Well here we are back from the mountains of Ecuador after a guelling schedule
of buses and train for 3 days - but what a train ride!

We set off last friday on a local bus for 2 and half hours to Otavalo -a small
country town which has a saturday morning market which is said to be one of the
best in South Aerica. The bus ride was one remarkable trip- we started at the
bus terminal -wondering why we were the only ones in the bus - to find that
they stop at local stops wherever- a jockey stands on the step and yells out
our destination - even tho its on the front of the bus- and people jump on and
off- if they are not quick enough the jockey pushes them.

At Otavalo there was not uch accomodation cos everyone goes to be early for the
market so we were shown to a little chicken coup out the back- bear boards and
cracks in the walls but warm enough.

Next morning my eyes were poppong as we first went to the locals food and
animal part of the market. The meat stalls are straight on the street with no
refridgeration of course. The Indians are remarkable people and all seemed to
be having a great time.
The tourist market was great -sorry Pammy - fantastic instruments but cant
carry them -we only had hand packs cos of the bus trip.

I bought some lovely scarves -one Alpaca - I hope that isnt really baby llama-
and a black scarf with gold thread.

Maureen would have laughed - the stall was covered in scarves of every colour
and the lady immediately offered me the black with gold - now how did she know
Maureen calls me [Gold Coast Jan[.

Then we faced a 6 hour bus trip with lunch break to get to Riabamba where we
stayed so we could get up at 5am to catch the unique train ride called the
Devils Nose. Intrepid backpackers sat on the roof but John and I stayed inside
and avoided sunburn.
It was hairraisingly close to the edge of a mile drop at times but thrilling.

The train trip took 5 and half hours then we faced another 6 hour bus ride
back to Quito.

I have suffered severe Sciatica for 3 days and then got flu and tummy trouble
symptoms so it was an ordeal but all safe now in Quito and a more restful day
till tomorrow we take off to Cartehena in Colombia.

Love to all

Jan





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