Centro de Reciclaje

On Saturday, after a fantastic breakfast, we split up the 8 students into two groups. One group went to the library to fix/update the computers as well as give tutorials in basic computer skills to students from the Chugchilán school. I went with the group that went to the Recycling Center to paint it and make signs for the distinct piles inside. There were also 6 boys from the school helping out, and it was really discouraging to see how they didn't integrate, didn't even ask each others' names, didn't seem to care at all. But within their respective groups, they all worked really hard and are quite talented aritsts! The local boys did the scenery and our kids did the words and logos that I think turned out fantastically! After lunch break, before returning to finish the painting, we picked up as much garbage as we could from the road, but only made it about 200 meters before running out of bag and box space! We finished up there, and again, our kids didn't even get out of the car to say goodbye to the boys! Arrrg, the absolute lack of manners and consideration nearly ruined an otherwise really positive day.

Back at the inn, a group of young girls came and performed some traditional Ecuadorian dances, later getting us all to join in and learn! It was great fun to both watch and dance, and boy! do I miss dancing! Dinner was great, and near the end the clouds dissipated enough to see the end of the lunar eclipse! It was fantastic and lasted a lot longer than I thought it would! As the students had another bonfire, I attempted to read awhile in the lodge but ended up falling asleep (go figure) and called it a night at 9:30!