Farewell Otavalo

Ah what a difference a good teacher makes. This week he has been a revelation. I'm not saying that I can actually speak Spanish yet but there has been progress!

This was our last week in Otavalo and it feels like the days have disappeared. Getting out into the mountains and the countryside has been great and we have had a couple of serious shopping sessions at the markets which have been fabulous fun, bargaining hard and having vendors follow us through the market to get a sale. We have been ripped off too, but it didn't cost us much – just a couple of fake leather belts. Eva loves getting a good deal and trying to bargain in Spanish!

I feel like the last two weeks we have been on a health farm. I didn't expect to come to Ecuador and be so healthy. Our host family are lovely, there are family members coming and going all the time, always kissing, hugging and chatting. Every day there is an awesome 2 course lunch, always soup and a main usually chicken with rice, potatoes and pasta (often all three), vegies, salad and fresh juice. Which Eva and I both devour. Other than that though, they really don't eat that much, a scrambled egg and bread roll for breakfast with herbal tea and a bread roll for dinner and another herbal tea. Strangely we have adapted to the big lunch thing and aren't very hungry in the evening. What I can't get over though is that I haven't had a drop of alcohol or a real cup of tea for two weeks. I normally don't start the day without one – tea that is ....Ah the simple life! Check out Eva doing our washing on the rooftop of the house...

The washing area on the roof of the house. This is still the most common way clothes are washed in Ecuador.

We spent our last day at the going to the animal market, which was an incrediable experience like nothing I've ever seen, and the Condor Park.

At the animal market there was everything for sale from guinea pigs, chickens, puppies, kittens, ducks, lamas, pigs, cows and horses to fresh vegies, frying pans and herbals remedies. It was a hive of activity, check it out!

Ilove this one, she has a baby tied on the back and a chicken in her hands!

The condor park was also a great experience. The eagles were so impressive, although the condor didn't come out to play.