Ohhhhhh Otavalo!

Javier and I survived our first full week at school! But I'm not ready to write 

a post about it because I'm still feeling quite overwhelmed stressed undecided about my room decor and first week's lesson plans.  When I'm more pulled together ready, I'll be sure to share some pictures from Colegio Menor and of my room!  I will say, that I am equal parts overwhelmed stressed unsure and super excited about this upcoming school year!

Instead I thought I'd share some pictures and souvenirs from our day trip to Otavalo!  Today we joined some fellow new teachers on a little excursion that started with a stop in Cayambe to get some bizcochos con dulce.  Apparently you can find bizcochos everywhere, but Cayambe is particularly known for them (and decidedly worth the stop!).  I'd describe bizcochos as little biscotti, but served with a side of dulce de leche (basically carmel sauce).  They made for a good start to the trip!

Then we were off to the small town of Otavalo, well known for its indigenous market.  The market is packed with folks selling ponchos, scarves, jewelry, art and knick-knacks.  We were fairly warned that sellers would likely mark up their prices when addressed by gringos (that's us) and so we shouldn't take the first (or likely second or third) price offered.  (I am horrible  at this and usually 1) lack a poker face and show shock and excitment when they name their reasonable-by-USA-standards price or 2) go on and on about how beautiful the item is making it obvious that I really want it...leaving Javier very little to negotiate with...) We were on the look out for apartment items: an alpaca blanket for our bed, rugs, art, etc. (Have I mentioned we think we found a permanent apartment that is awesome!...but not furnished...but that's another post, another day)  In addition to scoping out our potential purchases, I also enjoyed people watching...particularly down the aisles where food (live chickens, fresh fried fish and whole hogs) was being sold.

In the end, I would say we were pretty successful, ending up with a blanket, piece of original art and clay dish (which will be great for making pastel de chocolo, a Chilean dish we ate on our honeymoon) from the market. (Also a piece of delicious pie from The Pie Shop that is located in Otavalo's market!)

With our purchases stowed safely on the bus, we took a quick walk to the Peguche waterfall, another Otavalo attraction. It was an easy hike walk and completely beautiful.  Totally worth the stop.

Lastly, we ate at Cabanas del Lago that had a gorgeous view of the lake and surrounding mountains.  This was now our third Colegio Menor sponsored lunch that included three courses, cloth napkins and gorgeous scenery. (They took the new teachers out to a great spot our first week, then had a tented 'Welcome' lunch the first day all teachers reported to school...I'm getting so spoiled...)  And after our delicious lunch, we took a quick boat ride around the lake to appreciate the views more closely.  

We were almost detained getting home by this herd of cows....but luckly passed them safely to make it back to Quito. It was an awesome day! It seems the more we see of Ecuador, the more we love it!