mas photos del mercado

I realized when looking at the pictures I'd taken at the Saturday market that most of them were of elderly women with unusual hats and pigs cooked and uncooked. I'm not sure what this means.
Today we took the bus into San Antonio de Ibarra, a small town in which most of the residents are wood craftsmen. Many of the shops specialize in religious artwork. Needless to say I added a few new crucifixes to my collection.
The bus ride back was unbelievable, we were truly packed in like sardines. All the seats were full, some sitting double, and the rest of us were standing 2 deep in the aisle. This as the bus was speeding down the highway. Simon and I were cracking up imagining this happening in Thousand Oaks. I love it here.

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Hellish hike with heavenly views

Laguna Cuicocha, the travel books describe a 5 hour hike around a beautiful crater lake with views of all 3 of the areas volcanos.
We imagined a walk much like the one we take around Westlake, only more beautiful and longer.
NOT
This walk seemed all uphill on steep steps, steep paths, steep narrow paths, steep muddy paths and when by chance a down hill happened, we had to scoot down on our butts.
However we made it. The lake and views were spectacular. Would we do it again, NO.
After a very early dinner, we were asleep by 5pm, and for those who know us that is at least 2 hours earlier than we normally go to bed.

Otavalo

We arrived safely and are now in Otavalo. It is a beautiful area surrounded by 3 volcanos and green mountains, fields and lakes. Our hotel La Posada del Quinde see picture, is quite nice and has a wonderful enclosed garden. Today was market day, it is the largest market in the Americas, and of course I bought a lot. Poor Simon is loaded down as you can see. The market is wonderful, there are 36 indigenous communities in the area and Saturday market day is their day to come out in full regalia.