling around Quito exploring the culture and the history. I was amazed at how intricately designed the churches, cathedrals, and architecture was. It was obvious how devoted people were to making beautiful landmarks. My favorite part of the day was visiting La Mitad Del Mundo, the equator. Its amazing to be at the center of the world! Did you know that at the equator you weigh less because of gravity? Or that you could balance an egg on a nail? And yes, when you flush a toilet on the southern side of the equator the water does spin the other way! It is absolutely fascinating!

              The next morning we traveled to the cloudforest for 3 days! We stayed in Junin and the Intag Valley. In Junin, we were able to learn about their lives, and the struggles that they face due to the mining companies attempts to ruin their land. It was heartbreaking to hear about how individuals that love their land so much have to face the fear of losing everything they have. In the Intag Valley we were able to stay on Carlos Zorilla's farm. Staying at his farm was a once in a lifetime experience! I couldn't believe I was able to shower in a waterfall! It was paradise! We also went on a four hour hike through the cloudforest. It was an unbelievable feeling being so close with nature. The beautiful plants and the fascinating insects were all things I never would have seen in my life if it wasn't for traveling to Ecuador. It is sad to face the reality that so many large corporations and countries want to ruin Ecuador's land for its natural resources. The resources and the people are what make Ecuador so beautiful. Taking away the resources forces the people to be without homes. Its unfortunate they have to spend their lives fighting to get by. It is places like Carlos' that help to show individuals, like myself, the true beauty and serentiy of Ecuador.

             We spent the last two days of the week in Otavalo. While there, we were able to shop in one of the world's largest saturday markets! I loved bartering with the locals. Also, I was able to practice my spanish! Being engulfed in the culture of the Ecuadorians was fantastic. I loved being able to purchase such authentic and gorgeous pieces that were handcrafted. The colors, the sounds, the smells, everything about the market was perfect. As we end the week, we prepare to spend the next five days in the Amazon. I cannot believe that I am going to be able to witness the flora and fauna and the climate that is the Amazon. I am so excited for this experience and cannot wait to share my pictures and tell stories of my experience to others. Adios amigos! :)

I was holding the world in my hands!

In Quito!

On the FIVE hour hike at Carlos' farm!

Otavalo Market!

More of the market!

(do not grade)

tomorrow!!