Today was our first full day in Guaranda with the theme of ‘history.’ The day began with a 7:00am wake up call followed with a delicious and filling breakfast at La Estancia. We have quickly discovered that all our meals are at one of the most amazing restaurants in the City. This has NOT gone unnoticed by the delegation! After breakfast, Program Coordinators Joshua & Alex led us through our Culture & Safety Orientation and on an extensive walking tour of our new home. Sites we visited included the Parque 9 De Octubre (which recognized the fight for independence from Spain); Mercado 10 De Noviembre (a 70-year old open market selling fruits, vegetables, meat, seafood, cheese, household needs, etc.);
Mercado 10 De Noviembre
Parque Libertador (Guaranda’s Central Plaza next to the Catedral San Pedro and hosts festivals, social get together’s, funeral’s, etc. and is surrounded by the local government offices.);
Parque Libertador
Plaza Roja (originally a pre-Inca site, is the location of Political Mobilization and borrowing from Moscow and the red ponchos of the indigenous peoples is fondly referred to as ‘Red Square’); and numerous local business such as coffee and pastries shops!
Enjoying coffee
Always better when shared by 3!
After lunch we had the pleasure of a guest speaker, Gustavo Fierro, who provided us with a comprehensive overview of the cultural history of Ecuador from the Inca to present. We learned that Guaranda has historically been an important city due to its location both politically and in trade. It was a major stop on the “original” road from Guayaquil to Quito.
Guest speaker Gustavo Fierro
Following our speaker we received an introduction into our English Tutoring program. We will develop lesson plans and activities for students ages 6-adult and will meet our students on Monday.
Dinner was a time to unwind before concluding our evening with a days’ reflection and our nightly meeting. We will be having our first student Lider Del Dia (LDD/Leader of the Day) tomorrow. This will be the first step for the students to take on the role of leader.
After becoming comfortable with our new surrounding everyone is learning, growing and enjoying themselves.
Thank you for the update. What a busy day! So much to learn! It sounds like a fantastic way to get to know people and their culture. We look forward to hearing all about, Keiana.
Keep growing and learning. Much love.
Hola mi caty estamos muy orgullosos de ti de saber que está experiencia te enrequisera no solo a ti también a tus compañeros .Cuidate mucho que dios los bendiga nos vemos muy pronto te amamos mi pequeña princesa hermosa
So nice to see the pictures of the market and the plaza. It’s like you’re taking us along with you on your adventure. Thank you!
Yes, what a busy day.Lilly take lots and lots of pictures.
Love,Grammy
What a busy day.The Market Place looks delicious.Lilly,I know you will take lots of good pictures.
Love,Grammy
What a busy day.The market place lookes delicious.Lilly,take lots of pictures.
Love,Grammy
love you Noah!
Nice day with lots of activities! Love to see a picture of my son awwww!
Looking forward to seeing the next day!
Have fun! Love you!
Hey mom,
Guaranda sounds amazing, I am insanely jealous. I’ll have to hide in your suitcase next time.
Percy misses you (and the rest of us of course). The house hasn’t burned down yet, so everything’s good here.
I’m sure you’ll have the greatest experience in Ecuador. Channel your inner Josh Gates and have an adventure.
-Sara
Ayy wassup peter!!!! It’s Uncle Hal. Just wanted to let you know that we all miss you and hope that your having a good time. By the way you still owe me $11 so don’t think that you got away with it. Come back soon so I can give you another haircut!! LOVE YOU!!
KYLIE I MISS YOU!!! We’re praying for you?
Miss you Brianna! Coco is looking for you ? make sure to take tons of pictures! Can’t wait to see more pictures of everyone, everything, and everywhere you go. Lol!