Yesterday’s long day of travel was complemented by… yet another long day of travel. Despite being an exhausting day, everyone put all of their energy and heart into making the most out of their first full day in Ecuador.
We started out early from Quito with to-go breakfasts of peanut butter and pineapple jelly sandwiches and granadillas – a typical Ecuadorian fruit. The pineapple jelly was a hit with the Glimpsers. Our five-hour bus ride took us high up into the mountains and down into the scenic valleys of Ecuador’s highlands. Even through fog and rain, the highlands were breathtaking. And quite literally breathtaking once we started going higher in altitude!
Our bus climbed higher and higher, passing through the desert-like landscape surrounding the great Volcano Chimborazo. Although its snow-capped peak was covered by clouds and rain as well, we could still feel the mountain’s power and majesty. We passed safely by Chimborazo and descended to Guaranda, nestled in the valley on the other side of the volcano. Keep up with the blogs everyone because this will not be the last time you hear about Chimborazo!
A little after noon, we arrived to the city center of Guaranda, unloaded our bags, and went to hotel – Hotel Palacio Real. The Glimpsers greeted the owner – Paul – and his lovely family and began to make themselves at home. Afterward, we went to eat lunch at our food provider – Feroz [aka “Fierce”] – and ate a typical Ecuadorian lunch – juice, soup, and main entrée.
The activity didn’t stop there! We went to the museum – La Guitarra – after lunch with our stellar transportation provider, Andrea. At La Guitarra, the Glimpsers learned that Guaranda is known for Carnaval. Carnaval takes place 40 days before Easter and it’s a time for Guarandeños and Ecuadorians alike to enjoy the sinfully good pleasures of life; Carnaval is also the festival of falling in love. And BIG LOVE to Luna and Jan for volunteering their acting talents in a dramatization of Carnaval courtship! The Glimpsers learned about the traditions of Carnaval: the music, food, instruments, talcum powder, perfumed water, and water balloons. The best part was putting their learning into practice. Together with Taita Carnaval Indigena and his merry band of Carnavaleros, the Glimpsers played Carnaval on the roof of the museum. Dancing to music with talcum and foam flying in the air and a beautiful backdrop of Guaranda below. It was a marvelous sight. From the Carnaval celebration, we learned how love, community, and celebration are at the heart of Guarandeño culture. Not very different from what is at the heart of Glimpser culture.
The evening activities wrapped up with our first nightly meeting. The torch was passed to our Global Glimpse Leaders who will be the leaders for tomorrow. All in all, everyone ended the day exhausted but excited for the adventures still to come.
Sounds like a great day.
Sounds like an awesome first day in country. I hope all take the time to marvel ina respectful manner at the natural beauties of the area, the people and the cultures!!!
Andy…pineapple jelly and peanut butter?!? That would be your dream sandwich 🙂 I can’t wait to hear about it. The carnival sounds amazing too!
xo
Very special trip for a very special group of young adults!! Love, community, & celebration = GU2B!!
Sounds like a perfect start to the trip with an afternoon of cultural immersion and celebration. Thanks for sharing.
have a lot of fun & take care daughter aka cassie beccera !!! :)))
I love you Coz.❤️
thanks for giving us a glimpse into your travels. can’t wait to hear what’s next. have fun!
Looks like a great first day!
Have lots of fun Cassie love you and take care! glad you guys made it to safe!
Hola Glimpsers!
My name’s Layla, this year’s GG intern in the Bay Area. I did Global Glimpse in 2016 and traveled to Constanza, Dominican Republic (Camilo was actually one of my PCs!). However, I had such an incredible experience with GG that I wanted to keep doing something like it, and ended up deciding to take a gap year after graduation, and just got back from living in Ecuador for 7.5 months helping in a local school’s English department and living with a host family! I lived in the northern part of the Sierra in Ibarra, just a couple hours north of Quito, and never got the chance to visit Guaranda, but I can just imagine how much fun you’re all having with GG and in Ecuador. I saw that you all tried granadillas on your first day, my new favorite fruit since living there—super jealous of you guys. I loved hearing that you got to learn about Carnaval, too. Carvanal is one of my favorite days in Ecuador—I can still remember running through downtown Ibarra with my friends getting soiled in paint, wood shavings, eggs, and most importantly: cans and cans of espuma (foam). I’m excited to read your blogs and hear all about your adventures with GG and Ecuador! Take in all those breathtaking views of volcanoes and greenery, eat popcorn on soup, and learn and enjoy! Hasta pronto, Layla
Have fun and enjoy all this trip with all your group??
Hi small bean!! I hope you’re having the most fantastic time and I love you so so much! Love, Big bean
Hi small bean!! I hope you’re having the most fantastic time and I love and miss you so so much!
Love, big bean
Glad to see the photos and to hear everyone is settling in and having fun! Thank you!
Welcome to Ecuador! Now come back because you’re missed. Have a great time and hope you’re not too homesick. Stay healthy