I noticed a lot of similarities between the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the presidential palace in Ecuador and ceremonies in the United States, especially at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. In both ceremonies individuals wear distinctive uniforms and adhere to a strict and disciplined choreography. However, I noticed that the Ecuadorian special uniform was different from the ones used in the United States. Specifically, the Ecuadorian uniform seemed to be modeled on uniforms from the early 1800s that would have been used during their war for independence from Spain. This detail is one that is unique to Ecuador, and is less likely to be found in uniforms from the United States. I also noticed that the Changing of the Guard ceremony was different from ceremonies in the Unites States because, according to someone that was translating the dialogue for us, the guards declared their loyalty to the president and to Ecuador. While this is not unheard of in the United States, it is not the kind of dialogue that I would expect to hear at a flag raising or the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
I think this weekly ceremony is important to Ecuadorians because it connects them to their history. The uniforms and anthem remind people that Ecuador had to fight for its independence. This reminder their of history allows Ecuadorians to take pride in their country and to always be mindful to avoid the mistakes of the past.
Compared to public transportation in the United States, I feel like the bus is very crowded and can be difficult to use if you are not familiar with the routes. However, it is also relatively cheap easily accessible. The bus was definitely very crowded while we took it, and appears to be crowded during any of the morning and evening rush hours. In addition there are no signs that display the bus routes, and little or no warning about what stop the buses may be reaching or what direction they may be going in. To a first time user it seems like it would be easy to take the wrong bus, or get off at the wrong stop. However, I can see that the buses may be crowded because of their relative inexpensiveness and vast number of stations. Finding bus stations seems like a very easy thing to do. During my short walk to the Academia I pass five large bus stations and a few more stations for smaller buses. Unlike in the United States, I always feel like I can find a place to get on a bus if I need one. Similarly, I always feel like I can afford a bus. The price of a 25 cents for however long of a ride you need seems very cheap, I can see myself being able to pay for several rides every day.
I think this weekly ceremony is important to Ecuadorians because it connects them to their history. The uniforms and anthem remind people that Ecuador had to fight for its independence. This reminder their of history allows Ecuadorians to take pride in their country and to always be mindful to avoid the mistakes of the past.
Compared to public transportation in the United States, I feel like the bus is very crowded and can be difficult to use if you are not familiar with the routes. However, it is also relatively cheap easily accessible. The bus was definitely very crowded while we took it, and appears to be crowded during any of the morning and evening rush hours. In addition there are no signs that display the bus routes, and little or no warning about what stop the buses may be reaching or what direction they may be going in. To a first time user it seems like it would be easy to take the wrong bus, or get off at the wrong stop. However, I can see that the buses may be crowded because of their relative inexpensiveness and vast number of stations. Finding bus stations seems like a very easy thing to do. During my short walk to the Academia I pass five large bus stations and a few more stations for smaller buses. Unlike in the United States, I always feel like I can find a place to get on a bus if I need one. Similarly, I always feel like I can afford a bus. The price of a 25 cents for however long of a ride you need seems very cheap, I can see myself being able to pay for several rides every day.
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