June 14, 2011

Quito, Equador -

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Entry By Julie Creen (Manager, School & Youth Coordination with Me to We)

The Student-Athletes Leading Social Change (SALSC) trip is already off to a great start! This morning (Sunday) the group awoke with excitement to explore the sights in the capital city of Quito. The group had the opportunity to visit the Inti ñan Museum located at the exact middle of the earth, at the Equator. Some participants even managed to successfully balance an egg on top of a nail-- one of the famous experiments we have fun with at the Equator! Then the group went to the Itchimbia Park to enjoy a picnic lunch. Throughout the day, the group began learning some insight into the many different cultures found throughout Ecuador, including the various kinds of homes people live in, and types of traditional dance.

Next, they made a very special visit to an extraordinary church called Company of Jesus, one of the most beautiful and renowned churches in all of South America. The church is normally closed to tourists this time of year, but we were able to arrange for a special visit for the Me to We SALSC group. Following that, they enjoyed a walking tour in old Quito, seeing sights including the President's Palace and the Basilica, where the group climbed all the way to the top of the clock tower to enjoy some breathtaking views of the city. The photo attached shows the group in front of one of the stained glass windows at the Basilica.

This evening the group enjoyed a traditional Ecuadorian dinner at a local restaurant and then received an orientation to some of the basic leadership principles used in the group throughout the trip. It was certainly a full day! Tomorrow morning the group will be heading to Chimborazo province where they will settle into their new home and gear up for volunteering in community later on in the week.