Riobamba
We arrived in Riobamba on May 12th and were met by wonderful Rotarians Maria Theresa, Roberto, Lionardo and Lorena. Lorena was a great help with translation as a former GSE traveller to San Diego. First off they told us to wear comfy shoes because we were off to climb a mountain, yes readers, a mountain - Chimborazo. Bikes were borrowed and put on top of the van and off we went. This mountain is over 5000 meters and Bev and I were both feeling the altitude. We waited at base camp while Janene and Ben climbed with Rotarians and two British travellers we assisted to the camp. Sugar and cacao tea helped and we played Cuarenta while we waited. This club was also amazingly prepared for this trip, they brought fruit and sandwiches and drinks and they made sure we had warm clothes. Thanks a bunch guys!!
Ben and Janene touch snow at 5000m!
When the climbers returned from the top, Janene and Ben hopped on the mountain bikes and headed off down the mountain.
There are curious animals on the mountain that look like a cross between a deer and a llama. Here´s one if anyone knows the name:
Our next stop was a music school where children from all over the area come to be part of an orchestra. Some kids walk 2 hours to take a bus to get to the school. We were treated to a small concert before dinner and relaxing with our Riobamba families....
Day two in Riobamba started at a TV station, little did we know we were on live television as we toured the station (one of our families told us later). We went to a school for hearing impaired children where the students get vocational training including ceramics, metalwork and card making. The club presented us with pictures made by these talented kids from dried flower petals. The card shop could use some supplies to make more paper from recycled phone books. The metal and ceramics shops also need equipment. The kids here are very happy, they put on a country western style dance for us and it was a real treat. The next stop for Janene and I was at the local hospital where our host families work. The hospital has separate wards for men and women, they were surprised to hear in Canada that men and women are sometimes in the same room. We are greatful to our hosts for showing us around the hospital. After lunch we were off to the military base (joined by Lorena´s lovely 5 year old daughter Valentina)
The base had an explosion a few years ago, many people were injured, a few were killed but the base has been rebuilt since. We went through two museums showing the older tanks and other military vehicles and showing what military life was like in the past. They let Janene and I hold authentic 1920s Colt revolver and for the grand finale - A RIDE IN A TANK!!! This is us in front of the tank and Janene in the
back (
Ben was resting at home today)The day was not yet finished, we returned to the TV station for the afternoon show where Maria Teresa did most of the talking and Bev and I looked pretty. Janene watched from the waiting room and recorded it for us on her camera.
The final part of the day was our meeting. These guys really outdid themselves. We were treated to another concert by the music school we visited earlier and then some traditional dancing. Rotaract presented us with hats, the club presented us with mementos and we took lots of pictures (this one is blurry but it´s us with the dancers).
It was a fun meeting and the next day we were off to Cuenca. We´ll post more when we can.....
Were the animals vicunas?
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