Otavalo Market

Sorry if I caused confusion -- that post entitled, "Our one day in Quito" was something I wrote on November 14. Didn't have access to the Internet until today.
Now it's Nov 20 at 10:15 PM and we're at the end of a full day in Otavalo where it's lovely and cool, and Quichua men and women walk with pride through town wearing the beautiful traditional garments their ancestors have worn for centuries.
Sara, Helen and I have taken our laundry into town to have it washed, found an Internet cafe, and shopped in the outdoor market for chicken and veggies. I managed to brush a few dozen blackberries onto the not-quite sterile market floor. (Note to self: Think twice before turning around in a very crowded and ultra-narrow produce aisle while wearing a backpack!) Before I could offer to pay for the berries, a market vendor picked them up off the floor and put them back in their basket. Yes! Wash your fruits and veggies!
We came home to cook a meal for Carmen, Carlos, and Gracia. It's been a quiet, ordinary day in an extraordinary place.
Time to sleep now but I have to tell you about Mike. You might call him the family guard dog, but we like to call him the Roof Dog because that's where he hangs out, right outside my bedroom window. Mike, an altogether lovable and affectionate polar bear, is his most valiant self at this time of night when he comes on duty, scaring away any possible intruder with his deep growly bark. WOOF! Goodnight!

Here's Mike this morning, a bit hoarse after all that barking!

(Will post this in the morning at some place with WiFi.)

Helen and Sara, this morning, beside the door to Carlos and Carmen's house