When we transferred from Peguche to Pucara, it was a bittersweet goodbye with our 1st host families. It felt as if our adventures were just getting started and the familiar feel of care and affection from the families gave us the chance to recharge and keep pushing with our days to come.
Currently, we are writing this blog from a town called Pucara within the Intag Valley. The Intag Valley is considered a cloud forest which gives a tropic feel to the high altitude of the valley we are in. One thing about the Intag Valley is that it has stunning views partly because the clouds sometimes pass through the tips of mountains. YES, WE ARE THAT HIGH UP! We wake up and sometimes forget to appreciate our surroundings including the dark green trees in the distance, the river flowing right through the middle of the valley, and the occasional bird we try to identify as it swoops swiftly through the air.
Below is the view I have as I’m writing this blog. Isn’t it stunning :
In Pucara, we are all staying together on a Farm called Finca la Fe, the farm of a Vermont Native named Pete. While on this farm, we travese through lemon trees, coffee plants, and even pass a horse and 2 cows when we get near the main entrance. We have helped feed the two pigs and the dozen of chickens on the farm while learning about agriculture. Becoming more aware of the affects of farming with chemicals and limited access to organic foods in different parts of the world. Overall, this has been a complete change of environment for all of us. Going to bed to the noises of the city and completely switching to the calm sway of trees in a night time breeze.
Since we’ve been here, we’ve hiked towards waterfalls with the children in the local ecological club and learned about the process of making Panela starting at farming the sugar cane all the way to the cool down into sugar form. We even played a round of fùtbol with locals on a field and later was given a surprise by Pete. He invited a band to play songs for us which were a Afro-Indigenous fusion and we all danced together, appreciating the excitement in the air.
We have been OBSESSED with a card game called Cambo which was introduced to us by Matteo, one of our trip leaders. The group has been playing it non-stop while talking about how life has been on the trip so far. It’s DEFINITELY a time killer.
~ The group had an AMAZING time during our Fútbol game with Pucara locals! we ran and kicked under the strong Ecuadorian sun and had great time connecting with the community all with the help of Fútbol.
~ Elaisa, Haljazir and Zulaiya where our previous round if group leaders for the week and decided to have a game night. Despite the list of games planned, we all got SUPER PASSIONATE about playing Mafia. We played three HEATED rounds and no one could keep from laughing no matter there role. We even have people asking for another Mafia night!
What has been challenging for the group this week?Â
Anytime we have to hike up hills with tree branches that fly back at your face, we collectively struggle. Yet, we always walk proud of ourselves for pushing through and reaching that new peak or finding that last waterfall. We are definitely reaching new levels that we didn’t know where attainable and are doing best to integrate that mentality not only on hikes in search of waterfalls, but for life in general.
Adjusting to a new environment is also not easy. From sleeping in tents or taking cold showers, to trying foods you’ve never heard of. we are challenged in some sort of way but one thing for sure is that we stay close and supportive during these challenging times.
What are you most grateful for this week?
Amirah ~I want to thank my housemates for translating for me during the stay and all those who played cards with me.
Andrew ~ I’m grateful for the amount of effort everyone has put into the group
Angie ~ Shout out to all of the people that have helped make this experience a better one.
Charlie ~ I wanna shout out everyone for being their amazing self’s. I love that everyone has been getting along. I love y’all. Thank you.
Dani ~ I’ve been grateful for the beautiful views that I’ve only ever seen in pictures. For my parents and Summer Search for allowing for me to even do all this. I can’t believe everything that’s happened in only two weeks!
Daniel ~ I want to thank everyone for being open and friendly when meeting eachother for the first time.
Elaisa ~ I wanna thank everyone for intentionally doing their part and making Finca La Fe fun.
Jasmin ~ Shout out to the minor leaders (student leaders) for doing an amazing job during their turn
KC ~ Thank you to all the people who had my back during the hikes and encouraged me to go into the waterfalls. Also, I was very thankful for game nights that brought us closer to one another.
Olga ~ I am grateful for the amazing views and all the stars that are visible at night.
Owen ~ Shout out to the people who played card games with me and all my roomies and tent mates, cuz they are all super chill.
Zulaiya ~ I wanna thank all those who helped with my hair and Pete for teaching us about the farm! Not only that but trying to lend me hair ties.
In what ways have you grown since the start of the program?
Andrew: Since the start of the program I’ve become more responsible. Whether it be waking up on time, or doing my part while in a group setting, IT JUST MAKES SENSE.
Dani: Ever since arriving in Ecuador, I have slowly entered the same mindset as my last year’s camping trip. Repeating to myself, “I can do hard things” whenever a hike starts seeming impossible. I am committed to trying new things because they are new so I can make the most out of this trip.
Owen: I have more experience traveling now. I definitely didn’t bring enough money. Everyday I eat and sleep better although there is a lack of red meat. I also got a chance to explore new passions such as reading and Fútbol.
KC: I have strengthened my mentality and have overcome fears like spiders and I have gone through difficult days and have overcome challenges.
