First visitors--Mom and Dad come to Ecuador!

Well, it's been a little while since I've been able to write. A little catch up--my parents came to vist so I've included a few pictures here. Lillian hit a few more milestones and a few roadblocks that I'll write more about later. The house repairs continue but are hopefully tapering off. I've started back with Spanish lessons and the nice thing is my Spanish teacher will come to the house for a fraction of what I would pay in the states. I need to get out more but that takes more planning with a little one and only one car between the two of us so I'm home more than I planned.

We took a couple road trips while my folks were here to Papallacta and Otavalo. Lillian did great (better than mom had thought) in the car on long road trips.

Mom & Dad will hate that I posted this!

Enjoying the thermal baths.

 

Lily hanging out with Dad while Mom gets a massage.

Top of the pass on the drive home.

 Papallacta is an easy drive from Quito and a great weekend getaway. I think we'll be back in the near future.

Mom and Dad also took a day trip to Cotapaxi. The mountain was actually out and they had a fun day. The next day I took Mom with me on my Friday trip to the La Floresta market behind the hotel where we lived for two months when we first arrived. There's one vendor who has organic veggies and who hopefully will bring me some earthworms to start composting again.

La Floresta market.

I buy flowers from this lady every week. Some vendors are starting to recognize me.

I'm short, but this lady is really short!

The following weekend, we went to Otavalo for the Saturday market and then on to Cotacachi. Having been to the market in Otavalo already, Tristan and I like Cotacachi better and think we'll head back again. We stayed at Ali Shungu Lodge. A little more expensive than other places, but the accomodations were beautiful and Mom even got a horseback ride in and the price included dinner and breakfast. Owned by an American couple, it's quite nice and very pastoral. They could use better signage--getting there was a little tricky.

 

Ali Shungu Lodge

 

Lily was very popular with the staff.

Ride 'em cowgirl! Go Mom!

Well, we gave Mom a lot of grief for wanting to try cuy but we all had a good laugh and even tried it. Kinda like crispy chicken but not much meat. I had guinea pigs as pets when I was a child so I couldn't quite get past that.

Buen Provecho!