For the final portion of our trip, we returned back to Quito and decided to visit the botanical garden next to our first hotel, the Wyndham. It was bonsai galore, I found it amazing how they could basically have a huge plant emerge from such a small piece of pottery. To wrap things us, for lunch, we got to try a delicacy that a few Ecuadorians enjoyed… GUINEA PIG! Emily and I had been itching to try it during the whole trip. Thankfully our professor was able to fit it in our hefty schedules and I must say, I do not regret my decision one bit.
(Food Pic left to right: Brandon Pollard, Eric Ostrander, Nandini Mishra, Emily McCue, Lauren Lairson, Collin McManus)
At first, I did not think that I would be able to afford going abroad for both financial and time management reasons. By acquiring scholarships from both the Global center for study abroad and SEBS, my dream was able to become a reality. One thing I would suggest is to never let certain doubt cloud your judgement when it comes to grasping opportunities like this.
I was provided with the chance to conquer my fears of swimming and dealing with the dangers of the Amazon. Not only did I learn about myself, but I was able to learn about my surroundings and understand how we as a society can coexist with nature. Nothing more could have been done to make this trip a better experience. I got to meet people that I will know for a lifetime, acquired knowledge that I will remember for a lifetime, and gained memories that I will hold dear to me for a lifetime.
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