Hola Familia!
Today, Glimpsers learned that even free days can be an enlightening, adventure-filled experience. We had a fun day with lots of sudden schedule changes, activities, and most importantly, group bonding. We began this morning with a beautiful breakfast, undoubtedly the best one yet. With delicious empanadas, fried eggs, sweet watermelon, and a hearty white tomato juice, our group was definitely ready to travel and explore. The first half of the day was dedicated to exploring the city of Riobamba: we split into three different groups. The first group visited the beautiful local church to attend Mass and learn from the culture and practices of the locals. The church was beautiful, with beautiful stained glass windows and gold adorning the altar. We were also able to say the prayers in Spanish because we were able to follow the program that they gave us. The other two groups alternated between shopping for souvenirs and visiting the internet cafƩ. A beautiful train station awaited us with a mixture of gorgeous scenic views of the mountains and handcrafted souvenirs like bracelets, paintings, instruments, and jewelry. We then visited the internet cafƩ, checking our emails and calling/messaging loved ones. It was a beautiful and heartwarming experience for everyone as we updated parents on the friends we made and the adventures we had.
After heartfelt conversations with family and a chance to check Instagram the whole group headed over to lunch. We had local beans, rice and pork that was paired with a fresh avocado salad. After this we kicked the second half of the day off by stopping in at a barber shop down the road. Ms. Rodriguez asked the Glimpsers to come and support her in cutting her hair. Recently, her brother, Emanuel, has been diagnosed with cancer and her whole family decided to cut their hair today to support him in his chemotherapy. Since she was here in Ecuador with us we all got to be involved by cutting her hair before the barber shaved it into something more appropriate. The whole group appreciated the opportunity to be involved in something so personal and powerful. Our thoughts are with Emanuel and we look forward to supporting him in his journey.
The day continued as we took a trip downtown where we got a chance to stop for crepes, coffee, and donuts. The most popular choice was Nutella, bananas, strawberries and ice cream. Everyone was excited for the sweet treat and a taste of home. After we got our food we were lucky enough to catch the view of the train coming into the station. Another group went down to the downtown strip of Riobamba, where we were able to experience the local park and playground as well as see the many murals of the city. For the next experience of our free day, the Glimpsers regrouped at the Hotel Tren Dorado in order to catch taxis to go to a beautiful Ecological Park that Gerry recommended for us. The taxis were an unexpected adventure for all of us, as some of the taxis had trouble finding this hidden treasure of a park. After finally getting there, we started on our hike down to the park while viewing the luscious green fields and towering trees of Ecuador. Additionally, a couple of the boys (and Ms. Rodriguez!) organized a run down the trail, where they quickly ran out of breath, not because of their athletic ability, but because of the high altitude (or so they sayā¦). Once we arrived at the park and soccer fields, many students took part in a high-intensity soccer game, where the team of Ben, Louis, Kai, Shreysi, Luisa, Nancy, and David won against the team of Kevin, Alyssa, Becky, Skyler, Clifford, Victor, and Zach. However, everyone agreed that the star player of the game was Nancy L., with her good moves and enthusiasm. The other students got a chance to enjoy the view, take many pictures, and play cards with each other, as well as visit the dog shelter nearby. Near dinnertime, we walked back and got a second chance to view the several sheep and cows that were grazing on the fields of beautiful Riobamba.
After catching a beautiful sunset while walking to Roma Santa, we ended the day off with a delicious meal created by Chef Isabella- chicken soup, broccoli, an Ecuadorean twist on mashed potatoes, as well as cooked bananas and strawberry juice. We were also able to talk with our English tutoring groups at dinner in order to prepare for our first English tutoring session tomorrow. We came back to Hotel Tren Dorado for our nightly meeting, where we handed off the leadership torch to our new Lider del Dias, Zach and David, who respectively performed a passionate song of āCold Feetsā and taught the group various Arabic words. It was a great way to finish off our wonderful first free day!
All of us are missing our parents a lot, and want to let you all know that we are having so much fun and are safe. Love you lots!!
Sincerely,
Shreysi, Skyler, and Luisa
Sounds like a fun day, and I love seeing the pictures. But Will, you’re missing a shoe!
Skyler,
What a great blog post! Iām so glad you got to be one of the writers for it. What a great use of your journalism skills :-). I love hearing about all the things you are seeing each day and all the wonderful local food you are getting to try. Iām sure you are loving it all! I think the best thing is that you were out on the soccer pitch! There is hope for you yet ;-). Mom told me that she got a chance to talk to you and I am soooooo bummed I missed it. I miss hearing your voice and miss you so much. I did get your email so thank you for sending it and I canāt wait for your next one. Thanks again for such a great blog. Iām reading them all!
What a great post! Loved reading all about this action packed day and seeing the photos. Ben, we miss you and love you. Dad took the dogs on a hike near Lexington and theyāve been passed out on your bed for hours!
It was indeed an action packed free day for you all! You guys did so many things just in one day, thatās amazing. Shreysi, Iām so happy to be able to chat and talk to you today. You made our regular Sunday very special! The crepes treat looks so yummy in the picture. Shrey liked the food description so much that after reading the post he decided to make chicken nachos for himself. It came out delicious! All the best for your English tutoring tomorrow, love- mommy
First, very nice post – Shreysi and friends. Yet another great day on your trip! I am so glad you joined Ms. Rodriguez on journey to support her brother. I am sure it meant a lot to her.
Here, Bay Area is still gloating after NBA win! Parade is on Tuesday.
Shreyās team lost in JO but itās a young team. He played well though.
All the yummy food you are having is making me hungry! Good luck for tomorrow and have fun!
Hey you guys!. I am glad to read all your blogs post!. Of course you all got Fun Day! Sounds like a wonderful day and the whole adventure sounds amazing!
OOOH THATS MY NANCY!!! THATS MY BEST FRIEND!!! LETS GET IT IM SO PROUD OF YOU!!! MISS YOU!!! wait why arenāt you that good at soccer at home
WOW! Look at my best friend showing off her nonexistent soccer skills! Let me guess, she fell on her face multiple times but that did not stop her from getting up and falling back down again. Good job Nancy! WOO HOO! Can’t wait for stories of all your injuries š
Have
Job
Nancy! š
Good ***************
The different types of food you describe sound amazing and makes me want to try everything. I hope youāre learning how to cook some of these dishes for when you get home. Iām so glad to are having the chance to make so many memories; but, you are missed soooo much. Take care everyone and enjoy your next adventureācanāt wait to read about it.
The different types of food you describe sound amazing and makes me want to try everything. I hope youāre learning how to cook some of these dishes for when you get home. Iām so glad you are having the chance to make so many memories; but, you are missed soooo much. Take care everyone and enjoy your next adventureācanāt wait to read about it.
Luisa and Glimpsers, it looks like that the excellente comida casera ecuadorena has been ine of the major ādriversā of your first sunday in Riobamba. Thanks for another beautiful description of your day and life; it was great to hear also your voice that sounded very happy. Besos also from mamma
shreysi, luisa and skyler – your day off sounds like so much fun! I loved reading about all the food you had and activities you did and also loved that you got to use the Internet cafe! i miss you all tons!
p.s – hi Oji!
Glimpsters,
Congratulations on amazing free day. I appreciate that many of you were able to experience the sanctity of Mass and to see that the universal Church is beautiful around the globe. As you experienced, the Liturgy of the Mass is understood regardless of the language. For everyone, experiencing the local culture whether it is in shops, places of faith, restaurants, the soccer pitch or other locations is key to understanding that the language of humanity is present across our globe. Continue to be positive representatives of our country, our local community and your families. We are all proud of you,
Zack–We miss you terribly and are very pleased that you were able to attend Mass today. Your siblings cannot wait to have you home, but take your time experiencing this amazing journey. We love you [CODE]–Dad
Ben, we love you and miss you! What an awesome blog, thank you all.
is this bens mom? we belief you could better note to him,?
Thanks Jake š
Wow so much food in one day (aka an ideal Kevin day)! So glad to see that you’re having a great time:) Your call and emails were so sweet, and absolutely made my day! I can’t wait to continue reading all about your adventures. Enjoy the heat, the fun, and the laughter:) Love you!
Wow so much food (aka an ideal Kevin day)! So glad to see that you’re having a blast:) Ecuador looks beautiful!!! Your call and emails yesterday were so sweet; they absolutely made my day:) Enjoy the views, the adventures, and the laughter. Love you!
Oops! I totally commented twice, oh well:) Have a fun trip!
Hey Kai.
Pictures look great. Did you get to play soccer also. Must be hard to breathe because of altitude. The food sounds good! Kayla stayed overnight in her new apt. First time. Mom helped her get settled last night. Aiden is getting ready for Burlingame Tournament. Wednesday Thursday and Saturday. La Bron said he was playing with broken hand. Warrior parade tomorrow Tuesday. Everything good here. Drink lots of fluids and eat your veggies. Do you want your buddies to send you messages also? I can let them know. Take care. We all miss you.
Dad
Hey you guys!. Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful blog! Of course you got Fun Day! Sounds like a wonderful day and the whole adventure sounds amazing!
That was a lot of things to do in one day. I’m glad that you remember to go to Sunday mass, Albert. How about shopping? Have you found the usual souvenir?
I love the daily pictures of the GGs but you need to stop hiding in the back though š The weather seems to be nice so far.
Last nite Apryl’s mom called and asked whether you had called home since Apryl didn’t š I told her not to worry. GGs are in good hands, right? We still miss you guys a lot though.
Dad
Hey Kai. Looks like you guys are having fun and eating well. Keep it up. I know it’s hard not sleeping in your own bed and eating when you like. Just look at it as one step in your journey and you will appreciate your life when you come home. Aiden is getting ready for the Burlingame tournament and Kayla spent the night in her new apartment. Do you want me to give your friends this web site so they can text you? Anyway take care drink lots of fluids eat your veggies and have fun.
Love and Aloha.
Dad Mom Kayla and Aiden
What a fun free day! Your meals sound so yummy and it is so great that there are so many fun activities to do. Skyler – this post is extra special because it was partially written by you ā¤ļø We are so excited to read the posts every day. Please keep including the wonderful pictures… it is great to see so many smiling faces and the stunning backgrounds. The crepe/ice cream thing looks delicious too. ? Everything is good at home. Austinās team won their baseball tournament this weekend. He hit a three run home run to bring in the winning runs in the championship game and was named MVP – Woohoo! It was stressful and then super exciting! ? Always know we love you tons and are super proud of you! Keep having fun and take lots of pictures!
Good job Nancy!!!
Skyler,
Sounds like you’re off to an amazing adventure! I love hearing about you becoming immersed within the culture ~ that’s the way to truly embrace the experience š
Enjoy each moment!
Love, Aunt Sherri
Hi Luisa, Skyler, and Shreysi
Thanks a lot for detail & nice daily post. What a nice free day! I feel that Iām spending whole day with your group when I read your post. Thank you!
And also it was great hear your voice yesterday and you seems having a blast time with your counselors, staff, and your wonderful group. Sending many thanks to everyone! Big kiss and hug to Luisa.
Please, this is made with love>3 read this out loud for Benjamin Wyatt Serverian
Hello, Horatio,
Long, story, short, the feds got involved. Were done for. Any way, HAGS. We miss you but we don’t… We don’t. We hope Will found his shoe, we have lost sleep over it. http:// How is Nicargua! Take many pictures, and don’t forget to take some good pics? Hows culture is good or not in Nicargua. Sorry for the lack of grammar, write 3 morning after night fall down today. Your parents say hi, we assume. We have not talked to them since you left, but we would like to belief, from the back of our hearts, they would have said hi if they could. Pusha T ended Drake. Come back soon, although we know you cannot control when you leave. We know the program will not let you ditch this trip.We just said that. Also Jake leafs once day before you get back to go to Louisna to go to the Biyouu with friends. You know which friends. By, we love (you).
Kevin – Amazing to hear (by voice mail) and read about your adventures. I’m glad the food is so good and the mosquitoes almost nonexistent. I missed you on Sunday and Monday as I had to do the cans. Enjoy more adventures!
Wow! Iām proud of you Nancy for winning that soccer game and being the star player! Whereād you get those sudden soccer skills?! Cotton still loves your spot on the bed and wants it as his own permanently! Maybe switch rooms?! Haha! Iām not worried about you anymore since you said everything was good and fun. Iām actually quite excited youāre having a great time! We love seeing your pictures everyday! Keep winning those games!
PS. TRACY PASSED HER DRIVING TEST TODAY!!
-Mommy & T ā¤ļø
Wow sound like a fun and exciting day for everyone! The weather looks beautiful over there! Glad everyone is enjoying their time over there.
Hey Bao Hoa,
How come I donāt see you in any picture? Are you hiding somewhere? Wish I can show you our family most current picture. Loc is getting chubbier without you here since heās also eating your portion. A lil bit more than one week until you come back! See you soon!
Big sis
Love to see more pix of the fabu students and their teachers!
Send more food pixā itās our vicarious thrill!,Pig roast?
Louie Dad is recovering beautifully! Love mom