Ahhh Ecuador!

Wow last night and day tomorrow!  It feels like I have been away forever but also that I just left at the same time.  As I am flying out at the end of the day I will not have time to blog again.  So sadly this will have to be my last top 5 with my reflections on the Challenge and Ecuador over the last 2 weeks.

5.  Ecuadorians have to be the kindest, happiest people I have almost ever encountered.  From the Martha Estrella Foundation, Bupa Ecuador’s MD Freddy Galarza, the friendly and helpful staff at the hotel Finlandia and of course our lovely driver Juan, it is always a ‘no problem’ kind of attitude.   

4.  Meeting people from around the Bupa world has been a real highlight.  Not only have I been learning about parts of the business I knew little of but also seeing how different each operation can be.  My week 9’s and 10’s really have been great groups and although each week has had completely different dynamics, they both worked brilliantly.

3.  The community of Miraflores is unreal.  I have so enjoyed interacting with the children, which for those that know me is a huge statement!  Their morning ‘holas’ are so sweet and their cheeky demeanor have been priceless.  Also it has been wonderful having a banter with all the construction workers.  Although they may not speak English nor I Spanish it is amazing how pranks can work its way into the mix regardless of language.  I will thoroughly miss stealing their equipment, tripping and doing other silly games that I should have well grown out of by now!

2.  This gorgeous country.  Ecuador really is a beautiful place.  From the old town of Quito with its many churches to the beauty of the countryside with its lush green rolling hills and snow capped volcanoes, it really is precious…and I have not even touched the coast, the Amazon or the Galapagos Islands!  Ecuador is a place I will have to return to for sure! 

…and my top reflection of this trip has been…

1.  The amazing personal journey it has been for me.  I am so lucky to be involved in this project and to been given the opportunity to lead it from here for the last 2 weeks.  I have learned so much, and no not just that cows are hard to milk and guinea pig can be found on the menu, but life altering ideals on just how lucky we really are.  It is funny how the people that have less seem to have so much more at times. 

So I will leave you on that note…I am handing over to the coordinator of this whole Challenge so I could not be leaving the last 2 weeks to anyone more capable than Claire Atkinson.  I know groups 11 and 12 will have the time of their lives.

Thank you Bupa and adios!

Liz

xo