Leah’s Loop

We visited the famous Otavalo market and spent hours wandering among the textiles, beads, foods, and toys. The market specializes in textiles, particularly sweaters, tablecloths, and wall hangings or rugs. The market is packed with tourists and Ecuadorians alike. You are expected to haggle for the best price, and you can really come away with some treasures. We bought dolls, sweaters, finger puppets, and tablecloths.

Otavalo is an hour and a half drive from Quito in the Valle del Amanecer (Valley of Sunrise). It has been a well known market town since before the Incas arrived. There is also a very busy animal market right outside of town on Saturdays. It is one of the most popular tourist sites in Ecuador, and I can see why! I hope to be back for another shopping trip right before Christmas!

I think the children in Ecuador are so adorable. Of course, I think that of children everywhere I go. Luckily, Ecuador is one of those countries that loves children. My girls get a lot of attention here, but then all kids do. It is a great place to live with children.

Ecuador is also well known for leather goods. In the background of this picture you can see leather boots. There are boots, purses, bags, coats - everything is available here. You can even get custom made goods. I hope to buy a few things before I leave!

I love these little shops with all sorts of interesting things. Prices for food in Quito are comparable to the U.S. if you shop at SuperMaxi, the big grocery store. If you buy things at markets and little shops, prices are very cheap. SuperMaxi also has imported from the U.S., like Nestle and Campell Soup, but they are very expensive. I saw a can of Clam Chowder for $6.00. Of course, I hear food prices in the U.S. are getting very expensive, so who knows, maybe it is comparable.  We have been buying lots of fruits, vegetables, rices, and beans from markets and small stores, and that is saving us a lot of money, plus we are eating so well! We make smoothies almost every day, a huge benefit to living here, I think.

Bananas are, of course, a leading crop in Ecuador. They are everywhere! Luckily, my family loves them and eats them by the dozen. There are also plenty of avocados. I think we have avocados or guacamole with every meal. After two years in Tbilisi, Georgia, we are craving avocados. One of my favorite things about Ecuador so far is the extensive fruit selection. There are many new fruits to try and plenty of old favorites available. Even better, the prices are very low!

The Panecillo is visible from most parts of the city and is an easy way to orient oneself. This view, on a beautiful day in the Old City, was an unexpected delight.