Today I had the privilege of being El lider del dia, or leader of the day.We started off the day with breakfast at Cafe del Tren. Breakfast was oatmeal, hot chocolate, and bread with jam. After breakfast we then came back to the hostal and went through stations presented by Roberto from Utopia, which is an organization that works to bring consumers and agriculture together. After we discussed the negative and positive ingredients in foods, we learned that labels in Ecuador have a chart that shows if the product is high, low,or medium in salt and sugar.
After our stations with Roberto, we went to a local market to compare prices, products, and from where they are exported. We took a public bus for 25 cents each to a grocery store called Super Maxi where we compared the prices of the items found there to the prices at the local market. On our way back from Super Maxi we took taxis to the restaurant where we eat lunch and dinner every day. At lunch, we were invited to play games by our new friend Nelson who is twelve years old and has an adorable two month old puppy.After our time with Nelson and his puppy, we came back to the hostal and had an hour and a half of free time where we gathered in a common area and played games, danced, and had friendly competitions. After free time, we had our first seminar on how we will be teaching English. We also found out who we will be teaching based on our current level in Spanish.
Lastly, I want to give a shoutout to My MOM and all of my family. I love and miss you all. I am having a great time here and have enjoyed trying new things including the worms, which were actually very tasty.
Who was this adventures young leader with a penchant for worms?
Leah Weiss
Hi dad I love and miss you!
Miss you but am so happy you are on this trip. Did you try Guinea pig yet. Or, are you you saving that delicacy for a night when you have beans?
By the way, beautiful photo. And, I hope you are keeping a detailed journal to share with us, your friends and for you’re own memories. Bueno noches swetheart.
That’s awesome! Glad you are enjoying this educational experience! We miss you but we know you are exploring the world so it’s ok ? Worms huh! Yum !
Worms?? Ewwww lol I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself babe! And really acclimating yourself to your new surroundings. Make the most of it and continue to make your ENTIRE family proud. Love you!!
Haha the worms were very good! I can’t reply yo everyone’s comments but I love you all and miss you!!
Wow, sounds like your all enjoying experiencing new things, I don’t know about the worms though. Lol your going to come back with so much knowledge on the people of Ecuador and their culture. Can’t wait to hear more. Isaly your family misses and loves you so much but we’re so happy your having a great time.
Hey there Isa. First of all I am so proud that you have taken this GIANT step traveling internationally and seeing the good and bad in this country . I know this be educational in so many ways and you’ll see it’ll make a big impact in your life. Enjoy to the fullest and I’ll read your book once you’ve arrived . Love n miss you dearly. ?????.
What an amazing job of reporting to us Isaly! Sounds like your learning a lot about the country and people of Ecuador. Everyday you’ll learn something new, and will remember forever!Enjoy, and know we love and miss you very much Isaly Ortiz. ❤️
Dear Isa my heart is filled with joy for you and your wonderful experience Miss You
Dear Isaly, we are so proud of you. So glad you are having a great time and making such great memories. We were so scared of being so far a way from us baby girl. We love you uncle Bert and auntie kathy
Hey Isa. I hope you’re having fun over there. Be careful tho. Make sure you don’t get sum burn. Keep trying new things too. But hurry up and come home ):)
OMG Isa!!! Congratulations on being “El Lider Del dia” how exciting.
I can’t believe you enjoyed eating worms.. Well yes I can lol!! You are always up for tryin new things ?
I’m so glad you enjoying your time there, take it all in babe can’t wait to her about your whole trip.
I’ll check in again tonight to hear about your day.
Te amo y Te extrano much ???
Mom ?
Isa, glad you are making new friends and eating “worms”. Continue to enjoy yourself and really appreciate your life. Take lots of pictures and I can’t wait to hear some stories.
PS: are you sleeping with your passport? ? Love you.
Haha they collected our passports and have them safe! love you too.
Hi Sonali its a joy seeing your pics and your beautiful smile! I am so happy that you are having such a wonderful time! This is exactly what you always wanted to do and I am glad you have the opportunity to do so! Also taking Spanish all four years will help you with communicating with the children! We are so proud of you and can’t wait for you to come back home and tell us all about your trip! Don’t forget to take lots of pics! Love you so much.. Mom, Dad and Serena
Thanks mom! I miss you a lot and I am having tons of fun here in Riobamba. I can’t wait to come back and share all my experiences with you, especially the ones with the school kids. Love you, and don’t worry!
OMG!!! Isa congratulations of being “El Lider del dia” that must of been so exciting.
I can’t believe you ate worms lol… Well yes I can, you have always been open to trying new things.
I am so happy you are having a blast and taking in every part of the experience. I know you will do great with teaching the children spanish 🙂
Te amo y te extano muchoooooo
Mom
PS. This is my 3rd time posting a comment. Hope this one gets through.
Your grandfather and grandmother are so happy you are learning a new culture. This is a trip you will never forget
Hey Kiwane!! Sounds like you and the group had a great experience at the supermarket learning a lot of great things about the food. Well as always we miss you dearly and we love you very much!! God bless you all!!
What a great post! Please know everyone at home is loving this blog! And the photos are beautiful! Love to Betsy and a big hello Annie, too!! Have a wonderful day!!!
I miss you so much Mom (and everyone)!! Can’t wait to show you more pictures 🙂
Eating worms, you say? That’s actually a great source of protein. You’re making your advisor proud by taking all the knowledge you’ve acquired through fitness & leadership and applying it on your trip. Enjoy and be safe.
Hi Isa, I am proud that you have the courage and willingness to give of your time and knowledge to help those less fortunate. This says a lot of who you are. This will make you a strong person. God bless you, and I Love You. Xoxoxoxo!!!
That picture looks more like grubs than worms! Either way, you guys are adventurous eaters!
It was great to see your face, Leah – we all love and miss you here (especially Mies, who is missing his favorite playmate!).
Can’t wait to hear about the rest of your adventures!
XOX
Mom
Hope those were chocolate covered worms!! ??.. I’m excited to hear about the many experiences that you will take away from this wonderful life changing trip. Continue to be open minded, hardworking and positive! We love you!! ?
Isa, that’s a beautiful article and I am very proud of you. This will be a life changing experience for you in the sence that your able to see how it is to live without all the modern technology that we now take for granted. Also I am proud that you have the courage to go and do this without a second thought, you have always like to help other’s and stand up for those less fortunate. God bless you and protect you always!!! Love Grand – pa.
Omg, I think I’d pass out with the worms. Make the best out of this trip lady! Can’t wait to hear all the stories when you get pack. Also, great blog structure haha…. Love and miss ya!