Hola todos!
The Guaranda Global Glimpse program had a big day today; we learned about an amazing cultural tradition and visited a museum to learn more about La Carnaval. We started the day with a large breakfast including eggs, bread, and surprisingly, blackberry juice! After, we visited a curandero, or healer, in San Lorenzo named Adan Angulo. He explained about and performed a ritual called La Chakana, which addressed the purification and celebration of the unity of the cosmos, the earth, and everything below. The setting of the ritual was next to a large river, causing Emily N. to get her shoes completely soaked! After Adan demonstrated La Chakana, we had a period of time to ask him questions about his life and the ritual. Many people stepped out of their comfort zone to ask him these questions in Spanish! I was especially impressed by Lucy’s courage in asking multiple questions about Adan’s family and the cleansing ceremony.
After the cleansing that left everyone feeling calm and mentally purified, we went back to the hotel and had some free time. Kieran taught a group of Glimpsers how to play Egyptian war, an extremely complex but exciting card game. Although we played many rounds, Kieran won all of them. After accepting that he was the master of Egyptian war, we went to lunch, where we got to try cow liver. Although the texture was hard to enjoy, we were all very proud of ourselves and each other for trying this new food. Some of the other foods we were able to experience were fried beef, chicken with cheese and ham, a potato puree, and maduro, or sweet plantain.
Soon after lunch, we went to Museo La Guitarra, or Guitar Museum. The building gets its name because it is actually in the shape of a guitar! This museum helped us learn about the history and tradition of Carnaval in Ecuador. After the museum, we took the bus to a neighboring hill where we got some amazing photos of the landscape and architecture of Guaranda.
We had an amazing day today and we learned a lot about indigenous cultures in Ecuador and how these cultures manifest themselves through traditions and customs, like La Carnaval.
Shoutout to my family and my dog—Love you guys!
Asha J.
P.S. Please keep adding comments! We love hearing them!
What a great day! How lovely to learn about traditional healing, La Carnaval. Very proud for your collective courage in trying new cuisine. Thanks for sharing the beautiful scenery.
Hi Kalei. Don’t know if my notes are coming thru B/c I only saw 1 on the blog. Anyway hope you’re having an amazing time! You must be, given the descriptions and photos! When are you guys allowed to make a phone call? We miss you! All is good here. Love Dad
Another interesting day for you Glimpsers with blackberry juice, La Chakana, and Egyptian War! Sounds super duper. Thank you Asha for writing such a detailed account for us back home. Ariana we miss you tons. My after work tea time is not he same without you! Don’t forget to take some photos and don’t forget to put sunscreen! Love you ∞ , Mom <3
Josue I’m glad you’re on the heights !! and that you know other places and beliefs, they went handsome with your partner in the photo, I would have liked your smile that characterizes you, enjoy and relax. we miss you! 😘😘 mama
Glimpsers – Kieran always wins at Egyptian war here at home too. We sympathize. Mom won’t even listen to all the directions.
Kieran, we love you and miss you. Tintin is sleeping through the heat, and Penny keeps walking in to your room yelling.
Sounds like you are having a good time with a good group. Hope tomorrow is wonderful. Blackberry juice sounds amazing.
<3 m, d, n, t, p
Asha – sweetheart – we love you too; so so much. What an amazing write up. Felt like we were there with the group enjoying all the activities together. Everything sounds so fun – the ritual, the food, the game, the museum…
I had a dental cleaning appointment today. Missed P2P. Spent some family time with Ravi (missed you). He is planning to go back to Berkeley on Friday. It will be hard with both of you out of home. But it’s so great to know that you both will be truly enjoying these moments in your life.
Lots of love sweetheart.
Mom Dad Ravi Sparky
These pictures look great! Guaranda looks so beautiful. I’m glad you guys are enjoying South America; your Spanish skills must be coming in really handy. I can’t believe you ate cow liver when you’re such a picky eater at home 🙂 Anyway, enjoy the rest of the trip!
Dearest Asha,
That is a wonderful description of the day… we felt like we were there with you and your friends. We participated virtually / spiritually in the La Chakana, the Egyptian war, visits to the museum and the amazing local feasts…
The family including sparky says ‘hi’ … best wishes for the best time… JMD
Dad, Mom, Ravi and Sparky
Hi Lindsey,s Dad here
I can’t wait to hear more details about the healing ceremony! Lindsey did you really eat cow liver????!!!! Dad and I went to the brunch place you and I have been wanting to go to in Oakley and it was delicious so we’ll take you when you get back! Love you!
Hi everyone,
The pictures look awesome. The food sounds yummy. We will have to travel to South America again! Ariana, we hope you are enjoying this very unique cultural immersion and practicing some Spanish!
All is well here and Baba sends his love. We are all
very proud of you!
Dad
Lucy : )
I loved reading about your day and feel very proud that you are using your Spanish (though not surprised). So far, it sounds like an amazing trip! Back here in CA, our heatwave has let up, thank goodness. Delilah and I miss you but we are so happy you are having this experience. Love you lots. Mom (and D)
Ola Lucinda D
So excited for you! I can image how beautiful everything looks over there. Food sounds yummy maybe you can pick up a new recipe so you can make for us !! 143 💕Tu Mama