Can We Say Sensory Overload!

Today we entered a sea of brilliant colors and activity!  We went to Otovalo to the largest outdoor market in South America which is only 15 min from Cotacachi.  The market is open Wednesday and Saturday but Saturday is the big day.  They block off at least 6 blocks of streets, plus the side streets and a central plaza.  We have been told that if you walked by every booth it would be approx 2.5 miles.  There are all sorts of  goods from alpaca clothing, blankets, to hand woven wall hangings, painted art work, handmade instruments, hand embroidered blouses and table linens, belts, tapestry bags, purses, suitcases, antiques, artifacts, jewelry, yarn, hats, to a section of fruits and vegetables, bread, fresh meats, and a collection of live animals. The colors, smells of food cooking from the street vendors and general atmosphere was amazing.  We sat and just "people watched" for awhile.  Bargaining is expected, which we enjoyed, and you are never to pay full price or you are considered a fool.   It was just a great experience and we are anxious to go back when we return to live here.  We took so many pictures it was hard to decide which ones to put in the blog so bare with us we may have gone a little overboard today.

What a great way to start our day with one of Edwardo's big smiles.
 Edwardo is in charge when Franklin is not working.

This was only the beginning...

This is the way to carry everything from goods for sale to children.

Beautiful hand embroderied and lace table linens.

This was the lady who sold Bruce his panama hat.  All genuine panama hats are made in Ecuador.

We were surprised at the many booths of art work.

The hand woven tapestries were in such vibrant colors.

One of the Indigenous women embroidering a blouse for her stand.

How's this for a snow cone machine...not quite like the Puyallup Fair.

End of the day, time for a snack!