Ecuador--Quito & Otavalo

Tuesday, March 11

We love arriving in a new country.  It always takes a little adjustment from the one from which we just came, and the temptation is to compare one against the other, or against your own country. 

That said, Ecuador is nice, beautiful, and it really seems to have its act together environmentally and economically.  Inflation was well over 100% in 1999, so in 2000 they converted to a currency that the government couldn’t print—the US dollar.  And since so much of its exports (oil, roses, agricultural products, etc.) are to the USA, it was relatively easy.  Gas prices are really cheap.

 Quito, where we are staying is hilly and beautiful, about 5 million people, and about 35 miles long and 30 miles wide, with lots of traffic.  But nothing compared to Hanoi, Saigon, or even Portland.

The Otavalo rose growing region

Today we crossed into the northern hemisphere as we rode many miles over deep canyons and interesting geologic formations and ecosystems to the high country of Otavalo, a major rose growing region of the world.  It is so scientifically and logistically engineered.  They can have roses shipped to retailers in Miami FL in 8 hours, and to Moscow via Amsterdam in 36 hours.  The Russians, BTW, love stems of at least 3-4 feet!

Ron's version of a hot lady

We shopped briefly at the Otavalo market, which was strangely quiet, probably because it was Tuesday and much of what was available was fabrics.  Plus, the artisans are very laid back, polite, and take “No, gracias” for an answer.  

Downtown Otavalo

Before the long ride home we had a delightful lunch in a hacienda that was built over 400 years ago.  Tomorrow we straddle the equator at what is known as the “Center of the Earth” and visit the historical parts of town.