#11: May, 15- Changing of the guards

1) What similarities and differences between Ecuador and the U.S. (and/or other countries) did you notice during El Cambio de la Guardia (the changing of the guard)? 

 One difference between Ecuador and the US would be the fact that we got so close to the presidents house, and all of the important people who were there. In the US, you can't even get close to the White House let alone the president and other important figures. There was also a band playing, and guards riding horses today, which I do not think we would see in the US. We got very close to the guards, and that wouldn't be nearly the same for US Americans. Although there was plenty of security at El Cambio de la Guardia, I think it is taken more seriously with higher amounts of security in the US for those kind of events. 
2) Why do you think this weekly ceremony is important to Ecuadorians? 

 I think this ceremony is important to Ecuadorians because it is a way of feeling pride and nationalism for their country. I think Ecuadorians feel closer to their leaders during events like this, and feel more a part of their country and closer to their leader. The fact that the president is so close to the citizens, and the way we waves and acknowledges the people, helps build a relationship between the community and the government. 

 3) How do you think public transportation--specifically, the bus--compares to public transportation in the U.S. and/or other countries?

 I think the bus in Ecuador varies slightly from that of the US transportation, in a way that people don't really care as much about personal space. People in the US might get really offended or mad if someone is pushing up against them but here it is much more normal and acceptable. I also think buses are much more affordable ways of transportation here compared to the US and other places. It's usually only $.25-.35 cents here, and in the US it could be a few dollars. The metro in Spain I remember was much more expensive than buses here, granted they are slightly different forms of transportation. I feel as if buses are more heavily relied on in the Ecuadorian way of life. It is also interesting to see vendors sometimes trying to sell things on the buses, I don't think you would see that very often in the US. One similarity might be how people will sing or dance on a bus in attempt to get money for their talents etc. both in Ecuador and the US or other countries.

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