As Miley Cyrus once said, “It’s always gonna be an uphill battle” just as it was to wake up at 5:30 am. After our early start, we were greeted by a meal of platanos and eggs, especially planned by Chef Cesar, to provide us fuel for hiking up the tallest volcano in Ecuador: Mount Chimborazo. We took to the bus to the first refuge at Chimborazo, which was at 4800 meters high. At the location, we took a group photo against the majestic snow-capped mountain. There we also witnessed the GOE Rescate police group prepare for a practice rescue.
We hopped back in to the bus to meet up at our hiking destination. The hike proved to be one of the most difficult and fun experiences of the day: hence the theme of today’s activity: Fun Day #1! We started the hike in a barren landscape with vicunas (a llama-like animal with deer-like features) in the background. Some of the Glimpsers thought they had discovered a new species. But the Chimborazo tour guides quickly informed us that they are native to the area. We were most surprised by the various climate changes of the mountain. We experienced frigid and windy weather first, followed by dry and sandy wind, ending the hiking in a steep, grassy plain.
Besides the beautiful scenery, what was more touching was the sight of our group members conquering this hike, despite the feelings of uncertainty and effects of the altitude. Our peers embodied the definition of perseverance as they completed the one-hour hike back to the safety of the bus. We followed the hike with lunch at Café Restaurante called La Tertulia. There we enjoyed a comforting meal of potato and avocado soup with a main course of custom pollo gisao with rice and pasta salad.
We returned to the bus where we could get a short nap before rushing out to English tutoring. Despite the lack of rest, it was a successful session and full of engaging lessons. Groups used new strategies like playing games, teaching more advanced grammar, and getting to know the students better. Today there was an increase in class size, and we were able to feel like we were making an impact on the youth of Riobamba.
Being the Leaders of the Day widened our lenses to the work that goes into being an effective leader. Although it was stressful and difficult at times, we realized that even with challenges a person can still inform, inspire, and engage. #iwokeuplikethis #aplatanoateaplatano
Ymari Ramos, Mariana Bracetti Academy Charter School
Adriana Coman, Deerfield High School
Loving the daily dose of global glimpse updates I pray all are enjoying themselves and having fun. Until tomorrow night!
Hey there Erika and fellow glimpsers. Wow you guys sure had an awesome and amazing day. Climbing a mountain/volcano is truly a memorable experience. I enjoyed seeing you teaching Erika. I know you are doing a great job. So proud of you and your fellow glimpsers. Love you Erika. Continue to enjoy your experiences and thanks for sharing daily.
Hi, Mariana, Adriana, and All, so happy to read your hiking of the day! You were strong and young. Look what you had accomplished by waking up early. Keep up with the good work with English tutoring! Make the tutoring meaningful. I will continue to read your blogs in Denver, CO. (I hope Adriana is taking lots of pictures.)
What an amazing day. I’m sure you all were able to get some fantastic pictures.
I love you so much Claire and miss you like crazy but I am so happy that you are down there making these wonderful memories. One more week till I can hug you!!
Hello Ymari & everyone at Riobamba.
What an existing adventure, hiking!!! I know the getting up at 5:30 was a struggle well worth it. Every night I look forward to hearing what you guys did for the day & get Amazed every time. I am so Proud of you all and mostly Proud of my baby. Can’t wait to hear all these stories from her & see the excitement in her face. I have a feeling that, that hash tag came from my platano..(inside joke)
Love you baby girl & miss you like crazy ❤??
God bless everyone. I didn’t know that snow was there. I pray that the people were geared up for the change in climate. Kyra Turner and the entire Global Glimpse team, enjoy. Missing my granddaughter, can’t wait to hug you. Love and kisses.
Whoa… didn’t expect to see everyone all bundled up. Looks like you all are experiencing some Chicago style weather. The views are so beautiful and it is so encouraging to see how everyone is getting involved with the community. Keep up the good work. Czar we love and miss you! Take plenty of pictures {including some of you).
So beautiful! Sounds like a perfect yet exhausting day. I’m so glad someone was able to wake you up, Greta! I miss you like crazy and can’t wait to see your pictures and hear your stories in just one week!
Hi Ymari, thank you for the blog. Very sorry for writing your name incorrectly.
Loving your titles!!