This is the real reason why I came to Otavalo. I wanted to experience the Saturday Market. But I really should have listen to Forrest because after 3 days of Otavalo, I was going stir crazy from boredom. I’m such a city gal. I had gotten up really early in the morning so I would be able to see the market open. And found that looking like a confused tourist had helping in haggling.

I met up with Pao from travbuddy at her father’s office. Basically, Pao, her father and Eugenia had took me around Ibarra which is a town that is know for their woodwork. They had taken me to a popular lunch spot for a traditional ecuadorian meal. It was really cool. Pao’s father seem like he was very well travelled and wanted his daugther so see the world. I was really glad that they were so kind to show me around their beautiful country.

So we ended our visit at La Esquina cafe for a few scoops of ice cream. Since Pao could not finish her portion. Her father was very happy to polish it off for her. I guess there also more room for ice cream.

After they had dropped me off at Otavalo. I made a few last minute purchases. A few souvenirs, shirts and small little trinkets. I bought a tortoise necklace so that I would not forget my wonderful experience in the Galapagos. It was cool that I got see the market open and close.

By the end of the day, I felt very ill. Fortunately, I knew enough spanish to be able to go to the pharmacy to get some medicine. And medicine isn’t very cheap in Ecuador. I was glad that I had brought some stuff with me from the States, but I think I got the flu. The temperature in Otavalo was extremely cold, and it didn’t help that I was taking cold showers for about 2 days. Their idea of hot water was very tepid. It was just a matter of time before I got sick.