The following post features student writing.

Hola, friends and family! This is Carter and Justin. Walking around the historic part of Quito yesterday with an indigenous guide was a great way to kick off our trip. After a day of adjusting to the altitude, we started off today with a late breakfast to refuel our spirits. We then departed for our long bus ride to our host village. To break up the trip, we stopped at the two equator markings and a beautiful vista. Until 1949, the Ecuadorians had not known that their equator marking was off by one degree (200 meters). After seeing the false line, we then walked to the scientifically accurate equatorial line. The last stop before reaching the village was an overlook of the mirador of the mountain Cotacachi. Following this incredible stop, we finally reached our destination of the home of our host family. Upon arrival, we were introduced to Pati and Rumi, our host parents, and some of their children. Quickly after settling in, a pickup game of soccer with local children broke out. It was great to be able to partake in their daily hobbies and make friends quickly. Today, we were able to try coca tea, a staple here in Ecuador as a remedy for altitude sickness. Most of the students were pleasantly surprised with it. A highlight of today was the warm welcome by our host family in Turuco. As this is the beginning of our adventure, the students are constantly learning new Spanish words everywhere we go. For example, mirador is the word for the beautiful views we have seen. After a packed first couple of days, we are really looking forward to starting our main projects in the village of Morales Chupa.

And finally, a note for the upcoming weeks: due to the absence of WiFi in the house we are staying in, there will be a lack of communication directly from the students. Keep checking the blog for updates on what we are up to!

¡Un abrazo!

– Justin & Carter