Otavalo Market

Photo Of The Day ~ Ecuador Day 3

Today's day trip from Quito includes a stop at South America's greatest market in Otavalo (prounounced Oh Tah' Vahlow), 
well known for it's hand crafted textiles of all kinds.

This market experience warrants some real blog time of it's own ~ but while we are busy traveling and tasting and experiencing it is my intent to try to at least post a "Photo Of The Day" that captures the essence of that day's adventure so you can follow along with us. 

The real story will follow later when I have time to write while sitting on some plane, train, or automobile.

For now, suffice it to say that the market is a feast of color for the eyes, a delight to the senses, a complete thrill of textures and brightness and loveliness.  It's totally unlike any other market we have visited around the world (and that's quite a few, by the way).  

These are indigenous people who are doing what they have been doing for centuries, skills handed down from generation to generation; weaving, embroidering, dying and making blankets and clothing from Alpaca wool; hand painting dishes and making jewelry and....well, it goes on & on.  They are completely sweet and kind and quiet; I adored meeting and interacting with them as much as I enjoyed the results of their highly skilled labors. 

This is my new friend Raphael. There's a story coming up later.......

And I'm also the proud owner of a new (hand woven) Panama hat!  
Oooops!  Better make that Montecristi hat!

You know I don't wear hats, right?!?   

But it's the equator, and you're really supposedta'.  

This one is the real deal ~ did you know that Panama hats were never made in Panama??  Nope, they are native to Ecuador. 

 There's a whole story there, too.....

But right now, our hotel is offering "High Tea".
I don't know about you, but that's not something I get to do everyday.  

Especially in Ecuador.