Field research
August 9, 2022 in Ecuador ⋅ ☁️ 75 °F
Students have been divided into three teams and they are collecting data on species diversity (leaves) in three types of locations— disturbed, secondary forest, and primary forest. Here you see themRead more
Otovalo
August 10, 2022 in Ecuador ⋅ ⛅ 48 °F
We are now in Otovalo, named for the indigenous tribe that specializes in handicrafts. We took a short stroll, visited the famous market to get a preview (we will shop there tomorrow), and had a greatRead more
Breakfast at Central Market
August 11, 2022 in Ecuador ⋅ ☁️ 52 °F
Locals go to Central market for breakfast and lunch. You can have everything from chicken soup to smoothies to empanadas or buy fruit, beef, chickens…
The stray dogs know this is a good place toRead more
Plazas los Ponchos
August 11, 2022 in Ecuador ⋅ ☁️ 54 °F
We are in one of the biggest indigenous markets today and the products are stunning. Prices are incredibly low and my students are having a difficult time making choices. The people are also lovelyRead more
El centro del mundo
August 11, 2022 in Ecuador ⋅ ☁️ 57 °F
We are standing in the middle of the world as I write this, at Itiñan, the interactive equator museum. Students are doing some equator experiments as well, for example, experiments with gravity andRead more
Indigenous lunch
August 11, 2022 in Ecuador ⋅ ☁️ 57 °F
Students had indigenous food for lunch (empanadas, potato pancakes, hominy, pork) with chicha, a fermented corn beverage.
Aya Huma
August 11, 2022 in Ecuador ⋅ ⛅ 52 °F
This mask represents a spiritual guide named Aya Huma and is used for dancing in indigenous festivals in the highland regions. Aya Huma drives out the bad spirits and bad energy to ensure a goodRead more
Virgin el Panecillo
August 11, 2022 in Ecuador ⋅ ⛅ 52 °F
This location used to be a temple for the indigenous. This statue looks towards the richer part of Quito. Guides tell me this is a bone of contention…she has her back towards the south and localsRead more
TravelerWhat a great experience for the students!