A full day exploring Otavalo
I had a wonderful breakfast downstairs this morning -- enough for 2 meals, so I took some with me for lunch later.
Dany's family (both parents, Dany, his 2 brothers and little sister) picked me up around 1:30 from the Dona Esther, in a truck that his father had borrowed (from a friend?). They knew that I wanted to see certain places, because I'd written to Dany previously about the different places I was learning about on the internet, and that I wanted to see. Apparently, his family wanted to help make my wishes come true! First, they asked if I'd like to go to Cascada de Peguche (Peguche Falls), and I said with glee, "Si!" So we did, and it was totally awesome! It's a beautiful walk to the falls, and the falls themselves are breathtaking. We took some pictures and walked around, and I decided that I'll have to try to go again by myself before I go, to take more pictures and explore more! When we came back down, Dany's mother set out a picnic lunch for us all -- corn on the cob, potatoes, and a salty, tofu-like cheese -- all wonderful!
After we were done, Dany's father asked me if I wanted to see San Pablo Lake. Again, a jubilant "Si! Gracias!!!" They were all delighted at my enthusiasm. By the time we got to the lake, though, it had started to rain, so we couldn't stay and I couldn't get but a few quick photos taken before I had to worry about my camera getting wet -- and Dany's mother riding in the back of the pick-up with the kids!!! I tried to get her to switch places with me and ride in the front, but she wouldn't hear of it! Luckily, rain showers are usually quite brief this time of year, as was this one.
When they brought me back to the hotel, they again had the receptionist try to interpret for them, that they wanted to pick me up again tomorrow before I checked out and moved to the Hostal LaLuna. I said OK, and they said they'd be there at 11:30 a.m.
I feel I should call Byron to let him know what's going on. If anyone from Compassion is checking out my blog, please know that this is not something I planned or expected or ever even encouraged. And Dany's whole family is involved in these outings that they invited me on, so I'm never alone with Dany at any time. I have not invited any of the family members to see or visit in my hotel room, and would refuse if they asked. Likewise, I will not provide them with any contact information, as I know that would be totally against the rules. I fully intend to honor the promises I've already made regarding this matter.
On a lighter note, after Dany's family dropped me off, I freshened up and wandered the streets, browsed the shops and visited the market. Today, I was in a better shopping mood! So begins my shopping spree!
It's 6:16 here now at the internet cafe, but dark outside. I should be tying this up and getting back to my hotel soon. I am discovering that things are a bit different than I'd imagined or expected... not in a bad way or good way, just different. The cities are bigger, busier, etc., and the air quality in town is BAD, with apparently no regulations being enforced on automobile exhausts. There also aren't as many English-speaking people as I'd expected there to be, but it just it forces me to practice more diligently what little Spanish I'd tried to learn before I left the USA!
Dany's family (both parents, Dany, his 2 brothers and little sister) picked me up around 1:30 from the Dona Esther, in a truck that his father had borrowed (from a friend?). They knew that I wanted to see certain places, because I'd written to Dany previously about the different places I was learning about on the internet, and that I wanted to see. Apparently, his family wanted to help make my wishes come true! First, they asked if I'd like to go to Cascada de Peguche (Peguche Falls), and I said with glee, "Si!" So we did, and it was totally awesome! It's a beautiful walk to the falls, and the falls themselves are breathtaking. We took some pictures and walked around, and I decided that I'll have to try to go again by myself before I go, to take more pictures and explore more! When we came back down, Dany's mother set out a picnic lunch for us all -- corn on the cob, potatoes, and a salty, tofu-like cheese -- all wonderful!
After we were done, Dany's father asked me if I wanted to see San Pablo Lake. Again, a jubilant "Si! Gracias!!!" They were all delighted at my enthusiasm. By the time we got to the lake, though, it had started to rain, so we couldn't stay and I couldn't get but a few quick photos taken before I had to worry about my camera getting wet -- and Dany's mother riding in the back of the pick-up with the kids!!! I tried to get her to switch places with me and ride in the front, but she wouldn't hear of it! Luckily, rain showers are usually quite brief this time of year, as was this one.
When they brought me back to the hotel, they again had the receptionist try to interpret for them, that they wanted to pick me up again tomorrow before I checked out and moved to the Hostal LaLuna. I said OK, and they said they'd be there at 11:30 a.m.
I feel I should call Byron to let him know what's going on. If anyone from Compassion is checking out my blog, please know that this is not something I planned or expected or ever even encouraged. And Dany's whole family is involved in these outings that they invited me on, so I'm never alone with Dany at any time. I have not invited any of the family members to see or visit in my hotel room, and would refuse if they asked. Likewise, I will not provide them with any contact information, as I know that would be totally against the rules. I fully intend to honor the promises I've already made regarding this matter.
On a lighter note, after Dany's family dropped me off, I freshened up and wandered the streets, browsed the shops and visited the market. Today, I was in a better shopping mood! So begins my shopping spree!
It's 6:16 here now at the internet cafe, but dark outside. I should be tying this up and getting back to my hotel soon. I am discovering that things are a bit different than I'd imagined or expected... not in a bad way or good way, just different. The cities are bigger, busier, etc., and the air quality in town is BAD, with apparently no regulations being enforced on automobile exhausts. There also aren't as many English-speaking people as I'd expected there to be, but it just it forces me to practice more diligently what little Spanish I'd tried to learn before I left the USA!
posted by darylann | 6:30 PM
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