Tomorrow is the reception! Don't forget to stop by Roberta's Art Gallery (formally the Fiskum Art Gallery) tomorrow from 3-4:30 to see the new exhibit and hear stories from the students about their travel experiences!
On our way to the coast we ran into a small "bump in the road." The bridge we were trying to cross was out! Here's a short video of the workers trying to repair it. We were stalled for about an hour and a half, but we were relieved we were able to get back on the road safely!
UWW Optimist Club
Extended UWW Student Optimist Club.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
"Optimist" Presentation (video)
We were very fortunate to be able to donate a laptop to the Rio Muchacho Farm. They were extremely excited and even named the computer "Optimist" in honor of our group! We met with the founder of the farm and presented the laptop to him, and one of the workers there.
Here is what the Ecuador experience meant to Michi:
"Being in Ecuador was really an eye-opening experience because i realized how much I took for granted in the states. The simplest things like flushing toilet paper down the toilet or seeing some of the housing people live in made me appreciate all the things i have in America. Going to Ecuador has given me a better appreciation of my standard of living."
Here's the video of our presentation!
Here is what the Ecuador experience meant to Michi:
"Being in Ecuador was really an eye-opening experience because i realized how much I took for granted in the states. The simplest things like flushing toilet paper down the toilet or seeing some of the housing people live in made me appreciate all the things i have in America. Going to Ecuador has given me a better appreciation of my standard of living."
Here's the video of our presentation!
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Yachana (Video)
We all loved the Rainforest! Here is what the students thought of their living situation while we were there. Everything surrounding us was beautiful! Well, maybe not some of the bugs. Here are Annie's thoughts about the animals in Ecuador and a video of the students at the lodge.
Annie:
"When you walk the streets of Wisconsin, all that may cross your path is a squirrel. But when romping around the streets of Quito, stray dogs run about. While in the rainforest, I found myself with a spider like creature on my face, I think it was like a scorpion or something like that. There is also monkeys which one of them hopped down from a tree and onto to my backpack. I got really close to a toucan, and got to see several other tropical birds. People raise guinea pigs in their homes so they can be sold and get this are actually cooked and eaten. As I look down at my bug bitten legs, I remember that I had to kill a bug in our room at Yachana when Ain was too cowardly to do it. Bug spray can only do so much I guess but I learned that the mosquitoes are different from the ones in Wisconsin. Some people traveling with us are afraid of one or more of the animals I listed, but I thought observing and watching Ecuador's animals was all a part of our trip and helped me learn about the country more."
Annie:
"When you walk the streets of Wisconsin, all that may cross your path is a squirrel. But when romping around the streets of Quito, stray dogs run about. While in the rainforest, I found myself with a spider like creature on my face, I think it was like a scorpion or something like that. There is also monkeys which one of them hopped down from a tree and onto to my backpack. I got really close to a toucan, and got to see several other tropical birds. People raise guinea pigs in their homes so they can be sold and get this are actually cooked and eaten. As I look down at my bug bitten legs, I remember that I had to kill a bug in our room at Yachana when Ain was too cowardly to do it. Bug spray can only do so much I guess but I learned that the mosquitoes are different from the ones in Wisconsin. Some people traveling with us are afraid of one or more of the animals I listed, but I thought observing and watching Ecuador's animals was all a part of our trip and helped me learn about the country more."
Dance Party!
When we were in Santo Domingo we had the great experience of visiting the Tschila community. There are only about 700 members of this community left in the world. We learned a lot about their culture and how they're trying to preserve their traditions while accepting technology and the changing world. We had a great time learning about their culture and experiencing a ceremony performed by their Shaman. After our tour, the community performed a dance for us and it was amazing! We have Kurstin's thoughts about the children of Ecuador and a short video for you!
We couldn't upload the video to our blog however, we have all the videos from our trip uploaded (in higher quality) on YouTube!
View today's video here!
Kurstin:
We couldn't upload the video to our blog however, we have all the videos from our trip uploaded (in higher quality) on YouTube!
View today's video here!
Kurstin:
"¡Los Niños!
Before leaving for Ecuador, my friends, family, and I had this ongoing joke that I was going to find an adorable little child, and bring them back to Whitewater with me in my suitcase! Little did I know…I would seriously be contemplating this!
Being in the orphanage was such an amazing experience. All of the children were so much fun and so cute! But one child will forever stay with me. Mario was a one year old boy who was taken away from his alcoholic mother. He was in “isolation” and could not be in the same room or play with the other kids, because his mother had passed Hepatitis B to him. But I was in love. I only spent such a small amount of time with him, but if I could I would have brought him home with me! He was such a happy child, and is probably too young to realize what’s going on in his life right now. Even though he didn’t make it in my suitcase, he definitely made it in my heart. But he was not the only one!
I thought that I was only going to have connections with the young niños, and I had no idea that the teenagers of Yachana Technical High School would impact me so much. The students have so much passion for learning, and improving. They have amazing work ethic and it shows just in their personalities and seeing them in action at the lodge. A guy named Henry was in my scavenger hunt group and he may not know it, but he has changed my outlook on many things. I learned that Henry walks to Yachana High there and back for each session of this schooling—FOR SIX HOURS…THROUGH THE JUNGLE. I was shocked. He goes through all of that to get his education, and to think of all the things I have complained about. Meeting Henry, and learning about his dedication to learn has really changed my attitude and strengthen my appreciation for the life that has been given to me.
The children at Rio Muchacho were AWESOME! I loved being able to speak Spanish to them and joke around with them. I instructed a group of kids to make the flower art project and they got straight to work. A young boy David insisted on making me a flower with my name on it. It was really fun, and I enjoyed playing with them all. Before I left, a few of the kids cut out little hearts and colored them for me. I could have stayed with them for the whole two weeks!
Unfortunately Mario, Henry, nor any other niños made it back to Whitewater with me, but trust me when I say that they will never be forgotten, and I will always remember this experience and how much it has changed me as a person."
A Ganar (Video)
Today's video is from our trip to visit students in the A Ganar program. We visited two locations and presented information on the UW-W Student Optimist Club and also participated in presentations from the A Ganar groups. The students from the second location we visited performed two dances for us, as well as a musical selection. We were very excited that we were able to donate costumes to A Ganar! The students looked great.
Remember to stop by Roberta's Art Gallery on January 24 (3-4:30pm) for the "Through The Lens of the Traveler" reception. Our UW-W Student Optimist Club will be there to share their experiences! You can also view artwork from the students we worked with in Ecuador as well as other memorabilia from our trip!
For more information on the exhibit click here!
Here is a very short clip from one of their dances!
Remember to stop by Roberta's Art Gallery on January 24 (3-4:30pm) for the "Through The Lens of the Traveler" reception. Our UW-W Student Optimist Club will be there to share their experiences! You can also view artwork from the students we worked with in Ecuador as well as other memorabilia from our trip!
For more information on the exhibit click here!
Here is a very short clip from one of their dances!
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Special Thank You to Dr. Dvorak (video)
Hello All,
Thank you again for all of the support and donations that made this trip possible. We are happy to be home, but had an amazing time in Ecuador. As promised, we will be posting a video a weekday until the reception.
Today's video is a special thank you to Dr. Paul Dvorak, who donated tracheotomy tubes for a young boy at the orphanage. He was adorable and full of energy! We had a great time working with the children and can't thank Dr. Dvorak enough for his generosity.
Enjoy the video!
We apologize for the size but the file was very large so we had to compress the video!
Thank you again for all of the support and donations that made this trip possible. We are happy to be home, but had an amazing time in Ecuador. As promised, we will be posting a video a weekday until the reception.
Today's video is a special thank you to Dr. Paul Dvorak, who donated tracheotomy tubes for a young boy at the orphanage. He was adorable and full of energy! We had a great time working with the children and can't thank Dr. Dvorak enough for his generosity.
Enjoy the video!
We apologize for the size but the file was very large so we had to compress the video!
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Atlanta!
We've finally made it to Atlanta! We had a great time yesterday. We went Zip-lining, toured a butterfly exhibit, went shopping at an artisan market and had a fantastic dinner.
It was difficult for us to leave our fantastic travel companions in Quito, but hopefully we will see them again soon! Janet, and our bus drivers really made the experience something we'll never forget.
We can't wait to see all of you and tell you about our trip. Until then, here are some thoughts from Elizabeth!
"If there is one thing I learned from this trip, it is how to deal with change of plans and things not going how you expected. For example, the other day we planned to leave Quito at 6:30am and arrive in Conoa at 3:30pm, to enjoy the beach. We ran into problems retrieving the luggage of our new traveler from the airport. We couldn't leave until this was figured out, which ended up being past 9:00am. Then, we ran into a bridge that had been washed out by the river. We had to wait about an hour and a half for them to repair the bridge so we could cross and continue our travel to Conoa. We didn't end up there until maybe 9:30pm. We missed out on the beach experience completely.
I have learned that nothing ever goes exactly as planned, but there is no reason to waste time being upset about it.
The owner of Yachana helped me realize this by describing what he thought he would do with his life versus how it actually turned out. He never expected to open a lodge that promotes ecotourism, preserving the rainforest, and giving high schoolers a chance to do something wonderful with their life through education they may have never had another chance at.
Anything that is meant to be will find it's way, even if the immediate results seem disappointing, I guarantee something good will come out of it."
Keep an eye on the blog after we return home for videos we were unable to post while in Ecuador! Then, join us at the reception on January 24 to hear from the students about their experiences!
Thank you all for the love, support and donations that made this trip possible. We will see you soon!
It was difficult for us to leave our fantastic travel companions in Quito, but hopefully we will see them again soon! Janet, and our bus drivers really made the experience something we'll never forget.
We can't wait to see all of you and tell you about our trip. Until then, here are some thoughts from Elizabeth!
"If there is one thing I learned from this trip, it is how to deal with change of plans and things not going how you expected. For example, the other day we planned to leave Quito at 6:30am and arrive in Conoa at 3:30pm, to enjoy the beach. We ran into problems retrieving the luggage of our new traveler from the airport. We couldn't leave until this was figured out, which ended up being past 9:00am. Then, we ran into a bridge that had been washed out by the river. We had to wait about an hour and a half for them to repair the bridge so we could cross and continue our travel to Conoa. We didn't end up there until maybe 9:30pm. We missed out on the beach experience completely.
I have learned that nothing ever goes exactly as planned, but there is no reason to waste time being upset about it.
The owner of Yachana helped me realize this by describing what he thought he would do with his life versus how it actually turned out. He never expected to open a lodge that promotes ecotourism, preserving the rainforest, and giving high schoolers a chance to do something wonderful with their life through education they may have never had another chance at.
Anything that is meant to be will find it's way, even if the immediate results seem disappointing, I guarantee something good will come out of it."
Keep an eye on the blog after we return home for videos we were unable to post while in Ecuador! Then, join us at the reception on January 24 to hear from the students about their experiences!
Thank you all for the love, support and donations that made this trip possible. We will see you soon!
Friday, January 13, 2012
A Ganar
Greetings from the A Ganar program. We have been without internet for a few days now, so we apologize for the lack of blogs!
Yesterday, we visited the Botanical Gardens in Santo Domingo and then got on the bus and went to visit the Tsachila community. The community is trying to preserve their traditional way of life while accepting technology. There are only about 700 members of the community left. They gave us a tour of their land, the Shaman performed a ceremony, and they gave us a musical performance. Then we purchased crafts from four different Tsachila families. It was fascinating to experience their way of life, even if it was only for a short time.
After we left their community we headed for Mindo. When we arrived we ordered dinner and went on a frog walk. While on the walk we saw frogs, spiders, insects and a stick that glows in the dark. There is a rare micro-bacteria that, when mixed with the humidity of the forest, glows. We learned a lot in a very short time!
After the walk we headed to the hotel, which is owned by a graduate of the A Ganar program.
Today we are spending the day at two A Ganar programs. The first, which we are currently at, is in Pedro Vicente Maldonado. When we arrived we made a presentation to the students about the UW-W Student Optimist Club. They also shared some information about their program with us. It was great to hear how they develop skills through sports. They are able to apply these skills to their daily lives and in their future work places.
We are very excited to head to the next program. There we will experience a dance performance, give another presentation and learn about their program. Then we are headed back to Mindo for dinner and salsa lessons! We cannot believe tomorrow is our last day in Ecuador!
Photos to come later!
Yesterday, we visited the Botanical Gardens in Santo Domingo and then got on the bus and went to visit the Tsachila community. The community is trying to preserve their traditional way of life while accepting technology. There are only about 700 members of the community left. They gave us a tour of their land, the Shaman performed a ceremony, and they gave us a musical performance. Then we purchased crafts from four different Tsachila families. It was fascinating to experience their way of life, even if it was only for a short time.
After we left their community we headed for Mindo. When we arrived we ordered dinner and went on a frog walk. While on the walk we saw frogs, spiders, insects and a stick that glows in the dark. There is a rare micro-bacteria that, when mixed with the humidity of the forest, glows. We learned a lot in a very short time!
After the walk we headed to the hotel, which is owned by a graduate of the A Ganar program.
Today we are spending the day at two A Ganar programs. The first, which we are currently at, is in Pedro Vicente Maldonado. When we arrived we made a presentation to the students about the UW-W Student Optimist Club. They also shared some information about their program with us. It was great to hear how they develop skills through sports. They are able to apply these skills to their daily lives and in their future work places.
We are very excited to head to the next program. There we will experience a dance performance, give another presentation and learn about their program. Then we are headed back to Mindo for dinner and salsa lessons! We cannot believe tomorrow is our last day in Ecuador!
Photos to come later!
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Rio Muchacho
We didn't have internet at the farm so here's yesterday's entry! Enjoy!
We finally made it to Rio Muchacho farms! We arrived this morning after eating breakfast on the beach. The farm is very large and, like Yachana, they have a school associated with it. After we chatted with the hosts and dropped off our bags in our rooms, we walked down to the school.
The school was about a 20 minute walk from the organic farm. While we were there, we were able to assist the children in another craft project. We had two different types of art projects. There was one for the younger children and one for the older children. The school has students ranging from 4 - 12 years old.
It was great to meet the children and we're excited to go back tomorrow and do more activities with them. After we walked back from the school, we ate lunch. We ate soup, rice, salad, beans and more! Even the bowls and spoons were made by the farm!
We're excited to make rings and chocolate tomorrow!
Here are some thoughts from Laura about her experiences in Yachana and the people there:
"It all started with a Gecko named Harold. There's a gecko in our room under Kasie's bed. His name is Harold. We've also found three cockroaches, a couple moths, scary looking ants and miscellaneous other bugs that really seem to want to spend the night with us. Needless to say I wasn't quite sure about living with the animal kingdom here at Yachana lodge. Looking back at the experience however, it is definitely one that I will never forget, as it really helped me learn about sustainability. Being sustainable isn't just recycling the occasional water bottle. it's about having a relationship with the environment.
Speaking of relationships, we haven't just been bonding with the environment here in the Amazon; we have also had the chance to work with many of the natives, including the students at the technical high school. It's amazing how quickly you can become friends without every having met before or even speaking the same language. It was also cool to be able to exchange cultures -- at our makeshift diskotek the Ecuadorians showed us how to salsa and we taught them to wobble and shuffle to Party Rock Anthem. Definitely something I'll never forget.
To finish up, I think I'll take a quote from Angie and say that none of us go to bed as the same person we woke up as. The experiences and relationships we are building here in Ecuador are helping us to see an entirely different way of life."
We finally made it to Rio Muchacho farms! We arrived this morning after eating breakfast on the beach. The farm is very large and, like Yachana, they have a school associated with it. After we chatted with the hosts and dropped off our bags in our rooms, we walked down to the school.
The school was about a 20 minute walk from the organic farm. While we were there, we were able to assist the children in another craft project. We had two different types of art projects. There was one for the younger children and one for the older children. The school has students ranging from 4 - 12 years old.
It was great to meet the children and we're excited to go back tomorrow and do more activities with them. After we walked back from the school, we ate lunch. We ate soup, rice, salad, beans and more! Even the bowls and spoons were made by the farm!
We're excited to make rings and chocolate tomorrow!
Here are some thoughts from Laura about her experiences in Yachana and the people there:
"It all started with a Gecko named Harold. There's a gecko in our room under Kasie's bed. His name is Harold. We've also found three cockroaches, a couple moths, scary looking ants and miscellaneous other bugs that really seem to want to spend the night with us. Needless to say I wasn't quite sure about living with the animal kingdom here at Yachana lodge. Looking back at the experience however, it is definitely one that I will never forget, as it really helped me learn about sustainability. Being sustainable isn't just recycling the occasional water bottle. it's about having a relationship with the environment.
Speaking of relationships, we haven't just been bonding with the environment here in the Amazon; we have also had the chance to work with many of the natives, including the students at the technical high school. It's amazing how quickly you can become friends without every having met before or even speaking the same language. It was also cool to be able to exchange cultures -- at our makeshift diskotek the Ecuadorians showed us how to salsa and we taught them to wobble and shuffle to Party Rock Anthem. Definitely something I'll never forget.
To finish up, I think I'll take a quote from Angie and say that none of us go to bed as the same person we woke up as. The experiences and relationships we are building here in Ecuador are helping us to see an entirely different way of life."
Monday, January 9, 2012
On the road again!
We started the day in Quito with a quick breakfast and a trip to finally get Angie's luggage! Horray! Then we hopped on the bus and headed for the coast. It was a very relaxing and beautiful ride filled with card games and trips through some very small towns.
We decided to stop for lunch on the coast. The view was great and it was nice to walk on the beach and put our feet in the water. Very refreshing after 6 hours of driving.
After dinner we encountered a small road block. There was a detour and the bridge was out on the "detour road." We waited almost an hour and a half for the workers to finish filling in the bridge. It was very interesting to see construction workers wearing only their swim trunks while trying to fix the bridge. Then we still had a two hour drive to Canoa.
However, we arrived safe and sound. Today we have student thoughts from Jean about her trip thus far!
"At first when coming I was very nervous and found myself missing my family even before I left. The thought of not having clear communication with my close friends was nerve racking as well. It honestly took me two days to find myself settling into the culture a lot. After I got more comfortable, I was able to relax and begin to really embrace the culture. Thinking that this trip would be difficult without technology, it has turned out to be very helpful not to have to rely on a cell phone or facebook. Going to the Yachana High School and making connections gives me a relationship and almost a desire to stay longer and build relationship."
We decided to stop for lunch on the coast. The view was great and it was nice to walk on the beach and put our feet in the water. Very refreshing after 6 hours of driving.
After dinner we encountered a small road block. There was a detour and the bridge was out on the "detour road." We waited almost an hour and a half for the workers to finish filling in the bridge. It was very interesting to see construction workers wearing only their swim trunks while trying to fix the bridge. Then we still had a two hour drive to Canoa.
However, we arrived safe and sound. Today we have student thoughts from Jean about her trip thus far!
"At first when coming I was very nervous and found myself missing my family even before I left. The thought of not having clear communication with my close friends was nerve racking as well. It honestly took me two days to find myself settling into the culture a lot. After I got more comfortable, I was able to relax and begin to really embrace the culture. Thinking that this trip would be difficult without technology, it has turned out to be very helpful not to have to rely on a cell phone or facebook. Going to the Yachana High School and making connections gives me a relationship and almost a desire to stay longer and build relationship."
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Photos!
Due to technical issues, we´re posting two entries today. Here are some photos from the day.
Waiting for our bus back to Coca to catch our flight back to Quito. We had to fight off monkeys and toucans to keep our lunch!
Michi and Annie participated in a cooking class. We learned how to prepare fresh tilapia, which we had for lunch.
After a half hour hike we finally made it to the look out point! It was well worth the trip!
We were able to present our maps and other donated items to some of the students and teachers at the Yachana Technical High School. We spent the afternoon playing games and getting to know the students.
Yachana Technical High School
Friday, January 6, 2012
Greetings from the Jungle!
Hello from the Amazon, friends and family. This morning we left the lovely city of Quito bright and early and hopped a plane to Coca.
After our brief half hour flight we landed in Coca and took a bus to our motorized canoe. The launching site was amazing! There were monkeys and birds that were extremely friendly.
The students learned a new card game during our rain delay and then we boarded a motorized canoe for our three hour trek into the Amazon Rainforest! We took one small break as we traveled up the Napo river to stretch our legs and view some of the scenery.
After our on-board lunch, we arrived at the Yachana lodge and were greeted by the great staff! They had passionfruit juice and snacks waiting for us.
The lodge was founded by "failed" Kentucky businessmen Douglas McMeekin, and resident rainforest hunter Juan Kunchikuy. Together they have created the Yachana lodge which means "a place to learn."
Juan shared ecotourism facts about the lodge while we ate. There are only 12 volts of electricity during the day (generated by solar energy) and then they turn the generator on from 6-10 every night. In addition, they recommend that you use biodegradable and non-flammable products to protect the rainforest.
The lodging here is beautiful! They have done a great job of maintaining the beauty of the rainforest while providing an excellent way for tourists to view it.
We are excited to travel to the technical college tomorrow. Many of the students there work here, at the lodge.
We're sure it will be as amazing as the lodge!
Here are some thoughts from Kasie:
"Food food food! It's so scary! The thought of trying new and foreign food when I'm such a picky eater is scary. However, I have moved out of my comfort zone a bit. I didn't stay out for long. I tried Guinea pig. Not ok! It tasted like chicken but that will never be happening again. I also tried weeble. A giant creepy crawly wax worm looking thing. It was cooked with seasoning. I can't say that it helped at all thought! I prefer my grilled cheese and pb & j, but it's not everyday that you're in Ecuador."
After our brief half hour flight we landed in Coca and took a bus to our motorized canoe. The launching site was amazing! There were monkeys and birds that were extremely friendly.
The students learned a new card game during our rain delay and then we boarded a motorized canoe for our three hour trek into the Amazon Rainforest! We took one small break as we traveled up the Napo river to stretch our legs and view some of the scenery.
After our on-board lunch, we arrived at the Yachana lodge and were greeted by the great staff! They had passionfruit juice and snacks waiting for us.
The lodge was founded by "failed" Kentucky businessmen Douglas McMeekin, and resident rainforest hunter Juan Kunchikuy. Together they have created the Yachana lodge which means "a place to learn."
Juan shared ecotourism facts about the lodge while we ate. There are only 12 volts of electricity during the day (generated by solar energy) and then they turn the generator on from 6-10 every night. In addition, they recommend that you use biodegradable and non-flammable products to protect the rainforest.
The lodging here is beautiful! They have done a great job of maintaining the beauty of the rainforest while providing an excellent way for tourists to view it.
We are excited to travel to the technical college tomorrow. Many of the students there work here, at the lodge.
We're sure it will be as amazing as the lodge!
Here are some thoughts from Kasie:
"Food food food! It's so scary! The thought of trying new and foreign food when I'm such a picky eater is scary. However, I have moved out of my comfort zone a bit. I didn't stay out for long. I tried Guinea pig. Not ok! It tasted like chicken but that will never be happening again. I also tried weeble. A giant creepy crawly wax worm looking thing. It was cooked with seasoning. I can't say that it helped at all thought! I prefer my grilled cheese and pb & j, but it's not everyday that you're in Ecuador."
Day Three
We had another great day in Quito! The city is amazing and we had a great day exploring it.
The day started with a few of us traveling to see the Basilica. It was amazing. The building is beautiful and the view from the top was well worth the 126 steps it took to get up there.
After that, the groups meet up at a Museum detailing the history of the city. The museum was filled with great information and again, the facility was gorgeous. There were great pieces of art as well as re-creations of past cultures and buildings.
After the museum we journeyed over to one of the city plazas. Surrounding the plaza were many government buildings such as the House of the Archbishop and also the house where the President does business. Here we stumbled up on a parade which was a great site to see!
After we arrived at the plaza we did a little shopping and then met our tour guide for a costumed tour of the city, complete with hot chocolate. We visited a few churches and religious buildings including a church with a gold leaf interior. It was beautiful!
We finished our tour in La Ronda where we shopped some more, ate dinner (including Cuy, which is Guinea pig!) and then finished the night at a local Bar/Restaurant with live music!
Again, another great day in Quito!
The day started with a few of us traveling to see the Basilica. It was amazing. The building is beautiful and the view from the top was well worth the 126 steps it took to get up there.
After that, the groups meet up at a Museum detailing the history of the city. The museum was filled with great information and again, the facility was gorgeous. There were great pieces of art as well as re-creations of past cultures and buildings.
After the museum we journeyed over to one of the city plazas. Surrounding the plaza were many government buildings such as the House of the Archbishop and also the house where the President does business. Here we stumbled up on a parade which was a great site to see!
After we arrived at the plaza we did a little shopping and then met our tour guide for a costumed tour of the city, complete with hot chocolate. We visited a few churches and religious buildings including a church with a gold leaf interior. It was beautiful!
We finished our tour in La Ronda where we shopped some more, ate dinner (including Cuy, which is Guinea pig!) and then finished the night at a local Bar/Restaurant with live music!
Again, another great day in Quito!
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Our Trip to the Orphanage
Hello All!
Everyone had a great time today! We started the day at For His Children Orphanage.
We had a lot of fun touring the facility and making crafts with the children. The facility was beautiful and the children were happy and friendly.
The orphanage has two locations in Ecuador. The special needs children are being moved to the other location and they are selling their current toddler house and moving those children into the former special needs house. We were fortunate to help them along this process today.
We were also able to work with the children to make sun-shaped crafts. The toddlers really seemed to like it. You will be able to see examples of their work in the exhibit in Roberta's Art Gallery starting January 20 (with a reception on January 24).
After craft time the children sang songs for us and we were able to donate lots of fun stuffed animals to each child.
The "Tia's" or Aunts at the orphanage were very friendly and spent a lot of time with the children. We helped by reading to the children, playing with them and looking in the mirror identifying body parts and helping them recognize themselves.
After lunch part of the group went to tour a Catholic University while the other part of the group continued to assist at the orphanage.
The orphanage group feed the children, cleaned the facilities and continued to play with the children.
The group at the University had a great time learning about Ecuador's education system. They were also able to see a special Frog Laboratory. There a group of individuals is trying to conserve species of frogs that are diminishing in the wild. It was quite the project.
We finished off the night by attending a Folkloric Ballet, which was fantastic. it was interesting to see all of the colors and costumes from the different ethnic groups in Ecuador.
Check out our photos from the day!
Everyone had a great time today! We started the day at For His Children Orphanage.
We had a lot of fun touring the facility and making crafts with the children. The facility was beautiful and the children were happy and friendly.
The orphanage has two locations in Ecuador. The special needs children are being moved to the other location and they are selling their current toddler house and moving those children into the former special needs house. We were fortunate to help them along this process today.
We were also able to work with the children to make sun-shaped crafts. The toddlers really seemed to like it. You will be able to see examples of their work in the exhibit in Roberta's Art Gallery starting January 20 (with a reception on January 24).
After craft time the children sang songs for us and we were able to donate lots of fun stuffed animals to each child.
The "Tia's" or Aunts at the orphanage were very friendly and spent a lot of time with the children. We helped by reading to the children, playing with them and looking in the mirror identifying body parts and helping them recognize themselves.
After lunch part of the group went to tour a Catholic University while the other part of the group continued to assist at the orphanage.
The orphanage group feed the children, cleaned the facilities and continued to play with the children.
The group at the University had a great time learning about Ecuador's education system. They were also able to see a special Frog Laboratory. There a group of individuals is trying to conserve species of frogs that are diminishing in the wild. It was quite the project.
We finished off the night by attending a Folkloric Ballet, which was fantastic. it was interesting to see all of the colors and costumes from the different ethnic groups in Ecuador.
Check out our photos from the day!
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Photos From Day 1/2
Take a look at some photos from our arrival to Ecuador (with a very warm greeting from Ain's mom and brothers)!
On our first full day we had a lunch of empanadas and hellado (ice cream)!
We also wanted to share the view of Quito from Janet's balcony with you! Enjoy our photos!
On our first full day we had a lunch of empanadas and hellado (ice cream)!
We also wanted to share the view of Quito from Janet's balcony with you! Enjoy our photos!
Safe and sound in Ecuador
Hello friends and family. We arrived safety in Quito, Ecuador last night! We setteled into our hotel around 1:00am, which made for a long day. Many of us arrived slightly depressed because we watched three quarters of the Rose Bowl on the plane only to find out that we lost upon arrival to Ecuador.
We had a very busy day today visiting the middle of the Earth twice! The first discovery of 0'0'0' ' was a few hundred meters from the actual middle of the earth. We were very fortunate that we had time to visit both sites. Each site had a fantastic museum and we learned a lot about the different cultures in Ecuador. We saw houses built by an Amazon Tribe, shrunken heads, insects from the Rainforest, hummingbirds and we purchased handmade crafts.
We also learned that when water is drained in Ecuador it goes straight down instead of clockwise or counter-clockwise like in the Northern and Southern Hemisphere and you can balance an egg on a nail anywhere in the world however, it's "easier" in Ecuador. We all tried it however, no one was able to make it work. Here's what happened....
After our journey we had lunch, which consisted of empanadas and hellado (ice cream) and then traveled to a local hardware store and market to pick up lunch for tomorrow. We are currently sorting our donation items and getting ready to visit the orphanage tomorrow. We are all excited to meet the children and work on craft projects and help in any way we can!
Time for some pizza!!
In transit!
We are half way there. We all made it to the airport safely this morning and on time! Our first flight out of Chicago went well. We just landed in Atlanta and are minutes away from boarding our five hour flight to Quito!
Check out Michi's thoughts so far!
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