The view from our hostel balcony
We may have arrived late our first night, and we may be all adjusting to life at over 9,000 feet, but the inaugural Global Glimpse Ecuador crew could not be more energized and excited for the days that lie ahead.
After our first day exploring Quito, some first impressions shared:
“Quito reminds me of San Francisco.”
“Wow! The architecture!”
“This has been a really great day….starting with the morning, and that really cool fruit.”
“People here seem more warm and approachable than back in the States.”
“I don’t get really tired….but, like….I’m really tired.”
Needless to say, our days have been busy, yet incredibly meaningful. Today, our program coordinators took us on a walking tour of the historic downtown area of the city, passing through Plaza de la Independencia (and the President’s palace) and several other buildings and churches built in the colonial era.
We ended the tour at Casa Victoria, a nonprofit organization that provides a safe, enriching environment for children from economically disadvantaged families in the area. Mama Alicia, Casa Victoria’s Founder and Director, made us home-cooked pizza with all ingredients bought locally or grown in Casa Victoria’s house garden. Fernanda, one of our program coordinators with an extensive background in sustainable agriculture, reminded us that our food choices make an impact, and invited us to reflect on how we could make a difference by being more intentional with what we ate (the advice seemed to work: at our nightly meeting, one student reflected “That pizza was actually really delicious….I’ve never actually had a zucchini in my pizza before…and that was cool.”). Afterwards, we got into an intense game of futbol: Global Glimpse vs. the kids of Casa Victoria
The result of a “dirty” header.
Students ended the day with genuine reflections on what they’ve seen or experienced:
On forcing each other to meet new people and have new experiences: “I’m hoping we can all can continue pushing ourselves outside of our comfort zone, instead of just trying to create another comfort zone within this space.”
On our society as a whole: “I think before today I had been losing a lot of hope, but today has really started restoring my faith in people.”
We’re tired, and a bit dizzy (and many of us are wishing we had practiced more of our Spanish). But we all couldn’t be more excited for what this country will teach us next.
Excited to reach our host city of Riobamba tomorrow!
Looks like you are off to a wonderful start. Keep them blogs coming!
I’m glad you guys are settling in.
How’s your Spanish coming along. Are
you able to use it?
Thank you for your post. With all the incredible
details
Ty
-b
Great to read about your wonderful adventures
Have a fantastic journey
And looking forward to more posts and pictures
So great to hear about your already amazing adventure! Futbol sounded like a lot of fun. Loved seeing the pictures. Continue to have a wonderful time and look forward to hearing about more of your experiences.
Woohoo, what a great way to start the day this morning taking a look at those colorful pictures and smiles! Thank you for all the details. Those hills really looks like San Francisco. :o) I can’t wait to hear and see Riobamba’s activities.
Beautiful blog, thank you for sharing your adventures! We are on the edge of our seats and can’t wait for new updates for the first Ecuador group in GG history!
Eliza & the GG US Team
What a great day! Can’t wait to see what you do next! xxxooo
Hello Global Glimpse friends, My name is Ever, I’m from San Jose CA.
My Daughter is with the team to Riobamba Ecuador, I was worry not to hear from her for few days, since the arrived to Quito and I was wondering if you all make it safe to Riobamba, but now that I see her in some of the pictures, make me feel better and happy. I’ll be checking the blog every day to follow the team with your daily activities. Again I’m happy that all you guys made it safe, Tequiero mucho mija, Cuidate, Saludos desde San Jose California.
Hi Mija, I’m glad you all make it safe to Riobamba. I got your message from the blog,I’m happy to hear from you, We were little worry not to hear from you after your call from Quito. Now that I can see you on the pictures with your new friends and playing with those lovely kids, make me feel more happy and almost make me cry, just see you far away from us for the firs time. Te queremos mucho mija, disfruta alo maximo tu estancia en este precioso lugar de Ecuador, esto sera una esperiencia en tu vida, cuidate mucho, Love you Dad & Mom….
Hi mama, I waited all day Friday for your call!! I know you’re having a good time but I want to hear y our voice. We miss you Arianna. Love dad, mom and Lelee.