"A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.”– Lao Tzu
And Tomorrow is Another Day
1 May 2012 | 1 Comment | posted by Intrepid Explorer | in Full Travel Blog, South America
Ecuador Bag from the Otavalo Market
Day 106 & 107 – Otavalo, Equador & Travel Day to Popayan, Colombia
So, we tried to be in a better mood today, and after wandering around town to find a replacement computer cable (no luck with the camera charger, we’re going to have to wait til Medellin, I think), we went to the main attraction of Otavalo, the street market. It’s huge on Sundays, but it’s still pretty big the rest of the week. The town is very quiet though, so we had it to ourselves!
Beanie Hats at a Market Stall
We did a bit of retail therapy and came away with clothes for Jon, and a bunch of stuff for our house when we get home. Now, I just have to figure out how to get it home!
Staring Stygian Owls
Our other adventure for the day was to go to Parque Condor, a raptor bord sanctuary just outside of town. When we got there it was pouring, so we gamely made a dash for it! It was pretty cool, if small. We saw hawks, eagles, vultures and an Andean Condor, with a massive wingspan – like two of me! My two favourites were these super alter Stygian Owls who wouldn’t stop staring at us, and the American Bald Eagle. He was tied in the open air enclosure so we could get super close to him.
American Bald Eagle
It definitely put us in a much better mood and with a beautiful sunset, we marked our last day in Ecuador, and the next day hopped on a bus across the border. It was a long day – 8am to 11pm and the journey went Taxi, Bus, Taxi, Taxi, Bus, Taxi(!) to make it to Popayan, Colombia.
And Colombia starts a new chapter!
Otavalo Sky
This article was written by: Intrepid Explorer
1 Comment
Really neat stuff. It’s very exciting and educational, traveling with you, vicariously. keep enjoying yourselves…and stay safe.