Saturday is the big market day here in Otavalo – so that is how we started our day. I actually hit the livestock market at sunrise. That is the pic above. The locals were interesting to watch. The animals not so much. I did not stay too long. Fortunately, the city football stadium was next door to the market, so I slipped in there and took pics of people getting in their workout against the backdrop of volcanoes. Very cool.
Later in the morning, Jean and I headed to the artisans market and did pretty well. I love a good market and Otavalo does not disappoint. If it can be made of something spun or woven (sheeps wool, llama wool?, some reedy things, etc.) you can get it at this market. Jean is very patient while I look, slowly and closely at every booth. And then pause again to take pics of oh, maybe every other booth.
After the market, we hired a different driver/guide, Fabien, to take us around to some other places. We visited the studio and work space of Jose Cotacachi, one of the leading weavers in Ecuador. We had a great time visiting with him and his family and admiring his amazing artistry. He has three studios in neighboring Peguche. After that we visited the sacred El Lechero again – this time up close and personal. Then Fabien drove us to lunch on Laguna San Pablo and around the lake.
And here are my Five Favorite Fotos from day two...
Nature...
A rainbow broke out during our lunch on the Laguna.
Beauty...
One of the amazing studios of Jose Cotacachi.
Fun...
Negotiating a deal.
Spirit...
El Lechero. Again. Up close. The sacred healing tree.
Just liked it...
Man and church. Peguche.
And more photos here at my flickr account.
Comments