Today was our “Day in the Life” Experience - this activity is a key feature of OAT trips, where we spend a day with a local family (or two) to see how they do their jobs and live their lives. We spent the day in the town of Tambillo, about an hour south of Quito.
We had beautiful weather and enjoyed the drive to Tambillo, seeing snow-covered volcanos and other lovely scenery along the way. We started in the Central Park in Tambillo, where Sofy’s Mom joined us for a chat and a photo.
Next we visited the home of a local artist, Alfredo, who told us about his life and art, while we enjoyed chicha made by his wife. The shop displayed his paintings as well as wood and coconut sculptures, some more sophisticated than others. While we chatted he carved a coconut to show us how he makes some of the objects he was selling.
Next we headed to the Alameda family where we spent several hours. We learned about the life of a cowboy from Carlos, who showed us all the Chaga (ecuadorian cowboy) equipment and then gave a roping demonstration on horseback.
Then we got all kitted out in the family’s poncho and scarf uniform and went for a short ride on the horses around the neighborhood.
Next Braulio Alameda, a famous picador, talked to us about his bullfighting career. Mom tried on one of his $2500 Kevlar reinforced embroidered jackets. It was really fun.
Most of us helped make the dessert for lunch (flat donut-like pastries), and then all sat down to a traditional meal together. The chicken and blackberry juice were delicious, and we also enjoyed a variety of beans and corn and potatoes.
Eventually we said farewell and headed back to Quito. In the late afternoon, we visited a local supermarket, and the local handicraft market. We really enjoyed the walk to the market, passing a variety of huge houses, many designed to look like castles, built in the 1920s. Most are either restored as hotels, or completely abandoned as the restoration is too expensive, given UNESCO requirements for restoration.
We returned to the hotel to prepare for our trip to Galapagos tomorrow.
Great posting! Thanks for sharing your trip. Ruth
ReplyDeleteHow does one choose between the cozy cowboy poncho and the elegant embroidered picador vest ??? each is classy classic ! Thanks, again 💕
ReplyDeleteBoth/and - it was some of the same family members helping with the ranching and doing the Picador thing which is also in horseback.
DeleteHow neat that you get to spend time with a family to see how they actually go about their day.
ReplyDeleteIt reminded me of driving through Costa Rica and giving a lift to the farm kids, who invited us to participate in their English class. The teacher invited us back to her home where we had home made flan and saw how they lived. Nothing beats that kind of experience!
-
Aunt Ruth is looking very spiffy in that jacket .. were the ponchos heavy? They looked warm.
The ponchos were warm, but are very protective.
Delete