Ecuador – An Introduction

(Note: In line with Coffeestops 2.0, which should be formally launched by the end of this month, we would like to introduce you to two other initiatives besides Coffeesnoops: CoffeePics and CoffeeTravels. In CoffeePics, each author would dig out his collection of photos, choose one and talk about it – it’s something like the “Pic of the Day.” On the other hand, CoffeeTravels is akin to Coffeesnoops except that it’s a series of posts that depict the narrative of an adventure. This specific post is a combination of both. Sit back and enjoy!)

[Estimated Reading Time: 5 Minutes] 

As I was browsing through the 1784 pictures that I took in Ecuador through the span of one month, hoping to find the ONE picture that would serve both as a summary of the entire trip in essence and as a catalyst for many stories ahead, this picture always made me smile. 

This picture was taken on our first official trip to the school in the small community called Pucara. As my eyes scanned the small compound for any exciting moments to capture, my attention was subtly drawn to the group of people that was walking towards me. At first it was the similar colour coordination of their T-shirts that caught my eye. Then, it was the gentle rhythmic swings of their locked hands; the smile on Adrianne’s face as she saw me raise my camera. SNAP! Perfect! Good photo-op! But it was only after I have taken the photo that my spider senses tingled – there was more in this photo than I could appreciate then. And in due time I would understand why. 

And I did. 

Amidst the chatters of fast paced Spanish and mischievous kids conquering the school compound, there was a degree of innocence and warmth that lingered in the air. I was surprised at how fast these kids accepted us into their existences; without any conspicuous hints of suspicions or hesitations. And once we placed a foot through the doors of their lives, there existed a gentle force that drew us further…deeper and deeper. It happened so surreptitiously that before we knew it, they had already annexed a permanent sphere in our hearts. The term ‘acquaintance’ had very little meaning in their lives.

In their eyes, everyone was a friend.

This is the essence of our trip to Ecuador. Not how well we milked cows, or what food we ate, or what souvenirs we bought back for our love ones, or even the places we visited – it’s a tale of how 18 different people from the University of Michigan Ann Arbor, in a span of one month, gradually morph from acquaintances to friends. 

That…is our story in Ecuador. 

(Next: A week in Quito – A Marriage of WOWs and WTFs)

(Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this post regarding Ecuador is entirely mine. The terms: we, ours etc. should be regarded as broad generalizations that aren’t endorsed by any of the other 17 participants.)

Last 5 posts by Jian Wei

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