Meng - Blog 2

5/5/2017 City Tour

1) What was your favorite part of the city tour and why?
The favorite part of city tour for me is enjoying the sightseeings of city on the bus, which is the most easiest way to see what the city look like. I have a theory of traveling that taking taxi or bus is the best way to familiar with the city. For Quito, I especially love roads here. The mountainous landform is up and down, I can imagine how difficult it will be to drive in Quito. It reminds me of the way in Seoul, similar to Quito, there are several mountains around the city, so the road is narrow and step. It's amazing that many houses build on the hills. The whole city is special when we stand on top and look down.
I also enjoy the last church we visited today, it is fantastic!!! I have been to several European countries, and saw many different churchs, but I am sure that this is the most beautiful one I have ever seen.

2) What did you learn?
Through the Diego's commentary, I learned history of Quito, Ecuador and Latin American. Even I didn't understand the whole part, but through my understanding, I can still feel Quito's rich and diverse history and culture.
After traveling, I really feel that the ancient people made great contributions to the liberation of the city. They are so brave and intelligent.
Their beauty comes from spontaneous, open mind, endless ideas and thirst for adventure. All the way forward, from Quito, to amazon basin, to the Atlantic Ocean.

3) What surprised you most?
I was surprised about Ecuadorian attitudes towards volcanic eruptions. Maybe it can not be account as surprise, but after guide share his experience of seeing the volcanic eruption, I am always thinking about it. How do people in a country treat natural disasters that happen at any moment？How they feel about it? Are they scared or already numb？
I am deeply impressed that the Japanese people are able to calmly respond to numerous earthquakes, and the Ecuadorian people can live optimistically in a threatened environment. This not only let I admire also led to my deep thinking.

4)The culture shock I experienced today:
In China, people generally don't take pictures with tombstones, because it implies Inauspicious.

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