We are having technical difficulties – so no pictures, but atleast we have words.
Today was more relaxed then usual considering we woke up at 830 am, which was a good change considering we were up for around 18 hours the previous day. Breakfast was sandwiches and bananas complete with hot chocolate of course. After breakfast everyone had an hour of free time. Some of us went to the nearby cornerstore and sweet smelling bakeries. Other people decided to stay back to bond and play some games at the hostel. Afterwards we headed downtown and decided to go to a local internet cafe and we got to talk to our families. Then we had lunch at our usual place, Nativa, while inside we split into 3 groups to venture into Riobamba. 2 groups headed to the central market to buy souveniers and shop locally. For a few days leading up to the free day, people were feeling tired and homesick, but after most people spoke to their families, they seem more refreshed and ready to embrace the second week. It was really encouraging and motivating to see everyone happy and smiling again.
Hi, it´s Amay, and as Marcos said, we were split into 3 groups, and I was in the group with Ms. B. We had 6 people and we went to the local super market first and bought some snacks. It took awhile finding it as we were using a map and we went the wrong way. Later at 230 we decided to head the open market to meet the other groups. But we went the wrong way again, and finally at 305 we made it! We bought some ponchos. At 320 we met up again and divided into 2 groups, one that wanted ice cream and the other wanted to continue shopping. I was in the one that did not go for ice cream. We reconnected at Parque Maldonado at 345 and took our private bus back to the hostel. Some people went to the corner store again, as it was free time and called home again. 630 was dinner and at 730 was our nightly meeting and lights out at 10pm.
Our most challenging aspect of the day, besides reading the maps and getting lost, was crossing the street safely. Some people bargained, some people felt the need to pay more, because in the scheme of things the goods were high quality and inexpensive compared to the US. I thought it would be challenging being Lider Del Dia for a free day, but all my fellow students were flexible and responsible with the changing rules and schedule.
Hope you had fun Zahra!
Love and miss you, call me. Be safe
I miss you come back soon Zahra
Zahra i miss u live u be safe blah blah
Today sounds fun! I can’t wait to hear what you did today mui mui. Did you go to the bakery or stayed in the hotel??
You’ve been working really hard! You deserve the break hahaha
We’ll talk to you soon okay
Great to hear your voice yesterday, Maddie, we love you and miss you! Other than getting lost, sounds like a good, relaxing day after everyone’s hard work. One week down, one to go . . .
About time! I worried that we wouldn’t hear from you ?
Thank you for the call yesterday, Haley. We miss you so much (even your sisters), but we are all so very proud of you. I heard you saw someone who looked like nana- maybe she came down from heaven to say hi. But, you know, she’s always with you.
Half way there! Can’t wait to hear your stories next week. I love you dearly. My heart goes with you.
Thanks Amay and Marcos,
I really appreciate the detailed update! Another week and you all will be back home. I’m glad that you were able to have a free day and time to experience Riobamba. Faith I’m almost certain you were in the group that went to the bakery and to get ice cream?I hope that you come home with some recipies and I hope that you bought me a souvenir and a poncho?
Have a great week two Everyone and I can’t wait to find out what this week has in store for you all. Soak it all in and journal?
~Mommy loves you?
Can’t wait to see what you got me Hules! Hope our chat made you happy… see you soon.
Hey Marcos,
Its your favorite brother Steven. I hope you’re having a grand ol’ time in Riobamba. Love you and stay safe.
Enjoy what you have at the moment
Hi Maddie! Sure it was nice to have this free day! Bet it was really nice to sleep in!! Wishing you more wonderful experiences this week with your colleagues! Love you much and so proud of you!
Hello Marcos, It looks like you had fun yesterday being lider del dia. We are very proud of you! Keep up the great work. You’re awsome! We love you!! ?
~mom~
It was so nice to hear your voice again Mindy! Sorry you didnt feel too good for a few days because of the high altitude. Hope you feel better. I’m glad your having a good time and learning about the culture over there. I hope your eating well out there. Can’t wait to hear about your trip when you come home. Love you!
Mom
Hi
Nice to here your voice, proud of you
Hi Mindy, First free day yay!! Hope you got to enjoy it Mindy. Hope you and Salyna are having a blast and enjoying your time off.
Hi Andrea I hope you had a great day it must be hard for you the wake up time, ? hope you chose today to go out to the bakery and found some vegan goodies there. Tu madrina send lots of love. Be safe I’m so proud of you. ❤️
It was so nice to hear your voice! I hope you had a fun day shopping ? and you were able to get some rest. We miss you baby.❤️
Thank you Marcos & Amay for the update.
To everyone: absolute outstanding ways to help the local community. I applaud your choices and look forward to seeing pictures of both completed works.
To Katie H: I can’t believe missed chatting with you the other day by 7 minutes. Until next time, and more importantly, until we see you next take care, know we love you and continue to have an awesome experience. PS: I loved seeing you in the farming pictures and knew it must have been a good day for you. Love, Daddy H.
Hi Youngsters,
It sounds like you are having fun and finding solutions to your challenges. Reading a map is not obvious and knowing that it’s not something that is a priority to know at school now, I can understand your struggle, but I’m glad you all made!
Esli, I can’t wait for you to be the lider del dia. I hope you’ll have the opportunity. Your cousins and uncle said you look like Jean-Luc. They can’t wait to see soon.
Love and kisses from all of us.
Elisabeth
Zahra, we all miss you and are soooo proud of you.
Everyone, be safe and enjoy… 1 more week to go…
Hey Marc, it’s your real favorite brother. Stay safe, have fun, and most importantly, don’t forget my souvenir!
Zahra…hope you’re doing well. Proud of you with everything you’re doing in Ecudaor! Write to me.
Hey Dallana, I picked up Angel today from my mom’s house and he was like “bye Nana!” Looking for you haha, call us when you can. I’ll save some fireworks for you for when you’re back! ☺
Enjoyed the call and so did Nana. Hope you enjoyed your free time. Love and miss you, Mom
Hi Katie,
Your trip looks very educational and exciting. We’re so happy you’re getting this wonderful experience. Looking forward to seeing you soon. Love, The Millers