We started the day by waking up later than usual at 8 A.M. At 8:40, we walked to Roma Santa for breakfast. Today, we had bread with corn and cheese, scrambled eggs, bologna, dragonfruit and papaya, along with home-made orange juice. Once people were done with their food, they signed out on a sheet and were free to head off exploring with groups of 4 or more. Many people opted to go to the internet cafe to surf the web and make phone calls, Plaza Rosa and Plaza Tren to buy souvenirs, and to eat the delicacies that Riobamba had to offer. Many people also chose to just walk around and see the wonders of the city.
After the first section of free time, we all met up at Roma Santa at 12:30 PM for lunch that consisted of rice, beef, mashed potatoes, beets, broccoli, salsa, and carrot juice. Once again, after finishing our lunch, we had free time until 3:30. This section of free time consisted of people continuing their activities that they didn’t get to do previously.
At 3:40, everyone met up at the hotel lobby to go to English tutoring at Nazerino. English tutoring lasted from 4:00-6:00 PM. After that, we left for Roma Santa for dinner, which was spaghetti with tomato sauce and beef, spaghetti with tomato sauce and mushrooms for vegetarians, salad, salsa, and tea. We then headed back to the hotel for our nightly meeting, where we discussed our day and passed the torch to the leaders of tomorrow.
There was an activity after the nightly meeting called ‘Step In Step Out.’ The activity was a bonding experience, in which we touched upon subjects that were surface level, as well as fragile subjects regarding much more sensitive matters. We discovered things that we didn’t previously know about each other, and all came much closer as a result. There were many tears shed because some things that were shared during the activity were very difficult, but seeing how supportive everyone is was extremely heartwarming, especially since the majority of us have only known each other for about a week.
All 30 of us definitely came so much closer today than before through this activity. Everyone showed courage and compassion to one another, which definitely was one of the highlights of today. Today was filled with lots of fun and adventure, as well as great food and team building. Stay tuned for more!
-Melena, Bryan, and Dharana
hey kiddo (Fabi), I can recognize your photos because of your unique style. Love them!! Anyway we can see you in some more of them? Elise, of course, recognized you in the distance with your back turned on several of them that I said couldn’t be yours. I didn’t even catch that. “of course it’s not her photo, there is Fabi in the background” was her response. Love you and can’t wait to see you again. Your sisters were really bummed that they missed your call this morning. No potatoes when you get home. Tell me what you want, and I’ll make it.
Mom
It sounds like it was a great day with more great food and a meaningful bonding experience with “Step In Step Out.” Thank you for sharing!
I want to give a shout out to one of your trip leaders and my best friend Kelly Bonnez! You probably know by now she is one of the most kind and thoughtful individuals you will ever meet. I am a former teacher and can say with confidence I do not know another educator who is so invested in her students and their success. (I have also heard great things about your other trip leader, though I do not know him!)
ENJOY YOUR DAY!!!!
Dearest Peen,
Sounds like you’re having a blast! We cant believe youre still going to be gone for another week. We missed having you around cracking jokes about the ladies and speaking in your Izzy voice.
Today we’ve decided to honor you with some haikus about surfing.
My wetsuit is wet
The waves are so so so big
I think I might die
Wade out to the spot
Whoops, there’s a bunch of jellys
Run back for our lives
Lay on the surf board
Paddle paddle slippery
Wave comes crashing down
Try hard to stand up
Lose balance, try to stay up
Fall down on face ouch.
Larb,
Yeen Miester and Yoyo
Claire Shelby,
Wow Claire you really are living your best life, and so am I. Today I went swimming in your pool with out you. IT was very nice. Recently I have been going on a lot of drives and I miss your annoying laugh.
Hi Kenson, it looks like you have been enjoying your trip so far. Riobamba seems to be colder than last month though. Can’t wait to read your blogs.
P.S. Please say hi to my neighbor Amanda
Hola Asia, looks like you n the rest of the group is having a great time. Enjoy your time as this is a great experience. Can’t wait to see you again. Love Daddy ❤️
Hey Melena!
It sounds like you are having a great time, meeting a lot of new friends and eating good food. I am so glad you got the chance to experience a whole new culture, which hopefully helped broadened your perspective on the world. Have a great rest of your travels! Can’t wait to hear all about your trip when you get back.