It's our last weekend in Ecuador and we're enjoying it in the highlands north of Quito, in Otavalo.
Here's Neil relaxing in our casita at the wonderful Ali Shungu Lodge.
For my fiber arts friends, Otavalo is famous for weaving, ponchos, shawls and all that can be made with alpaca and wool.
Here's Miguel Andrago, fourth generation master weaver, demonstrating spinning by hand.
His daughter showed us an older spinning method.
Weaving is done by hand, with intricate patterns committed to memory.
Señor Andrago's father made this belt, which supports the weaver's weight as he or she leans back. These belts are always made out of the skin of cows' faces, the strongest leather.
Normally, we would not buy anything because we couldn't carry it. But with Neil's parents meeting us next week, we picked up a few things. And I hope to find some alpaca in the market tomorrow for some knitting projects. Ojalá, as they say.
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