Beautiful Molinuco Casada in Ecuador

By: Ye Oo

The first thing we noticed about Ecuador were the amazing views of mountains and potential hiking spots. If you love to hike and enjoy the scenery of nature, Ecuador is full of places to enjoy just that. The breathtaking sight from above is something that can not be missed. Personally, I love the serenity and tranquility of being one with nature. It can be very rewarding after a stressful week. 

The first weekend in Ecuador, the program directors and staff visited their first waterfall in Rumibosque. The second hike was in Molinuco, which was my first waterfall hike in Ecuador, and possibly my favorite. With the help of a local volunteer, we were able to obtain wristbands that allowed us to go on the hiking trail. The overall hike lasted about three hours, an hour and a half going up and down. This included rest time we took in between to take everything in.

On the way up, we stopped by a small waterfall which had a lake that was suitable for swimming. The water was too cold for swimming on that day, but it was still worth taking a rest for a few minutes before continuing hiking to the main waterfall. When we got to the main waterfall, I was amazed by how close we were able to get to it. At the bottom of the waterfall was a little bridge to walk past the waterfall. On the bridge, you can feel the mist from the waterfall which was very refreshing. We went on a weekend and to my surprise, there were not that many hikers so we were able to take in the quietness of nature. 

Hiking up was challenging, but after reaching the waterfall, the view makes it all worth it. Some advice I would give to new hikers: keep in mind the change in altitude in Ecuador, make sure you have enough water to keep you hydrated, bring snacks and fruits along, make time to rest and enjoy the view, dress appropriately, and lastly, take plenty of pictures for memories. For first time hikers, I would suggest Molinuco because the path is pretty straightforward and easy to follow. 

Gabriel's experience in English classes

By Maddie Tudder

Since January, Program Director Maddie has had the best time teaching Kids English Level 4 and has the most special, and kind students. One particular student, Gabriel, has expressed how much Manna Project International has changed his life, and encouraged his dreams for the future. Here is his experience, in his own words.

“Hello my name is Gabriel Alejandro Oña Catagña, and I am from Ecuador.

I live in Quito in the Sangolqui and Rumiloma neighborhood. I have been a student of MANNA PROJECT INTERNACIONAL from level one, together with my father Carlos Oña. Currently I am studying the fourth level, which has been a very beautiful experience for me. I have made the most of it, because I have had teachers with a lot of enthusiasm, and care. Since English classes in my country are expensive, I am glad I have been able to take English classes with Manna Project International.

English is a language that I personally love, and wholeheartedly thank all my teachers who had have a lot of patience in teaching us.

Each level has been a unique experience, and all of my teachers have been very loving teachers. Such as Mikaela, Katie, Maddie. I love them very much.

Manna Project English helped me a lot in my performance at school since I am the only student who is advanced in the subject of English. Teacher Maddie congratulated me on my English ability and that has made me feel very good.

Speaking English has also helped me to make many friends from different countries such as Canada, the United States, and New Zealand. I have enjoyed each class to the fullest and that is why I am very sad that this level is ending, even though the classes were online they have been very interesting, productive and fun. My biggest dream is that one day I can go study in the United States and specialize in medicine. I want to become a Doctor. I am grateful to Manna Project for always encouraging me in my dream of learning English.”

Our volunteers love building special bonds and relationships with our community members through our English program. We hope to continue doing great work and helping students in their journey to learn English.

My weekend getaway

By Emily Churchill

I love living in Quito because it’s close to so many amazing destinations for short getaways. Like many people, I’ve spent much of the past year staring at a computer screen, but I’ve still taken advantage of safe opportunities to get out and explore when possible. 

A few weekends ago, my boyfriend and I drove three hours south of Quito to the Hosteria La Andaluza, just outside of Riobamba. It’s a beautiful inn at the base of Chimborazo volcano. (Unfortunately, because it’s the rainy season, Chimborazo did not reveal her magnificence to us on this particular trip.) 

The property has existed for almost 500 years under many different owners. It’s claim to fame is that Simon Bolivar, one of South America’s most famous libertadores, stayed at the property on his many trips passing through Ecuador. You can even stay in the room where he slept! 

The property is beautiful and is home to many furry friends, including llamas, horses, cats, and an entire patio filled with rabbits. The hotel staff keep a basket of carrots in the patio for anyone who wants to feed them. I was lucky enough to become friends with the adorable rabbit pictured in this post. 

The hotel has a beautiful spa and a wonderful restaurant which serves a mix of traditional Ecuadorian dishes, as well as some international ones. There is also lots of colonial and 19th century artwork to explore throughout the hotel. 

The hotel staff did a great job of implementing COVID-friendly guidelines and precautions and there was plenty of room between guests at all times. We thoroughly enjoyed our weekend at Hosteria La Andaluza and we hope to return sometime during the dry season to catch a glimpse of Chimborazo!  

Meet my Spanish Teacher

By Anna Wilgenburg

As interns and program directors here at Manna, we all have the opportunity to take Spanish lessons with the Simon Bolivar Spanish School. These classes help us learn the language for our own personal goals, but they have also been indispensable in helping us, as volunteers from abroad, connect with the people in the community that we serve. When you are able to communicate with people in their native language, you are often able to have a larger impact than we would have been able to if we were unable to speak Spanish with them. I feel that even though my Spanish is far from perfect, I am still able to show interest in Ecuadorian culture by trying to speak the language, and I think that my students and members of the community as a whole appreciate this.

I was able to interview my teacher, Sandra Quishpe, about her experience as a teacher at the Simon Bolivar school and working with the students from Manna.

MPI: When did you start your school? How long have you been working with students?

Sandra: The School started in 1994 in Quito, I have been working with students for more than 26 years.

MPI: How many students do you teach? How many teachers do you have?

Sandra: Due to the Pandemic we have had to change, adapt and reinvent ourselves to continue providing our services by doing what we most like to do, teach and share the language and culture. Right now we have 7 teachers who are working, but we have a database of professional teachers who support us when we need them. At this time we have several students taking online classes and a few who are taking face-to-face classes.

MPI: Where did you learn to speak English?

Sandra: I learned at university, but if you don't practice you can't speak the language, so I learned more in my work as a teacher and helping students in the office.

MPI: How long have you been working with Manna?

Sandra: About 3 years.

MPI: What are the most important things to keep in mind when learning Spanish?

Sandra: First, find your rationale for learning the language. Then find affinity and interest in the language and culture of the place where the language is studied. Patience, dedication, perseverance in learning, and finally the motivation of personal growth and opening more doors in this wonderful world are important.

MPI: Why did you decide to work in this field?

Sandra: Because I like to help people, I love meeting new people and sharing experiences, but above all because I like traveling and seeing more places; I travel to other places while I am in my class teaching Spanish. Working in this job, I am doing what I really like and I am happy.

MPI: What do you like the most about teaching?

Sandra: I love sharing experiences and ensuring that my students can communicate in an appropriate way. I am very happy when they succeed.

MPI: What do you like the most about Ecuador?

Sandra: There are 2 things, the people with their warmth, joy and happiness in the simple things in life, and the unique nature that it has in its 4 natural regions: the Coast, the Sierra, the Oriente and the Insular Region or Galapagos.

New Year's in Ecuador

By Chloe Lacouture

     Happy New Year from Manna Project International to you! As our volunteers and community members celebrate this holiday, it is important to appreciate all of the amazing traditions that Ecuador has in store for the celebration of the new year. Some traditions are similar to those preformed in the US, such as lots of fireworks and spending time with family. Others are unique and involve the whole community getting together to celebrate.

      One of the most popular New Year’s traditions in Ecuador is the burning of a family’s “año viejo” (old year) or monigote. Ecuadorians fill old clothes with sawdust to create these figures that can look like a real person or an imaginary character with the addition of a mask. The monigote figures represent the old year that is burned in a bonfire at the stroke of midnight. Families sometimes create their monigotes to look like hated politicians that they hope will not be around next year. Some monigotes represent more traditional values, relating to religion or a personal meaning created by the family members. Some are purely for fun, such as cartoon characters and superheroes! Communities or neighborhoods may have a competition for who has made the best monigote, some even involve cash prices that go towards the drinking fund for the celebration. Los años viejos is a truly incredible experience for people with a great view of the city at midnight. Fires light up the night and people can be found dancing and jumping over the flames into the new year!

    The bonfires never run out of fuel on New Year’s! The next tradition is to throw a letter into the fire that contains a list of all the things you hope to leave behind in the “old year.” Many people write about any hardships they have had or things that have stressed them out. Others have made it a tradition to write wishes down and burn those instead, in the hope that they will come true next year!

    Another popular tradition in Ecuador is “Las 12 Uvas” (The 12 Grapes). At midnight, each person eats twelve grapes, making a wish before each bite. While the tradition originally symbolized the 12 apostles, people now wish for happiness, wealth, or anything else they desire. 

    If you ever visit Ecuador for New Year’s make sure you pack underwear that comes in every color of the rainbow! The color of your underwear will decide your fate for the upcoming year! Well, not entirely, but many believe that the color can symbolize what you hope to have in the new year. For example, yellow symbolizes luck and prosperity, while red symbolizes love and passion.

    Finally, a tradition that is perfect for the current circumstances we face during this pandemic: dreaming of traveling again. Hopeful travelers will run around their homes or neighborhoods while carrying an empty suitcase on New Year’s Eve. This tradition is a fun way to burn off some energy and wish for life to bring you many adventures next year!

   There are many more traditions that can be found in different parts of Ecuador and can change from family to family. New Year’s is an important holiday all over the world because it brings people together to reminisce on the old year and make wishes and goals for the next year. Celebrating the new year in Ecuador is a perfect way to learn more about the culture and create memories of many amazing sites throughout the night!