Otavalo, Ibarra, and Quito: 9 more experiences in Ecuador

Week two in Ecuador was even busier than week one! I visited four places this last week: Peguche, Otavalo, Ibarra, and another area of Quito.

A few things I did Otavalo and Peguche:

The view within Rosita's house.

I went to Peguche to visit my friend Rosita. She is indigenous and incredible! She speaks three languages: Kichwa, Spanish, and English. Even though during the week she takes care of her two kids while she also works as a teacher with two jobs, she invited me to stay with her. It was my pleasure to stay with her two days.  

Plaza de Ponchos

Peguche is a small town just outside of Otavalo. Since most activities and stores are in Otavalo, Rosita brings her kids there every afternoon. I, of course, went with her. The most well-known area of Otavalo is La Plaza de Ponchos. It's an area of tents with all kinds of art work and amazing souvenirs to buy from the indigenous people. I didn't buy much this time since I don't want much more to carry around in my suitcase, but I plan to return at least one more time.

La Cascada de Peguche: The waterfall

My favorite place in Peguche is the waterfall. There is a tourist entrance which is easy to enter and has a covered path to the waterfall, but Since Rosita is from Peguche, she showed me the more natural route. The route the indigenous take. It was somewhat challenging, a little bit dangerous, but incredibly more special and fun. The hike up to the waterfall was filled with sights of the river and lush green areas along with some muddy places too. I definitely did not have the right shoes on! With each turn of the path the anticipation grew until we finally arrived and the waterfall was breathtaking.

El mercado Santa Clara

I finally got to cook a meal! The afternoon I arrived in Peguche, Rosita told me about this nice surprise. Adriana, an American who had moved to Peguche with Peace Corps, works with Rosita and she was going to show me around town during the afternoon since Rosita needed to go to work. Adriana and I were asked to prepare an American dinner for Rosita and her kids. At el mercado de Santa Clara we gathered all the necessary ingredients. That night we made a gourmet macaroni, bacon, and cheese meal. For a side we added sauteed vegetables. It was delicious and fun to be able to do something for Rosita.      

An "American" meal for Rosita and her kids. 

A few things I did in Ibarra:  

In Ibarra I spent most of my time with two friends: Hamilton and Pablo. Hamilton has been my friend for a while now. (Just to make it clear for those who are curious: No. Hamilton and I are not dating, nor did we date when he was in Kansas. I only consider him a good friend.) Pablo surprised me in Ibarra. I didn't feel like I knew Pablo all that well when he was in Kansas, but after spending time with him in Ibarra, I have a lot of respect for him. He was a total gentleman to me, really looked out for my safety, and sought ways to show me a good time.  

Mis panas: Hamilton and Pablo

Freaky Monkey Restaurante

The very first thing I did in Ibarra was eat at the freaky monkey restaurant while watching the Ecuador team play Peru. In case you don't know: the American Cup is going on right now. I'm really getting into the spirit of the games! The restaurant had a cool vibe about it; everyone inside was jazzed about the game, and I had a good time.

Yahuarcocha: A clear blue lake with views of mountain tops: could it get any better? 

La Laguna de  Yahuarcocha

My first morning in Ibarra, Pablo took me around town. Not far from the university where Pablo works is a gorgeous lake surrounded by mountains. My family would love it there! It's a completely green area where people were out riding their bikes, jogging, or fishing. One of the first things I noticed about Ibarra is how many cyclists there are. Who wouldn't want to exercise around that area? The air is fresh and the sights are beautiful.   

El Chachimbiro

As soon as Pablo knew I was coming to Ibarra, he told me that we had to go to Chachimbiro. About an hour's drive away from Ibarra, Chachimbiro is a natural pool in the mountains where the water is warm because of a nearby volcano. Of course I said "let's do it!" The area had many pools but only two were full enough to get in. One pool had warm water while another felt more like the temperature of a jacuzzi. The pools are filled by run off water from the volcanic mountain. In the "jacuzzi" pool there was a fountain with water pouring into the pool. The water was so hot I could only stand it for a minute or so. What an amazing experience!

A few more experiences back in Quito

Quito is such a big city that each area I visit has a little different vibe. This time in Quito, I was staying with my friend Paulina. With her, sometimes it seems as though Pauli is the American and I am the Ecuadorian because of our temperaments and preferences. We are pretty different, but that's what makes our friendship so great! We joked about this a lot during my days with her.

El Teleférico

50 years from now if I am to return again to Quito Ecuador, I would experience el Teleférico again. It's basically a cable car that takes you up a high mountain nearby Quito where you can see a view of the city like none other. There are even things to do at the top- more hiking if you wish, and a few cafes to check out. Next time, I would bring gum because of the atmospheric pressure. It's also good to be somewhat in shape for this experience since there is less oxygen in the air as you rise up the mountain. I loved this experience and I'm really happy I got to share it with Paulina!  

Maricela y Familia

One person I really wanted to meet up with, but wasn't sure I could was my friend Maricela. She works three jobs and is a wife and a mom. It made me extremely happy that she would spend her only free time with me. I got about 5 hours to chat with her, see her house, and meet her family. Oh the joy that filled my soul to be with her again.  

La Salsoteca Lavoe: dancing the night away  
My first weekend in Quito I went to a discoteca to dance with friends. A discoteca has mostly tecno and reggaeton music. It resembled most dance clubs you would see in the States. Whatever kind of music is playing: I love to dance. It was so much fun! My second weekend, I went with Paulina to La Salsoteca Lavoe and we met up with my friend Xiomara there. This place had mostly salsa music and a few bachata songs. It was incredible! I enjoyed watching just as much as I did dancing. I´m very grateful that Paulina took me there because it´s not exactly her scene, but she went with me anyway because she knew how much I wanted to go.  There´s no question that I´ll lose weight if I keep going out dancing each weekend!

Those are just some highlights from week 2 here in Ecuador. There were even more small experiences that filled my heart with joy to be here. As I reflect upon this week, I just keep thinking about how friendship is this amazing gift that we often take for granted. It's amazing to be cared about and to care in return. That's what makes this journey such a blessing. More than the sights and the experiences- I'm grateful for the people who have shared their time with me.

Paulina's mom taught me how to dress as the indigenous do! 

Coming up: A recap of my time this week: Esmeraldas and Quito once more before my journey south begins!