Hola mi nombre es Dallana y tuve el privilegio de ser uno de los primeros dos Lideres Del Dia.

Today started with a 6:30 wake up call and a 7am breakfast.  Then we had another seminar and by 9am we were on our way to La Moya – an indigenous community 30 min. outside of Riobamba.  We were welcomed by a traditional horn blower which symbolically welcomed us.  First thing we saw was a mural symbolizing everything happening in the community.  For example, the different aspects of the culture from food, to weaving wool.

 

 

Our tourist guide took us through a small museum where we learned the legend of the Chimborazo mountain as well as 3 surrounding mountains, where legend has it that 2 were female and 2 were male.  Basically they were all cheating on each other and Chimborazo destroyed the other male mountain and won both female mountains.

Next we saw the documentary about the ice merchant and how ice is collected and carried using rope made from dried straw.  We even got to practice making the rope.

 

 

After a yummy lunch in the community we transitioned to our culture day.  First we took a intense but fun ride on the public bus to experience the local transportation.  We walked 3 blocks to Capilla del Sacrilegio (local temple) where we learned the history and signifigance of a controversial Priest and oldest catholic high school.

 

 

From there, we arrived at the much anticipated dance class led by the Renovacion Folklore Dance Group, learning tradtional Ecuadorian dances.  Sharing the stories and traditions associated with the dances is important to keep these dances and the cultures alive and remembered.  One of the most engaging aspects was wearing traditional outfits.