Well, it is becoming very obvious that Cuenca is in a rainy season. For the last few days, there has been a light, yet constant rain throughout the city. I have noticed that I am very out of place using an umbrella while it rains. Since the sidewalks a much smaller than in the United States, umbrellas seem to get in the way. Whenever I pass someone, I need to lift up my umbrella to make sure not to hit anyone in the head. But there is also a type of beauty that comes with the rainfall. The rain gives the city a fresh smell. Also, the soft pitter-patter of the rain hitting the sidewalk is very tranquil to walk through. Today during class, we focused a lot of time on the use of media for communications. Before this lecture, I was not completely aware of how altered my understand of a topic is due to the news resource that I listen to or watch. We discussed how many new stations in Ecuador are interested in the pop culture and news in the United States. I think this is because the United States is looked at as a powerful country. I have also noticed this while walking down the streets of Otavalo, Quito, and Cuenca. Many advertisements in store windows contain American looking models. In the majority these advertisements, the American models are with their family, smiling, and having a good time. Ecuadorians view Americans as successful and want to be like them. Using Americans in advertisements might draw in more money for a certain business. I am also very interested how Facebook contributes to media and communications in general. Usually, Facebook or Twitter is one of the first ways I hear about major news and keep up with old friends. I wonder if this is the same in Ecuador, since smart phones and Internet are not as easily available. I know since my family lives in the old part of Cuenca, they are not able to get wifi. This is because the city does not want any wires around the city. They also have to get their cable through a satellite. I am now temped to pick up a newspaper and see how they interpreite the global and national news compared to other countries. After our discussion, we had the opportunity to visit an actual new station. Since I have never been in one in the United States, it was very interesting to see all the team work that has to happen to make one show. There is the film crew, the actors, the group that edits, the group that works on audio, and many more people all contributing to one common goal. The TV station was a lot more modern that I would have ever suspected. The physical appearance of the station and the equipment was all very modern. Being with my host family for about a week now, I am starting to become more comfortable with the different practices. An example of this is having to go outside to light a flame to warm up the water for my shower. Once I am done showering, I need to go back outside and turn it off. At first, this task seemed very tedious to me, I wanted the hot water right away. But I have now learned that this is just part of something about living in Ecuador. The first day of class, I didn’t want to walk. I thought it would take so long and I thought I would get lost. Now, after walking to class many times, I am enjoying it. It is nice not having a car and being able to walk everywhere and enjoy the weather and city. I have realized that I will probably never be in Ecuador again and have the opportunity to walk to class everyday. I am realizing that I need to embrace all the difference in cultures. Just because something is different doesn’t mean that it is bad. I don’t know if I won’t like something if I don’t try it. With my last week and a half in Ecuador I am vowing to myself to take every opportunity that comes my way. I want to try as much local food as possible and really soak in the fact that I am in Ecuador. I hope that it is even possible to take some of the customs and traditions back with me to United States.
