The Start of Ecuador

Saturday 25 November 2016
Location: currently on a bus from Otavalo to the capital, Quito
Yesterday, we crossed the border from Colombia into Ecuador.  It was the easiest border crossing so far; no charge, no papers required and no wrong turns!  Then we took a bus (about 5 hours) to Ipiales to meet my friend Maricela.  Maricela is Ecuadorian but lived in Grass Valley about 6 years ago and babysat my sisters (and was the most amazing babysitter that ever was!)  She and her husband live in the Galapagos and Skylar and I were planning to fly out and see her in December, but plans changed when she got sick and had to fly to mainland Ecuador.  The doctors had found a tumor which was very likely ovarian cancer.  But when she had the surgery to take out her ovaries almost a week ago, the tumor had shrunk significantly and it turned out to not be cancer!!  She is staying in Ipiales in the mainland Ecuador with her family until the 29th to recover, and then she will fly back to the Galapagos.  So yesterday, we were able to visit her and meet her family.  They took us out to pizza and helado de paila, which is ice cream that they make in a copper pan over a pile of ice and stir the batter until it turns to ice cream!  The same idea as hand crank ice cream maker, if you've ever used one.  Then we walked around Ibarra with Maricela and her 8 year niece.  She showed us the park where she used to play hide and go seek as a kid, and the Barrio where she grew up. 
     We stayed at her sister's house last night and were greeted with a delicious breakfast of papaya, pineapple, warm milk, scrambled eggs and bread.  Maricela had to leave early with one of her brothers because they were going to Colombia to find a medicine that is not available in Ecuador.  Her brother in law was extremely kind and gave us a ride to the bus station.  We owe a huge thank you to the whole family for welcoming us and allowing to stay in their home. 
     This morning we took a bus to Otavalo, a small town 20 minutes from Ipiales made famous by its large, outdoor market full if handcrafted goods.  It was beautiful; blocks full of the softest sweaters, scarves, ponchos, blankets and hats (most hand sewn from alpaca fur).  And, in celebration of my birthday yesterday, we both bought our first "non essential non food thing" of our whole trip!  Skylar got a small backpack to replace his moldy one he's been using and I got a very warm alpaca scarf that will be well used as we get into the colder climates. 
     I really hope everyone had a great time with family yesterday and thank you so much for the birthday wishes!  They were very nice to read on our 10 hour bus ride!
With so much love,
Maddi and Sky