Photos from Cascada de Peguche daytrip

These pictures are ones I took at the Peguche Falls, which was on my list of places to visit. I had mentioned this previously in a letter to Dany, and his family apparently made a point of remembering -- and personally seeing to it that I got there! They borrowed a pickup truck from a friend, packed a picnic lunch, and picked me up for a daytrip to the Cascada de Peguche! What a special day that was! The Peguche Falls are considered sacred to the Quichua (indigenous people of the area), with claims of healing properties and such.

Dany's whole family escorted me... Dany is in the striped shirt, his two brothers are in the white shirts (one is older than him, one is younger), and his little sister is in the white top and blue hat. They are all really sweet kids -- quiet and polite, yet eager to show off to me (typical kids!), make me laugh, and win a little extra special attention from me. Dany's parents were very attentive and full of smiles and hospitality.

I was encouraged to walk along as the "guest of honor" (in front), but I couldn't help falling behind now and then to walk with Dany's mother, who brought up the rear, carrying the picnic lunch. As is the custom with the indigenous people there, the women are the pack mules (for lack of a better term), and the men walk in front. As Dany's mother seemed a little uncomfortable about my wanting to walk with her (as if I didn't belong in the back), I would just click a few pictures and proceed back up to the front of the family group. It was a very casual outing, and we had lots of fun, but there are still cultural rules that one must be sensitive to. It's not like the husband treats the wife with disrespect -- quite the contrary. Dany's parents seem very close and laugh together alot. They're just raised with different traditions and are obviously content with them.

Photos at the Hostal Dona Esther

These few photos show a bit of where I spent my time while based in Otavalo. The arrow in the photo to the right shows, from the interior, where my room was. I took the picture from the walkway on other side (there are rooms on 3 sides overlooking the couryard).

I picked this hotel (from info obtained in advance online) because of the open courtyard in the center, and the cool architecture! I could have chosen any number of places for an even more reasonable cost (like $12/night, instead of $18!!!), but I really felt drawn to this place. It had its own restaurant, too, so I figured I could always "eat in" when I wanted to, instead of always having to leave to find a meal. I was really glad I picked this place -- nice and quiet, nice view of the street from my 3rd-floor balcony (did some great people-watching!), and nice view of the interior courtyard from my door. They also had live music 2 nights, and great food (including hearth-baked pizza).

The photo to the left shows my room, with the balcony overlooking the street below.

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!