In the Merriam-Webster dictionary, syncretism is defined firstly as “the combination of different forms of belief or practice”. The juxtaposed narrative that exists between Ecuador’s pre- and post-Colombian history has given rise to a fascinating combination of native Ecuadorian and Spanish culture. During my time in Ecuador, I have witnessed syncretism on a number of […]
Syncretism Post
Since arriving in Ecuador, I have often been confused about the seemingly conflicting narratives that exist between anti-colonial identity and Catholicism. I often feel as though my presence in Cuenca, as a gringa, is viewed through a colonial lens. The obvious power dynamic of me, coming from a “core” country to study in what some […]
Syncing with Cultures
I think it’s safe to say that syncretism is our end goal here in Ecuador. We didn’t fly 4,279 miles across the world for a vacation. We all knew that we’d be in home stay families and that we’d still be attending college level course through the 3 months that we’re here. Our goal, or […]
Tower of London!
Today Kyrie, Emma, and I all went to the Tower of London at the bright and early time of 11:00 am (it felt particularly early due to the lack of sleep I had experienced, but really this is a normal human time to be awake). We’ve been wanting to do this the entire time we’ve […]
Reflections: In the Big City
The semester is – incredibly – almost over, but I suppose I can take a look back to the beginning and my first thoughts. Initially, I was a bit surprised at the extent to which London is so fully globalized. Classical English literature and history (with not a few flairs of Romanticism) did little to […]