Llama...it's what's for lunch

After breakfast in the hotel, we set out for Palacio Real, an indigenous community where the people work and dress in the same way their people have done for generations. Yes, they had electricity and cars, but the farming, animal care, and cooking are the same as would be found centuries ago. Our guide, Trinidad, arrived with two llamas in hand, giving Monica and Danielle the honor of leading them around on the tour of the community. Though not surprising, it was amazing to hear of the different ways her people use the same plant; nothing goes to waste. Plants are used for food, medicine, drinks, aromatherapy, and more. We also found it interesting that, although our cultures differ, some things remain the same. Instead of a four leaf clover, they look for a tiny white flower with five or more petals. They also have a special yellow flower, which girls pluck off petals, saying, "Me quiere...no me quiere...me quiere...no me quiere," hoping that the last petal would be "Me quiere." We then had lunch at the community where, yes, we had llama meatballs. All the kids loved them, although their opinions changed slightly when they found out what they had eaten...

We then took a drive around some of the neighboring towns before returning to the hotel for some resting time before heading out on an evening tour of Riobamba, the largest city in the area. Our local guide, David, had a surprise for us. This was not going to be a normal walking tour. Instead, he had gotten us a chiva, an open-aired bus, with a band playing on top with flashing lights all around. When the original embarrassment wore off, we had a great time, smiling at the people as we drove around, and the Montana boys in our group had a competition to see who could get the most high five's from the passerbys. It was definitely a fun way to see the city and observe the people. Halfway through, we stopped and got off the bus, but the party wasn't over yet! The band continued to play and  David got us all dancing around on the sidewalk in the main plaza. People stopped at clapped with the music, watching us all have a good time. He then explained a little of the history of the city and the fight of the Ecuadorian people for their independence, and then it was back on the chiva to see the rest of the city before jumping back onto our normal bus to head back to the hotel for dinner.

It was definitely an interesting day, seeing the old and new way of life in Ecuador. Tomorrow, we head back to the community to participate in some of the activites the people do on a regular basis. This might involve a little gardening, kitchen work, etc. We will also have the opportunity to interact with the children who live in the community. I am excited to see our students interact with theirs, and to see how much of their Spanish they will use. Afterwards, we are heading back to Quito to prepare for our early morning departure on Thursday. Before we know it, we will be back in the States.

Hasta mañana...