A few years ago my husband and I went on holiday to the Galápagos Islands and Ecuador. I was not expecting to speak Hindi in Ecuador, rather I was excited to get some use of Spanish.
On our first day, we went to the Equator in Quito. They have made it a whole experience and we joined a guide who walked us around the area and explained the area’s history and more, in English.
There was an Indian woman in the group who was having a difficult time understanding the guide’s accent. I noticed and started translating it into Hindi for her.
Naturally after the tour was over, we chatted and in true desi tradition she invited us to visit her home if we were ever in her neck of the woods. We told her about the Punjabi restaurant, Sher-e-Punjab, we were planning to try that night in downtown Quito.
Anyway, she messaged me a few days later, while she was at Sher-e-Punjab to say how much she and her husband were enjoying it.
It was serendipitous that I was there that day, could, and offered to help. It made me happy to do it. Language and culture bring people together. In that moment I lived what I teach to my students every day – building connections through language.
Language connects us and breaks down barriers. It is the key to forging relationships with people we wouldn’t otherwise be able to.
Below is a selection of some photos from our trip to Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands. And if you’re planning a trip there you might enjoy these articles I wrote on my travel blog.
Visiting the Galápagos Islands in December
Women’s Photography Gear For The Galápagos Islands
How To Decide On a Land Based Vs. Liveaboard Trip To The Galápagos Islands
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About Samta Aunty
Growing up in Orange County, California, I learned Hindi and Indian culture from my parents and the community. At one point, in addition to understanding Hindi, I developed an interest in speaking, and my parents encouraged me.
Friday night was date-night with my mom. We would eat parathas and watch Hindi movies together. I asked lots of questions and switched to speaking in Hindi at home.
That day, in high school, when my Chachi in Delhi said, “Tumhari Hindi bahut achi hain” is one of my favorite memories.
I started Virtual PreSkool to pay it forward. It’s fulfilling when a student comes to class and excitedly shares that they successfully connected with grandparents/relatives or when they were in India and knew how to ask for directions.
After completing undergrad at UC Irvine, I did my MBA at the USC Marshall School of Business. I’ve been an entrepreneur my entire career.
When I’m not teaching and creating lessons, I’m usually exercising, cooking vegan meals, or traveling. I love writing about travel on my blog PassportPages.
Dhanyavaad!
