| Oct 8, 2005 - Otavalo, Ecuador
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 | | a small piece of the market | | Lago de San Pablo | | I really was that close |
| Well, I already have my first favorite day!
Saturday morning I woke up early and travelled with some others about 2 hours north to the small city of Otavalo. Here there is a local market every day, but on Saturdays it grows exponentially in size and sprawls into many surrounding streets. Had a great time walking around and looking at all the local clothing and crafts. Of course, I didn't buy anything.
Also, this was a MAJOR day for sports in Ecuador. Ecuador was playing Paraguay in soccer, and if they could either tie or win, they are guaranteed a spot in the World Cup 2006 in Germany. Ecuador did not qualify last time in 2004, and have never won a world cup. Needless to say this was all anyone talked about the entire day, and almost every other person was wearing a yellow Ecuadorian soccer jersey, many people with painted faces. More on this later.
After Otavalo, we decided that we were going to spend the night nearby, instead of going back to Quito. We went to this beautiful lake, Lago de San Pablo, and to a small resort-type thing where you can stay in cabins on the lake. So stunningly gorgeous words cannot do it justice. But similar to Lake Tahoe in the way you have a lake surrounded by soaring mountains. We got there and took a motorboat tour around the lake, and then went back to our cabin to watch the soccer game (Futbol match). It was an exciting game, but as exciting as a game can be when ending in a 0-0 tie. Turns out Quito went absolutely beserk that night, and while it would have been cool to witness, I am also sorta glad I got outta there for it. After the game we went on this boat they have for all the people staying in the cabins. It is a large raft made of big tree trunks, and has a small straw ceiling in the center of it. We were all given these red fleece ponchos to wear, were seved a traditional hot fuit drink with some alcohol out of hollowed out coconut shells, and were serenaded by a mariachi band as the boat took us around the lake under the stars. Such a surreal experience, and the first real "out of this world" moment so far.
The entire day was magical, fun, and yet relaxing, and gave me a strong thirst for all the travelling and adventures that are to come. |
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