Indigenous Market

Today was a school field trip to an indigenous market. It was a two hour bus ride south of Quito. I was told by my instructor that I did not want to take the local bus transportation. The people on the bus dont shower so they smell, they bring chicken, pigs and other live animals they purchased on the bus with them and it smells really bad. The local bus ride takes three hours. So luckily, the school charters a bus just for us. It was very interesting. Like going back in time. There was an area where they sell animals. Pigs, llamas, sheep, goat, cows, etc. I took pictures. Some of the animals were fighting with the people who were trying to drag them to their vehicle to take home. They would hit them with sticks and drag them with a rope around their neck. Not a pretty sight. The animal rights people would have a field day here. By the way, a large cow goes for $240.00.

Then there was the section where they sell food. Although it looked good there were lots of flies and many people touching the food. So I only tried one thing that is similar to an Arepa in Miami. A corn patty with cheese and onions inside. It was really good. I tried not to think about how many hands touched it before I ate it. They sold fruit, corn, flour, wheat, bread, live chickens, live rabbits, live guinnea pigs,etc.

Indigenous Market

Then there was the section that has clothes and gift items that they make and sell to the public. I didnt buy anything I just looked.

The front page of todays newspaper has a picture of Florida and Hurricane Rita. I cant believe another one is heading for the states. I also saw the JetBlue plane live on TV last night. So I am in the loop with the local news.

Chao!