Hi family and friends-
Our apologies for the delay in blogging, we were having a few technical difficulties. But what a day!
Today, our focus was on learning about the history and culture of Ecuador. Our leaders of the day, Sydney and Guadalupe, woke us up at 7:30 in the morning (that’s sleeping in…) to get ready for our day out in Riobamba. Breakfast consisted of delicious fresh squeezed raspberry juice, croissants with cheese and berry jam, fresh fruit, and scambled eggs. We’re learning to try new foods and eat slowly, as the meals come to use course after course.
After breakfast, we gathered in our meeting space to go over safety of being here in Riobamba before we took off to the city center. We talked about sticking together, crossing the street (the cars move super fast!), and how to take care of ourselves when we are feeling tired, sick, and missing home. Next, we piled into the bus and took a 10 minute drive and were dropped off in an unknown location in town. In teams of five, we were given scavenger hunt questions, a picture, and the directive to be back at Plaza Roja at 12:30. We found ourselves meandering the city center of Riobamba, stumbling upon beautiful buildings and parks, plazas, and architecture. We had to ask the locals how to get different places and about the surrounding area of Ecuador. They were super friendly and helpful. We found out the Riobamba was the original capital, but most everything was destroyed in an earthquake, and they moved the capital to Quito.
After learning about the city and its history, we we went back to our hostel to freshen up, eat lunch, and learn how to teach English as tomorrow (Monday) is our first day to teach!
Next, we hopped back on the bus and went to a restaurant called La Nativa, owned by Chef Cesar and we learned how to cook empanadas from scrath. For most of use, the didn’t quite look like empanadas, but they sure did taste like them. All we can tell you is BUTTER. While the empanadas were cooking, we dined on ceviche and the wait staff passed around fruit for us to try that was indigenous to the mountains and rainforest of Ecuador.
When we returned, happy and full, we sat down with our co-teachers and began to nervously plan for our first lesson. We’re paired with students ages 12-18 with various English abilities. With a help from our Global Glimpse leaders and program coordinators, we developed lessons and thought up games to play. We’ll let you know how it goes! Finally, some big love (shout outs) to our family of 26 and free time before lights out.
We wanted to send some extra special big love to all the fathers and step-fathers in our lives. WE LOVE YOU!
To Eli Wright and friends. Please have a terrific time. You’re all really missed…….a lot. Gaggie
Hey guys! Look like you all is having a great time. Learn, explore and have fun. Love you Deve and Bri
Hey Ulai!!! Sounds like you guys are really getting a lot into each day. Continue to dive deep into the experience, and get in more pictures so we can see you 🙂
Have fun, everyone!!!
To Eli Wright and friends:
Hope all is well and you’re having a blast. Love from all of us…we miss you.
Gaggie
What an adventure! Thank you for the post!
To Sydney & friends: Beautiful posted pictures! Hope all is well and have fun while learning folks.
RB3A Glimpers!
I just wanted to drop a note of BIG LOVE to you all for handling that flight delay like pros! Judging by the blogs, it seems like y’all didn’t skip a beat and are making the most out of your time down there. Awesome job handling a tough travel day and using it to make you stronger.
I hope at least one of you will remember the empanada recipe well enough to make them for an ambassador summit next year…
Hey Kayla! The Rodriguez crew miss you! Have fun and stay safe. We love you! -xoxo Titi Angie
Hi Baby girl Ihope your enjoying your exprience!! Please be safe. Love you mucho Tia Mirna
Hi little girl, enjoy your experience. It’s a one in a lifetime. I love you and miss you very much! Grandma Dorothy ?
Hey my little love bug,
I’m so extremely proud of you. May God bless, cover and guide you on this journey. Can’t wait to hear about everything. I love you mucho and I’m cheering you on.
Xoxo,
Titi Michelle
We miss you tons Michaela! Have fun and stay safe! Love Mom & Jayden
This is so fantastic Eli I asked your mom to send the blog…. enjoy !
Please bring home the empanada recipe, Arden! I promise to buy as much butter as it takes! 😉
All of these challenging and kind of scary adventures are so awesome and will prepare all of the kids for so many things in life…..like college!
I love the pictures of them hugging new friends, that will likely be friends for a long time or life with the memories made here.
These pics are awesome! I see you’re enjoying yourself Mina. Happy to see everyone smiling and creating such awesome memories! I love this. Thanks or the post!
I can’t wait for you to make us empanadas when you get home! ?
How did teaching go? I can’t wait to hear all of the details!
These pics and this post was great! I am so glad to see you having a great time.
I want emanadas!
Love you Minx.