Day 9 (2019) - Historic Quito, the Equator, and Cristo Liberador

NOTE: This post was started Wednesday, but not finished until today due to sickness and sleep deprivation! 

Hola chicos! It’s your gal, Kyndall, (or as the Ecuadorians say, Kandle!) 

This morning was different than the rest since we had to pack all of our belongings and be out of the hostel rooms by 9:30. Then we headed out and unleashed our inner tourists by visiting La Basilica de Voto Nacional. It was so gorgeous and we were able to go up into the clock towers and look over the beautiful city of Quito. 

From there, we had our first ice cream stop of the day and headed towards Panecillo. It was a statue of an angel overlooking Quito. It was a gift from France, and is similar to the Statue of Liberty. While we were there, we learned many myths about the area, including one stating that the north side of Quito is more prosperous and the south is less, since the angel is looking at the north. We later found out that is not true. 

Then we went to lunch and had, in my opinion, the best meal of the trip! We had empanadas that were freshly made and were delicious fried bread with yummy fillings. We also had our second ice cream of the day which was so good! There were many fun flavors that are not available in the states, such as guanabana. 

Then we hopped back on the bus and drove to La Mitad del Mundo (AKA, the Middle of the World, AKA the equator). While there, we went on a tour and learned about some indigenous tribes native to Ecuador. Then we were able to see the equator! We took many pictures and did a few challenges. These challenges included balancing an egg on a nail (it sounds impossible, however, on the equator it is possible!) and seeing which way water went through a drain in the north versus the south. 

From there it was back to the hostel for our final debrief. It was a very encouraging and heartwarming debrief that ended with receiving Education Equals Hope bracelets and prayers. 

After debrief we were off to Cristo Librador, another Episcopal church in Quito. We were warmly welcomed with greetings and games. Then we split into two groups and headed off to house visits. My group went to visit Cristofer who had a broken leg from a motorcycle accident. While there he played guitar and sang for us. Then we went back to the church for dinner and dancing. 

After a short, good time, we sadly headed off to the airport. As sad as we were, we still managed to have a great time on the bus as we danced to one of our favorite Ecuador songs, Ooh Ya Ya! Then our laughter ended as we said goodbye to our hosts and traveled back to North America. 

As sad as I was, I was also happy to have the experience of traveling to Ecuador and being able to meet such wonderful people in a beautiful country! Ecuador taught me so much about others and a lot about myself as well! I learned to always be open and welcoming to everyone, even those I just met, and to drink plenty of water! I am beyond grateful for this mission and the people that I shared it with! 

Tumbling out for the last time, Kyndall Dickinson





:)