The famous Otavalo Market

-I love to shop-

?shocked?

I have detoxed my shopping habit 

a bit by the grace of God.  

No Amazon.com or Target here.

But I have indulged in the Otavalan Indigenous Market a few times.

It's the South American version of our mall

you can buy food, art and crochet under ware all from the same family

In the bigger cities there are stores and malls, 

and although a sweet reminder of home, 

they are impersonal, overpriced and overstimulating

 and they don't 

have the charm of these street markets.

You can buy any part of the chicken you like

Or the hoof of a Cow

-My boys favorite stand- 

she roasts peanuts in panela

All types of people from all over the world 

come to see the treasures 

that are made and sold here

Our favorite Pizza on the Square

They make lots of adorable hats

And most are of American characters 

Lots of stands still have carved idols

 from the indigenous 

ancient worship of the Sun, Water and sky.

I lost more than one child in these huge stalls

Can you see Eli?

The women from Zuleta are known 

world wide for their embroidery skills

Some sellers are so primitive, 

and some rock Mac laptops

Rose is a teenager that sells drums.  

She has never gone to school.

She crafts these beautiful instruments during the week, 

then sells them in the market on Saturdays.

Her family has done this for centuries.

Behind every stand, you can watch the women 

working and making their crafts.

Maria was my favorite Jewlery maker and 

I bought many little treasures from her 

over the 2 months.

The center point of each squares in 

the town is a beautiful Catholic church.

The carvings are fantastic

And I think it is a very fitting place to be a focal point-

Just wish they were open and preaching more-