May 6 Otavalo

My favorite experience from today was going to the market in Otavalo. It was absolutely amazing and I really got a chance to talk more in Spanish. It was difficult to understand but negotiating was fun as well. I have never done that before today.

I learned that the people are very loyal to their culture, as well as their heritage. I thought it was very interesting that the musicians all wear white, with a specific shoe and long hair to stay faithful. I also learned that the people are very proud of their handmade items. They seem very passionate about what they do.

One possible belief that is ethnocentric of me would be accepting that they eat guinea pig. I grew up with a pet guinea pig, but I have to understand that it is a normal thing here and widely accepted. I should have a more open mind when it comes to trying new foods. Today, for example, I accidentally was given the wrong food and ate meat. With being a vegetarian, I would usually freak out, but today I just took a deep breath, after I ate several bites of meat, then politely asked for a new one. They were very nice about it but I feel like I am becoming more open to trying new things. Maybe one day I will be brave enough to try cuy like everyone did today.

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