Today Global Glimpsers learned about the positive and negative effects of large industries and small industries in the global economy. As a mental warm-up, we explored the effects of the Texaco oil industry in Ecuador. We found both its positive and negative effects. From Texaco’s digging for oil in the Amazon rainforest, Glimpsers discovered that because of the digging for oil, it helped create more jobs and improved Ecuador’s economy. However, we also learned that because of Texaco’s cheap and harmful way of digging for oil, it polluted most of Ecuador’s waters and sickened thousands of people.
Our field trip today was a visit to a Quinoa plant known as COPROBICH. There, one of the executives of the business gave a presentation on how COPROBICH started and how it is continuing to grow. After the presentation, we went to one of the many fields of Quinoa, where two indigenous women taught us how they grew the plants. I thought that it was amazing to learn that the indigenous farmers stuck to their traditions, and planted the seeds by hand. Once the tour of the field was finished, we went back to the COPROBICH headquarters and toured the factory to see how the quinoa was packaged. It was interesting to see how the quinoa seeds were cleaned, dried, then packaged. At the end of the field trip, a few of us bought quinoa. This was a special experience because we were able to gain knowledge of how some businesses are struggling to continue, when large corporations are taking over the global economy. Even though COPROBICH is continuing to grow in its sales of organic quinoa, it is still being slowed down by other major corporations who are not sticking to their traditions and cheating their way to be on the top of the global economy.
Later today, the Global Glimpsers of Riobamba, were able to experience the classroom, when they were assigned to teach the locals English. Some were put in the beginners section, some in the intermediate, and some in the advanced. Teaching was a way for us to show our professional side and impact others through knowledge. This was a very fun experience that will carry throughout the rest of the trip.
We also got to see the clear volcano, Chimborazo, from our bus, because of the clear, blue sky. Overall, the weather for today was perfect. Clear skies and picturesque scenery. It seems like the more days we are here in Riobamba, the bluer the sky gets.
Lastly, we finished the day viewing a soccer game. It was Chile versus Mexico. The score remained tight throughout the game, which made it nerve-raking and exciting at the same time. In the end, the game ended in a tie. Which in a way is good, because no side lost.
All in all, today was a great day, because Global Glimpsers were able to learn the positives and the negatives in the global economy and experience teaching perspective in the classroom.
Shout Outs:
“Today was my first day of teaching English and it was so fun! Miss you mom and Takeo! And yes I did try guinea pig but don’t worry, I didn’t like it!” – Licette
“I taught my first English class today! It was hard explaining some things, but I still had a great time. I think the students did too! XOXO” – Erica
“I taught my first English class today. The students were mostly adults, but it was a lot of fun! We also visited a Quinoa farm today, and I’m bringing some home 🙂 ” – Sondhya
“Haye tadjatok hogy Chile fogia meghyemi a Copn Amenkat ? Most hezem a meecset .. eloben! Hihetlen Ecuador, majd knidok kepeket. Puszi Csongieknak” – Rebi
” I tried the guinea pigs, but I don’t like the taste very much. Shout out to the Farinas because I read your comment and it made me so happy! Same to my family! I love seeing all the comments <3. And to all of you: Ik mis je! Goede naunt! (I tried)” – Helena
“Shout out to the Willow Glen Global Glimpse team! Hope you’ll have fun on your trips!” – Jay
“Hey mom and dad. Don’t worry, I’ve been having so much fun and have made some really good friends. They’re so nice and funny! I have also been trying some really good food. I’ve been eating things I wouldn’t really be eating back at home, like fish and a lot of vegetables! I’ll try to call you guys soon! I love and miss you guys!” – Leslie Vargas
“Hey mom, I’m glad to know she’s fine. I bought you something. I hope you like it. Miss you guys! I tried cuy (Giunea pig)” – Arianna R.
“Hey Fam, I love you guys. Que viva Chile hoy estan viendo la copa America?!” – Jordan
“Once again thanks back at home! Also to my grandparents and family from San Salvador Atenco, Mexico!” – Chrisitian
“The Mexico versus Chile game today was amazing. So glad I got to watch most of it, and also see everyone else in the group take a massive interest into Soccer (including ARJ). I will be making calls tomorrow, and cant wait to talk to some of you guys! I may be late, but s/o to Troung for making mine and Arjun’s day!” – Emanuel
“To Arjun’s family and Alondra: Surprise – I’ll be able to call tomorrow between 1 and 2 pm (Ecuador time)! I’m really looking forward to speaking to you tomorrow I’m also leader of the day, which should be pretty interesting. We had our first English tutoring session today, and I really enjoyed being able to help people in such a practical way. I love you!” – Arjun
“Hi family and friends! I am having so much fun on the trip! Today we were able to give English lessons to some of the locals and I loved it! I can not wait to teach them more about English! Plus this Global Glimpse group is awesome! I feel like I am making so many new friends, which is exciting. I enjoyed be El Lider Del Dia today too. I was a really cool experience. I did try cuy (Guinnea Pig) but I did not like it at all. It made my eyes water, which was weird and kind of embarrassing. LOL. But at least I tried it. Haley I just read your post, and it was adorable. I miss you too! I miss all of you! I can’t wait to tell you all the things I have done!” – Abbie
Hi Arjun, looking forward to that call. I have a break from work from 11-11:45(our time) so that is when I’d be able to talk. Yay excited to read your writing tomorrow evening! Hope you’re enjoying this experience.
Hi Helena,
Hard to believe it’s been a week already…time certainly flies by! How did the English class go?
xox
Mom
So bummed I missed your phone call! I thought you were going to call on the 22nd?
Abbie my fav quote from your post: “It seems like the more days we are here in Riobamba, the bluer the sky gets.” Lovely.
What a packed day with history, tutoring, quinoa, and watching Chile v. Mexico! Emmanuel, is it possible Arjun is becoming a soccer fan?! Can’t imagine it 🙂
Arjun what fun we can talk to you tomorrow! I’ll be interested to hear more about the tutoring experience: what was it like to try to teach people in Spanish?
Much love,
Amma
….hhhmmm, not sure what you meant Helena. “Goede NACHT”, I think. Where did we go wrong with the studying of your dutch????? Great to hear that everyone has a fabulous time!
Never mind Dad, Helena. At least he’s taking full responsibility for your spelling mistake 🙂
Abbie Great to hear you having a great time.. Great daily digest today.
Very proud of you. Can’t wait to hear stories when you get back
hope you are taking pictures.
crissttiiaaannn!!!!!!hola mijo.un dia mas de aprendizaje y convivencia con nuestra gente.exacto shell exxon chevron texaco.estan acabando con nuestros paises.ese lugar se parece a atenco,verdad?cuidate mucho y diviertete..te quiero mucho!!!!!!
¡Buen trabajo, Abbie!
I’m so proud of you and I’m sending you, Jacob, Maddie, Erica, and your whole delegation tons of love from Matagalpa! I’m happy you took on ELDD today – it seemed like a really impactful and powerful day as expressed through your wonderful writing! You go, Abbie! Enjoy every minute of your trip and I can’t wait to hear more when we get back! Ecuador is BEAUTIFUL!
Abrazos,
Srta. Camarillo
‘Morning Marcus!
How are you doing? We love to hear your daily shout-out, so we won’t feel that you are far away! Please share your experiences with us each day.(: How was your first English teaching? How does it feel to see the sight of the volcano in person? Do you speak more spanish with the locals?
Enjoy every moment of these unique experiences that will stay with you forever, and learn as much from them. Take lots of pictures. Buy some traditional souvernirs. We miss you more each day! Can’t wait for your call on the 22nd. I will definitly stand by the phone! Looking forward to your daily shout-out. Take care now.
Love, รักลูกที่สุด
Mom & Dad
Btw, are you able to call us today as well (like some of your friends)? Can’t wait!
And Licette! Sorry Licette! I didn’t recognize you in the picture here at first! <3
Great post Abbie! Wow, the quinoa fields look amazing. Licette, can’t believe you got to see how quinoa is grown! Now when we have it a home you can tell us everything you learned. Glad you enjoyed tutoring English! Love you so much!
Hi Arianna, I really look forward to seeing the pictures of your adventure. I’m so proud of you mama. This weekend is the beach tournament in Santa Cruz, wish you were here. Take care mama, love you bunches.
Ve el bicho enseñando ingles veda?! I miss you Potato!!!!! Have tons of fun and keep up the soccer playing lol, I can’t wait for you to come back!
Sandhya, was it hard teaching English? Are you more comfortable speaking in Spanish now? I am happy that you are having a great time. Looking forward to a call from you. Love, Amma
Katushka bring us back some Organic Ecuadorian Quinoa! 🙂
Hi Erica, your dad sent me the link to this blog today. Glad to see that you’re learning new things (and trying new foods!). I’m glad that you’re having a great time!
Hi Erica, I understand that you are having a great time. Much different than you ever had. A little news from home. Barbara (my other Granddaughter) got married yesterday. She graduated from high school a couple of weeks ago. Your Mom and Dad don’t know yet so you have one up on them. I really need to teach me Spanish when you get home. I would do much better with that family. You should much more educated in teaching English, so why not Spanish.
Erica, I have enjoyed seeing the pictures of the countryside so far. It kooks like you have lots to learn about the country. I grew up on a farm so I am very proud of you going out to learn about the way that food is grown and shipped.
Auntie Ruth
Goeie dag iedereen,
Just want to say that we read the blog every day and we think of you Helena.
PS your dad is een muggenzifter, lol . xox
Abbie!!!!
Great article and looks like such a fun trip! (You are not missing much back in SJ). I know teaching is such a great experience for you as well as brushing up on your soccer skills. Can’t wait to see you. Have fun we are thinking of you!
Hey Abbie this is Haley. I read your blog. That sounds soooooo fun and interesting. Also you did an amazing job writing that I enjoyed reading it. We celebrated the cat’s b-day by decorating the room with anything catty and made her a cake with cat tuna. We also gave her temptations and new kitty liter as her birthday gifts. We all miss you including Misha and Callie. Rudy also would like for us to say hi for him. Hope you are having fun, I miss you and I love you. <3
Haley 🙂
I am pretty sure Katushka, the classroom reminded you of the one you used to attend back in Sebaco Nicaragua, but now you are the one teaching. Kudos to you and all the Global Glimpsers for a job well done by teaching!
Hey Champ and Glimpsers !! another day of hard work and fun . Abbie nice blog , lots of info about how the oil indistry is killing a huge part of latin america. sad but true 🙁 . Champ recibe saludos de los abuelos, Tia Nena, Alicia te mando a saludar y te manda un abraso, tio Tello y la familia de Atenco… dale un agradecimiento a Maria Jose pues ella es la que le traduce a la familia de Mexico que sigue este blog. Un agradecimiento a todas las personas de Global Glimps que los ayudan y los guian , un saludo y un abraso fraternal. Cuidate y diviertete !!
Hi Helena,
Judging from your blogs, your trip to Ecuador is both interesting and exciting ! Enjoy yourself, have fun and make memories that will last a lifetime !
Love, Ann
Erica! Congrats on teaching your first English class 🙂 We are all so proud of you!
Love you & Miss you!
Mimi
Abbie, wonderful job on your blog! So proud of you. Great writing and very descriptive! Loved hearing about all you have learned and experienced, and so glad you are meeting such wonderful people and having such a good time.
Love you.
Mom
Hi Marlene, Amanda, Rocio, and I (Miss Yafuso) send Big Love to you. We are having Aid and Development Day today. Can’t wait to read your blog and share details from our trip when we get back home. Big Love to your delegation as well, Your friends in Esteli2 🙂
Love you, Abbie, can’t wait to hear your stories. Gram & ed
Jenifer & Arianna- I see yall getting your teach on! Hope the English lessons are going well, all. I also hope you’re staying hydrated… keep drinking more water! Keep the urine nice and light! 😉