A New Journey

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Estoy en Otavalo. ¿Dónde estas?

Yes I'm in Otavalo. And it's high in the Andes in northern Ecuador, just north of the equator, not far from the border with Columbia in Latin America. Elevation is 2560m. Altitude sickness has kicked in; yet it is a new world for me and immensely exciting. Strangely, my Spanish has improved since I left Argentina last October, but it will need to get much better before I can understand anything much about the culture here. Except that the people are friendly and welcome strangers. It is a textile centre, with a very busy craft market that attracts tourists from all over the country. It's best for a newcomer to let the pictures speak for themselves.

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¿Como viajé aquí?

A twenty-two hour flight, Sydney - Auckland - Santiago - Quito delivered me safely into the hands of Ali and Steve's friend Luis, keeper of the Jumbo Lodging (cUS$20:00 per night). What a lovely guesthouse! They looked after me like family for a day and a half and delivered me to a bus terminal on the outskirts of town.

Two hours to cover sixty-five km on a well surfaced, two lane highway that switchbacked over amazingly mountainous terrain. In Otavalo Ali Steve and I are staying in the charming Hotel Riviera Sucre (cUS$15.00 per night). After three nights here we'll go off to Pucará, the village where they're working, until the end of the month.

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Photos

Otavalo
Doña Emilia is going to be my homestay host until the end of June. At last I´ve found someone shorter than me.

The Andes
Volcanoes seen from the plane.

The Andes
Desert landscape from the air.

Otavalo
On the outskirts of town.

Otavalo
Los indigenes on a roundabout.

Otavalo
On the steps of the Town Hall.

Otavalo
The church of San Luis.

Otavalo
Statue of Rumiñawi, a hero of the original inhabitants, in the Parque Bolívar.

Otavalo
The church, El Jordán, appears to have been built in two different periods.

Otavalo
Plants and various items for sale in the Daily Market.

Otavalo
There are many different types of maize; here are three of them.

Otavalo
The pig has been cooked and already most of his hind quarters have been sliced away.

Otavalo
Crafts are sold in the Plaza des Ponchos.

Otavalo
There is a huge range of woven and knitted items.

Otavalo
"Study today! Work tomorrow."
(UNHCR)

Otavalo
The UNHCR is running a campaign against child labour ...

Otavalo
... and different school groups attended.

Otavalo
Birds are a popular motif ...

Otavalo
... on street lights ...

Otavalo
... and for hotel security.

Otavalo
Ali and Steve at breakfast in the Riviera Sucre.

Comments

[Guenter]

Good place to be when it’s 6 degrees at home
Seems you’ve landed in a lovely spot. How long will you be staying there? Best to Ali and Steve. Guenter & Aek

[Jenny McNaughton]

fabulous entry!
what a brave and adventurous spirit Intrepid springs to mind. Jenny

[Bellarina]

great photos!
Enjoyed them very much. It looks a unique and interesting place to travel with Ali and Steve. You are lucky to be retired and able to see your children at work and play. So much fun for you....

[An Erratic Traveller]

We're moving out to the village today, to stay on different farms and for them to finish off the job they've been doing. We'll be there til the end of the month and then head off to Columbia together.

[Silvia Mufarrege]

awesome pictures!!!!!
Gil!!!! You made it!!!! Lucky you!!!!!!! Wish you a great time up there...and don´t get so dizzy....in that case, you can always drink some coca tea or chew some coca leaves...:-) say hello to the two crazy cats!!!!!!! ha ha ha!!! tell them we are waiting them back!!!!! now, go on with your pictures and adventures!!!!! and send me more! and more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! love, Sil

[Robert Bush]

Great
Wonderful to read I should be spending more time in SA when I arrive.

[Ray W]

Catching up....
It was lovely to come home to your post.....and I hope you can keep on posting to keep us all in the loop. I suppose I shouldn't say I'm jealous of your travels having just returned from 5+ weeks of my own but I am....ray chuckles. I will try to send an e-mail soon.

[margo]

estoy celoso
Me encanta mucho tus viajar.Me espousa y yo vamos a sud america en el ano proximo.Gracias por las fotografias todo mira fantastico! salud Margo X

[Margo]

Que Bueno!
Your adventure sounds (and looks) wonderful.I can't wait to get there! How are the spanish lessons going? Please tell all. Am keen to see more pics,everything looks so colourful and exciting.I loved the street lamps. Salud Margo X