Yesterday was Monday

My stress and anger about the wasted Sunday followed me down to breakfast yesterday, and I was skeptical about our planned day long bus tour and anxious about what the Lindblad company was going to do about the lost day. While I had little appetite, I was impressed by the array of offerings in the hotel buffet.

We were on the second day of the “Quito Extension” to our trip, and along with one other couple (more about them to follow), we were greeted by, Susie, our guide for the day at 8 am in the lobby for what turned out to be quite an in-depth and extensive tour of the countryside and small villages outside of Quito. Susie was full of information about the geography, economy, culture,and history of Ecuador. Our central destination was a market square in Otavalo, where were able find some good gifts for friends and family. We were driven through back-breaking country roads to a beautiful Hacienda which had once been a monetary where we were served an excellent lunch in an elegant setting - and getting to know our travel companions better.

We then visited a weaver known for the artistry of his tapestries and clothing. His work was excellent and so we did our part in support of his work by buying some more stuff!

Ecuador is a very hilly country with the Andes running north south through the country with the Pacific Ocean to the east of them and the Amazon to the west. Otavalo is close to the border of Columbia to the North. The roads are serpentine with many ascents and descents and heavy traffic close to the city.

After returning to the hotel around 5:45, we had 45 minutes before we were to be greeted by our guide for the evening, which turned out to include dinner at an excellent restaurant and a driving tour around the old “colonial” area of the city. By the time we were dropped back at the hotel, we were ready for bed.

Now for a few photos with the story of our travel companions to follow. These were taken in a church where we surmised that all of the local elementary and middle schools were putting on an elaborate Christmas pageant. There were hundreds of children dressed in a colorful range of outfits, which ranged from Santa Claus to candy canes!