In a perfect world, there would be no Wal-Marts, just Otavalos...

Here I am, helping (or hurting, who knows) the weaving process at this indigenous house. For all you bike freaks, I thought you would appreciate that the wheel is used ubiquitously as tool of choice for their weaving. Pretty cool, eh?

All the forthcoming stories are more or less documented in this photo album: http://picasaweb.google.com/rebeckyrose/OtavaloAndItsEnvirons

Bargaining is essential to one's experience at the Otavalo markets. Without this tool, you will pay twice as much as you would otherwise, and probably just not have as much fun. The vendors love to go back and forth with you, selling their product, joking, and complimenting you in some way. For all of you who will be receiving gifts when I return, they were haggled over and fought for.

Ok so Otavalo is sooo large that with two hours to shop, we only made it to (I think) less than half the market. It goes on, and on, and on...etc. Unfortunately, I was dumb and didn't bring my camera for fear of robbery. But, I found so many amazing picture-worthy things that when I come back (yes I plan on going back for another dent in my savings) I will have my camera, safely in hand, to capture some of the market ambiance.

Other than a shopping spree, we stayed in an indigenous pueblo that is called Peguche, after a waterfall nearby. Sadly, I was rather under the weather and was not able to make it on this little hike, but my friends all jumped in the frigid waters and had to wear their pajamas the rest of the trip, so I guess everything has its pros and cons.

Sunday morning we visited a home of indigenous weavers, as well as a place where indigenous instruments are made. Both were wonderful homes with wonderful people, and I loved listening to the talents of the beautiful women who made some type of flute in less than 5 minutes, and proceeded to play a beautiful song from it.

Afterwards we went to Lago Cuicocha, Kichwa for "Lake of the Gods." It rests on the top of a volcano, and the two islands in the middle of the lake are rather famous. Another round of delicious food, and our last stop was the town of Cotocachi, known for its leather stores. Leather World, Leather Palace, Leather Mart, so on and so forth.

It was another weekend excursion enjoyed by all, but I must say the trip to the Hacienda still ranks number 1. Our next group trip is to the tropical rainforest in November, but between then and now I have mountaineering excursions, tentative beach plans, and who knows what else. Look for a post soon, when that spark of creativity is bright, or something really cool happens. Peace and love!