Serendipitous Adventure

Monday, November 26
This morning we woke up after a wonderful sleep in our quiet room.  In contrast to Otavalo, there had been no barking "roof " dogs, no singing from nearby churches, no loud parties , no honking horns, just the soft sound of rain on the roof and pigeons.  Breakfast in the garden room was a delight, served by Louis Ramon, our friendly man of the hotel.  He delivered blackberry juice for Sara and me, orange juice for Phyllis, followed by eggs of our choice, wonderful coffee, and tiny rolls hot from the oven.  We left the table with full tummies and ready for adventure.

After some advice from the hotel receptionist, we set out in a taxi for the botanical gardens only to find that they weren´t open on Mondays.  Disappointed, we deliberated on what to do next,only realize that we were at the gates of the quinta (mansion)  of  Juan Leon Mera, who was not only the owner of the beautiful house and gardens, but was the writer, 140 years ago, of the Ecuadorian national anthem.  Today was the celebration of that event!  We had seen evidence of a procession forming, and we decided to enter the grounds and see what might happen next.  Phyllis has posted pictures from the event, so you can get an idea of what it was like.  Students from several schools (we gathered by their uniforms) filed in to fill the seats facing a podium and a portrait of Juan Mera.  A band of adults took their place behind us, and the procession began.  A gold plaque was formally carried in and placed on a stand in front of us. A bugle played, not taps, but an unfamiliar tune, and tll sang the national anthem.  A uniformed student band, led by a drum major marched in followed by high school girls in very short and sexy uniforms and high heels.  We couldn´t believe the provocative way they sashayed in! Somewhere in the procession a color guard came in, and then young men in gold helmets with spikes on top carrying ancient rifles with sabers.  An older group of soldiers completed the parade.  We stayed for a couple of speeches, and sneaked out, admiring a group of preschoolers who had been brought to observe the ocasion.  They were so  cute and were the best part of the event for us.  What a serendipitous adventure!