Llama | Ingapirca, Ecuador
Olympus OM-10 | Fuji Superia 200
Llamas roamed the ruins of Ingapirca freely. This one was staring at me patiently while I set up the shot.
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Olympus OM-10 | Fuji Superia 200
Llamas roamed the ruins of Ingapirca freely. This one was staring at me patiently while I set up the shot.
Olympus OM-10 | Fuji Superia 200
The animal market at Otavalo starts at dawn and is packed by 7AM. The most fascinating thing is watching the indigenous people quietly discussing animals like the purchase of a used car. Pros and cons are weighed. The animal is looked over by every member of the family. Meanwhile, the animals fight and scream and try to escape the inevitable.
Olympus OM-10 | Fuji Superia 200
Mother & baby at the animal market. They didn't seem to be actively shopping.
Olympus OM-10 | Fuji Superia 800
Olympus Stylus Epic | Fuji Superia 400
During my first weekend in Quito, my host family had a full house. One girl had recently returned after 3 weeks traveling around the country, and was there to greet me on my arrival Friday night. Another student was around but didn't hang out with us. Early morning Sunday another student who had stayed with the family before returned from his travels for a one-day visit. We grabbed another former student and spent the day together with the family, going swimming and playing in the park.
On the way home we were lucky enough to stop by El Panecillo. Walking up to the top is not recommended because of frequent muggings. I had expected to take a taxi up once I got more settled into the city. Instead, Katy and Ricardo drove us up, stopping to cluelessly ask directions on the way while explaining how we were in the worst part of town. So comforting.
The view from the top was incredible...Quito is only 1 million strong but it sprawls like LA.
Olympus OM-10 | Fuji Superia 400
Puerto Lopez is a small town (4-5 streets) on the coast of Ecuador, along the Ruta del Sol. I was staying in Ayampe, and even smaller town with just one street, about 30 minutes south. Puerto Lopez was the place I could come for more restaurant options, internet (price-hiked because of its scarcity on the coast) and tours to nearby islands. For its small size, it was a fairly bustling place.
I took a really pleasant day trip around Isla Salanga, including stops on various secluded beaches and tons of food along the way. At Puerto Lopez, rather than board from a dock, we simply waded into the water and squishily made our way onto the boat.
Olympus OM-10 | Fuji Superia 400
Panama hats, so called because of their use by workers on the Panama Canal, are one of Cuenca's most popular products. Made from fine toquilla, these hats are delicate yet sturdy, strong and pliable. At the indoor artisan market, hats were everywhere.
Olympus Stylus Epic | Fuji Superia 400
Puppets masked to resemble politicians are set on fire then stomped out to represent stomping out the bad spirits remaining from the old year.
I arrived in Quito on New Year's Eve, and was nervous about spending the holiday with strangers. Luckily my host family was incredibly warm and welcoming, and already had 2 friendly students staying with them. We cooked together, drank and danced with the children, and went outside to light fireworks. It was a perfectly sweet first night in Ecuador.
Olympus OM-10 | Fuji Superia 200
I arrived unexpectedly at 5AM. Lonely Planet stated the bus ride from Chugchilan as 2 hours long but it was only an hour. I sat in the dark listening to dogs howling and waiting until I could see my hand in front of my face before I walked toward the crater. Once the sun rose I was of course happy to arrived so early...it was so beautiful and solitary.
Olympus Stylus Epic | Fuji Superia 200
Paramo, Andean grasslands.