Day 4 with the Llamas

Hi GG families and friends! It’s the Leaders del Dia.

We started off the day at 6:15 am, and left to eat breakfast at 7:00 am at our main food provider’s restaurant. Isabel is our cook, with the help of her son Gabo. We had bananas, apples, bread, and tea. Then we left for a small tour of Riobamba! First, we visited a railroad, then made our way to Sucre Park in front of the beautiful National School of  Maldonado. Next, we walked over to Red Plaza and got a chance to go into the small souvenir shops. Some people got the chance to buy ponchos, traditional dresses and instruments. After, we visited San Pedro Cathedral, in front of Plaza Mayor. 

We also got to try an Ecuadorian pastry, before getting into the school bus on our way to Palacio Real. The drive wasn’t too long, but just far enough from the busier city. Palacio Real is a community center of indigenous Ecuadorians. The area is surrounded by beautiful sights of mountains, huge fields, plants, animals, and trees. It felt like a treat to be so surrounded by nature, something we don’t often get back home. A woman named Flor greeted us upon arrival and introduced us to their llamas outside, Manuela and her son Julien. Manuela was skeptical, but Julien was content as we petted him and posed for pictures. Then we made our way inside of their restaurant, where we were served lunch and some tried llama!

After lunch, we started our private tour with our two favorite lamas. Each global glimpser got the chance to walk the lamas and bond with them. It was very interesting to experience walking llamas in the street and throughout the indigenous land. The llamas are much stronger and bigger than you, at times the llamas would start running ahead of you and it was a little stressful to see and feel but very fun as well. We then walked with the llamas through Palacio Real To learn about the plants all around Palacio Real and how the plants and trees were used for medicine. This tour opened my eyes to the land around me and showed its true beauty and how nature can be used for health benefits. We ended our tours by taking photos at the Riobamba sign with a beautiful view of the mountains and dancing with the locals. 

Bye!! We will get a chance to call families tomorrow! ?