User talk:Paulacue/sandbox

=Life in Ecuador=

Introduction
There are international countries that are not closely talked about or explored as much as it should be by all the wonders its homeland contains but also the way of life within. One country that should be often visited and frequently talked about for its fundamental way of living but also how cultural it is. Ecuador is located in South America, right across from the equator. Individuals from there have an immense amount of culture, religion and its beautiful view site. It’s not just the country itself; it’s the people in it too. Living in Ecuador sets you for a life abroad but also a new opportunity to explore its national roots. Life in a smaller country sets different perspectives and a new way of living; it’s much different from living in North America. Moving to South America does also create challenges but it invites individuals for life building. “Almost everyone in Ecuador has a mixed-race background, which has resulted in tremendous cultural diversity as well as unique customs and traditions across the whole country”. It begins with its culture, places and the people within it; this country sets you up for a new life.

New Experiences
An international move sets for a new reality very different from the one before. Individuals must be opened minded to the new customs that will be gathered day by day and its impact it might have on the way one may think. “By living in Ecuador, you’ll be able to enjoy a quality of life that’s hard to beat anywhere else in the world. If you like the outdoors, a dream of owning a Spanish colonial home in a colonial city, or want to spend hours strolling on an undeveloped beach, then living in Ecuador may be for you. Ecuador provides that small South American country that lines along the equator and offers something new for nearly anyone. It has three geographical zones in the mainland, and its newest improved “Galapagos Islands”. “Ecuador offers living opportunities on the beaches of the Pacific, in the cooler highland climates, and a in a nature-lover’s paradise near the Amazon Basin.

Cultural Aspects
Ecuador’s distinct culture is motivating and beautiful; its tongue language is traditional Spanish. “Ecuadorian culture includes a fair mix of indigenous practices along with European colonial influence. Almost everyone in Ecuador has a mixed-race background, which has resulted in tremendous cultural diversity as well as unique customs and traditions across the whole country “. One thing that speaks out to individuals that would like to move here is how expressive its culture is. “Generally speaking, the overwhelming majority of Ecuadorians are Spanish speaking Catholics, but as it becomes more integrated and globalized nation each year, this is changing”.<ref name="REF1"“Each strives to maintain its own identity and history while also charting a meaningful path into the future. Due to Ecuador’s compact and diverse nature, one can experience any number of Ecuador’s distinct cultures within one day". Ecuador’s experience is a nice and long journey, with a new start and community, with different customs and flavor. “In addition to numerous and varied native cultures, Ecuador has a thriving Mestizo culture, and a sizable Afro-Ecuadorian culture (approximately ½ million), the descendants of African slaves who worked on coastal sugar plantations in the sixteenth century. Today’s Afro-Ecuadorians are famous for their marimba music and dance festivals “. Its people and what they inspire to the culture itself, its historic sites and also the foundation that gives character to fill the culture with local flavors.

Locations in Ecuador
There are certainly many places and locations to see while in Ecuador, it has a nice combination of the city and the country and lastly the beaches. Each location has its own specialty and a new area to explore. “Ranging from the misty jungles and roaring waterfalls of the Amazon in the east to the salt-sprayed Pacific seaboard in the west, Ecuador encompasses everything from wondrous cloud forests to brooding volcanos, Andean peaks and Incan ruins between its borders”. In fact, there is cascading down the rugged slopes of Pichincha Volcano, this is known as one of the highest capital city in the world, many people come to this specific location for a quick bucket list destination. “In 1978, the center of the city was designated as one of the first ever UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites, hailed for its lived-in pueblo homes and gilded Spanish plazas, painted colonial edifices and enchanting cobbled streets, each trodden by conquistadores and Incan imperialists alike. On the edges of town, the hillsides of El Panecillo give way to the soaring Andean peaks, mist-clad or snow-topped depending on the time of year”. There are many destinations and places to travel within Ecuador, each place is engaging and inviting.

Ecuadorians
As the culture and destinations in Ecuador, there is one more aspect of life in Ecuador, it’s the Ecuadorians that make international people feel welcomed and at home. “Even with all the natural wonders found in Ecuador, it is the people that make an Ecuadorian experience truly memorable and rewarding”. There is also a poverty level that is seen but the people are happy and generous and its more about the happiness and appreciation of the beauty that they have seen within Ecuador. Religion is an aspect that Ecuadorians cherish and appreciate, as well as their favorite game of “futobal” also known as soccer in North America.

Conclusion
Life in Ecuador is new but also exciting, it produces to be educated and informed and be able to see a different country and inhabit its new culture. Its diversity is inviting and it allows individuals to want to learn and be able to gain a different perspective. “Explore a new place that takes pride in its indigenous people and culture, consider moving abroad to Ecuador. Even though the country is small, the location and various altitudes give visitors a lot to choose from”.