Ecuador - Otavalo

August 28, 2009 Otavalo, Ecuador


We reserve today for email, laundry, and travel planning.

We meet some interesting characters camped on the balcony around the corner from our room. One fellow is from Japan. He started in San Francisco, and was riding his skateboard for travel income until he lost it while hitching in Colombia. Since then, he’s taken up Andean music with his travel buddy from Peru. The fellow from Peru doesn’t say much until he meets Vana; “Little Chinese girl doesn’t eat beans!”

Cat skin rug?

Vana joins traveling Andean band

In the evening, we sample some tasty street food; meat on a stick, potatoes, tripe, lamb, and fried potato balls.

Meat on a stick with two lines of mayo

August 29, 2009, Olaveto

In the morning, we visit the famous Otavelo Saturday handicrafts market. Afterwards, we take a tour visiting local homes in the area where the handicrafts are made; hats, weaving, mats, and musical instruments. We are not so impressed, and a bit bored; perhaps because we experienced the same stuff in Laos. But, The pictures turned out great!

Vendor setting up in the Market

Local Textiles

Local teaches Kevin to weave a mat made from a kind of lake straw

Spinning wool

Flute maker demonstrates product

Local falls

On the way to church

Making the local style hat

before and after

Volcanic Crater Lake

After lunch we taste the local drink called Yamor, which is made from 7 varieties of corn, cooked with black sugar cane. Vana and I look at each other in puzzlement; tastes like apple sauce!

Yamor made from corn

August 30, 2009 Otavalo back to Quito

Today, we take bus and taxi back to Quito. The people in Otavalo are really friendly, but there are mixed vibes of low motivation, boredom, and a touch of sadness. We are happy to get back to Quito, with its festive energy.

We start our malaria meds, getting ready for the Amazon.