Hi this is Alyssa and Kevin! We had the pleasure of being
todays Lideres del Día (Leaders of the Day/LDDs) and it was an honor. Today was day #7 (though we’re sure most of you have been keeping track), and it was all about Indigenous culture and its impact presently and throughout History.
Our fuel at the beginning of the day consisted of eggs, oats, bread, cheese,
strawberries, bananas, and tangerines. Because of the presentation of the oats and eggs I (Alyssa) made and
incorrect announcements; I said that we were having pancakes and syrup, which lead some of my fellow glimpsers to pore oats all over their eggs. I swear that I heard “panqueques” which means pancakes! And the oats were in a big dish with a ladle so our obvious conclusion was syrup! We eventually corrected ourselves (mainly me) before all are friends had syrupy eggs.
My LDD partner today [Kevin] was so considerate that he planned with me to arrange to make sure that I could get in a nap during our bus ride up to Cacha. I’m a napper; I get chronic migraines and I had to bring medication on this trip but a good preventative is getting a full nights sleep; that is not always possible with our schedules. So I have been taking naps everywhere and anywhere that I could catch them, though where and when it was also appropriate. I’ve been given compliments on how well I can nap. Kevin made sure that no matter which of our two buses I was on, I would be able to nap. We decided that the bigger of the two groups would go on the big bus and the smaller group who wanted quiet would be on the small; the big bus ended up being the “party” bus all day and I got my nap—everyone was happy.
At the Cacha reserve of the Puraua we were privileged to be able to participate in a Ritual Cleansing Ceremony 
very early one in the tour right after the museum. The museum housed traditional clothing fore women and men, and there was also a case displaying the previous currency of Ecuador [they now use dollars]. We learnt of the meaning and uses of each piece of custom traditional clothing. The belts seemed most important—they had the most variety in styles and uses, though all could repel negative energy, though it depended fore who: children, mothers, women and men. Ms. Scheppach, Delila, and myself were able to enter the circle and me individually shown our negative energy being expelled. We had to first howl an egg over our sternums then the shaman took it and we had to blow on it tree times, after he would brush the egg over your chess, arms, upper back, and caves, then he would pore water into a glass and crack the eggs—how much of the egg white rose up was how much negative energy you had. Can any of you guess who had the least or most negative energy?
We ate a Traditional Ecuadorian meal at the reserve: Boiled potatoes, fava beans, tubers, miniature heirloom golden tomatoes, sauces; Pico de Gallo with bell peppers.
We had dinner back at Roma Santa: Pasta with potatoes, spinach, and carrots, with panades made of wheat with cheese inside, and tea.
Today was special to be an LDD for us because we got to lead our group into a culturally foreign environment and make sure they were respectful and that they were also comfortable. So many of them were so engaged and willing to participate fully—it was beautiful. Another equally beautiful moment was the break time during English Tutoring were nearly everyone was involved in a super-heatedgame of basketball with the students.
Tomorrow Ben and Kai will be our leaders for Breakfast and politics [I hope that thought doesn’t ruin any of your breakfasts]. It was a pleasure being the leaders for such a great group of students on this trip. Best of luck to Ben and Kai. From Alyssa and Kevin, buenas noches y hasta luego.
Hi Bryn Bayla! It’s great to see your smiling face and to know that you’re having an incredible adventure. We hope you’re taking a lot of pics and we can’t wait to hear all about your trip! What a wonderful opportunity to experience another culture and meet more wonderful people. We miss you and love you, Grandma & Bubbie
Did you get spat upon?! Nice pics with “Lorenzo”! (For all who listen to Kids Place Live) Zachary, I’m sorry we missed your call. It was good to hear your voice!! Thank you for leaving a message. Everyone looks so happy and we’re enjoying reading about it all. We have been reading the dailys to all of your siblings, Zack! Keep trekking everyone! You’re doing great!
Hey Shreysi, I’m waiting for Thursday so we could talk or chat. Today was very hot here in San Ramon, 97 degrees. We stayed home most of the time. Dad is in NY for business trip this week. I can see from posts that your schedule is super busy, i’m Sure all of you can use power nap between bus rides. Make sure to Stay hydrated. I loved your picture. The lama is so cute, the place is very picturous and beautiful. Can’t wait to talk to you on Thursday- Take care- love Mom
Hey Will, nice photo.
Finally you got to ask “como te llamas llama?
We prepared you well!
Love the stories and the experiences you’re having.
LOL….”como te llamas llama?”
@Kevin I’m glad that I was able to train you to accommodate naps:) Keep on enjoying beautiful Ecuador!!
Fantastic pictures with the lamas! The one with Luisa will become a classico de la familia Taverna!
All the best from Frankfurt!
Luisa, on the plane I have been able to watch the movie Lady Bird. Very nice. Besos.
Hi Kai. Mom and I spoke with your leader yesterday asking about your health. Good to know you’re feeling better. Make sure you eat some yogurt to compensate for your medication. Sounds like a great experience this trip is. (Yoda English) Aiden starts Burlingame tournament today. Kayla slept over last night. She was in the city exchanging something. Didn’t want to go back to Berkeley. Mom and I are good just worried about you but we know you’re having fun. Kaylee headed for Dominican Republic last night. Good to know your back in form. Heard you played basketball. I’ll text Matt and ask him about leagues that start up late.
Take care and may the force be with you.
Love MDKA
Great job all the Glimpsers! That’s amazing pictures of how fun and exciting your day with your group was. Cannot wait to see and hear more your exciting stories.
Thank you for such amazingly written blogs that kept us well informed about your adventures there.
Jeremy, you’re look good on the picture!!!
Loved reading this blog and seeing the photos. The LDD’s are doing an amazing job. Ben, I know you love animals but we can’t have a llama. The Dubs parade was great – the players got out of their buses and really mingled with the crowd. I imagine that seems unimportant in comparison to what you are experiencing. Big hug!
shreysi and luisa – the pictures are actually adorable. I’m missing your lovely faces so much and can’t wait to see you when you get back.
Hello Bao Hoa,
Everyday reading about your adventures make me wish I could be there with you too. I hope you are having a lot of fun (you look tanner in the picture for some reason). Thanks for keeping us at home update throughout your journey. Stay safe and I’ll see you soon. Miss you so much!
Big sis
Thanks for another great post with many photos.
Luisa: happy to see your photo. I went Redondo beach and Venice beach, heading to Hollywood now. Very nice weather at LA and thinking about you a lot when I see young teen girls at beach. Want to come again with you this summer. Looking forward to hear all your adventures at there. Tanti baci-mom
The pictures are great. Love the individual ones. Suspected Ecuador would be beautiful and these pictures only how us a glimpse of it. Can’t wait to hear every moment of your adventure. Soak in the Ecuadorian life, history, and culture. Hope this isn’t a once in a lifetime experience, but think about treating it that way. We all miss and love you, Kevin. Mom.
Hey Nancy! Thank you for calling! I missed your voice. Danny’s birthday was yesterday and we’re planning to celebrate it at Dave & Buster’s on Saturday. We’re also celebrating Father’s Day that day for grandpa at Sweet Tomatoes because he loved it last time. It looks like you’re having fun and even got to a llama! How lucky! We all still love and miss you and can’t wait for you to come back. Well. Maybe not the dog, your bed is his now.
– Mommy and T ❤️
Shreysi, not sure I missed this yesterday 🙁 You get to meet your original friends llamas 😉 This must have been a real exciting day for you 🙂 Well, I will catch up on today’s blog now.
Dad