Este calle de "sketch"

This weekend I went to the market town of Otavalo, a two hour bus ride from Quito. Friday when I was waiting for my friend Jamie at the bus station I noticed an old woman walking along the sidewalk with what seemed like a fifty pound sack of oranges on her back. Not only did she have to carry such a heavy bag, but she was also walking in worn out men's golf shoes, spikes and all. They must have been four sizes too large and she was struggling to walk in them without tripping. At that moment I wanted to give her my own shoes and I would have if I weren't leaving town right then. I've decided that I'm going to be donating the majority of my clothes and shoes when it is time for me to leave Ecuador! And now I'll definitely have more room in my suitcases. I finally met up with Jamie and we were on our way! On the bus there we met a woman who lived in Otavalo, but had just returned from visiting her mother in Florida! She pointed us in the direction (which ended up being a little off) of our hostel and within thirty minutes we were safely checked-in! This was our first experience staying in a hostel and I think we chose a good one! Our beds were clean, the doors had locks, and the bathroom had toilet paper! What else can you ask for?

After we got settled in our room, we decided to hit the town! We walked around for awhile looking in all the shops and just enjoyed being out of Quito for a couple days. We decided to have dinner at the "Deli Restaurant." I couldn't figure out why no one was in the restaurant, it was dinner time my goodness! Then I realized that they don't eat big dinners in Ecuador! So I felt better about the restaurant after that and we ordered nachos, quesadillas, and milkshakes! For those of you that don't know, milkshakes are my favorite! I was so excited to have this little piece of home in Ecuador! Life is always about the little things, don't forget it! We received our nachos soon after the milkshakes and they were lacking something, oh yeah - the CHEESE! So that was definitely different, and needless to say, we didn't finish those. And then the quesadillas! Delish! Overall, great first meal in Otavalo! After dinner we walked through the streets again, and ended up seeing three people we knew from school! We walked and talked with them and it was great seeing people I knew so far from Quito! I really liked Otavalo at night. There were lots of people in the streets and it felt safer (except for one rather sketchy street) than Quito does at night - which was a relief. The "Festival del Yamor" was also going on during the time we were in the town and we got to see fireworks! Another one of my favorite things! It was a great night (:

The next day we got up early, packed, and went down to our free breakfast of bread and eggs, scrambled! We were able to leave our things in a storage room, how nice! We also talked to the owner of the hostel before we left. Found out he's from Cleveland! OHIO representing! He volunteered with the Peace Corps in Ecuador, met and married his wife, and the two lived in Ohio until 1998. His wife then decided she wanted to come back to Ecuador; they did just that, and opened a hostel! After sharing stories and getting directions Jamie and I went to the market! As soon as we turned the corner from the hostel we could see it! Street, after street, after street of so many little shops and so many people! It was like Ecuador's Mall of America! We walked around for hours looking at all of the handmade crafts, clothes, and jewelry. I was able to buy some really great things for myself (like this lovely orange duffel bag) and things for my family and friends back home! A great thing about the market is that you never pay full price for anything. The sellers first give you a price, $18 for example. This is where the bartering begins. Then you suggest a price, typically half. You go back and forth until you can settle on a price that seems fair to both of you. They are trying to get as much money as possible from you, and you're trying to save as much money as possible. What a fun game! The key is being able to walk away if they don't give you a good enough price. And half of the time, starting to walk away will get you the price you want! WIN!

Oh and another story from the market! While Jamie was bartering for a backpack, another woman was in the store had asked how much another bag was. The owner replied, "Quince" and went about helping others. The woman looked very confused and turned to walk away. I thought she hadn't heard the owner correctly and repeated, "Quince." She looked at me and said, "I don't understand; do you speak English?" At that moment I couldn't help but smile. She thought I didn't speak English! It was flattering to say the least and I quickly told her I was from the US and that "quince" meant $15. She proceeded to tell me that she was from Indiana and they were here receiving medical treatment for her daughter. She didn't know much Spanish and was having a very difficult time getting along here. I can only imagine how difficult being here was for her, and yet how brave she was for her daughter! I have met the most amazing people here and I just love hearing how so many different people arrive in the same places.

I got back to Quito Saturday night, safe and sound! I spent the rest of the weekend hanging out with my host family and doing homework. Sunday is "pancake day" at home; I'll never get tired of that! I also realized that I think they go out for lunch every Sunday too. This week was Chinese, yum!

I had a great weekend and I hope you enjoyed reading about it! Not sure what next weekend will bring, but I'm sure it will be exciting!

More Ecua-info!
1.) Friday in Andinismo I got to repel from the ceiling. It was about three stories high. They just hooked us up and we went down! Something I’d never be able to do in the US!
2.) I think I want to start writing a "Canterbury-like" tale using the stories of all the people I've met in Ecuador!
3.) The two-hour bus ride to Otavalo was only $2.00 and I bought a doughnut in Otavalo for $.15!
4.) Every day I've traveled in Ecuador I've been so thankful that I'm directionally-savvy. No one likes being lost!

Have a great week!
Kelley