The first four days have been chock full of activities. It has been non-stop action since we walked off the plane on the sixth of July. We´ve walked up and down the charming colonial streets of Quito, were whisked up to the top of Vulcan Pichincha, witnessed the wonders of physics on the equator, and chilled out in La Ronda where the colonial culture of this wonderful land comes to life. Along the way we have been using Spanish speaking skills, experimenting with food that we´ve never seen before and enjoying the time spent to get to know each other.
Today was our first visit with the students from Liceo Del Valle. The picnic, games, laughter and food broke the language barrier and eased our inhibitions. At the beginning of the day it felt like we were from two different planets. The Liceo students were just as shy about their English as we were about our Spanish, but by the end of the day it was clear that those planets had merged perfectly and we had become a team dedicated to providing the best summer camp Ecuador has ever seen! We finished off with a hike to a beautiful waterfall and were awed by its power. We are ready to entertain and educate the seventy two first to seventh grade boys and girls that have signed up for the Friendship Camp.
Now, we are off to Banos and then its on to the Amazon, but before we head out we´d like to give a shout out to our peeps back home.
Clarissa says hi to everyone back home. She is enjoying the food and the chaotic atmosphere of the busy city. She also stretched her comfort zone as we climbed to the top of the Torres De la Basilica.
Will has been using his past Windsor Mountain experiences to start conversations and break the ice. He takes advantage of being able to practice speaking Spanish each day.
Chris' determination to get a grasp of the Spanish language is contagious. When it comes to speaking Spanish Chris jumps at every opportunity.
Carol turns lemons into lemonade. She really knows how to turn the group around when they are tired, grumpy or just downright mad. She makes each moment count and is an inspiration to us. She says ""hola mis tios y Eddie. I love you guys. I am safe, not quite great at my Spanish, but I´m getting there. Ecuador is beautiful I wish you were here to see it. With love in peace Carol Ann".
Sarah is having a blast and really liked getting to know the students from Liceo. Hanging out in La Ronda was right up her alley. Her comments take us far because they are thoughtful and to the point.
Karen is our Spanish lifeline! Like a great teacher, she has been ever watchful and steps in whenever we need her help. She says "Queridos padres la estoy pasando muy bien. Les Mando muchos saludos y abrazos. Luego les cuento todo lo que he hecho. Su hija que les quiere mucho".
Joe brings energy and humor to the group. His wacky jumping jacks and funny antics keep us laughing as we roll through the day. His ideas were instrumental while we were planning the Friendship Camp activities.
Harrison is a ball of energy and loves to discover new things. His outgoing personality helped break down barriers between us and the students from Liceo Del Valle. His ability to teach was emphasized when he taught several Ecuadorians how to throw a Football.
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