Off The Grid

July 25, 2016

So far we have stayed in Hotel + Arte. H+A is a very nice hotel that has many different rooms. There are no room numbers, but instead the rooms are identified by the colors of the walls, or the layout of the room. Being one of three guys I was put in a single room while the two other boys were put in a double. The girls were put in a variety of places, some singles, some doubles, and two triples, some being suites while others are not. The rooms typically have twin size beds, a chest or wall of drawers, and a night stand with a chair. The bathrooms are very nice and have windows to let in fresh air. The staff are incredibly friendly, and they make breakfast for us every day, as well as our beds. In the morning we wait in an outdoor bungalow, complete with beautiful white curtains and bamboo furniture while we wait to head to the University with our professors.

It has been particularly easy to get along with the other classmates. Everyone is so excited to be here studying, and we are all slightly anxious about being the first group of students to embark on this particular dialogue. We have been able to bond over our new shared struggles (not being able to drink un bottled water, altitude sickness, language barrier). Many people are not used to using camera’s or film editing software which provides some students to be mentors to other students. We have been off the grid for a few days as well, as no one has cell phone reception, and the Wi-Fi at the school and hotel are both very spot. This has brought people together as we have no one else really to talk to. We have collectively ventured to the supermarket and out to eat dinner, despite the difficulty of moving in large groups of non-Spanish speakers.

Written By

Michael Mendez

Being a Media and Screen Studies and Theatre major, I chose this dialogue because it directly correlated to making videos, and media production. The chance to work with indigenous media makers will be a huge learning experience, and very inspiring. I am very interested in depicting Latino culture in film, being Mexican American, which is another reason I chose traveling to Ecuador and the Galapagos. I have a passionate desire to travel, and see everything the world has to offer me. I think that going abroad is a great way to experience other cultures, but also a great way to learn about yourself. I want to submerge myself in a foreign environment, and see how it influences my art. I am hoping to make beautiful videos that capture the breathtaking scenery and highlight the fiery South American culture I will be submersed in.