Seamless Intellect
D a y d r e a m i n g. Succeeding despite various obstacles. Way over yonder. No desire to follow the crowd. I'm just a girl with a dream and goal..and a broken heart - for now.
My Ecuadorian Journey Day 5 : It Gets Better Everyday
- It has officially been a week of class! I have learned so much. To some extent, I feel like I’ve learned more in this week than I’ve learned in all my years of taking Spanish classes!
- Interesting Facts about Ecuador:
- It gets dark in Ecuador around 6pm all year long.
- They can park either way on the same side of the street.
- It has been named the most beautiful place in the world at a moment in time.
- Gas is, approximately, 1 dollar and some change, FOR DIESEL. Crazy right?!
- Today, we visited a museum, where we learned about various indigenous groups and how they changed over time . . here is a little information on the museum in English and en Espanol . .
Mejia College Museum of Anthropology
This site contains 17 rooms that recreates 21 ethnic groups of the Costa, Sierra and Amazonian country. There is also a special room for the flagship species of fauna. Featured distinguishes a condor, several smaller rodents and primates, all stuffed. A final room is devoted to the development of forums and the public audiovisual student who comes to this complex anthropological. The letter to the Museum aesthetic put Galo sculptural talent Tobar. This teacher was able to capture the look, the words and positions montubios heriáticas fishermen, farmers and warriors mountain and eastern sages. And these characters appear in the recreation of their original environments. For this purpose, bamboo, adobe, endemic tree trunks and palm fronds have been introduced to the place. The rest of the vegetation is made of paper.
Important in this sample is anthropological assessment of the daily life of the primitive inhabitants of the country. The dress is a reference point to understanding the relationship between humans and their environments. For residents of the Amazon is the most didactic. In the Cofan outfits dealers and shows that these communities were in the vegetable fibers and seeds the “canvas” for their designs. Then, utilitarian objects that complement environments realize how villagers intervened in nature to their advantage. Networks and machetes realize the inhabitant of the coastal marine diet. The vessels resemble the processes of storing the grain they harvest the mountain. And the little pots are testimony to the grinding of pepper and mix of sacred herbs in healing rituals in the east.
On the same theme, is good attractive the atmospheres of pastoral work Simiátug people in northern Bolivar province, or cholas cuencanas devoted to pottery and weaving straw hats, or the manufacture ofcanoes with cayapas trees. The festive allegories and mythical world of Ecuador here also have their space. A sculpture presents the character’s traditional syncretic celebration of Corpus Christi. In his image aesthetics combined Andean and Judeo-Spanish. Mirrors, feathers, lace and Christian icons make up the costume with which a dancer will thank the gods of nature for the fruitfulness of the earth.
Museo Antropológico Colegio Mejía
Este sitio contiene 17 salas donde se recrean 21 etnias de la Costa, Sierra y Amazonía del país. También hay una sala especial para las especies emblemáticas de la fauna nacional. En exhibición se distingue a un cóndor, a varios roedores y primates menores, todos embalsamados. Una sala final está dedicada al desarrollo de foros y proyecciones audiovisuales para el público estudiantil que acude a este complejo antropológico. La carta estética para este Museo la puso el talento escultórico de Galo Tobar. Este maestro supo capturar la mirada, la expresión y las posiciones heriáticas de pescadores montubios, agricultores serranos y sabios y guerreros orientales. Y dichos personajes aparecen en la recreación de sus ambientes originales. Para este efecto, cañas de bambú, bahareque, troncos de árboles endémicos y hojas de palmera han sido introducidas al lugar. El resto de la vegetación está hecha en papel.
Aspecto importante en esta muestra antropológica está en la apreciación de la vida cotidiana de los pobladores primigenios del país. La vestimenta es un punto de referencia hacia el entendimiento de las relaciones entre los seres humanos y sus entornos. El caso de los vecinos de la Amazonía es el más didáctico. En los atuendos de jíbaros y cofanes se aprecia que estas comunidades vieron en las fibras vegetales y las semillas la “tela” para sus diseños. Luego, los objetos utilitarios que complementan los ambientes dan cuenta de cómo los pobladores han intervenido en la naturaleza para su provecho. Las redes y los machetes dan cuenta de la dieta marina del habitante costero. Las vasijas recuerdan los procesos de almacenaje de los granos que cosechan los serranos. Y los pequeños tiestos son testimonio de la molienda del ají y de la mezcla de yerbas sagradas dentro de los rituales de curación en el oriente.
En esta misma temática, resulta buen atractivo las ambientaciones de las labores pastoriles de la gente de Simiátug, en el norte de la provincia de Bolívar; o las cholas cuencanas dedicadas a la alfarería y al tejido de sombreros de paja toquilla; o la fabricación de canoas con los árboles de los cayapas. Las alegorías festivas y el mundo mítico de Ecuador aquí también tienen su espacio. Una escultura presenta al personaje tradicional de la celebración sincrética del Corpus Christi. En su imagen conjugan la estética andina y la judeo-española. Espejos, plumas, encajes e íconos cristianos conforman el traje con el cual un danzante agradecerá a los dioses de la naturaleza por la fecundidad de la tierra.
- Here is a link to the place we visited on Wednesday, I found it.
El Museo Guayasamín y “La Capilla del Hombre” , it’s really interesting :
http://exploringecuador.com/espanol/sp_ar_museo_guayasamin_quito.htm
My Ecuadorian Journey Day 4 : Middle of the World
There were a number of interesting events that took place today . .
Let’s start with …
*On our bus ride, as we were sightseeing, someone touched my hair. It was not an accident, it was more so, out of interest. This was the second time since I’ve been here. And what’s funny is that, the two individiuals didn’t try to hide it. It’s really wasn’t a touch, it was more like a slight tug — haha! They may as well put both heads completely in my hair . lol. But don’t get me wrong, It’s not a problem really, I just find it interesting that those specific individuals were so comfortable doing so - no generalization intended.
*During this first week in Quito, each day we go on a different adventure. Today we visited . . Ecuador en la mitad del mundo! I stood on the equator, visited the middle of the world . . exactly! It was rather interesting, the tour guide completed a number of activities to show there was no gravitational pull to either side when you are exactly in the middle of the world. I have pictures on facebook (facebook.com/brebre8007) that show the different experiments and such.
Here is some information on the “Ecuador en la mitad del mundo” . .
It meets the Equator line or Ecuador to the line equidistant from the poles, south and north. Ecuador is also the name of a country, representing a nation, an ancient history and cultural identity of a society.
Also known as “The Middle of the World” to the region of the Equatorial Andes, where evidence has been found proving that in the past of the region there was a deep awareness astronomical and the possibility that Indians Quitu-Caranqui, before the conquest of the Incas were able to reach the exact positioning of the equator in the archaeological site of Catequilla, which was possibly used as an astronomical observatory.This archaeological site is located exactly on the equator, easily verifiable with satellite technology, GPS or Google Earth.
Middle of the World from the west to 30 meters from the terrace of the museum.
The Middle of the World is a land owned by the prefecture of the province of Pichincha, Ecuador. Located in the parish of San Antonio Metropolitan District of Quito, north of downtown Quito.
On the ground, built the headquarters of the Union of South American Nations, is also the Middle of the World Ethnographic Museum, a museum about the indigenous ethnography of Ecuador. Between 1979 and 1982 was built a monument of 30 meters to mark the point where it was believed that Ecuador facing the country at that time. In fact, a list was drawn from the center of the stairs leading to the east, across the square to mark the Ecuador, and throughout the years countless tourists have photographed crossing the line. Residents say among other things, placing one foot in the northern hemisphere and one foot in the southern hemisphere weighed less.
But really the whole structure is 240 m south of the real Ecuador, which was not located until recently time by the emergence of GPS technology.
The pyramidal monument, with each side pointing to a cardinal direction, is topped by a globe of 4.5 m in diameter and 5 tons. Inside the monument there is a small museum displaying elements of indigenous culture in Ecuador, such as clothing, descriptions of the various ethnic groups, and samples of their activities. Middle of the World has other attractions such as a planetarium, and Central Square are performed several musical and cultural performances for tourists.
A small town that surrounds the monument around the Ethnographic Museum acts as a tourist center, offering a replica of a Spanish colonial town called “Middle of the World.”
— From where we live, it took about an hour to get there, and there was a DEFINITE difference in temperature. It was rather interesting.
* OMG, I have found my favorite pastel, they are called “churros” , I’m pretty sure it’s the best thing that has happened since sliced bread. Everyone should try them at least once in a lifetime. With that said, here is a link to the recipe . . lol . . it’s real life. :
I think that concludes the interesting events and such for today! Thanks for following my Ecuadorian Journey . . the opportunity of a lifetime! :)
My Ecuadorian Journey Day 3 (by daydreamer8007)
My Ecuadorian Journey Day #2 : Traditional Day?
Today, I woke up, got dressed and had breakfast. For breakfast, I had fresh bread, a banana and freshly squeezed maracuya (a native spanish fruit - I’m not sure how to say it in English). YUM! After breakfast, I headed to school. In class, we talked about various grammar rules, and the United States congress, the weather, the marriage expectations in Ecuador, and many other things. At about 10 am, we went up stairs for La Plausa . . its a break in the middle of the school day. We had a very interesting fruit, one that I had not seen before, it was rather delicious. I have pictures included below. After we were done with classes and everything, we went out into the city to explore! We went to a church called La Basilica. It carries major significance to the city of Quito, Ecuador. You can see the church from multiple corners of the city. Within the city, you can climb a set of stairs that grants you view of the majority of the city — it is very beautiful! That concludes my day in a nutshell . .
Here is a little about the church we went to earlier . .
“The Basilica del Voto Nacional, took more than a hundred years to build (the first stone was laid on July 10, 1892) is one of the last samples of ideology and partisanship by the Catholic Church, followingthe request for Garcia Moreno president of Ecuador that is dedicated to the Heart of Jesus.
Father Julio Maria Matovelle urged the building, so that large tracts of land were purchased in San Juan Hill, and today dominates the city and the historic center. The project was contracted in France with the architect Emilio Tarlier, who, inspired by the cathedral in Bourges, drew up the plans between 1890 and 1896.
From virtually every corner of the city, the largest Gothic Basilica in Ecuador and throughout Latin America, is visible. One of the most beautiful churches in the city, adorned with gargoyles inspired by the country’s wildlife such as armadillos, iguanas, Galapagos tortoises, etc..Because of its quality, the murals inside and the stained glass windows made in Barcelona, worth a look.
If you are not afraid of heights and want to enjoy one of the best panoramic views of Quito old and new, can climb the stairs to the main tower. Each section offers spectacular views of a city in continuous growth. And from a height of 117 meters.”
It has been majorly challenging for me because I haven’t taken a Spanish class in over a year! Here in Quito, there is nothing but Spanish spoken! I am so glad to be accompanied by other students from SIUE . . it feels like a blessing to have a few people who can understand what you are saying — haha! :) Nonetheless, it has been a wonderful experience. My host family is the greatest. They are all great and very helpful! :)
Another thing .. the city is so fast paced! Back home, cars stop for pedestrians . . here in Quito . . its like playing Frogger . . pedestrians have to stop for cars, and make very informed and precise decisions when crossing streets.
Photos coming soon!
The Notebook: Pretty Girl <3
I think I’m going to let my first post depicit the way that I’m feeling ..
This is called Pretty Girl…and I’m writing this like now….
Here goes….
Pretty girl pretty girl, why are you crying? Lift your head up baby, dont let your free sprit die. The pressure is on, and everybody’s watching……
Tips for the Summer*
Stay healthy …
- Maintain a good diet
- Always eat breakfast (the most important meal of the day)
- Snack on fruits rather than chocolate or candy
- Limit fast foods to once or twice a week
- Drink plenty of water
Stay safe …
- Always wear a seat belt in the car
- Always wear a helmet when biking, rollerblading, skateboarding or participating in any potentially dangerous sport
- Put up a smoke detector and check the batteries regularly
- Never swim alone
Act responsibly …
- If you drink, keep these rules in mind
- Identify and use a drinking buddy
- Never let your drink out of your hand
- Drink one glass of water for every alcoholic beverage
- Never - ever ever EVER - drive drunk or get in the car with a drunk driver
Stay happy…
- Take time for yourself ; take time to be quiet and reflect
- Nurture new friendships and attempt new hobbies - try to do something you love every day
- Spend time with positive influences, whatever those might be
Choosy Lover . . that’s me.
Choosey Lover is a selective or picky person who engages in much thought and effort when choosing a mate for relationship purposes (I am not referring to jump-offs!). These people weigh the benefits and possible damages of dealing with someone on an intimate level and do so preferably without (or more likely despite) the influence of strong sexual desires or favorable superficial appearances. Some characteristics the Choosey Lover will consider include: the person’s past, their ambitions in life, their morals and the way they treat people in general. Let’s explore.
