In the United States, we lead drastically different lives than we would if we lived in rural Ecuador. Specifically, in the community of El Molino right near Guamote, one of the poorest cities in Ecuador. Today, as part of our second Reality Challenge, we ‘Lived like Locals’ with Cesar Ayol and his family. They opened up their home to us, and allowed us to take part in their daily activities. These daily activities involved picking corn in the fields, and preparing that day’s lunch for our fellow Glimpsers and Cesar’s family. In order to truly immerse ourselves into the experience of how locals in Ecuador live, we began our day with a typical local’s breakfast on the bus to El Molino. We zig-zaged through the mountains and, at some points, we did some off road driving; all thanks to our amazing bus driver Juanito! When we arrived to the farm, we were split into two groups. One group was working in the fields with Cesar, while others worked in the kitchen with Cesar’s daughters, Carmen and Zoila. After 3 hours of hard labor, we devoured trout, potatoes, salad, and FINALLY we got to try Cuy (Guinea Pig)!! The Cuy vaguely tasted like chicken. Once we thanked Cesar and his family for welcoming us into his home and for opening our eyes to a new reality, we returned to our Riobamba reality. We taught our fourth English Tutoring session. Once that had been done, we enjoyed a marvelous dinner prepared by our very own Isabel and her wonderful staff at the best restaurant in Ecuador, La Roma Santa! We all learned a ton about how regular locals live their day-to-day lives. From not being able to use any electronics whatsoever, to reflecting upon the fact that even those without as many privileges and belongings as we have in the United States, we saw life through a new lens. We ended our day with our usual nightly meeting, but also, with a new sense of appreciation and gratitude. Our final conversation for the night? What does happiness mean to you. As you read this, we hope you share that same gratitude and appreciation that we have learned today to remember what you’re grateful for.
Kushi kushi kan! (“I am happy”, in Kichwa!)
Personal Shoutout to The West Family and friends. I miss and love you very much. I am having a fantastic time. I am learning a lot and immersing myself into this culture as best as I can. I will see you soon <3 <3
Personal Shoutout to the Itzkow’s! Mom, add Guinea pig and worms to the list of things I ate, but probably shouldn’t have. I miss you guys, and can’t wait to show you all the pictures I have! Vic, keep up my snap streaks, thanks!
Wow, Kiwane you guys had some kind of day! Very interesting facts about how different people in Ecuador live compared to what you all are used to. I hope this experience shine a lot of light for everyone on the trip we must learn to be grateful and most of all thankful for what we have. Whomever tried worms and guinea pigs you are a brave soul, I couldn’t have done that! Well we miss you very much Kiwane and I’m so glad that you got the opportunity to go to Ecuador this will be a great memory for you. Kam is literally counting down the days until you get back?! Love you, take good care of yourself! Good night everyone and God bless you all !!
Following all of you via this blog is so amazing. I am so happy for all of you to be able to see the world from another perspective. I am also happy for us (your loved ones) being able to witness you during this experience. I believe all of you are developing into the best you ever. K’Lynn I am looking forward to you returning home and sharing with us some of the things you have seen and maybe even assign us a family project. Your grandmother has tried to post a reply several times but has had some difficulty. I imagine she would say “I Love You”. We love you and we are proud of all of you continue to enjoy.
I love you too and nana and I’m looking forward to return home as well.
Hi Taylor! So proud of your blog today! You and Bernadetta did a great job!!
Hope all of you Global Glimpsers are having a fantastic time! Taylor, the West Family is so excited that you are a part of this incredible experience.
We share the same appreciation and gratitude for our lives here! We should remember to count our blessings when we think we are having a hard time. Love you and miss you sooooo much! Be Blessed!
Love you more Mommmyyy! Miss you. Stay safe. I will see you soon. Give everyone my best wishes. I think about all of you all the time.
xoxo
Taylor
Hey Isa!
This looks awesome! And that pig that you guys roasted looks delicious! I hope you guys are having an amazing time! I am extremely proud of you! This is going to be an experience that you will never forget! God bless you!
Dear Isa, it sounds like your really learning a lot and trying many new things. Miss you and can’t wait till your home to hear all about your adventure I love you sweetheart be safe
Great job of reporting. Shoutout to Isaly Ortiz we love and miss you so much., so your all learning what it is to live without the luxuries you have at home, just imagine what you saw today was their every day way of life. You all should feel blessed. See ya soon Isa!
K’Lynn I’m trying once again to reach out. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so proud of you. I am glad you got to experience this adventure. Continue to enjoy your trip. I can’t wait to see you on Monday. Love you Nana
Hey Sebastian! How exciting to experience living like a local! You are eating better there for sure. The Cuy did not look as bad as I thought it would, I hope you enjoyed it. So proud of all the hard work you are experiencing, I can’t wait to hear about picking corn. Love you and keep learning
Love Mom
Hi Sonal! Loved all the pics that has been posted! Riobamba looks amazing and I can’t believe that you have so many adventurous activities packed in one day. So nice to see how the people live their daily lives and you get to experience this! Love you and see you soon.
Hi Taylor, glad to hear you are having such a good time and am extremely grateful you were selected to participate in this project. Your selection and participation in this project is a testament to (1) your individuality and intelligence and (2) the pride of your family and loved ones. Continue to learn and grow, you are destined for great things. Much love. Uncle Duck.
Taylor,
I am so very proud of you……We often read or watch accounts of how people in other countries or communities live. However, we are not always aware of how they struggle to survive from day to day. I think this experience has allowed you to see and feel first hand how resourceful the human spirit can be….I looked at all of the pictures (especially the ones that you were in)and I walked away with impression that you and your “Homies” were really making an impact. To quote from the blog that you and Bernadette posted “As you read this, we hope you share that same gratitude and appreciation that we have learned today to remember what you’re grateful for.” I am grateful that I know you, but more importantly I’m grateful that you are my daughter…….Love you Daddy..