When visiting an Indigenous community, it is considered rude to decline any food offered to you, so this has been a little tricky to navigate as a vegetarian. I was invited to attend an Indigenous wedding with the research director from my University who is a minister, and at the event, he and I attended a pre-ceremony picnic with music. I was served an enormous whole roasted guinea pig on top of rice. As I was chatting with guests trying not to draw attention to the fact that I was not eating the cuy, the man in charge of the wedding's live stream (the event was shared on Facebook for the many community members who had migrated to the U.S.) came over to me, and suddenly I was surrounded by at least 20 onlookers plus the cameraman and was asked many, many questions about what I thought of the event as a foreigner, how people talked in the U.S. and how I arrived to Ecuador, and many, many jokes. It felt like such a high-stakes moment as I was the center of attention with a dead guinea pig on my lap, but I tried my best to answer their questions honestly! The best strategy I have found for navigating somewhat uncomfortable situations like this where I do not want to compromise my personal lifestyle choices is to not draw too much attention to the issue and politely ask for a to-go box, which I will give to a meat-eating friend later.
Overall, Indigenous culture in Ecuador is extremely diverse, both linguistically and culturally. I feel very grateful for the opportunity to learn more about the Kichwa language, which I am studying at the University I work at, and also for the chance to work in rural community schools!
