Fernando:

After what I felt like ages, everyone was finally ready to get on the bus. The laborious task of herding everyone into the hotel’s outdoor courtyard was over, and we could finally reach our destination in the city center of Riobamba. What could only have been a five-minute bus ride felt like an hour from my anticipation to finally be the Líder del día! With my group of 10 and my co-leader Nyla with her group of 11, we set off on our own route. I must admit, I started my trip off nervous, I didn’t know if I would come off too mean when giving orders or forget to enforce safety protocols or stay on task as a leader.

There were plenty of hazards and distractions in the great city of Riobamba, and our goal was to get from the Plaza Alfaro, where we were dropped off to the market in Plaza Roja. We started off looking at local stands selling jewelry, hats, and shoeshine services. While a few fellow Glimpsers bought some jewelry, I was focused on the shoeshiners. I was surprised to see that Ecuador still has such a profession that is no longer practiced as much back in the US. Watching the professionals at work was fascinating, but it proved to be a distraction and I promptly hustled to organize the group again.

On the way to the plaza we walked in a single file line where my GGL led in the front and I made sure my fellow Glimpsers were okay in the back while also keeping them moving. Being adventurous and a fast walker made my role a little challenging but eventually figured it out. As I walked, I turned to my friend Cole, Cole woke up with a horrible migraine and was almost bedridden. Even after breakfast, Cole was not feeling well and now we were in the loud, cold, and windy heart of the city. Cole was active and passionate as ever, determined to get a poncho at the market. Cole’s passion helped me lead; inspired by his unifying effort to get to our destination.

When we got to the Plaza Roja, I didn’t know where to start! After letting everyone know the do’s and don’ts, we dispersed into the Plaza. Partnered with my inspiring friend Cole, we eventually made it to some merchants where I bartered for a straw hat that I plan to gift to my father.

Later, when bartering for a hammock, I asked the merchant for one of another color. The merchant ran across the plaza into the building. We had already checked earlier. That meant that there was an attendant of the main store in the plaza, also situated in a kiosk on the plaza!

When you are a leader, it is important to have good public speaking skills, and in this moment I realized how great and stern my voice was when projecting it to the group. I also realized, with the help of my fellow Glimpsers, how much I use curse words when talking. A mixture of swearwords and a loud volume did come across as disrespectful and at our nightly meeting my fellow Glimpsers pointed that out to me.

On the other hand, my co-leader, Nyla was a lot more timid at the start of the day, but later I learned that she was really good at leading her group. I noticed this the most when we met up with her group in the Plaza Roja and I could see Nyla more confident than she was in the morning leading her group. It was definitely inspiring and it really showed how even leaders can support and inspire other leaders. By the time was our turn to pass the torch to the next day Líderes del Día at our nightly meeting, I was content with what I had accomplished and learned from being a leader.

Nyla:

At the end of the day, during the nightly meeting, the group gave the pluses and wishes for us, the Líderes del Día. It was the first time I experienced a meeting from the other side of the table, my fellow Glimpser Nora and GGL Louise both expressed their wishes that I would have more confidence in myself and wished that I could see what everyone else could see in me, which is a good leader.

The beginning of the day, however, showed a completely different Nyla than the person that was present at that nightly meeting. I was extremely frustrated and overwhelmed with the role of Líder del Día. When leading people with minds of their own, it was a bit harder to remain assertive. I made a lot of valuable friendships on this trip, and it was difficult to take control of myself. After a few moments of silence and reflection, I allowed myself to value and understand my emotions while also knowing I had a responsibility!

After I was able to collect myself, I resumed my role and began to lead the group. It was difficult to separate, playful and friendly Nyla with an assertive and more punctual Nyla. As we walked through the streets of downtown Riobamba, it was fun to see the different vendors looking to sell their items. As a collective, my group embraced the Ecuadorian culture of wearing ponchos. It was a decision that I was most proud of seeing despite how the difficult start of the day was. Each poncho represented something different for us. We saw it as a way to unify ourselves while also appreciating Ecuadorian culture.

While walking down the street, we met someone extremely inspiring, a street dog we later named Pablita. Pablita followed us throughout the city of Riobamba, barking at any car that came too close to us. Pablita was there with us from the beginning of our free time all the way to the end, trying to protect us; even getting on the bus as we left the city.

I understood the feeling of wanting to protect my group, and I was glad that Pablita was there to do my dirty work. As free time came to an end, and we returned back to the hotel, I had time again to reflect on the frustration and overwhelming feelings I had during the beginning of the day. I realized that, even though I was grateful, I no longer had the role of leader and the experience wasn’t as bad as I originally thought. Today, I learned something I had thought before, that I was too hard on myself. I didn’t allow myself the chance to see the great leader I could be. Tonight‘s nightly meeting granted me feedback, feedback that I didn’t think I was going to receive. I am grateful for my fellow Glimpsers, as well as their positivity and kindness towards me at a time when I couldn’t see what they saw. I know now that I am on this trip for a reason; the qualities I have may just be just a glimpse of light to me, but the others it can illuminate an entire room.

Quote of the day: “Free time was the most precious time when you should be doing what you loved, or at least, slowing down enough to remember what made your life worthwhile and happy.” -Amy Tan

Big Love, Fernando and Nyla