True Beauty

July 28, 2016

My favorite landmark that we have visited to date has been the Virgin of Quito. The virgin of Quito is a magnificent giant rustic green angel on top of a snake. In Christianity the snake is a bad symbol, which is represented in the angel stepping on his head, but snakes are a symbol of knowledge in Indigenous Ecuadorian culture, which is represented with the snake raising the angel with its head. The angel is at the top of a mountain in Quito, and overlooks the downtown area. The statue is a similar green to the Statue of Liberty, and similarly you can climb to the top to get a better view. On the way up the steps there are floors with religious monuments, and beautiful stained glass.

Our class has gone on a multitude of excursions. From the first day we were out exploring the city of Quito with our professors. Since then we visited the Virgin of Quito, the Plaza Grande, and various hidden gems around the city that show off the beautiful mountains or city in the background. We have ventured out of Quito also. In Mindo we went on a four hour hike to a popular, secluded waterfall that had breathtaking greenery surrounding the water. We went on a night hike to look at the nocturnal insects and animals. On the night walk we saw scorpion spiders, frogs, lizards, beetles, and a baby tarantula. Then the next day we visited the butterfly garden, where we drew pictures of butterflies, while taking pictures of them and attracting them to our skin with banana mush. In Otavalo we visited the famous market where dozens upon dozens of Ecuadorians were selling their wares in the streets. Everywhere we turn there is a new opportunity for adventure.

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.