¡Buenas noches! Today was our first Fun Day, and our first opportunity to explore the touristic side of Ecuador. The day was exciting from beginning to end: after I woke up my fellow Glimpsers at 6:30 AM, we set out on our journey to Pailon del Diablo, a waterfall located in the Río Verde community in the city of Baños. The bus ride was an adventure in and of itself; we spent two hours weaving along bumpy, muddy roads past lush, green mountains and steep cliffs. However, the long ride was totally worth it! Our hike to Pailon del Diablo involved walking up slippery steps along the mountainside, and even crawling and climbing between layers of rock in order to get closer to the waterfall. Soon we were standing practically underneath it, and even our rain gear didn’t save us from the spray. We all got completely soaked, which just added to the fun! After our hike, we had lunch at the Kichua restaurant in Baños. ¡Estuvo muy rico! I always enjoy our meals because they give us a chance to talk to each other and become an even closer family. After lunch, we had a few minutes to explore the wonderful city of Baños. We all bought a few souvenirs to bring home 🙂 ! Overall, it was an amazing day.
Even though today’s activities were lighthearted and fun, they also provided some insight into how tourism affects a place. Compared to Riobamba, which is not viewed as a tourist attraction, Baños seemed to be a lot cleaner–with shops and buildings that looked newer, and wider, tidier streets. The area surrounding the city was dotted with tiny amusement parks, zip lines and other tourist attractions. It was beautiful and exciting to visit, but I felt as though it didn’t capture the true indigenous culture and spirit of Ecuador the way Riobamba does. With its slightly run-down buildings and bumpy cobblestone streets, Riobamba feels more intriguing and, in a way, more real.
I am happy you all had a chance to explore and have an adventure. Lauren, the campers will miss you tomorrow, and so will Emma. We love you.
Glad you’re having fun hun. I really miss you!! 🙁 hurry and call! But on the other hand, I can’t wait to see more exciting stories and pictures tomorrow!
Taty your blog was so interesting for us to read! Thank you for sharing your adventures with us. Don’t forget to take lots of pics!
P.S. I looked at the Tony Awards and I don’t think you know any of the winners the musical that won was “Dear Evan Hansen”.
You all look like you had an exciting time at the waterfall and hiking! Great pictures! I’m very thankful for this daily update and all the pics!
*Bekah, I can’t begin to tell you how your smile in these pics brighten my day! I love you!
Aprende mucho Sam! Loved hearing your voice yesterday, you sounded great 🙂
We can’t wait to see the blog on Wednesday. We look forward to see the pictures everyday!! We’re all happy for you.
Besos y abrazos de todos 🙂
Hola Mamita – como estas? Se mojo todo tu zapato? No llevaste otro zapato mas or si?
I hope you are using your Spanish and I’m so glad that you had a fun day. Thanks for remembering your mom. I am missing you and cleaning your room so you can have it nice when you come back. Did your shoe get all wet? I forgot I hope you got a second pair. Its nice to see your great smile in the pictures and hope your cough is all gone and you’re enjoying your trip. I’m counting the days and can’t wait to hear all about it. JP started summer camp at Tomodachi and your dad went to Italy so its just me and JP. We miss your smile and laughter. Love you, te amo! MOM
Gotta hand it to GG, they really know how to do a fun day! Glad you all could experience the land in such an adventurous way.
Interesting observation on the effect of a tourism economy on a place. If you agree with Tatyana then perhaps in your future travels you will pass on the imported souvenirs and go around the corner seeking out the shop who’s wares are sourced locally.
I envy you all for the mountain and volcano landscapes that surround you each day. Having hiked at Kilauea and Mt. St. Helens with Keilana, I know she appreciates a good volcano when she sees one!
Hey Sam! It’s good to know you’re having fun, enjoy the trip as much as you can. Can’t wait to see you, love you and miss you!!!!?
The waterfall trip looked like sooooo much fun ! Glad you are all soaking it in – literally 🙂 . Continue to have fun and truly appreciate the people and your surroundings – these are life changing moments.
Missing you but happy for you and proud of you Lauren !!!
Dad
Hey Sam, I really really really miss you and I can’t wait for you to come back and tell me all about your fun adventures. I hope you’re doing okay! Again I can’t wait for you to come back!!!!!!!!!!! -LOVE YOU Ruby
Hey Sam hopefully you’re having fun and being safe but mostly having fun, don’t be so tired most of the time. Well, miss you so much can’t wait to see you when your back-Ozzy <3
Hi Lauren! I’m now an intern at GG and was looking through the blogs and saw you were leading this delegation and just wanted to say hi! R1A, you guys have the best GG leader around! Have fun!
Wow, waterfall great trip. Big day for Clemson. President honored at White House; Austin honored on instagram. Jen and Ryan off to orientation this weekend. Ecuador still our highlight each day. Thanks for reports.
I love Equador! Thanks for reports everyone. Aaron Burr and Schuyler sisters from Hamilton singing national anthem tonight at NBA playoff game.