Families and friends,
Today was the last full day in beautiful Riobamba, Ecuador. We started off breakfast with some delicious pancakes and hard-boiled eggs. There was also some sweet papaya and pineapples. After our stomachs were full, we took a group photo with Mama Isabel. Then, we took a short walk back to the hotel to watch two documentaries: one about the last ice merchant of Ecuador and the other about Ecuador’s natural beauty. Later that afternoon, we finished our letters of appreciation to our donors. For lunch, we had potato fries, fried plantains, fried tilapia, mango salad, and some refreshing coconut juice. Following lunch, we were able to explore the city with our friends for the last time. Some people went to Plaza Roja to get some last-minute souvenirs, and others went to various food places (Café Paris, Crepes and Company, and a burger place).
After our free time was over, we attended our last day at English tutoring. We played some games with the kids during our break time, and we taught our final lessons. We said our goodbyes to our students and headed off to our eventful and last dinner at Roma Santa. To begin our excitement, Mama Isabel prepared a mystery meal for some adventurous volunteers. These brave people’s names are Naomi, Ben, Skyler, David, Ms. Oji, Victor, Alyssa, Jeremy, and Ms. Rodriguez (sort of). They were all instantly surprised when they saw what was coming. The mystery meal turned out to be live, wiggly maggots. Everyone was shocked but also excited to see them eat the maggots. Following that mystery meal, dinner consisted of plantain cheeseballs and chicken noodle soup with some coffee and tea. Later that night, we had a spontaneous karaoke night that ended with mixed emotions. Nelson, Mama Isabel’s son, was surprised with a soccer ball signed by all the Glimpsers and a Warriors long sleeved shirt. He was overblown with emotions over our final goodbyes and all of us were sad.
We ended our night with our usual nightly meeting and the passing of the torch. Delila and Sela did a duo talent, which was a blindfold makeup challenge. We wish them good luck on their term of being the last leaders of our adventure!
Big love,
Nancy N. and Naomi N.
PS:
For the past 15 days, the entire delegation has enjoyed heated games of super speed, taught by the master Naomi, who has been undefeated numerous times. People tried to dethrone her during breakfast, lunch, dinner, and free time. No one has been successful until TONIGHT! Mrs. Oji finally beat Naomi in an epic battle. The whole delegation was shocked to their core. Mrs. Oji ran through the hotel screaming with joy and the whole delegation celebrated.
Awww that’s a sweet post. I know everyone must be having mixed emotions around this time. All of you have created a lifelong bond with each other and many unforgettable memories that will stay with you all forever. I must say that we loved reading your blog posts, waited impatiently to read new one each day, and appreciated everybody’s writing skills! Each one of you is talented, and kind individual. Thanks for sharing you experiences with us. Through each of you we could virtually be a part of this epic Global Glimpse trip. Additionally, Thanks to the GG leaders, Anna, Jerry, Ms. Oji, Ms. Scheppach, Senora Isabel -Nelson and all the volunteers for taking care of our kids miles away from home. Finally, congrats Ms. Oji for winning the epic battle of Super speed!!! And now Shreysi, we are so very EXCITED, finally you are coming home- yay!!!- Mommy
ps: make sure to pack well. Wrap breakable stuff (if any) in layers of clothes.
Dear Glimpsers, Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us. Riobamba seems like a beautiful place filled with cordial people. It is always hard to say goodbye but the way you handled your group on such an emotional day is commendable. we hope you”ll get to travel to more exciting places and gain valuable experience. This trip has taught you many valuable life lessons that you won’t learn in classes.
Congrats to all! You have made it to the end of the journey in Riobamba and it sounds like it was a HUGE success. So many stories to tell when you get back home, so many lifelong memories and hopefully some new friends that you share a wonderful bond with. We are really anxious to see you all and welcome you back home. Enjoy yourselves and cherish the time. Thank you to all of you who have blogged to keep us in the loop of your activities.
P/s: Jeremy,we’re super proud of everything you’ve done so far on your trip. We can’t wait to hear all about your trip when you get home!
Love you so much!
Mom &Dad
Finally we saw Mama Isabel!
Luisa, how come you did not eat the maggots?
I will see you tomorrow evening in San Ramon; have safe trip back home. Kisses
Shreysi, while we are super excited that you are coming back home but also understand how much you will miss these 2 weeks & new friends. This was an epic adventure for you and us as well. Your blogs made us feel that we were there everyday! Thank you to Mama Isabel, your leaders and fellow students for making this an awesome experience. See you tomorrow morning. – Dad
P.S. I am glad that I did not get such a surprise meal 😉
I will miss reading these blog posts. You all are amazing young leaders, and the emotions on Nelson’s face show what an impact you made (the Dubs shirt was brilliant). Ben, I love your spirit of adventure and risk taking — maggots yikes!! Can’t wait to make the drive to SFO tomorrow morning. Safe travels to all.
I just want to thank everyone from the local GG team, especially Mama Isabel, for taking care of our children in the last two weeks.
Albert, I know you wouldn’t try the “special” meal but it probably would be a treat for mommy 😉 We can’t wait to see you tomorrow.
Luv ya,
MDB
shreysi – why didn’t you have the maggots, they sounded lovely? for real though, I am so proud of everything you’ve done and love reading about your day on the blog. I can’t wait to see you soon!
Congratulations to all of you! Through your amazing adventures you have all created memories for a lifetime and left a part of yourselves in Riobamba that will improve the lives of those you have helped for a long time! ❤️? Skyler – did you really eat a live wiggling maggot? Wow – you are braver than me! We are so excited you are coming home and can’t wait for a live Hug! Don’t forget to get everyone’s contact info. See you soon!
Love mom
Everyone has said it so well in the above comments. I’m sure we are all looking forward to you coming home and hear in person more details about your travel and work. Kevin, I an’t wait to see you!