Today we started out our day with a great speaker named Aquiles a youth activist from Riobamba. He gave us a little background on Riobamba. One of the things that stuck with me was he said that Riobamba was known as the city of rebellion which I found interesting because it’s a pretty calm city and all the people here are affectionate and so welcoming. He then led a great activity in Parque Maldonado where he talked about how eye contact with people makes you feel more connected when you talk to them. He had us stare into the eyes of another person in our group for more than a minute to experience what that feels like. He then asked us to go up to a stranger and make eye contact with them and ask them what Riobamba meant to them. We all got a variety of different answers. It was a little hard for me at first just because I am a shy person but I really enjoyed it in the end. It was inspiring to feel that connection with a person.
We then went to the city hall in which we had a speaker of the name Roy Mejia. He gave us a little background of some historic events that have happened in the building. For example, we learned that the Ecuadorian Constitution was first signed in Riobamba and that the country’s first public transportation and radio was also started in Riobamba. He showed us this room named Pedro Vicente Maldonado in which the mayor and other important people met and discussed important issues. It was a pretty cool place and he gave us some bracelets as a little gift.
The last place we went to was La Casa Indigena. We had two wonderful speakers named Paulina and Lupe. Paulina gave us a little background about La Casa Indigena and what services it provided (for example, they take indigenous immigrants that work in the street and provide them a place to sleep). They also use the space for religious work. Paulina explained the four commandments of the Quechua people which are don’t lie, don’t steal, don’t be lazy and have a big heart. Lupe then joined us and talked to us about her childhood and how things were when she was young. She talked about how the indigenous people in the past were treated unfairly and were seen as animals and property. Lupe talked about the founder of La Casa Indigena-Leonidas Proano- who was also known as the one to give rights to the indigenous people of the community. Lupe had a lot to say and a lot of things were so inspiring. One quote that I think really stood out to us was ” There’s no one so poor that has nothing to give and no one so rich that has nothing they can receive”. She was great lady and so affectionate: she asked to give us all hugs at the end.
The last surprise of the day was that we arranged to watch the soccer game Ecuador vs. México during our free time and we had a few snacks and everyone was really into it. It was just an overall great bonding experience for all of us.
We had a great day today and I think we all learned a lot. I know others felt really inspired by everyone’s speeches and had truly a life changing day.
Shoutouts:
Hey Dad, I watch the game today and I rooted for Ecuador because all the good players on the Mexico team left. Today was really fun and we were greeted by so many people. I’ll call you on my free time some day. – Christian
Hi Mom and Dad! Things are going great here, absolutely loved watching the soccer game today! Hope things are going great! Miss you guys! Love, Marcus
To Alondra: I’m glad you’re having so much fun at work! Also I keep forgetting to tell you, but the insect repellant/lotion/waterproof/sunscreen is just about the coolest thing in the world. Tell your mom I said Thank you so much! I really miss you and am really looking forward to talking to you again. I love you!
To my family: I’m really starting to hanker for Indian food and pasta night. It’s not that the food is bad, it’s just the cilantro reminds me of cathmil? , and it’s all downhill from there. I hope to speak with you soon. Love You Guys!- Arjun
HI 🙂 I hope you enjoyed reading my blog! Today we visited city hall and ate a lot of good food.- Sandhya
Hi Family, I talked to some of the locals today, and gained their opinions on Riobamba. I learned how proud they are to be here. I also met a lady named Lupe, she inspired me when she said her dream was to be free and live free. So yah, can’t wait to tell you all about it!- Abbie
To Helena’s family and friends: During our free time today, we watched the Ecuador-Mexico game and I actually understood what was going on! Oh, and we played soccer afterward and I SCORED A GOAL! AGAINST THE BEST GOALIE HERE. SO PROUD RIGHT NOW. I felt a little homesick today though- I love you and miss you all so much! Talk to you soon! – Laynie
What amazing experiences you have all had so far! So glad that you are getting to know the people of Riobamba and learning about the issues that shape their community. We look forward to reading your blog entries every night!!! Licette-I loved that you wore your hair in braids when you worked on the farm. It reminded me of your soccer days :). Did you help harvest corn? I hope you are not too exhausted to write in your journal every night.You are creating memories you will cherish for the rest of your life. We miss you and love you lots! Continue having a great time and making the most of every moment.
Hi Helena!
Wow, such soccer prowess…who would have thought. We all miss you, but we’re so very happy that you’re able to partake in this wonderful experience, surrounded by truly great people. Still, I understand that you feel homesick now and then. Just enjoy this experience to the fullest, because it will be one that you will carry with you for the rest of your life!
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox
Mom
Hey Marcus,
Nice to see your smiling face. Glad you enjoyed the Mexico vs Ecuador match; I’m sure they are celebrating in Riobamba. We sure miss you; stay healthy. Can’t wait to talk to you on the 22nd
Love Dad and Mom
Hey arj, yeah work is pretty fun, except for the fact that I always smell like chlorine! Why can’t you swim so we can do the golden gate swim together?! I’m convincing my mom right now heh. She’s really glad you like the sunscreen thing! I miss you so much. Hope you’re reading my letters. Love you too.
Great post, Arianna! How wonderful to meet people who inspired y’all so much. That quote is amazing about giving and receiving. Truly something to remember every day.
Arjun, we had fun captioning the pictures today…imagining what you’re saying in the one where you’re watching the soccer game. I think it is Hector and Marcus who are looking at you like you’re crazy 🙂
Oh honey, sorry you’re missing desi food! Yes, I can see how the kothmil (cilantro) would make you hanker for Indian food. Don’t worry, when you get home, I’ll make you pay bhaji, dosa, sambaar,….anything your heart desires. And of course Appa will hook you up with desi pasta!
Always love reading the blog and particularly your shout outs
Love, Amma
ps how’s your ankle?
Go figure. Mexico lost. Who’d have thunk? Peeps must have gone crazy over there
Glad that you are doing ok Arjun. Richard & patti are enquiring about you every day
Hi Arianna I’m so proud of you mama, thumbs up for being el Lider del dia. We miss you so much, but we’re happy for you. I can’t wait to see you home so you can tell us everything about your adventure. Love you to the moon and back!!!
viva la revolucion!!!!!!!hoy todos somos ECUADOR!!y ganaron……no mientas no robes y no seas flojo.ese es un saludo de nuestros paises!!!!!te quiero mucho mi christian!
Champ and Glimpsers another day of learning and great experiences. Christian sabia que nos hibas a voltear bandera lol. Mexico perdio por que les hizo falta un buen defensa y el unico que conosco esta en Riobamba. I can’t wait to talk to you on Monday. Hoy tocamos son las $;26 am estoy cansado pero no podia dejar de ver el blog y lo que hicieron este dia. Besos y abrazos de toda la familia!!
The group seems to have had another great day in Ecuador! Great blog!
I knew that you’d have soccer genes from your dad, Laynie! I guess moving forward you’ll be watching it with me now. Miss you and hope to be back in the Bay Area for the July 4th holiday!
Hi Erica and Maddie!
We made it to SoCal and wish you were here!
You two look great and like you’re having the time of your lives in Ecuador.
We look forward to seeing you in one week!
Love, Dad and Mom (Todd and Lida)
XOXOXO
I am really enjoying reading about all of the insights and experiences you and your friends are having. It will certainly expand the way you view people and events upon your return. I look forward to hearing more details as we sit around our imaginary campfire at World Fest. Until then, keep sharing you beautiful smile and touching the hearts of those around you in the time you have left in Ecuador. As much as you are missed, your time there will pass too quickly. Make the most of every moment. Hugs, Jana mahve
Awwww Jana, you made me weepy!
Sandhya kutty, loved reading your blog. Waiting to hear your voice. By the way, it is a YES from Nordstrom. Love, Amma
Hi akka this is Sachin. I miss you.
Yes. We wait to read these blogs. This is an awesome experience. Enjoy.
Hi Erica, Greetings from Laguna Niguel. We will be visiting your Grandpa Nite Nite tomorrow for Father’s Day. I love reading about your daily adventures and especially loved getting my Birthday greeting. Love you, Mom
Hi Erica, I miss you and hope you are learning lots of things about different cultures. And I can’t wait to see you and hear about your adventures. Tell Maddie hi too. Can’t wait to see you both soon and we can go to the beach. Love, Auntie Martha