Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Culture

Shock

I was hoping that at the end of my trip, I could have this grandiose reflection about Ecuador and its people and what the travelling meant to me. Its just a bit more difficult than I thought.



After arriving home, I have had some small issues:


  • I spit out tap water without thinking, becuase I didn't drink any water there


  • I put toilet paper in the toilet for the first time and it felt really wierd


  • My stomach is still adjusting to American food, each meal twists my stomach one way or another.

  • I am acutely aware of the speed of people and things around me, and I feel like I am a a somewhat slower pace.

_________

Geography


WhileI feel as if I got a small taste of South American culture and geography and if anything it will make me appreciate where I live a little bit more.

Ecuador is a country that works as a great metaphor, it is a metaphor for its people, for its tenacity, its corruptness, and its political force and unrest. Each of these descriptions is a metaphor for your own understanding.



The Andes run right down the middle of the country and they alter between towering peaks and volcanoes that pierce the clouds, down to lush forever green valleys that are at times peacefull and as in Quito, they are at times full of energy, life, and destruction.





The Oriente and the Rainforest skirt the eastern side of the country--with their torrential rain and humidity that supports so much life. Bugs as large as my arm and animals that live their entire lives without touching the ground. Then there are the streams of liquid gold oil that seep between the indigenous' and American oil barron's feet.







The Coast and the Lowlands drive with moisture and poverty but are rich in landscape, food, and history of conquisition and resistance. The bannanas grow like weeds and the people move at a pace that only echoes the slow wet air.




The Galapagos Islands are a strange enchanted jewel that were neglected and pushed away until tourism became a viable money-maker. Nature is at peace there, while food pruduction and protection seems like a joke.





There are so many great and amazing people in this world and so much energy I just hope to hold on to a small piece of it and share it with all of you.


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Relief

I really believe that this Blogging thing is quite self-indulgent. I get to converse with myself and reflect while there is a very good possibility that someone will read it.

So I want to say, to those of you who read it--Thanks. It means a lot to me. Self-indulgent or not, its very important for me to share my expierience with friends and family. It makes it that much more relevant and important. I feel as if I am carrying you all along with me on my shoulder.
I believe in the power of the story, and I think that this blogging thing is just a techy-version of telling stories, and if I cant have all of you around a campfire to tell a story, then I might as well publish it on the internet.

2 comments:

  1. Daren, thank you for sharing your travel experiences with us. What a remarkable adventure you had! I admire your adventurous spirit and mostly, I am so thankful that you are home safely! Get some rest and keep in touch.
    Love, Aunt Lois

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  2. What's so wrong with a little self-indulgence? I, for one, am all about it. Plus, it's a good read.

    ReplyDelete