Today was another amazing day. We enjoyed a typical delicious Ecuadorian breakfast of humitas. We learned an interesting Ecuadorain way of eating humitas by Jose, our Program Coordinator, by pouring sugar on them. After breakfast, we took a spectacular bus trip up the mountains to Cacha to experience the Inti Raymi celebration which is the annual indigenous celebration of the sun. On the way up, the students were awed by the beauty of the landscape and the winding road.
Fortunately, we made it in one piece. Once we arrived, we were given a tour of the area by an indigenous guide who taught us about their way of life and the rituals surrounding this special day. We visited the museum and a garden of native plants. She explained their various uses which we all found quite interesting. Most of us didn’t know that there were two types of aloe vera- male and female plants. The male, which is recommended for women, is not able to grow here due to the climate.
The female plants are recommended for use by men. In the garden there was also a hole full of cuy – guinea pig. They are raised here not for pets but for food. One student had a chance to climb down and catch a few. The students loved taking turns holding them and joked about which one we were going to eat for dinner.
After the tour, they also had a chance to take pictures with llamas on the mountainside while taking in the awe inspiring view of Riobamba below.
We then watched and participated in the Solstice ceremony. After that, we experienced a Pamba Mesa, our version of a potluck. It was a feast of many different types of corn, potatoes, cheese, fruit, nuts and ecuadorian tortillas filled with cheese. Que rico! It was actually a feast eaten without cutlery. How fun is that! The students want to do this when they return home..so get ready!
This photo was of the Pamba Mesa provided by the community. Ours was even more beautiful!
Later on in the afternoon, we all had a traditional Ecuadorian dance lesson. These students really can bust a move. They were able to wear the traditional garments which really brought out their moves. After being exhausted from the dance lesson, the students engaged some local kids in a soccer game. It was girls against boys…guess who won? They had so much fun that we made a date with the local kids to play again on Wednesday. After the soccer match, they played Frisbee with the kids.
Traditional dance class!
We ended the day with a yummy dinner of hot soup and hamburgers. What an awesome day. They are all content and sleeping in their beds at the moment.
Hello to my son Kiwane and everyone else! It sounds like the day was packed with lits of great activities! So glad to hear about all the excitement going on plus this really helps me to know that my son is doing well! We love you Kiwane and you and the entire group remains in our prayers! God bless you all !! Good night!
Good morning Laniah!we miss you….but im so glad you are involved with The GG project we see that you along with the other student have immersed yourself in the culture! Please take full advantage of all that is around you,help where you can and give where it is necessary….so proud of you all!….happy fathers day Walker…..love to all and safe travels on your next excursion…Lance,Latrice and lil lance…
Thanks Lance and Happy Fathers Day to you too.
Thanks for the update! It’s fun to read.
I am very grateful for these daily blogs! I am able to share them with extended family and friends, so we can all see the wonderful and enriching time that you are all having with our kids. Personally, I am so glad to see my son, Will, smiling in all of the photos you post! Thank you for giving him the experience of a lifetime!
Looks like it was a fun filled day!
I’m loving all the fun activities! So… Proud of my son Kiwane!! We love you and continue to have a blast!! God bless you all and thanks GG leaders!!
Hi to everyone–it’s great to see all those smiling faces, and to hear about days jam-packed with new, exciting and fun experiences!
Hey LaNiah.i hope u are having a great experience in Ecuador.take in the culture and the scenery.love u Mom.
Sounds like you’re having an amazing trip Sonu!! So glad you’re making a difference and learning too. We all miss you at home! 🙂
Annie,
Loved the picture of you bustin’ a move! It is such a true pleasure to see pictures and hear about the daily Global Glimpse experiences. You look like you are learning a lot and eating the delicacies of Ecuador. Glad you were able to celebrate the Summer Solstice. I miss you so much but am hoping you make the most of every moment. Wishing all the Riobamba crew a fabulous week ahead!
Much love,
Mom
Hello everyone! Love the pictures and so interesting of a day they had. Sebastian McAlister are you warm enough, it looks chilly there. I am so glad they all were able to celebrate the Sun Soltice with another country because it is a beautiful celebration! Keep learning and have fun!
Love you
Mom & Dad