January 16, 2001

Before leaving to explore further we took time to walk through the beautiful gardens of the Hosterîa Chorlavi.

Then we were on our way to San Antonio de Ibarra village which is famous for its woodworking.

On leaving the gallery we crossed the street to be treated to a park full of birds and flowers.

Our next goal was to get to a village where we would see how they make felt hats. Travelling along it was interesting to see how Ecuadorean road builders mark off parts of a road that are not to be driven on. Although we got through that construction zone all right, the next one stopped us completely. We turned around to come into town another way but it was closed too. Alas, no hats.

After giving up on ever seeing the felt hats, it was time to check out some more weavers. Some families have moved up to using a series of electric looms but again they are keeping their agricultural roots. We were able to follow the various stages involved from winding spools, to making a warp, to working the loom. Then . of course, there was marketing.

Last week we had visited a home in the Amazon rain forest and it was interesting to compare home life in the Otavalo region - inside and out.

Soon we were on our way again. Throughout Ecuador there are wonderful statues depicting the history and culture. One of my favorites we spotted on our way to the Otavalo Market. Touted as Ecuador's greatest market, (I thought they said that about Ambato) obviously we arrived the wrong day. We had more fun exploring the side streets.

At three we loaded the bus for the ride back to Quito.

Index — Ecuador & the Galapagos