Images of Ecuador

I am now trying to figure out how to upload pictures...This is the Ecuadorian flag. I did some research, and Wikipedia says that the yellow symbolizes wealth of agricultural and other resources in the country, blue is for the ocean and the clear skies, and the red is the blood of those who died in gaining the country's freedom.

The significance of the elements of the coat of arms are described thus:
Condor - power and courage
Landscape - Chimborazo and Guayas River
Boat - Peace and trade
Golden Sun - pre-Colombian traditions
Zodiac signs - The Marcist revolution
Palm and Laurel leaves - Peace and dignity.

The above is an image of Parque Central in Cueca, Ecuador. As you can tell, Cuenca is rich in colonial architecture, something I have a love/hate relationship with. When I was living in Santiago Atitlan in Guatemala, with one group of Mayan people, I realized the effects of colonization and the loss of indigenous culture in Guatemala, and how it continues to harm local language and tradition. However, there is something to be said of the grace and beauty of the architecture. It's as if they've transplanted 19th century Spain right smack into the middle of Ecuador!




Apparently we North American's have got it wrong. Panama hats originated in Ecuador, and are called the Montecristi, named after the town that makes them. The straw in these hats comes from the leaves of the paja toquilla, a type of palm indigenous to Ecuador, and the art of weaving these hats has been around since the 1600's!

Anyhow, that was my sad attempt at doing some research about Ecuador (thank you Google and Wikipedia). Right now I'm trying to figure out how to get a cultural visa. The Ecuadorian Consulate in Canada website is not much help, and the school I got hired at sent me information about how to get a visa in the US. One source says I need to get a doctor's certificate and HIV/AIDS test BEFORE I go, but the next source says that it doesn't matter if I already have that, I will have to do it all again once I get to Ecuador, because the government won't accept documents from outside sources. Aaaaah! Do I really want to spend $200 to get the stupid thing if I have to do it all over again once I'm there? Will they let me into the country if I don't have anything but my passport? I also am procrastinating about getting my shots and Dukoral (temporary vaccine for traveler's diarrhea). The Dukoral is this nasty fizzy salty/raspberry drink you have to take twice before you go. Oh my goodness, it was awful when I took it before Guatemala. I am not looking forward to reliving the horror! *GAG!*

Always, Emily