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    Experiences in Ecuador

    Journal #1

    ECUADOR | Monday, 30 December 2013 | Views [313]

    1. What is culture? Culture is the characteristics of a particular group of people, defined by everything from language, religion, cuisine, social habits, music, and arts.
    2. What are some of the dominant values, behaviors, traditions, etc, from your identified culture? Some behaviors in American culture contain: do not yawn, sneeze, or cough without covering your mouth. Americans are careful not to spread germs. Cover your mouth with your hand if you yawn. It is considered unsanitary to not cover one‘s mouth with one‘s arm if you sneeze or cough. Bathe frequently and do not use too much perfume. Americans are offended by strong odors; they normally bathe daily (sometimes twice daily in hot weather) and use underarm deodorant. Strong smelling perfumes or colognes is applied sparingly because they may not be pleasant to others. Do not belch loudly in public. Flatulence should be controlled as discreetly as possible. Do not spit in public. Do not pick your teeth or nose in public. Do not stare continuously at someone. We speak more loudly than other cultures. Americans are taught to look into the eyes of the person with whom they are speaking. Looking down or elsewhere is considered a sign of dishonesty or untrustworthiness. We have many friends associated with the activities we do. We tend to be very informal, however we are polite using please and thank you. Time is money and should be valued, used efficiently, and timely. We are indirect with whom we are talking to. 
    3. What assumptions do you have about the Ecuadorian culture? Where do these assumptions stem from? There are many orphanages in Ecuador; this idea comes from my boyfriend who is adopted from Paraguay. Ecuador is a third world country; from the pictures, I have seen. People eat a lot of beans and rice; this comes from what I have heard from other people.
    4. Choose one of the following areas to briefly research and report on in relation to Ecuador: economy, politics, food, traditions, environment (nature), education, media, health care/practices, and migration. I am reporting on the food in Ecuador. Their popular drinks include jugo natural, which is freshly squeezed juice. Unusual varieties include tomato de arbol that means tree juice, literally tree tomatoe. Naranjilla, which is a bitter orange, too sweet to drink, but the thick green juice is great. Mora, a blackberry juice nice and sweet. The Andean food specialties include cuy, guine pig that I a typical dish. Carne Colorado, a dish that’s chopped steak colored red with annatto. Seco de chivo, goat stew but prepared with lamb and served with yellow rice. Fritada, chunks of fried pork, served with a slick slice of avocado, fried sweet plantain, corn, hominy and llapingachos. Camaron, which is shrimp. Ecuador I the third largest export industry of shrimp. Passion fruit is very popular as there are many types of passion fruit available in local markets.

     

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