Today we started our English tutoring with the local students. They were shy at first and a little apprehensive but after we go to know them and learn their levels, we created a better relationship with them. [Chayse] My class was filled with all teenagers, we played an ice breaker to get to know the students names. The local students were starting to participate and ask for help a lot more after we got to know them. Throughout the day we took some notes for future improvements. The Spanish-English language barrier was the hardest part, but being a teacher was pretty nice, the kids were behaving pretty well and were genuinely excited to learn. We were all able to practice our Spanish a lot more. [Brandon] For me, it was like an epiphany, there is so much going into being a teacher, we now know all the hard work our teachers do for us and we appreciate them more šĀ After that, we did basic exercises to see their English levels and assess what they already know.
After we finished our two hours of English lessons, we took the bus to Pucara Tambo, an indigenous community center on top of the Riobamba hills. Here, we had a traditional cleansing ceremony, a sacred space in the shape of a circle representing the months and seasons, consisting of medicinal herbs that were used in the fire pit in the middle. Each person got cleansed by the ceremonial moderator with stalks of medicinal herbs, leaves, and eggs to cleanse the bad energy out of our bodies. After this, we had a tour of the Purana peoples history and culture, the other half of us toured the gardens that contain traditional plants that heal illnesses and diseases. For lunch, we had local food which included corn, beans, potatoes, salad, cheese, corn nuts, andā¦ā¦ā¦ā¦.cuy a.k.a GUINEA PIG (yay!!!!!!!??). Did NOT taste like chicken, it was chewy and rough. We made sure to thank the local moderator for his cleansing ceremony and for sharing his history with us.
We had some free time in the afternoon, followed by a seminar about our English classes. We ate some dinner and had our nightly meeting. We had great conversations about the difference of cultural appropriation and appreciation. There was a lot of insight from the group and we were able to discuss topics that are very important in todays world.
We now pass the Leader del DĆa torch to Kate and Christine.
Big Love,
Chayse & Brandon.
Yummy, yummy!! Nothing like a good cleanse, followed by some scrumptious Cuey! I’m not seeing your Hydro Flask in any of the pics Bailey. Stay hydrated!
Wow! You are all truly exploring Ecuador in its purest form. Continue to learn, participate and grasp as much knowledge as you can. Keep respecting and trying new things, it will only add to the experience you’ll remember.
Dear Bailey,
Hope you’re having such a great time in Ecuador. It looks like you had a full day of teaching and trying new things today. Are the llama’s soft? They look like it š This is such an amazing opportunity to learn about another culture and immerse yourself in it. I can’t wait to hear all of your stories.
Teaching other people is such an amazing skill of patience, knowing how to read your audience and also knowing how to get people excited! Practice as much Spanish as you can. Create as many meaningful relationships you can with the students and your peers because these memories will be ones that last a lifetime (cheezy I know!).
I can’t wait to see you when I come back to Cali in a few weeks, by then, you’ll be speaking Spanish better than me š Soak it up girl!!
Love you so much,
Shelbi
Hi Debbb!! Dude yesterday was National Sister Day and I completely forgot cuz you weren’t here, even though Ate Shai was lol. But still sad. Anyways, Mom and Dad said the guinea pig looked like lechon! Tell us all about how it tasted when you come back! I’m so curious!!! Love you sissypooo
How wonderful you are teaching!
Pilar, looking forward to hearing about your teaching and cleansing ceremony. Iām sorry I missed hearing from
you. Miss you so much!! Love Mom
Hmmm, guinea pig. . . I think I would prefer āsizzling pork and mmmm (SPAM)ā, but try new is a great motto! Whoās the glimpser who is kissing Cuey? Funny guy! ??
Emi, R had anāglimpseā of LV night life! Letās just say his eyes were as big as Anime eyes ?!
Best wishes on teaching and all the new experiences!
Love, dad
Wonderful reading about the experience today, especially about the food. E- saw MJ show. It was pretty good. Lots of acts we saw from AGT!
Hola!
You are doing great! Keep it up! And try your best!
Have a great day!
HEY VAL Iām sooooo sorry I totally lost track of time but Iām here and I wanted to say I hope youāre havibg an amazing time shishter we all miss you over here and for a bit of tea I have tumblr back I ended up with a B- in chem and sadly my depression hasnāt calmed down, another thing is my big bros surprise party moved up so I think you might be able to come!!! Any ways I love you lots and miss you!
Sounds like a productive day of teaching to follow up with a cleanse. Oh boy and a little Cuey to go with it.Hope all of you tried it.
Everything here at home is good Bailey. Its been pretty hot here. We miss you lots and believe it or not your sister does too. LOL But I am so happy you get to have this amazing experience. Love you and looking forward to your call soon.
Hello Maria!!!
Looking good Pilar! I can’t wait to hear how the cuy tasted!
Wow youāre teaching, you look great in your business get up Pilar! Canāt wait to hear all about it love you and miss you so much! – Shailyn
This seemed like a really exciting day. All your photos all look so scenic, such a lovely place – my kind of heaven.
You seemed so nervous at the cleansing ceremony Deb. I hope it didn’t hurt – hehehe.
Do great all of you!
M
Hi Pilar!!! I miss you so much, but it looks like
youāre having an amazing time!!!! Canāt wait to hear all about it when you get back <3
Great blog post Chayse. What an amazing trip! We can’t wait to hear about it when you get home! See you soon! Love the family.