Saturday, July 2, 2011

Had to set the alarm for the second (I think!) time while on vacation.  We were supposed to eat breakfast at 7:00 a.m., then leave for destinations North at 7:30, but since we are on Ecuadorian time (stated in admiration for the slow pace!), we were about 30 minutes late eating and leaving.  Our guide was Diego, one of the Travellers Inn and travel agency co-owners.  There were four "tourists":  Jenny, myself and two guys from Texas (Austin and Houston).

We went north out of Quito with our first stop at a scenic view point near Oton to see the Cayambe volcono  We were also told about the "tequila" tree, the leaves are used to make a strong drink that resembles tequila.  The trunk, which is very stringy, is used to make rope.  Next, a brief stop at a small snack shop with a great view of surrounding mountains; we enjoyed some of the local fare; i.e., a cheese wrapped in banana leaves and a "bread stick" - both were good.  We intended to get some to bring back to Quito but because of road construction, they were closed when we came by on the way back.

We crossed the equator!

After a bit of driving along mountainous, winding roads (with gorgeous scenery), we arrived at the largest outdoor market in South America, in Otavalo.  It was huge!  We stayed about two hours; Jenny bought a wide brimmed hat to protect her from the sun, a pair of onyx earrings and a set of dolls for a friend of ours in Huntsville.  We also ate lunch; Jenny got a pork plate, I got chicken.  I'm sure we saw very little of the market, but probably enough.  When we started back to our van, we kinda got lost but "found ourselves" in time to make it back on time.

We were supposed to visit a place where a guy made musical instruments but he wasn't home.  Diego said we'd stop by on our way back but we later (on the way back) voted not to stop.

Then to Cotacachi.  I found the black leather blazer I've wanted for several months but refused to pay $300 to $500 for in Huntsville!  No cowboy boots though.  Jenny got a really pretty "red" (unusual) jacket and purse.  We stayed in Cotacachi for about an hour.  This tour worked out great because, since I found my blazer on leather street, we won't be going back.

We then went to Cuicocha Lagoon and Crater Lake, obviously a lake in the crater of a volcanoe - forget the name!  I really do need to take notes because we see so much, we forget what, when, and where!  There, we saw some boy & girl scouts and visited for a couple of minutes with a couple of the girls - Natalie  & Carolina. 

We headed back to Quito, but not without stopping at the Zero Latitude and Top of the World park - the equator.  A representative explained a lot about the equator and why where we were is actully called top of the world - I thought the North Pole was! LOL.  We took pictures standing in both northerly and southerly directions!

And, that's it.  We were tired when we got back so we ordered a pizza (their medium is about the size of our personal) and "ate in" - didn't even go to La Union for dessert!

We were concerned about some of our laundry; Jenny turned it in to the office yesterday and was told it would be back yesterday afternoon.  It was not in our room when we got back last night so we thought we may have gotten it in too late.  When we got home, it still wasn't in our room so we asked about it.  It had not been done but Diego assured us it would be ready tonight by 9; an employee brought it to us at about 8. Even with the mistake, they did not hesitate to correct it.

There's a lot of noise outside our room; sounds like a live band near here someplace so I hope they quieten down soon.

Someone on the Yahoo Ex-pats group said something about a robbery in Cotacachi but all seemed very peaceful while we were there.

We look forward to attending Brother Jeff Davoll's church in Cumbaya tomorrow and an Independence Day anniversary celebration afterwards.  We may see Mike Bullock, his girlfriend Abby, Patrick Bullock and his family, and other expats there.  We've decided to ride the transit busses there so it will be our first such excursion.  We will leave the hostal on one bus then transfer at a main station to another bus for Cumbaya.  Hope all goes well!

Buenos Noches!