Blog 11

The cambio de la guardia was very interesting to watch. It was nothing like anything that I have seen before. For example, in the United States, the people would never be allowed that close to the president and the security would be much higher. I feel like the ceremony is similar to the changing of the guard in London. There the seem to make it a huge ceremony and a big deal, like in Ecuador. I have not been to D.C. or anywhere near the presidential house, but I would assume it is quite different than what we saw today.

I think this weekly ceremony is important to Ecuadorians because it makes them feel a part of the community and actively involved. They get to see the president and Vice President every Monday at 11am. It was exciting just being there and seeing how into the ceremony people got and how happy they were to wave at him. They seem to really enjoy the ceremony and a high priority to attend.

Public transportation here in Ecuador is quite cheap compared to the United States. It costs at least a couple dollars to take the bus and even more to take a taxi, whereas it only costs 25 cents or a couple dollars for the taxis in Ecuador. It seems to be the main source of transportation as well, but in most places, besides large cities, there are not many options for public transportation in the US. Everyone sits or stands very close to one another and there is no personal space, but it is a large part of the culture here, which I find very interesting. The busses also have their own lane on the roads, which can make it quicker to get places, where as in the US, the typically use the same streets as the cars.

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