Thursday, October 7, 2010

Ecuador - Zumbahua and Laguna Quilatoa

Next stop after Quito was Zumbahua, a tiny village in the central highlands. The bus we got up the bumpy tracks from the nearest town, Latacunga, was really great; decorated with red velvet curtains and nearly completely full of indigenous locals in their traditional dress speaking Quechua. These were some of the most beautiful and friendly people we had met. 

 The local butchers...
Unfortunately a common sight in Ecuador; there is rubbish thrown absolutely everywhere.
 Delicious food stalls...
 See how tall Brian is...
 His purchases... empanada with sugar...
 And papas huevos, chips, salsa, mayonnaise and egg...
Highland breakfast... chicken stew with rice, bread, scrambled eggs, melon juice and coffee.  Usually in Ecuador when you order coffee, you get a cup of hot water served with a jar of instant granules.
After that big breakfast and witnessing a fight just outside the door involving two screaming women hitting each other and pulling hair, one with a baby on her back... we decided to head off on the 14k walk to the Laguna Quilatoa.  The sun and the altitude made it hard going so we got a lift back with some locals in a pick up truck who happened to be playing some great folk songs.  It was an amazing experience, so peaceful with great views.





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