Written by Elaisa & KC
We have learned about the Ecuadorian culture, some of the indigenous dialect in Ecuador called Quecha, textile threading, music and instruments, and the history of Ecuador. We’ve connected with a lot of the locals as well as our host parents. We’ve participated in some of the festivals and have bought many items at different markets.Â
After experiencing various different activities, tubbing was by far one of the best experiences. We were all placed in groups of 6 and 7 and were in rubber tubes. Gliding through the class 1 rapids was very adventurous and freeing. AND S000 COLD BECAUSE IT STARTED TO RAIN!!! Also we were able to receive another opportunity to get into the water in a nearby pool in Mindo near our previous hostels. It was very refreshing getting into the big pool/jacuzzi, playing ping-pong and volleyball and getting to know more about the other participants!! They are so amazing, we love everyone on this trip. And finally hiking to 5 different waterfalls. in order to get to the trail you had to take a cable car across a valley and the view of the mountains and forest so high up was scary but worth it. We went to the trail early and spent the entire morning hiking up and down to see and swim in multiple waterfalls. We even went behind the waterfall and jumped in. It was great and empowering to be so free with nature.
But with transformation comes challenge – what has been challenging for the group this week?Â
Out of all activities that we’ve done so far, the most challenging have been: being able to communicate with our homestay families in full Spanish conversations, hiking to the waterfalls, and being able to manage and adjust to the change in altitude and temperature here in Ecuador. Some of us aren’t fluent is Spanish so it makes it harder to understand the locals. The altitude makes it harder to hike and control breathing in general.
How is the group dynamic?Â
I think this has to be one of the best groups I’ve ever been with in a long time, and I can’t wait for to spend the next month together. This group is so refreshing, unique, and let me tell you the humor is on POINT! Even on the flight everybody felt so connected and in unity. We all have a sense of what a community is. Everybody cares for everybody. Everyone is so thoughtful! There are some people who don’t speak Spanish in our group and there are people that are translating to help them out. Others make sure to encourage the rest, pushing us steps closer to our hiking locations, and making sure we all get from point A to point B.
