Otavalo and back

Otavalo is a small town with one very large market. Friday night was dead upon our arrival because everyone had to get up Saturday morning to haul their livestock to the aminal market at 5 am. We got there around 730 and the chickens were still kickin'. Cows, sheep, bunnies, chickens, pigs, baby chickens, baby sheep, baby pigs, and about 1,000 people. That was over early, but only about a half mile away the famous Otavalo craft market boomed with colorful, handmade wool products amongst other crafts and plenty of street food. I (Lauren Jennifer Powell) bought some goofy overalls, of course. Andy added to his collection of belts made for children.

When we tired of the market, we set out for Lago San Pablo. The bus dropped us off at the wrong stop and we ended up walking for about 2 hours through a town without any finished buildings, then through the most beautiful corn fields. An enormous volcano sat before us. We did see the lake, but we missed the walking path. However, the walk through the town and farmscape was much more enjoyable. We passed a few old women hauling large packs of produce or hearding sheep. They were suprised to see us on their path, but everyone was friendly nonetheless. In fact, the people in Otavalo were much friendlier than those in Quito. It was a very safe place, with many people of all ages bustling about until midnight after the market. It was quite refreshing after the hectic experience of Quito in our first week.

We are now back in Quito to start a language program tomorrow. Tonight we are in a less busy area than before, so we are at ease. Tomorrow we start our homestay with an Ecuadorian family. We've decided to do it here because we get a good discount through an organization we joined that provides resources and discounts for traveling gringos like us (they even have club houses in all of the major cities down here). Speaking of gringos, we have met so many people in our hostals (which have been very nice with DELICOUS breakfasts). Many people are traveling alone and meet people in hostals to travel with. The hostal crowd cracks me up because we are all very similar people, but from very different continents (mostly N. America, Europe or Australia). Several people we've met are doing the same exact trip as we are. There are also plenty of organized groups. We have yet to meet another couple traveling together.

Although we are not too excited about the big city, our Spanish improves daily, and the classes will help a lot. We will take a dance class and a cooking class as well. After another week we plan on heading South to the Cotopaxi volcano and the town of Banos to soak in some natural hot springs. We'd like to do some sort of a guided trek in Cotopaxi. After that we'd like to make it to the coast, then to Loja where we are STILL waiting to hear confirmation from our first farm. If that doesn't work out we'll simply move on to Peru.

So far we have had some interesting lessons in tourism. First, tourists will ALWAYS get charged more than locals in a taxi. Second, look 4 ways before you cross the street. Third, wash your hands and drink 3-4 liters of water per day (without drowning). Fourth, none of us are 'volunteers', we are fortunate travelers, and the people that help us when we are lost are extremely kind hearted. I'm sure I will have more to say on this as we go along. And Fifth, carry small change.

We hope to be able to upload pictures this week. Thanks for your posts. Send e mails too!

Ciao!

Lauren and Andy