This post features student writing.

MOMENTOS DESTACADOS

1. Tarzan Swing!

On our last day in Mindo, we went on a zipline through the rainforest. After ziplining, our group had the opportunity to go on the “Tarzan Swing,” where we jumped from a platform, free fell 60 or 70 feet, and then swung like Tarzan. It was definitely a scary sight from the top, but the adrenaline rush was well worth the terror of waiting for your turn. It was hilarious to watch the rest of the group scream as they took the big fall (except for Ben, who was determined not to scream and somehow jumped without making a sound).

Here’s a video of Jessica P. on the Tarzan swing:

2. Tour de Chocolate

We were lucky enough to get to learn about the behind-the-scenes process of chocolate production. Personally, I was very excited, because chocolate is my absolute favorite food. We went to the headquarters of an artisanal chocolate company based in Mindo called El Quetzal. They walked us through all the stages of chocolate production, and showed us each and every step. Chocolate starts out as fruit on a tree, and the beans from the fruit must but fermented, dried, roasted, separated from shells, tempered, and molded before it ends up in the bar form we all know and love. The best part was definitely getting to taste the chocolate. We got to try chocolates with a variety of sugar contents and flavorings. Brownies were also included in the tasting, and I am convinced that those were the best brownies I’ve ever tasted.

3. Fajitas @ The Dragonfly Inn

The Dragonfly Cafe is a restaurant in Mindo. We ended up eating there three times during our brief stay in Mindo because the food was super good and satisfying. The menu had a wider variety of options than just Ecuadorian cuisine, so we could all order what we wanted. The fajitas were a favorite dish for many members of the group. The nachos and milkshakes were also popular options.

GROUP INTERVIEW

1. Who’s your favorite person in Las Tolas?

“My favorite person in Las Tolas is Gloria. Gloria is my host mom and she’s a really good cook. She’s like another mom to me. I like that she’s funny and positive and it seems like she can never get mad.” — Isaiah M.

“My favorite person in Las Tolas is Salomón. He’s an incredibly cool and upbeat guy, and he always puts a smile on my face. I don’t always understand what he says because he talks kind of fast, but I can usually get the gist of it. He’s super nice and gives us all sage advice.” — Myles F.

“Luis, our crazy dog. He likes to chatter his teeth and run with his butt shaking. He is very loyal and loving.” — Ben S.

2. What’s the most unique thing you’ve seen in Ecuador?

“Driving in Ecuador is kind of unique. Drivers are unpredictable. They speed a lot and pass you when you least expect it. People even pass each other on one lane roads on windy streets in the mountains.” — Sarah H.

“I find many unique things and they all have to do with food. Off the top of my head, here are the most interesting: 1) they make empanadas all day every day 2) when I went to the store, they gave me eggs and milk in a bag 3) it seems like they only use one type of cheese in Las Tolas 4) today for lunch, I got served a fish that still had eyes.” — Jessica P.

“On the first day, there was a baptism, and the people in Las Tolas partied until 6 in the morning. I was not expecting that.” -Sarah H.

“I think the food here is very salty, but no one else in the group agrees with me.” — Li A.

“I’ve seen lots of strange insects here. There are gigantic beetles.” — Julia W.

3. What was your favorite activity in Mindo?

“I like bird watching in Mindo because you can’t see the same birds in other places. I thought the hummingbirds were cool and Ecuador has tons of different hummingbird species.” — Troy D.

“I liked the chocolate tour in Mindo. It was really interesting to learn how chocolate is made and it was fun to taste all the different flavors and buy gifts.” — Li A.

“I liked ziplining and the Tarzan swing because they were fun and fast, even though sometimes they were a little scary.” — Ben S.

4. Tell us about your host family.

“My host family is really sweet and kind and their five-year-old daughter is super cute. We get delicious empanadas for breakfast.” — Olivia N.

“I love my host family. Salomón, my host dad, is funny and welcoming and is so excited to have Li and me in his home. Hermenia, my host mom, is sweet, a good cook, and always gives us hugs.” — Quinn R.

“Pilar is my host mom. She has three little dogs and is very kind, welcoming, and a really good cook.” — Julia W.

“My host mom is Gloria and she is really funny and hardworking. She is like a mom to Isaiah and me and her house is super pretty and has great views.. And she’s a great cook.” —Troy D.

5. What do you miss the most from home (besides your family and friends)?

“Chipotle.” — Sarah H.

“Warm showers and my dog and my cat.” — Quinn R.

“Ice cubes.” — Sarah H.

“I miss skateboarding and hanging out downtown.” — Isaiah M.

“My bed.” — Li A.

“I miss putting toilet paper in the actual toilet instead of having to throw it away in a separate trash can.” — Myles F.

“Mexican food.” — Olivia N.

“Golf.” — Troy D.

6. What are you looking forward to for the rest of the program?

“I can’t wait to go to Cotopaxi. We get to ride horses and hike up the mountain, which is going to have beautiful views. Apparently, Cotopaxi has Ecuadorian cowboys (and a hot tub and massages!). I’m also crossing my fingers that we get to meet some llamas.” — Jessica P.

“Going to the Galápagos and seeing cool animals and snorkeling.” — Sarah H.

“I’m excited for horseback riding in Cotopaxi and going to the Galápagos.” — Isaiah M.

“I am excited to go boating, snorkeling, and diving in the Galápagos.” — Olivia N.

It’s been a packed couple of weeks here in Ecuador. Hope you enjoyed a few of the updates on our trip. Thanks for keeping up with the blog!

— Jessica P. & Ben S.