Today marked the last full day for RB1B in Ecuador and we spent it by immersing ourselves into the Cacha community. It was a humbling opportunity to experience how these local people completed their daily lives. We were able to to eat breakfast with them, which consisted of cheese, fruit, bread, and heart-warming traditional drink. We then split into three groups. Some went to do moderate labor of either: cleaning sacred Incan waters, harvesting oats or quinoa, or preparing the chicken which would later be shared with the whole community for lunch. After lunch, and an eye opening day of work, we said our thanks and headed back to the hotel to freshen up for our last day of English Tutoring. There, we reviewed the content previously taught with fun games. One English class was surprised with a heartfelt goodbye in impressive English and a thank you from their students before they left, which ended with many hugs and tears. After, we said our goodbyes as a group, but not before we took many photos with our students in order to preserve these wonderful memories. After tutoring, we headed to our favorite restaurant, Roma Santa, where our beloved chef Isabella presented us with two surprises for our last dinner from her. First, was a roasted rabbit, which was mouth watering and left us wanting more. The next surprise needed volunteers to be chosen beforehand, who were then shocked by the delicacy that Isabella had waiting for us, huge live caterpillar maggots. After many volunteers had chosen to back out, a few went through with the challenge, absorbed Ecuadorian culture, and bit into toasted caterpillars that were still squirming on their plates. This surprise was followed by a dinner of beef, fried potatoes, salad, and a tea that filled all of our hearts with the love and warmth that Roma Santa has given us these last two weeks. We headed back to our beloved Hotel Tren Dorado and realized during our nightly meeting, with heavy hearts, just how little time we had left together. We said our biggest loves for one another, and ended our last unity clap with a passionate “RB1SHII”. We pass the torch to the experienced Andy, and can’t wait for him to lead all of us home safely to you! Thank you to all who have supported us along this adventure by following our blogs and commenting to give us a piece of home.
Much love from Riobamba: Emi, Marissa, and Vannessa.
P.S. Yes mom, I know you’re wondering: I did eat the caterpillar! Love you so much, and thank you for putting those pictures in my suitcase along with the card. Also, big love to you for leaving the comments, they were greatly appreciated by EVERYONE. I hope the talks you had with Nabbie helped you a bit while I was gone. Love you so much and see you soon. ~Lama
Sure hope and pray for a safe and comfortable trip home. Please try to get sleep on the plane. Love you so much and really look forward to talking with my Brennen when he comes home. Can’t wait to see you next week.
Hopefully some of the relationships established on this trip and fabulous experiences can continue when you get back.
Again, LOVE YOU so very much!!! Grandma Gloria
“The Farmer’s Luck” by Jon J. Muth, author of Zen Shorts
There was once an old farmer who had worked his crops for many years.
One day, his horse ran away. Upon hearing the news, his neighbors came to visit.
“Such bad luck,” they said sympathetically.
“Maybe,” the farmer replied.
The next morning the horse returned, bringing with it two other wild horses.
“Such good luck!” the neighbors exclaimed.
“Maybe,” replied the farmer.
The following day, his son tried to ride one of the untamed horses, was thrown off, and broke his leg.
Again, the neighbors came to offer their sympathy on his misfortune.
“Such bad luck,” they said.
“Maybe,” answered the farmer.
The day after that, military officials came to the village to draft young men into the army to fight in a war. Seeing that the son’s leg was broken, they passed him by.
“Such good luck!” cried the neighbors.
“Maybe,” said the farmer.
I am a parent from RB2B. Your blog described an incredible experience with humor. Pictures are awesome! “Caterpillar eating” – what an experience to tell!!! Thank you for sharing such an awesome day.
I love these blogs and really enjoy reading them through all of your adventures and wonderful experiences hold on to all your memories. I’m so glad Sarina you got to have this amazing trip, but I’m also glad your coming home soon, I’ve missed you so much. Can’t wait to see you my brown eye girl safe travels love you see you soon love mom ❤️?
Hi Nessa! ROASTED RABBIT?? I hope you tried the maggots. I’m super happy your LDD experience went well! I hope that you and everyone else enjoyed your guys experience in Riobamba and we can’t wait to have you home. I wish you guys a safe flight and remember to let the air out of the caramel popcorn bag or else it will explode in your backpack and I will be very sad. Enjoy your last few days in Ecuador Ness! We’re all waiting for you to come home. What do you call an alligator that reads maps? A naviGATOR HAHAHAHA