The Ecuadorians
Posted By Liz Still on November 11th, 2009
Filed In: Australia, Bupa Ecuador Challenge 2009
The site is really coming along and more and more odd jobs are coming up as the building moves closer to completion. Today we were involved in the following activities…painting, varnishing, moving dirt, grouting, cleaning and pointing, yes week 9…the saga continues. As my two weeks are drawing to a close it has made me understand the Ecuadorian people better so today’s top 5 is on the local Ecuadorians.
5. Trying to change a $50 is like approaching a man with a running chainsaw, the look of terror is really quite amusing.
4. They celebrate holidays which I am still trying to get my head around. If anyone can give me more information on their Day of the Dead and the Day of the Black Mama I would be eternally grateful!
3. When I am asking my translater to get a simple yes or no answer, there always seems to be at least a minute of discussion before I get that yes or no. What they are speaking about in between I have no idea!
2. Ecuadorians are short. Many of the volunteers to date have been leaving their work shoes for the construction workers and I was confused as 2/3 of the volunteers seem to be female and almost all the construction workers are male. However it has since been clarified that due to their short stature our female shoes are a perfect fit!
…and my number one take on the Ecuadorians is…
1. They are lovely and proud people. Proud not only in their culture, their environment but also their history and traditions. Even though 40% of them live below the poverty line they are the most gorgeous and happy people. We really have been welcomed into their country and their community with open arms!
Another full on day tomorrow, bring it on!
5 Comments Post Your Comment
Ixchel on 11.11.09 at 4:28 am
We have a lot of work, we are going our better effort to achive it!!! Everything to see those faces with smiles and hope.
LIz Willis on 11.11.09 at 5:27 am
Hi Liz
I was a week 5 volunteer and went on the markets tour on the saturday. The lovely guide told us about the Day of the dead celebration. So maybe if you do this tour on your second week you might have the same guide. She has a fantastic knowledge of her culture and traditions.
Great to continue reading bloggs of the progress at the site and everyones experiences. Seems to help me relive the fantastic experience I had.
Keep up the good work.
Liz
frank donnelly on 11.11.09 at 6:40 pm
November 2
All Soul’s Day (a.k.a. “Day of the Dead”)*
On All Soul’s Day, families visit cemeteries to dance, drink, eat, and leave flowers and other offerings for deceased friends and relatives in a convivial ceremony designed to celebrate the lives of those who have passed on.
Fiestas de Mama Negra: every year the quiet Sierra town of Latacunga is packed with people who come to celebrate the Mama Negra (Black Mama). For two days the streets fill with parades, dancing, and men wandering around dressed up as black women. Carnival rides and fireworks provide some action to balance the incredible amounts of drinking and partying that go on. This festival’s unique mix of Spanish, indigenous and African roots makes it one of Ecuador’s most famous events.
here are a few bits about them keep up thee good work Frank week4
Pippa Vowles on 11.11.09 at 7:38 pm
Knew we could rely on you Frank – thanks the ongoing support! Brilliant photo Liz. Hope you’re having a good week – Claire flies out tomorrow – hard to believe we’re now entering the last two weeks! Pippa
Arriarne on 11.13.09 at 12:30 am
Liz what a gorgeous photo! It’s Movember in Australia so we have a few boys wandering around the office with mos that could match this Ecuadorian man’s! It’s hot hot hot here in Aus – summer’s hit early, so you will be well aclimatised for your return! Travel safely and look forward to haring about your adverntures upon your return. Arriarne
PS Good luck Claire!