Howdy everyone! Back from Otavalo, where I spent way too much money but bought some really awesome stuff! It was really exciting to be in the market, it was huge and there were just so many colors. Every stall was just full of so many things, scarves and hats and blankets and jewelry…it was kind of sensory overload. It's an indigenous market, so everyone was very "cultural" looking; women in white embroidered shirts and long black skirts, long braided hair and very colorful jewelry. They all called me "amiga" and had special prices "just for me". It's fun to bargain, I really enjoy the haggling. Although I do feel bad sometimes fighting to save a dollar off of something, knowing how poor these people are. The saddest thing was the little old women begging in the market, they just looked so fragile. Best find of the day was big balls of alpaca wool yarn (all sorts of colors) for a dollar each. I had to really hold myself back, only so much space in my suitcase. The ride to and from Otavalo was interesting. We didn’t really know where to go to catch a bus, so we just walked north to this big highway and waited till a bus came along with an “Otavalo” sign. Hopped on, and got the last two open seats. On the way back we did the same thing, except no open seats. It was fun standing for 2 hours in the hot bus…seriously, it was a cool experience.
What else has been going on here….went salsa dancing last night. Didn’t really know what I was doing, that one lesson I’ve had really didn’t go that far! But it was fun, and really interesting to watch all of the pros getting their salsa on. I have a few more classes later this week, maybe I won’t embarrass myself as much next time we go dancing. It’s actually the best dancing with the guys in our group, cause they’re at about my level!
I enjoyed my time in Centro’s emergency room last week. Saw lots of little kids, which really was lots of fun. Seeing them all made me think that maybe I should consider pediatrics for a specialty, it just made me happy to see them (even though lots were sick and crying). Next week I head to a private clinic, I think I’m working with a midwife there but honestly I’m not really sure…
Oh, and everyone has to read my next blog entry, because I am visiting a shaman on Wednesday! Oh my gosh! They do a ceremony with a guinea pig (a "cuy" in Spanish) where they shake it all over a person’s body to pull out bad energy. While I’m there I’m going to have it done (hopefully!) so I’ll be sure to tell you guys all about it!
2 comments:
Make sure to get a receipt from the shaman so you can submit the bill to Blue Cross.
Hi Emily,
This is Juliana. I don't know if you remember me, but Mary brought you to my house in Lincoln because I am from Ecuador and we talked a little bit about my country before you left. I am glad to see that you are enjoying your experience! Engrave the colorful views and the people of Ecuador on your heart. Please, post more pictures, we love seeing them! We will keep reading your blog. Bye.
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