In anticipation of an upcoming weekend venture to a community of Quichuan artisans who create spectacular goods and wares, Darlene was interested in having shopping "warm up" or Spring Training of sorts. So, along with a couple of like-minded (aka bargain hunters) university students from Olivet, Darlene and I hopped a cab for downtown Quito after class. Their mission: to scout a similar (but much smaller) market setting in anticipation of bagging "big game" and learning the bartering process for this weekend's big trip to Otovalo.
They enjoyed the bargain hunting and shopping. Their brief foray into the narrow aisles around the artisisans' display booths yielded positive results. Each bagged some small treasure while getting a preview of what they might find in Otovalo this weekend.
On the other hand, I particularly enjoyed the cab ride and conversing with the cabbie as he weaved his way thru the busy and often narrow streets. I really liked him because he was complimentary of my spanish abilities. After spending hours in class where I usually feel like I'm trying to keep up, that was nice. Maybe he was saying nice things to just get a good tip, but I prefer to think that his motives were pure. I also enjoyed paying $5 for a 45 minute, 15 mile cab ride. $5 divided among 4 of us was a good bargain for this hunter.
On a culinary note, Dar and I were invited this evening for dinner at the home of the Director of the Language Institute. They served taco salad. I wish we could tell you the extreme level of culinary delight that we experienced. We do not take such treats for granted!
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