We woke early to farm fresh eggs and freshly squeezed juice. I have drank more juice since I have been here than I ever have in my life. Ecuadorian fruit is so delicious that I just can't resist it or its' juices. After breakfast, Jacquie and I meandered around the farm in search for all of the animals that we were told made that farm their home. The view of the rolling hills and far off mountains were beautiful. I now understood why this place served as their weekend getaway from the city. Mid morning we traveled another 45 minutes north to a small town called Otavalo that is known for it's market filled with homemade Ecuadorian gifts. As you walk around you begin to realize that every stand has a variation of something you saw at the one before; alpaca blankets, scarfs, hats, gloves, jewelry, and bags. Everything is beautiful and haggling is a must. Despite the pressure of every stand owner to purchase their goods, I managed to walk away with only one bag.
View from the farm
Otavalo Market
After the market we drove a little further to an ecological reserve called Cotacachi Cayapas. It is an inactive volcano that managed to naturally fill its mouth with water. The view was breath taking and after walking up only 10 steps to overlook the lake, I was literary out of breath. The opportunity to take pictures was fully embarrassed as a means to take a break. After enjoying the peace and quite of the reserve, we decided to get something to eat and head back home.
WOW, girl! Thank you for the awesome blog posts and pictures. It sounds like you are on an incredible journey and I can't thank you enough for taking us all along with you! You're writing is perfect as you seem to capture every scene.
ReplyDeleteI sit at home in Florida and wonder what happened to my sense of adventure?
Love you and miss you like crazy!