During my first two years of college, everyone I talked to described study abroad as the most life-changing, incredible, earth-shattering experience. I boarded the plane for Ecuador with visions of crawling through the Amazon rain forest, spotting seals on the white sandy beaches of the Galapagos, eating exotic fruits with every meal, and perfecting my Spanish with dozens of new Ecuadorian friends. What I've found, as I've said before, is that not every day or even every weekend involves exciting excursions to remote towns or ancient ruins. Life here is just that -- life. While this realization seems underwhelming at first, I think it's consistent with the purpose of studying abroad. I am a student, in another country. I have homework, exams, and annoying ecology projects that require counting birds at six in the morning. With the exception of last weekend, I've stayed in Quito for all of the last month. In contrast, I see pictures of friends studying abroad in Europe: France one weekend, Italy the next, Germany after that. A seemingly constant whirlwind of traveling and site-seeing, so different from my experience. I don't mean to discount their study abroad experiences in the slightest; when in Europe, you should take full advantage of such convenient travel opportunities! But studying abroad in Ecuador, and perhaps in Latin America as a whole, is so different. We are participants in the hustle and bustle of the city, confronted daily with the stark contrast between our wealthy classmates and the men attempting to make a living by selling 25 cent caramels on the bus. I think the observation that life here is not all that different from life at home speaks to the universal human experience. Regardless of geography, culture, class, gender, or age, some aspects of the human experience are shared. We all deal with stress, set goals, experience disappointment, rejoice in the love of family of friends, and delight in the little things, like getting a seat on the bus. I think one of the most fundamental parts of studying abroad, besides observing and appreciating the uniqueness of another culture, is recognizing the often surprising similarities to your own culture. In this regard, the life-is-life observation is not underwhelming but instead is critical.
Reflecting on the similarities between life here and at home is especially relevant when considering the Northern influence on Latin American history. Thanks to globalization and the spreading of "American" culture, some of the hallmark comforts of home are just a few city blocks or mouse clicks away -- Facebook, Coca-Cola products, Subway, last night's episode of the Colbert Report, even Snyder's of Hanover pretzels! (Yes, I have actually seen them in the grocery store.) I can't decide if the convenience and presence of these American trademarks removes or adds authenticity to the experience of living in Ecuador. On one hand, globalization slowly stifles the local culture, erasing uniquely colorful beliefs and customs. On the other hand, globalization – good or bad -- is the undeniable reality of today’s world. No culture exists in a vacuum, and to ignore the effects of globalization would result in an inauthentic perception of current Ecuadorian culture. Either way, the contrast between American fast-food chains and street stands serving up fresh mote, choclo, and platanos provides curious insight into the evolution of culture.
Even though I've stayed in Quito for almost all of October, the last few weeks have not been without their share of fun and new experiences. In regards to school, I am really enjoying my jewelry and weaving classes, and have finished my first projects in each! Some fellow BCA runners and I have signed up for the Nike 10k in November, called We Run Quito. There are similar races in 32 cities internationally, and the Quito edition has 8,000 runners! Outside of school, I've been keeping up with the presidential debates, baking peanut butter nutella cookies, and watching all of the Harry Potter movies. (Who knew I'd have to go to Ecuador to catch up on this seemingly irreplaceable hallmark of our generation.) Last weekend, I went to Mindo, a small town known for its waterfalls, rafting, and butterflies. Between visiting a butterfly reserve and dining at what may have been a hippie commune, it was definitely a relaxing day outside of the city. This post is turning into a novel so I'll let the pictures speak for themselves. : ) Until next time, que les vaya bien!
Even though I've stayed in Quito for almost all of October, the last few weeks have not been without their share of fun and new experiences. In regards to school, I am really enjoying my jewelry and weaving classes, and have finished my first projects in each! Some fellow BCA runners and I have signed up for the Nike 10k in November, called We Run Quito. There are similar races in 32 cities internationally, and the Quito edition has 8,000 runners! Outside of school, I've been keeping up with the presidential debates, baking peanut butter nutella cookies, and watching all of the Harry Potter movies. (Who knew I'd have to go to Ecuador to catch up on this seemingly irreplaceable hallmark of our generation.) Last weekend, I went to Mindo, a small town known for its waterfalls, rafting, and butterflies. Between visiting a butterfly reserve and dining at what may have been a hippie commune, it was definitely a relaxing day outside of the city. This post is turning into a novel so I'll let the pictures speak for themselves. : ) Until next time, que les vaya bien!
