Hola y Adios!

Miracles Happen

            As our time in Ecuador is winding down, I am beginning to feel a rush of emotions. I cannot wait to see my family and friends at home. I am so excited to share my stories and pictures with them. I cannot believe that in 8 days we will be traveling home. Where did the time go? When I look back and think about the last nine weeks, it amazes me by how much I have been able to see, do, and experience. The people I have met on this trip are amazing. I know that on December 9th, we are going to go our separate ways. However, we will be able to look back and remember each other because we shared this experience together.

            While I am thrilled to get home and see my friends and family, I am also very sad to leave. I did not expect to feel this sad. I love my host family, and we have become close throughout my weeks in Cuenca.  It breaks my heart when I think about how I may never see them again. Every night, I help Macayla with her English homework, and I often play games with Anabel and Ellie. We spend so much time putting puzzles together and just making faces at each other. I love helping Macayla with her English because she seems so happy when I help her. I am sad that I have to say bye to them in a week. They all have had such an unforgettable impact on my life. I hope that I was able to influence their lives, even if it is in the smallest way possible.

I cannot imagine my life without this trip. I feel like a completely different person. I never thought I would realize so much about myself and other people around me. I am so thankful to have this experience. Engulfing myself in another culture was the most wonderful adventure I have ever had. I do not mind being a ‘gringo’ because it allowed me learn the way Ecuadorians live their lives. Also, I was able to share stories of my life and culture with many Ecuadorians. My host family and I have shared many stories that really help to shape the way we think of the other’s country.  I love that I was able to live life as an Ecuadorian for a short period of time. Traveling to another country is so rewarding, and it is the best way to learn about another culture.  In today’s globalized world, it is most important to experience cultural differences firsthand. While many people do not get the opportunity to travel around the world, those that do have the chance should run wild. Trust me, if you get the opportunity you will not be disappointed!  



We earned A's in Spanish!!!!!

My amazing host mother! I will miss her dearly.

Who Lives in a Pineapple Under the Sea.....Bob Esponja??

         

             Throughout all of our traveling in Ecuador, I have been able to see many indigenous people. They have maintained their traditional values for hundreds of years. One of the most prominent values they have kept is their style of clothing. The clothing is unique, and I really like it. The men’s dress includes a poncho (which is normally blue in color), a felt hat, and calf-length pants. Women’s dress is made up of a white shirt that is embroidered, a blue skirt, a shawl, and some type of layered necklace. The necklaces are typically gold beads. In addition, the long braid is an important part of Ecuadorian culture. I love that the indigenous people of Ecuador have stayed true to their beliefs and their ways of life, specifically their way of dressing. While the indigenous dress very similar to their ancestors, many Ecuadorians have transitioned to an American style of clothing.

Barney & I in Otavalo!

            Spending time in cities, such as Cuenca and Quito,

showed me how Americanized this country was becoming. I was shocked by the amount of American brands I saw walking down the streets. American Eagle and Aeropostale are EVERYWHERE! I thought the cliché of wearing those brands was only in America. I was mistakenly incorrect. In a mall in Cuenca, there is a store named EaglePostale! In Ecuador, the people just combine both brands of clothing and sell them together. Victoria’s Secret’s lotions, perfumes, and lip-glosses are also everywhere. Clothes and items from Victoria’s Secret, American Eagle, and Aeropostale are quite pricey in the United States. However, they are even more expensive in Ecuador! Wearing and acquiring these items in Ecuador is a sign of wealth. Not only are these names brands all over the world, but they are also demonstrative of wealth. It is fascinating how a simple brand name can have such an impact on a country.

             While I was with my host family, I noticed another example of American brand names. There are three little girls under the age of 10 in my host family, and I play with them almost every night. We like to play Memory, and put puzzles together. However, all of the puzzles we put together are American cartoons: Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, The Backyardigans, and Spongebob. I am familiar with all of these cartoons, and I have seen all of them with my little brother and sister at home. However, here is the funny part: the only one that was translated to Spanish was Spongebob-Bob Esponga. I thought it was hilarious that it was the only one that was translated to Spanish, and that the same cartoons that are popular in Ecuador are the same as the ones in America, just like the clothing! I was always under the impression that being in another country would introduce me to new cartoons, new games, and new styles of clothing. While there were some new styles, games, etc. that I saw, I was not expecting it to be as similar as American pop culture. It was a little disappointing to see another culture so engulfed in American name brands. Just another example of how rapidly America is squeezing their way into cultures all over the world.

Bob Esponga!

An indigenous woman

Distance Makes the Heart Grow Fonder

 

            The fourth Thursday in November of every year is unimportant to so many people in the world; however, to Americans it is one of the most important days of the year. Spending Thanksgiving in Ecuador this year was an experience I will never forget. Many of the Ecuadorians I talked to had no idea what Thanksgiving was, nor did they know much history on the celebration of the holiday. This makes sense because clearly the pilgrims did not discover Ecuador. Waking up Thanksgiving morning in Ecuador, felt like any other weekday in Cuenca.  I ate breakfast that my host mom prepared, hailed a taxi, and went to Spanish class for four hours. It was such a weird feeling walking into Amauta, saying Happy Thanksgiving to everyone on the trip without being able to experience what goes along with the holiday: the coldness in the air, the smell of turkey cooking, and the laughter of family and friends. All day, in the back of my mind, I was thinking how it was not a normal day for my family and friends in the United States, except I was not there. While they were preparing delicious food and watching parades and football on television, I was on a completely different continent in another hemisphere. We, as a group, did go out to eat at a restaurant that served us a delicious meal, with the main course being turkey! I had a wonderful time and we were all able to spend Thanksgiving as a new, big, crazy family.

            I am happy I was able to spend Thanksgiving in another country. It was definitely a learning experience, and one that I am thankful for. I was able to share the history of Thanksgiving with my host family and my teacher. Explaining to them all of the things we do and traditions we have on this holiday helped me to realize, even more, how much I love my country and  this holiday. Being in Ecuador since October 2^nd has opened my eyes to the world and has helped me to think differently. I have a different appreciation for my country, my education, and most importantly, my family. Thanksgiving did not help me to appreciate my life in America anymore than I appreciated it last week or last month. My time in Ecuador has helped me to realize how important family is to me. I would not trade my family for the world. They have helped me to become who I am.

            Ecuador has taught me so many lessons and changed my life. I am so excited to return home and spend Christmas with my family. I am so excited to give them the authentic, Ecuadorian gifts that I purchased for them throughout my time in Ecuador. Thanksgiving in Ecuador was the best Thanksgiving because it helped to realize the best gift I have received: family.

My family and I at the airport!

Group photo at the top of Volcan Sierra Negra!

My girls!

Las Islas Galapagos!

 

Traveling to the Galapagos was an experience of a lifetime! I am so fortunate to have been able to spend so much time there. I am determined to travel there at another time in my life so that I can experience the fascinating beauty all over again. Even though we were technically still in Ecuador, it felt as if we had traveled to a completely different side of the planet. Stepping off the airplane warmed me with such a refreshing feeling; the warm weather, the smell of seawater, and the view of the sand and ocean was breathtaking. The water was the most crystal-clear blue I have ever seen in my entire life and the sand was so white and soft. I feel so lucky to have seen so many beautiful, endemic animals while snorkeling and walking around the islands. If it were not for all of the hard work I put into getting to Ecuador, I never would have been able to experience something so beautiful.

While in the Galapagos, I noticed some cultural differences between the islands and cities on the mainland. The biggest difference was the number of tourists. It was nice to blend in with everyone else again. Throughout our time in Cuenca, we have become the subjects of many catcalls and stares. It is a very uncomfortable feeling being the one to stand out in a crowd, or the “gringo”. While there are some people on the mainland that are used to tourists, many still stare.  However, that was not the case in the Galapagos. We were able to blend in with all of the other tourists. Everywhere we went we were able to find others who spoke English. It was shocking, but it makes sense because the Galapagos is definitely a hotspot for travelers and scientists from all over the world.

Another difference that I noticed was the level of safety compared to the mainland cities. In the cities, it is unsafe to walk alone at night and taxis are definitely necessary. We were not harassed once while walking around the islands at any time of the day or night. The people we passed from the Galapagos did not seem to pay any attention to us at all, even though it is clear we are Americans. They are used to always seeing tourists. It is just so different being the one that does not blend in. I feel it is more different when I am at home and see a foreigner or someone who does not blend in with the majority of the population. I definitely do not stare at them while I am passing or slow my car down while I am driving by. I hope that they do not feel uncomfortable around me. Most importantly, I hope that they feel safe while they are visiting the United States.

If there were one thing I could make different, it would be to find some way to make myself feel safer while travelling throughout the city.  Yet, comfort level is definitely not supposed to be the same while traveling to a foreign country. In the future, I am certainly going to be more attentive to foreigners I see in the United States and do my best to make them feel comfortable, the same way that people in the Galapagos made me feel safer. I hope other Americans have the same mindset as me when it comes to interacting with people that are from other parts of the world. Not only were the animals and sights of the Galapagos amazing, so were the people. I wish for everyone to get the chance to experience the beautiful Galapagos. I promise you will fall in love. Adios!

The Giant Tortoise and I!

Never would guess it was the middle of November!

Alex & the Blue Footed Booby!

A Galapagos Sea Lion with her baby!

The beach was so beautiful!

Bananas Gone Wild!

 

The past couple weeks have been the best weeks of my life. Two days before flying to the Galapagos, we travelled to the Bonita banana plantation in Machala. I had written a paper for class on the health benefits of the consumption of bananas and the health risks of the production of bananas. This was where I presented that information to the rest of the group. My presentation went very well, and I received great feedback.

We went on a tour of the plantation. We were shown the process of harvesting and shipping the bananas. I loved the time we spent there, and I felt it was extremely informative. The way in which the bananas are harvested is so efficient and organized. Each bundle of bananas on the banana plant is marked with certain colors of ribbon. The ribbon allows the workers to know when to harvest each plant. The bundle is then cut from the tree, caught, put on the banana rail, and taken to the area where the bananas are further prepared. At this area, the workers cut off the “hands” of bananas. The hands are groups of about fourteen bananas. The bananas are thrown into water; this begins the cleaning process and pushes them to the opposite side where they are cut into smaller bunches. Those bunches of bananas are the ones that are exported. The workers must be precise when they cut the tops of the bunches giving them sharp corners or else importers will not accept them.  

After the bananas are washed and cut, they are packaged for shipping. The company has thirty- six hours to get them to their country of destination. The boxes are packed with forty-five pounds of bananas. The forty-five pounds of bananas is equivalent to only $12. I found that statistic to be fascinating. The United States accepts thousands of bananas yearly from Bonita, yet their requirements are extremely strict. As I mentioned earlier, the workers have to use caution when cutting the bananas or else the United States’ companies will not accept them. In addition, the United States requires each banana to be at least eight inches in length. Bananas will be rejected if they are too ripe or damaged. This puts much pressure on the companies to be very exact in the cultivation and harvest of their crops; too many mistakes and the American companies will choose to find a new producer. Since the companies are only making twelve dollars a box, the pressure to maintain the companies’ business is vital to their survival. It was fascinating to me to learn the detail that goes into banana production and the stress that the companies feel due to the high demand and strict regulations of the companies around the globe.

 What amazed me the most was that every job on the banana plantation involves solitary manual labor. It is impossible for any computer or machine to grow, harvest, clean, and ship the bananas. The bananas are too fragile. While many Americans sit in offices and create machines to do the hard labor, they have outrageously high demands for those individuals in other countries using their bare hands to give them exactly what they request. The employees on the plantations have to have strength and endurance to carry the bushels of bananas while working very long hours. Yet, workers on the plantations know that in order to make money it takes providing consumers with exactly what they want. Getting a firsthand glimpse into the process of the global supply and demand was a great experience. Now when I go to the grocery store to purchase bananas, I will be aware of all of the hard work that went into putting those on the shelf. 

The man cut the sharp edges on the bananas.

The bananas were ready to be shipped!

Dia de los Difuntos!

 

While everyone in the United States was dressing up to celebrate Halloween, we were spending our time in Ecuador celebrating Dia de los Difuntos, Day of the Dead. The Day of the Dead is celebrated on November 2, but festivities begin on the night of November 1. The Day of the Dead is a combination of the Catholic religion and Indigenous beliefs. My host family was able to teach me much about this fascinating holiday, and the rituals that take place. On the night of November 1, they took me to two cemeteries in the city. The first cemetery we went to was Cementerio Municipal. Everyone there was dressed in his or her Sunday best and the cemetery was unlike any cemetery I have ever seen before. The tombs are above ground and intricately designed. They were works of art, with sculptures, flowers, and massive amounts of beautiful marble and stones. My family informed me that this was where the wealthier families are buried.

The second cemetery we went to was also in the city. It was even more beautiful than the first. At both cemeteries, individual plots cost more than $5000.00! The cemeteries at night were so lively, and the lit candles and flowers made them so beautiful. I have never seen a cemetery so busy, full of color, and booming with laughter. Yes, laughter. The families visiting their deceased loved ones were not sad or crying. They were happy. It was definitely a celebration of the dead. I was so surprised. Vendors lined the street selling fresh flowers and candles; they were also selling candied apples and cotton candy! It was just like a carnival.

The next morning, my host family took me to a cemetery in the pueblo, outside of the city. It was definitely not like the cemeteries from the night before. The cemetery was full of trash and garbage all over the ground and plots from the festivities. I was surprised by this and thought it was very disrespectful for there to be so much trash everywhere. I understand that they were celebrating, but I feel as though the amount of trash was over the top. The families in the pueblos spend the entire day at the cemetery drinking and eating. There were not many tombs like the other cemeteries in the city; there were just crosses over the plots. Some of the crosses did not even have a name on them. Many graves had more than one person. Those tombs just have multiple crosses at the head of the grave.

I found the differences between the mestizo individuals and the indigenous to be very captivating. While they are both celebrating the same holiday and share many similar characteristics, they each vary to make it their own. The biggest similarity between the two is that it is one of the most important and respected days of the year. I am so happy that I was able to experience that day in my short stay in Ecuador. It is definitely another cultural experience that I am thankful to have. It will be about two weeks before I blog again because I am off to the Galapagos in one day!! J Adios amigos! 

The trash was everywhere in the cemetery. It made me a little sad to see something so dirty that is supposed to be sacred.

The graves in the indigenous cemetery outside of the city.

A picture of some of the trash lining the steps into the indigenous cemetery.

Gorgeous examples of the artwork that tombs were composed of! Just breathtaking.

Picture of a beautiful room at one of the cemeteries in Cuenca in which the families could place the ashes of their loved ones.

This is just one of the beautiful sculptures that were on the tombs! This was my favorite!