Two Worlds in the Center of the Earth

May 19, 2010

Their trip to Ecuador had originally been postponed.  Danielle and Nick Bilton were ready to embark on a trip to Ecuador, her country of origin, for 10 days. However, she neglected to renew her passport. They missed their flight and went about a month later. Nonetheless, this trip was over-due.

It was Nick’s first trip to South America and he anxiously anticipated meeting her extended family, many of whom she had not seen in about ten years. Yes, Danielle had not set foot on Ecuadorian soil in a decade, She wanted to travel to Ecuador with her husband, in the hopes of connecting with her family and her Ecuadorian roots.    During the course of their vacation, they visited various places throughout Ecuador, and spent with her family. Nick absorbed some culture shock because of the language barrier and everything else in between. It was truly a unique experience for him.  They purposely stayed at the Marriot Hotel in the capital city of Quito to gain a real kind of tourist experience.    “It’s been a decade since I’ve been here and, yes a lot has changed, but I still can’t see myself living here” Danielle said.  She was born and raised in the United States.  Danielle shares a strong affinity with her country, but could not imagine making a life for herself there.    Danielle is an artist and has an overwhelming appreciation for the country’s natural beauty and exoticism. “I know this sounds crazy, but when I think of Ecuador I think of mi abuelitos (my grandparents) and all that they sacrificed. I think of the mountains that stand tall and proud; mis abuelitos (my grandparents) are those mountains.” She feels a sense of pride for Ecuador and for being Ecuadorian.   The couple found their excursion through the rainforest near the Amazon Basin, an unforgettable experience. They spent most of their trip exploring the terrain and exotic places of Ecuador. Nick, being a techy and media aficionado, found it extraordinarily interesting that he could pick up an Internet signal as they trekked through the rainforest. During their journey, they encountered wildlife and observed various species of monkeys in their habitat.  The Biltons came across this delicious fruit, granadilla, known to the Ecuadorians as their passion fruit.

Hotspots abound throughout Ecuador such as, Mital del Mundo, or the middle of the world, it is a known fact that Ecuador lies on the equator. Mital del Mundo gives the whole saying “being at two places at once” a special meaning for people of Ecuadorean descent. Mitad del Mundo is a significant  and historical landmark in Ecuador.   According to the Biltons, Mitad del Mundo is located in a tiny province called Pichincha, just north of Quito. definitely among the places to visit when you travel to Ecuador. Mitad del Mundo “This great piece of architecture houses a tiny museum, which is pretty incredible. It makes this place really come alive” Nick said.  Nick was completely mesmerized by the fact that he was standing in two places at once. Danielle felt the same way; in essence she was on the border of two worlds. Ecuadorians greatly revere this place and over the years has become a sight to see.  Quaint towns and villages pop up throughout Ecuador. Though Ecuador possesses a great deal of exotic and natural beauty, poverty and malnutrition exist in some of the indigenous villages in the country.   The Biltons spent an afternoon in Otavalo a small province outside the capital city, about two hours from Quito and  another of their humbling experiences. “The people in these villages really have minimal access to things, it just makes you appreciate all that we have. We take a lot for granted,” Nick said.  Otavalo, surrounded by three volcanoes, is known as an indigenous town. Widely recognized for woven textiles and other various handcrafts, Otaval, primarily surrounded by farming communities, has grown in tourism. The Saturday market became a popular spot among visitors throughout Ecuador. “We spent about half the afternoon in Otavalo, walking around. We marveled at the textiles, they’re exquisite.” Danielle greatly admired and respected the small village and their assorted fabrics and textiles.   The young couple also immersed themselves in as much Ecuadorian culture as possible. They strolled through Quito, the capital city, a little metropolis in and of itself.  Danielle and Nick noticed the McDonalds and other American fast -food places. They were pretty impressed with how Americanized Ecuador was, especially Danielle.   “You know,” said Danielle, “we could’ve easily just gotten McDonald’s and called it a day, but it takes away from the value of real, traditional Ecuadorean restaurants.”  Her mission was for Nick to experience Ecuador as she once knew it; the Ecuador her parents and grandparents grew up in.  For example, Danielle was determined to get Nick to try some real Ecuadorian food, ceviche.   Ceviche is a type of seafood dish with shrimp, onions, tomatoes.  Different countries in South America prepare it differently. Ecuadorians and Peruvians are commonly known to prepare this type of dish.  The following day, the couple went to Guayaquil, which happens to be Ecuador’s largest, most populous city. Nick really experienced a more urban-like Ecuador, located right on the Guayas River,  at  the center of Ecuador’s fishing and manufacturing industries. The Biltons left that night on a cruise heading towards the Galapagos Islands.  The Galapagos Islands are definitely a sight to see. They spent their last four days and nights on those islands. There proved an extraordinary experience. “Hands down, it was the highlight of our trip,” both agreed. They took a cruise to Isabela Island, the largest of the islands, particularly known for its wildlife, specifically penguins, whales and dolphins, which can be found near the west coast of Isabela Island in the Bolivar Channel.  This particular island so happens to be the optimal place in the Galapagos for viewing whales and dolphins.

        “I love this country, the food, the people, the exotic places, and the many hidden wonders, ” Danielle said in awe of the Galapagos Islands. She never had visited such a place before, and it truly gave her a new -found appreciation for her country.  Fifteen main islands comprise the Galapagos Islands, located in the Pacific Ocean, and in fact form an archipelago of volcanic islands.

“Overall, it was an incredible trip, I was just a little disappointed we didn’t have enough time to see Cotopaxi,” Danielle said. Cotopaxi, located in the Andes Mountains, is one of the highest and most active volcanoes in the world. The altitude is the second highest in the country, and is a part of the several other volcanoes around the Pacific Ring of Fire. Many tourists are not accustomed to the high altitude, may suffer nausea and sometimes even nosebleeds. The Biltons could observe Cotopaxi from their hotel balcony, seeing as how Cotopaxi is a prominent feature of the Ecuadorian skyline. “There was no way we were going to make to Cotopaxi. Granted, it’s high enough where we spotted it on the balcony, but we didn’t have the time, so it’s just not the same.” Nick said.

         Regardless of the fact that the Biltons did not get the chance to visit Cotopaxi, they  participated in various Ecuadorian festivities and really gained an enriching and cultural Ecuadorian feel.

         During their 10- day trip, Danielle and Nick strolled through various little villages, roamed through the rainforest, and swam with dolphins at the Galapagos Islands. They ventured off to various exotic places and formed memories that will surely last a lifetime. Nick was able to gain insight into an enriching and thriving culture and now has a real appreciation for the country. Danielle was fortunate enough to have family in Ecuador, and with their help she was able to reconnect with her roots. Being away from your country of origin for so long really does have an impact on people. Going back to the country and aligning yourself with family and friends helps one regain a sense of cultural identity and an affinity with that country.  Danielle certainly felt as though her two worlds came together and felt a strong kinship with both as she was standing between them at Mitad del Mundo. Their escapade to Ecuador is an experience to marvel over.

Shared and written by  Stephanie Zambrano

Note: All photographs were taken by the couple.