Ecuador Part Two

 

This week I am sharing a little more about Ecuador.

Encebollado is widely recognized as the national dish of Ecuador. It's a hearty fish stew, often made with tuna, and features a prominent onion flavour, along with cassava, tomatoes, and cilantro. While other dishes like ceviche and bolon de verde are also popular and sometimes cited as national dishes, encebollado is generally considered the most representative of Ecuadorian cuisine.

Their national animal is the Andean condor. It is also the national bird of several other South American countries, including Bolivia, Chile, and Colombia. The Andean condor is a large bird of prey and holds significance in Andean folklore and mythology. 

They have a national flower it is the Chuquiragua (Chuquiraga jussieui). It's also known as the "Flower of the Andes". While red roses are a popular and important flower cultivated in Ecuador, the Chuquiragua holds the official designation.

It’s not surprising that the national sport is Football (soccer). Amateur weekend games are played in parks, plazas, and vacant lots around the country. The national team has enjoyed success in regional competitions and in the World Cup.

Ecuador is known for its low cost of living, particularly when compared to countries like Australia or the US. A couple can live comfortably on less than $23,000 per year, enjoying things like nice apartments, frequent dining out, and even a house cleaning service. Housing costs are significantly lower, with rentals ranging from $300-$1300 per month depending on location and amenities.