Friday, July 22

Our introduction to Quito, Ecuador began with a wild, wobbly landing and jarring full on brakes.  We found out later about the short runway!  Jamon was there in his cargo shorts making sure everyone arrived as planned.  We noticed as we passed through the airport a name sign that said "Waterman" - people that soon became dear friends to all of us.  There was just one problem, the Waterman group wasn't due for a couple of hours!  Jamon got that one straightened out, the first of many!

Bruce, Anna, Marti, Nelson, Tim

Saturday, July 23

The 5 of us were met by Milton (our tour guide) for a trek to Otavalo.  We drove, we talked,  and Milton taught us more Spanish words.  We passed the plateau where the new airport is being built.

Our first stop was the middle of the world - the EQUATOR!

Bruce & Anna straddling the hemispheres!

Marti and Anna smack dab on the Equator.

We stopped for snacks and had flaky, melt-in-your mouth biscuits, local "fresh" cheese, and pumpkin jam!  Delicious! Another stop featured a volcano, mountains, and a lake.

Finally, we arrived in Otavalo for the outdoor markets!  Milton led us through the vegetables, the beans, the fruits, and the meats.   Dogs roamed freely everywhere and while we received samples of exotic fruits - a policeman yelled "Ladron" (thief) as they ran through the market place in a chase.