RU  UK  EN
Статьи  >  Write  >  Ecuador: To be an indian

Ecuador: To be an indian

Автор: 16.06.2021 | traditions, Ecuador
Our journalist came back from Ecuador with unique experience and we share it with you. For the first time I was suspected of drug trafficking. Alone, in the country where there is no Ukrainian Embassy, I was standing and feverishly figuring out if someone could plant something on me on the way to the airport.

It seems, that being extremely worried that moment I lost a few kilos. Hardly speaking any English customs officer in my presence took off the cellophane packaging from my suitcase and gently probed my belongings. However, even before reaching the bottom, he said that everything was fine and I could go boarding. The situation repeated when I was flying from Ecuador for the second time. And then I realized that they checked almost every foreigner just because there is a problem of drug trafficking on the continent and citizens of other countries often transport prohibited substances.

When taking a lonely walk, one can feel the spirit of another city, to experience its sounds, smells and taste, to get lost a bit and ask the locals where, let’s say, a library is, and to drop into the nearest small cafe. Alien speech, unfamiliar intonations, discoveries are hidden behind every corner. It seems that this whirlpool takes you to another reality.0a53b20802ccd55e6ef681a940a6a8fa.jpgPhoto pinterest.com

Ecuador is wonderful. Many times watching the sun going down on the equator, I slowly breathed in the air trying to understand why it was so jollifying. At some point I caught scent of fruit trees, then fragrance of roses and lavender. Sometimes it was smell of eucalyptus honey or strong coffee so adored by Ecuadorians in the evenings. However, there was one odour felt everywhere: it was fresh, morning-like and persistent smell of pure life. It was water. Either pure and cold, with snow taste descending from the Andes, or hot, rich in minerals gushing out of the ground. Hundreds of rivers and streams scattered throughout the country fall into the global ocean, irrigating the evergreen forests of Ecuador. Trout, marlin, tuna, bass, catfish, piranhas. Some Indians still go fishing to mountain lakes using sharpened sticks.

And the same as thousands years ago, the Incas descendants enjoy themselves near thermal springs. In ancient times worriers spent hours there healing their wounds received in battles with enemies. Nowadays in the country there are dozens of both natural and equipped places for water healing, and Ecuadorian families go there for weekend. Those spots are located in close proximity to active or dormant volcanoes. Doctors claim that the Andes water can cure joints, stomach and skin.Termas-de-Papallacta-Hot-Springs.jpgPhoto luxury.ecuatraveling.com

One of the famous resorts in Ecuador is Baños – small, cosy town in a few hours’ drive from the capital. It occupies a narrow valley at an altitude of two thousand meters above sea level and is surrounded by mountains. Near the fire-breathing Tungurahua there are two brim-filled healing pools. But before mindlessly dabble in them, it is worthy to think of hidden reef accompanying this wellness relaxation that is a frequent fainting of bathers. It was in Baños that I fainted for the first time.sdfgdfgba.jpgPhoto roomandwild.com

The reason for such body reaction is temperature changes and, as a result, blood pressure problems of visitors. Next to the hot pools there are several showers with ice jets. After bathing in an almost boiling pond, stepping under a cold shower is a real strength test even for a healthy person. Though in general, Ecuadorian thermal spas are quite safe for cautious and reasonable tourists. However, I would recommend to focus not only on health improving, but also… to contemplate. Baños is surrounded by fifty-seven waterfalls. Snaky mountain road is winding through the town and, following it I ventured into the jungle. Amazon basin is huge and beautiful. It is a habitat for spectacled bears, jaguars, tamarins, poisonous frogs and tapirs, black caimans and otters, electric eels and green anacondas. Ever and again noisy marmosets sweep in clouds above, and rainbow macaws shed down the branches. Near my feet run hurried capybaras - funny chubby animals with short legs.da7cd743e7c423832065c2d059fa05ec.jpgPhoto pinterest.com

Jungle supplies tables of the Ecuadorians with plenty of fruit including exotic ones such as mami, the core of which tastes like meat, juicy pepinos resembling a cucumber, cherimoya with custard taste. Here fresh juices are preferred to tea and mineral water. Ecuadorian cuisine is simple and almost not salty. In the streets they traditionally sell fried potatoes, big chunks of pork and corn. Special dish for holidays is kui which is a familiar to us guinea pig, nice and gentle pet here, but baked with cheese there. Foodie adventurers have a chance to taste potato soup yaguarlokro served with blood and cooked bovine genital called caldo-de-mangera, or gourmet soup caldo-de-pata with roasted veal hooves.bluehousebig.jpgPhoto posadadelarte.com

Ecuadorians are very hardworking people. They appreciate all the things the nature bestowed upon them. And even the industrialized world which a few hundred years ago burst onto the continent, could not eradicate from the Indians’ hearts a deep adoration to land.Ecuador-Otavalo-market-fruit-stand.jpgPhoto traveladdicts.net

Literally every piece of ground had been ploughed and sown. Every day a good farmer goes to the field or garden to watch maize, wheat, potato, banana, to check if tomatoes are filled with juice, whether onions are green and avocados are growing well. Huge fields of strawberries are covered with plastic wrap so that harvest, which is collected thrice a year, could be picked up from the branches clean and undamaged. While sowing, an Indian is humming a simple sad tune. This is an improvisation: a mixture of prayer and ancient Indian melodies. A man is asking for a good harvest and complaining that he and his family would be lost without the generous gifts of nature.

The most important things for Ecuadorians are their family, faith in God, honour and patriotism. They are modest and restrained, never impose themselves, they are always the first to greet strangers, easily give up when bargaining, they study hard, almost do not smoke or drink, love playing football and believe that every real affection should find its continuation by the altar. Ecuadorian men gladly give the reins to their wives. Women lead housekeeping, act as family treasurers, decide when and where children shall study, chose places for upcoming family holiday, and even decide whether matured offspring is allowed to go out on date. The local people are not choosy when it comes to clothes. They do not hesitate to put on a mended jacket or well-worn trousers. However, every self-respecting Indian would never appear in public in dirty garments. External cleanliness is a sign of pure thoughts.162818991.jpgPhoto booking.com

In Ecuador old age is much honoured. Law establishes the right of everyone who turned 65 not to stand in queue but to go to its beginning. Everyone is obliged to give way to elderly people. For them there is also free medical care (though only in public clinics), discounts on utilities, public transport and even free burial.

Ecuadorians used to jump into the going bus. With heavy packs and pregnant, old and young, everybody is ready in seconds to leap off at stop. The matter is precise and tight schedule of urban and suburban transport. Petrol, and hence transport expenses are peanuts. Just at cost of 7-10 dollars one can get from capital to almost any corner of the country.yaguachi-1384x779.jpgPhoto ecuadortrains.com

I also hit the road with my friends. When we reached the small town of Otavalo, we came round into a cosy cafe. Hostess of the places was a Polish lady who has been dwelling in Ecuador for a long time. After questioning me a little about life in Europe, she offered us coca leaves tea. Exhilarating, completely non-traditional, it perfectly warms in a cold evening. In addition, my slumber was shaken off by legends. My local friend enthusiastically told me that the Incas’ gold is hidden somewhere in the surrounding mountains, and still no one knows how many treasures were saved by the chief Rominaui from greedy conquistadors. Maybe one day the hoard will fill treasury of people who for thousands years observe three main commandments (even prescribed in the Constitution of Ecuador): never lie, never steal and never be lazy.

Cover photo brocku.ca

Вам это будет интересно:
Mould your hobby. History of pottery
In a local history museum in every country you visit, you will certainly notice similar archaeological finds - fragments of clay products. Pottery, born millennia ago, but “living” even today, can rightfully be considered one of the most tenacious one. The uniqueness of clay was noticed by our distant ancestors who lived in caves ...
Tasty Japan: Give the country a try
Ice cream with a taste of horse meat, pickled insects, fish with deadly venom, etc – Japanese cuisine has things to surprise, amaze and shock you with. And truth be told, enumeration of these dishes doesn’t help my appetite at all. But we are not after exotic stuff. True culinary tourism is an attempt to comprehend mindset and feel national distinctive color through traditional cuisine – not try most exotic dishes.
Amazons from tribe mosuo​: Conservation of feminism in the shadow of Himalayas
Composers of antiutopias predict hundreds of sorrows to the people of the future who are from times to times forbidden to celebrate weddings, however, it seems, everything is not so terrible. In Chinese province Yun Nan near the foot of Himalayas the matriarch tribe mosuo resides that is not familiar with the concept of marriage at all.
Yodel - Music of the Austrian mountains
Austrian tour operators launched an unusual touristic tourdesigned for fans of singing style called yodel. Hikers wander through the Ziller Valley, a broad trail narrows opening the way for only the most avid travellers, then track leads upwards. Tourists look into the interactive station shaped as a giantsonorous walk-in cowbell, then they go around thelargest alpine horn and head to place...
Your breakfast, Sir! How people start their day around the world
A mini toast, a slice of cheese and a sip of strong coffee. "That is not a buffet!" a waiter will pronounce indignantly, looking at the disgruntled tourist’s face. The generous Ukrainian soul cannot understand how locals manage to eat their full with that. Therefore, before going to a new country, you need to know exactly whether in the evening you should prepare a couple of sandwiches to indulge them in the morning,...
Malanka and Vasyl winter fun: Carnival in Ukrainian style
The New Year in Ukraine did not always start with a Christmas tree, and instead of Santa Claus and Snow Maiden, guests were waiting fora minx girl - Malanka and motor-boy Vasyl accompanied by the retinue. All the follies were out of hand: the ridiculed riddles carried a sacred content, dictated by the logic of the myth of the duel of spring and winter.
Christmas Eve and What’s to Follow
Christmas arrives with a warm overjacket on its shoulders. At night it brings warm light of the first evening star and in the morning it wakes you up with shine of white but warm sun. If my great-grandmonther’s grandmother had been asked about her Christmas feelings, I believe, her words would have been identical to mine. Because together with a bowl of kutia,...
Mulled wine: Yummy way to keep warm
Vitamins, development of resistance to cold, correct day regimen... That's all good and useful, especially when the winter weather swirls in, but sometimes we all have to pamper ourselves and at the same time to be protected against germs and colds. And the best way to do it is to sip some mulled wine.
Eskimo igloo: It is easy as a pie to build castles in ...snow
A little son came to his father and suggested to run away from mom and granny to the North Pole? Now, do not indulge into tragic speeches of severe frosts, pitch darkness of the polar night and hungry polar bears! Give a conspiracy wink to a little brave one, and give him a real man's job for his school winter holidays that is to learn how to build an igloo, night shelter in ever-frost lands.
Handicraft: persian carpets
In those days when the Persian soldiers were second to none, and both the Roman Empire and the Arabian Peninsula were conquered by their power, skilful fingers of winner nation craftswomen created their first masterpiece. The carpet called The Springtime passed into history as the most precious of all time. It symbolized powerful rule of the Persians, and its beauty told about the divine origin of the king Khosrow I.
Don’t break the tongue: The hardest languages in the world
It is said, the easier it is, the better we feel, however, is it always like that? We know that not all the nations follow this principle. OUTLOOK has found out the strangest, toughest and hard in articulation international languages and would like to share it with the readers.
What do they eat: Rome’s cuisine
OUTLOOK often tells about the kitchens of the peoples around the world, but when it comes to Italy, writing about the country should be a crime. Each of its twenty regions has its own culinary world with the subtleties and specialties. Let the title of gastronomic capital of Italy be Bologna, its official capital - Rome, too, has something to boast about. We are telling you what is remarkable about Roman cuisine...
Kabuki: thorny path of flower
Traditional Japanese kabuki theatre has always been a mystery to the European mentality: only an expert on the culture of the Land of the Rising Sun can understand a play without guide’s tips. The word kabuki is sometimes translated as "the art of singing and dancing". Why not an operetta? The essence of performance is not confined to musical presentation only...
Sacred animals of the Incas
Our "Peruvian cycle" is replenished with the story of the most revered animals in Peru. Being the link between the present and the past, they play an important role in the life of this nation. Wise ancestors of the modern Peruvians, the ancient Incas, were living in harmony with all life that surrounded them.
On the Move. Street food from around the world. Part 2
Do you happen to get hungry? That is great as we go on with our story about the most popular street food from around the world. It’s freshly cooked - fall to, you guys! Let's start with the South Asian countries, namely Singapore - seafood-rich in vitamins and minerals occupy a key place in the diet of residents ...
The citizens of Otavalo valley. Useful Indians
They didn’t get as much problems from conquistadors as other native people of Latin America had. The rumors touched the interesting fact how the inhabitants of valley Otavalo quickly reached royal chambers. They also were masterful in getting the cloth from wool of lamas and vicunas created by the Indians. Spanish men put a render fee to the high art while Otavalo citizens were called as ‘useful Indians’.
On the Move. Street food from around the world
Experienced tourists believe that one of the best sure-fire ways to quickly tune into the beat of another culture is to try local food. In order not to be at a loss when choosing dishes and save precious time for spiritual food, OUTLOOK gives you selective advice on street gastronomy from seven spots of the globe.
Happiness moves in mysterious way: Places to make wishes in Latvia
Trip to Latvia breaks the chain of mundanity, awakes secret fantasies which usually remain dormant in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Wandering between the centuries-old pine trees, fresh Baltic breeze languidly runs over strings in wait for off-beat adventure. Dreams do come true – you just need to know a right place to make a wish.
Road to Asia is paved with carpets
Carpets hang on walls as a symbol of wealth, lay on floors to create coziness and are presented as expensive gifts. Studying fancy pictures in the shapes of diamonds and stars on them attempting to figure out their meaning is a fairly amusing thing to do. Globally spread carpeting traditions were borrowed from eastern peoples who were the first to learn how to make yarn and fabric out of fibrous materials.
Women's adornments in India: Sacred meaning
Upon hearing word combination “Hindu woman” an image of a beautiful woman wearing sari and definitely with numerous adornments and pictures on her body emerges in our imagination. Where does passion for body decoration come from in national traditions of this people?
Закрыть
Outlook facebook page