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!