Our first two days in Ecuador have been incredible and filled with fun, adventures and good food. A windy bus ride led us to a beautiful lodge with amazing views, perfect for orientation. We even spotted several hummingbirds, and our new friend Fernando caught one that was stuck indoors. After orientation and a large lunch, we rode the teleferico (cable car) to the top of a mountain where we had beautiful views of both Quito and the surrounding countryside. There, we took many pictures and a short hike. To conclude the day, we toured historical Quito, saw a magnificent baroque cathedral (pictured below), and sampled traditional snacks.

We woke up the next day bright and early, excited to see our host family. Upon arriving, we discovered we were in the midst of the biggest festival day of the year. We followed our host mother to find that locals had taken over the plaza with their dancing and music. Back at our home, several community leaders, including both the current and past president, gave us a traditional indigenous welcome ceremony in which they presented us with gifts of beans, corn, and other local produce. Although they may not have an abundance of surplus goods, they maintained their tradition with this extremely generous gesture.

Next up on our schedule: hiking to a waterfall, participating in the Day of the Women’s Dance, beginning work on our local projects, and more! We can’t wait to experience more of Ecuador in the next few weeks, and we’re looking forward to sharing our travels with you.

Stay tuned!
-Leaders Charlie & Sarah Marie