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!

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.