This post features student writing by Julia W.

As the homestay week is coming to a close, we have reflected on all the outstanding — and hilarious — memories we have had in Las Tolas. We are so grateful to have this opportunity to immerse ourselves in the daily lives of this community. Saturday, the 13th of July, Las Tolas had a parade and fiesta celebrating the anniversary of the community’s establishment. It was a day full of festivities and excitement, as well as a glimpse into the local culture.

I asked everyone on our team what their favorite part of yesterday’s fiesta was, and why.

Julia (Me): My favorite part was watching the traditional dancers, because it showed another beautiful aspect of the culture in Ecuador.

Sarah He.: I liked when Ben, Julia, and Li were copying the dancing in the music videos at the party because it was really funny.

Jessica: I had a lot of fun dancing at the fiesta! The DJ played fun music and people from Las Tolas are really good dancers.

Olivia: My favorite part was the fiesta because we got to dance with all the people of the town.

Quinn: My favorite part was definitely the community last night. Everyone seemed really happy to be dancing together. The dancers were also really fun to watch.

Li: I liked the parade because the whole community got together to celebrate their history and it was very heartwarming.

Sarah Ho.: I loved watching the dancers because it was another opportunity to experience more culture.

Troy: I liked the culture dancers because it was really cool to see the dances of Ecuador.

Ben: The parade. It was pretty fun and I got to have the honor of holding the banner. It was great to walk through Las Tolas with everybody.

Myles: I loved dancing with the whole group and the town because it was a great moment to be together in celebration and bond.

Isaiah: I liked watching Alvaro tear it up on the dance floor.