Welcome to the second part of my Global Glimpse journey. In this installment, I describe key events that challenged my American perspective, a way of thinking that holds pity towards those in developing countries and feels the need to act as a savior.
Day 7: I didn’t choose Ecuador only because of its beautiful landscapes, but also because of the indigenous communities. Living Like a Local had finally arrived! All of us dressed into our working gear as we were told that the day would require lots of labor. When we stepped off the bus, a man named Caesar welcomed us with a wide smile. He guided us down a steep path that led us to a vast field. Upon reaching it, I took the time to soak in what I was witnessing. There were miles of crops accompanied by a little valley and farmers doing their farmwork in the distance. I would see landscapes like these online, but seeing them in person felt unreal. We sat down on the grass, all glaring from the hot sun. Caesar was eager to do a question and answer session. He began talking to us about the community’s day to day lives and what position he holds. It turned out that Caesar used to be president of this community, but now spends his time with his family and tending his land. When we asked Caesar about his passion for farming, he told us that he experiments with organic agricultural methods and hopes to travel in order to see other ones. |
Caesar had materials lying on a hill that he needed to be brought down. In assembly line fashion, we brought down over a hundred heavy tiles for Caesar to use in a new building. It was physically demanding, but a couple students sang songs from Hamilton to keep the morale up. The plan was to visit Caesar’s house by crossing the river with a lone log, but since the current was too strong we had to take a thirty minute detour, I enjoyed it though. We saw wild animals and heard the river moving faster than we did. Upon arrival, Caesar’s family presented us with a meal. I enjoyed every bite! I still dream about their lucro de papa (potato soup).
As we prepared to leave, we got to explore the property a bit. I wandered off alone and discovered an abandoned school taken over by bushes and vines. From my position, I witnessed humans experiencing genuine connections with no smartphones to interrupt them. Hours felt like an eternity there. This indigenous community gave me a moment to appreciate the Earth’s offerings and reflect on my role in this world. It was then that I realized how attached I was to the American perspective. It doesn’t take a lifestyle of an average American for someone to be happy. All that mattered in Guamote was celebrating tradition through loving and serving family. |
Day 8: Day eight marks our one week anniversary in Ecuador and our first free day! We were limited on time, so we made sure to explore Plaza Roja—a spot that holds vendors throughout the week—then Tía—a supermarket with cultural snacks like fava beans and plantains. In addition, we toured Carlos Garby, a school that serves children with all types of disabilities, for our Community Action Project (CAP). The staff introduced us to students while giving information on what improvements needed to be made. We reflected on the tour and decided on three beneficial projects: a concrete path for wheelchair access, repainted emergency arrows and fencing built with old tires. All of them were green-lighted by the top head of Carlos Garby after hearing our presentations.
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Day 10: We finally began our CAP. Since our main priority was the path, everyone worked to clear debris standing in the way of our project. Luckily Carlos Garby hired construction workers to assist us during those intense hours. I ignored my sore body, which wasn’t used to this amount of labor, and persisted through. Everyone was determined to use CAP 1 as efficiently as possible. The thought of how happy the students would be was all that we needed to get through the day.
Day 11: After the previous day, a fun day was a must. Baños is known for its breath-taking waterfalls and the ride there literally took my breath away. The bus climbed so high that we drove through clouds, causing me to semi-hyperventilate. After the “flight” to Baños, we followed the sounds of the water. During the walk, all sounds got drowned out by the rapid waterfalls. I constantly thought that I was going to slip hundreds of feet into the large body of water and drown. That’s how nerve-wracking it was. The stroll was worth it though, however it wasn’t the best part. After our lunch, we set out into town to visit venders who sold a variety of goods near a church. I treated myself to a dreamcatcher and purchased some souvenirs. On our way home, we witnessed hidden beauties of Baños and mostly knocked out, which felt euphoric.
Part Ⅲ will be the last installment of my Global Glimpse experience. I want to reflect on the wonderful friendships I made and what they taught me about myself. Also, I’ll talk about how everything went down during the days leading up to our departure. See you soon!
Day 11: After the previous day, a fun day was a must. Baños is known for its breath-taking waterfalls and the ride there literally took my breath away. The bus climbed so high that we drove through clouds, causing me to semi-hyperventilate. After the “flight” to Baños, we followed the sounds of the water. During the walk, all sounds got drowned out by the rapid waterfalls. I constantly thought that I was going to slip hundreds of feet into the large body of water and drown. That’s how nerve-wracking it was. The stroll was worth it though, however it wasn’t the best part. After our lunch, we set out into town to visit venders who sold a variety of goods near a church. I treated myself to a dreamcatcher and purchased some souvenirs. On our way home, we witnessed hidden beauties of Baños and mostly knocked out, which felt euphoric.
Part Ⅲ will be the last installment of my Global Glimpse experience. I want to reflect on the wonderful friendships I made and what they taught me about myself. Also, I’ll talk about how everything went down during the days leading up to our departure. See you soon!