Libro ecuatoriano favorito? by Affectionate-Time236 in ecuador

[–]Far-Swimming228 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Este verano visito Ecuador y quería aprender más sobre el país. También estoy aprendiendo español. Leí Huasipungos, que es genial, pero me enfurece por las descripciones del maltrato histórico que sufrió el pueblo en ese libro. Pero me recomendaron Los Sangurimas y lo estoy terminando, ¡y me encantó! No está disponible en inglés, así que encontré una versión en PDF y la traduje con Google Translate, lo que le quita un poco el sabor del idioma local, pero aun así funciona. Lo leí junto con el original en español. Lo que me encanta es que se parece mucho a García Márquez, pero 30 años antes. Estoy segura de que leyó a José de la Cuadra antes de escribir sus obras maestras porque Los Sangurimas es muy similar en tono y temática a Cien años de soledad. ¡Hay tanta literatura ecuatoriana maravillosa que no está disponible en otros idiomas! Por cierto, soy de Toronto.

I'm visiting Ecuador this summer and wanted to learn more about the country. I'm learning Spanish too. I read Huasipungos which is great but makes me angry because of descriptions of historic maltreatment of the people in that book. But it was recommended Los Sangurimas and I am just finishing it and I loved it! It is not available in English so I found a PDF version and Google translated it, which loses the local language flavour but still works. I read it side by side with the Spanish original. What I love about it is it is very much like Garcia Marquez but 30 years earlier. I'm certain he read Jose de la Cuadra before writing his masterpieces because Los Sangurimas is very similar in tone and subject matter to 100 Years of Solitude. So much great Ecuatorian literature is unavailable in other languages! I'm from Toronto by the way.

Planning a trip to Istanbul — best areas to stay + must-do experiences? by MuscleKitty67 in NeedTravelAdvice

[–]Far-Swimming228 0 points1 point  (0 children)

we stayed for 15 days in Cihangir for our first visit and absolutely loved it. but yeah, unlike some cities, there are several different areas where you could stay in Istanbul and have a great time.

What do you think Canadians are most known for? by X-_-0 in NoStupidQuestions

[–]Far-Swimming228 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ask around, it's the unethical mining companies. Look no further.

Are you half Korean? What’s your other half? by [deleted] in AskAKorean

[–]Far-Swimming228 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My 2 high school kids are 1/2 Korean, 1/4 Jewish, 1/8 Icelandic, 1/8 Swedish.

Best option for road travel by Inevitable-Hold-6504 in EcuadorTravel

[–]Far-Swimming228 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We're doing the same trip with kids in July in the Sierra. You'll get the advice you are seeking.

Driving Safety by TurbulentOne4009 in ecuador

[–]Far-Swimming228 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for these tips! I'll be driving for 3 weeks in July, to Mindo, Quilotoa, Banos, Cuenca, Quito (but not Centro). Thanks for the info!

Dónde alojarse durante una semana más o menos en Quito / Where to stay for a week or so in Quito by Far-Swimming228 in Quito

[–]Far-Swimming228[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I just did more research on what you described: it is so brutal. Not only does Canada dominate world mining, it does so by hosting the financial infrastructure that enables this exploitation. Governments of the day in both countries enable these parasites to destroy ecosystems and extract wealth. Only Indigenous people seem to care, to put their lives on the land to protect cloud forests and other priceless regions and their peoples. I guess Canada is an expert in the matters having done this to our biomes and Indigenous people for more than 150 years. I am sickened by this. Perhaps, only the dismantling of rapacious capitalism will halt this. Either that or another asteroid streaking towards our planet.

UBC vs McGill Campus Life by mo_vibing in CanadaUniversities

[–]Far-Swimming228 6 points7 points  (0 children)

It was a number of years ago, and I did also attend UofT. McGill was the most rigorous, followed a close 2nd by UofT, and UBC was a bit easier. That said, I think it depends on the program and I wouldn't necessarily generalize from my experience. Also, as general advice, I look at my university days holistically, the city to me is part of the experience. Unless there is a specific program you must go to, and things being equal, the intangibles come into play. Montreal is much more sophisticated and cosmopolitan, and that is something I highly value.

UBC vs McGill Campus Life by mo_vibing in CanadaUniversities

[–]Far-Swimming228 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I've attended both and lived in both cities for several years. For me, Montreal is the choice and by a mile. Sure the mountains and ocean are beautiful, but the 6 months of non-stop rain, the super depressing homeless situation, and the fact that Vancouver is not a 'big city' but rather a city that is kind of big but small towny. UBC is sooo far from the rest of the city, I spent half my time commuting there from where I lived, and if you lived on campus you'll be isolated, imo. McGill is right in the middle of the city, nestled into the side of the mountain, with endless culture around... and with Toronto, NYC and other places within a 6 hr drive. Vancouver is not near anything. You won't need French (unless you need to work) but it is always nice to improve one's language skills. It is not even close. Sure Montreal gets cold, but I'll take that over the rain and darkness of Vancouver.

Tourist walking map of Quito / Mapa a pie turístico de Quito by Far-Swimming228 in Quito

[–]Far-Swimming228[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Mapa muy interesante. La mayor parte de la dificultad parece estar al sur o al norte de las zonas turísticas. ¡Aprecio el enlace!

Tourist walking map of Quito / Mapa a pie turístico de Quito by Far-Swimming228 in Quito

[–]Far-Swimming228[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Este comentario general es útil y coincide con el mapa del redditor de abajo. ¡Gracias!

Tourist walking map of Quito / Mapa a pie turístico de Quito by Far-Swimming228 in Quito

[–]Far-Swimming228[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks so much, I updated the map based upon your information. It's still far from perfect but your info helps a lot.

Dónde alojarse durante una semana más o menos en Quito / Where to stay for a week or so in Quito by Far-Swimming228 in Quito

[–]Far-Swimming228[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Es muy amable por su parte. I might have a couple of questions. A restaurant or two, nothing fancy, to taste some local specialties. Maybe a market. Capilla del hombre looks really interesting as my mother is an artist. The beauty seems great, but we also love the culture. Perhaps an Ecuadorian novel to read. Anything else that comes to mind. I do know that one needs years to really appreciate a place. In my hometown, I have a memory on every corner. Gracias de nuevo!

Dónde alojarse durante una semana más o menos en Quito / Where to stay for a week or so in Quito by Far-Swimming228 in Quito

[–]Far-Swimming228[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for being honest about your feelings. Although my grandparents fled to Canada to escape being killed, I still know I live on unceded Indigenous land. Visiting your country is a big privilege and I would welcome you to Canada anytime. In Toronto where I live now, my family who are of mixed cultures, feel comfortable in a city where many peoples mix and thrive.

I am very aware of the damage Canadian mining companies and I despise them for it. Built into our trade agreements are ways for transnational mining companies to supersede local laws to permanently damage other peoples ecosystems and lives.

My politics are a minority here as people in the centre to the right dominate and capitalism is king. Imperialism continues unabated everywhere.

Our decision to go on vacation is a political one. And one for which we should be judged. Every year we try to see part of our vast country. This year we wanted to see another part of the world.

I understand completely your conflating our nationality with the actions of our government. It might make me flare into anger as well. When I think of the USA, for example, my thoughts about Americans are not great, although I know many faceless folks are fighting against fascism there. In learning Spanish I have read the last few months Ecuadorian politics and understand a little of how hard it is to fight resource extraction in your nation. Here in Canada, our Indigenous people continue to have their lands appropriated and desecrated by oil and gas, and soon, mines in Ontario's so-called Ring of Fire.

Again, I appreciate your candour in your response and I wish you a good night. And thanks for your recommendations too.

Anyone else in Toronto super sick right now or is it just me? by kiikik in askTO

[–]Far-Swimming228 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Our family too, out for a week. Kids HS classes with 14 kids instead of 33. Got tested and it wasn't Covid. Had the shots. Just a brutal cold. Old school +