The Journey of a Friendly Giant

“There is no doubt that it is around the family and the home that all the greatest virtues, the most dominating virtues of human society, are created, strengthened and maintained.” During my time here, I’ve witnessed the tremendous importance that Ecuadorians place on family. A native friend of mine explained that, family is one of the most important aspects of a persons life in Ecuador. In the Galapagos, and in many indigenous communities throughout the country, the children reside in their parents’ house until they get married… After the wedding, they move next door (or very very close by). They hold great importance in cultivating, maintaining and prioritizing on family relationships as the most important value to carry on throughout life. As far as cultural integration goes, I’ve been receiving cooking classes for a few weeks now from a few women from the Puerto Hondo community; I've improved my spanish tremendously; I’ve learned how to dance Salsa, Bachata and Merengue, all ...