Last Saturday, we had a magical day first driving through the mountains to the market town of Otavalo. It is a quaint town that becomes a bustling city on Saturdays when it supposedly becomes one of the largest markets in South America.
On the way there, we saw lots of greenhouses that grew the long-stemmed roses that I have enjoyed for many birthdays and anniversaries. New tidbit is that these type of flowers grow well here due to the sun at the Equator. Many of them are exported but on the street, 24 can be bought for around $3.
We then stopped to view and stroll around Puerto Lago. There is a resort with cottages, lamas, and a restaurant as well as water activities. Paddle boats are available to rent...maybe next time.
At a pit stop, we were treated to biscotto which is a flaky pastry that is traditionally eaten with a mug of rich hot chocolate. Delicious!!
We finally arrived at our shopping destination. The market is in a square with lots of tents where everything from brightly colored blankets and scarves made from llama wool to Panama hats to wool rugs and much more were displayed. We were extremely fortunate to have Marie, a local, to help us negotiate even though Ed held his own. We left with less dinero but lots of gorgeous rugs and blankets to add some color to our new home.
The most amazing surprise and treat of our past two weeks awaited us at our next stop. Our greeter was a stately peacock who stunned us with his many "eyes".
At La Mirage, we were treated like princes and princesses from our lavender-scented hot towel to the music box filled with our first course to a never-to-be-forgotten fish entree wrapped in bacon to Rae's favorite ice cream encased in a golden sugar edible basket. UNBELIEVABLE!!
Fernando and his wife, Marie, made this day the perfect ending to our time together with our newbie team. Fernando, the Transportation Director at Academia Cotopaxi, has been with us since the beginning when we all arrived downstairs at the Hotel Quito bleary eyed and confused. He and Patricia, the Human Resources Director, have been our parents away from home to make sure we all had everything we needed and to give us emotional support to make it through the transition. Muchas gracias para todo!
Imbabura Volcano filled us with inspiration for another day of exploring in the near future.
Hope you get out there and explore!!
TEAM MILLIS
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