Market in Otavalo

Yesterday, I went to a market in Otavalo which is about two hours north of Quito via bus. The bus ride cost $4 roundtrip. I took way too many photos, but they were all focused on details of the market. In hindsight, I wish I had taken pictures on a broader scope so one could see the labyrinth of hundreds of stalls spanning several blocks of this surprisingly modern town. I had expected to see a flea market of sorts flanked by more farmland and dilapidated houses as I had seen on the ride up. However, Otavalo seemed like a cleaner, quieter, smaller version of Quito. It was a much-needed retreat from the pollution and noise of the capital. I didn't purchase anything this time around as I took in all the sights, sounds, and smells of this wonderful place. I will definitely be returning!

Street vendors sold everything from grilled plantains (which I did try, but wasn't very impressed) to coconuts with the tops hacked off so a straw can be inserted.

A woman standing in front of an embroidered linen stand

A vendor emerges from his hammock "yurt" :)

I LOVED these masks, but I resisted temptation and just admired them rather than succumbing to old collector's habits.

The colorful jewelry on the left came from the tagua nuts/seeds (known as vegetable ivory) on the right.

Spanish conquistadors vs. indigenous people...a more poignant chess set has never existed!

My American friends Carrie and Jonathan were professional bargainers as they looked for scarves made of alpaca wool. I was so impressed!

Traditional blouses for women with lacy sleeves and colorful embroidery.

Decorated gourds

Hammock chairs that looked so inviting, but, alas, were too high to try out

!Cuidado! !Llamas! (Monty Python fans, this one's for you!)

Absolutely stunning jewelry adorning all the Otavalan women

The cutest little girls ever!!!

A woman selling bread, but mostly just chatting with a friend not pictured here

What better way to finish off the afternoon than with a chocolate & cheese pizza?! :)