Alpaca Goods Manufacturing
I was lucky enough to be invited to spend a part of Thanksgiving 2013 with friends who were providing a tour to a group of U.S. and Canadian citizens. We toured Otavalo market and then got an invitation to see a busy shop in full action in a small village near Otavalo. The work is created on antique imported machines from Europe. I noticed one was made in Belgium. As we entered the noise level was rhythmic and some people began to dance to the beat as we entered the main production area. It was jammed with machines all going very fast and we could see cloth being created right before...
Read MoreDemonstration Against Domestic Violence
Although I have not personally been aware of any cases of domestic violence in Cotacachi, and the general lack of violence in the area, the issue of domestic violence is important enough to the people of Cotacachi that they organized a procession and demonstration. The procession began with children marching into the main square of town. They entered by the cathedral and went around three sides of Park Matriz before ending in front of the Municipal building (el municipio). They were accompanied by their teachers and had a motorcycle police escort. The featured image is a police vehicle...
Read MoreNew! Books at Circle on the Square
I’m probably the only person you know without a Kindle or a Nook; but, I have to say, I love books and always have. Yes, the kind you can hold in your hands and turn the pages, look at images, or stick a bookmark in to keep your place. Call me old fashioned, but I love the smell and the feel and the experience of a real book; and I invite you to enjoy them with me at Circle on the Square. Now at Circle on the Square, you can enjoy some of the books I have treasured over the years and took the time and great expense to bring to Ecuador. I am still re-arranging the space and looking...
Read MoreSunday Procession
Not new, but a constant in Cotacachi is the feeling of celebration, particularly among teh indigenous people. I feel so lucky and so blessed to have my business located in the center of town, and therefore being able to witness so many celebrations that happen frequently and often originate on the steps of the cathedral La Matriz, facing the main square of the town. I do not know what the particular occasion was for this parade, but it was beautiful to see the people in their traditional dress walking in the bright sunlit street bordering the park. The featured photo shows men walking...
Read MorePower of Community
Coming together as a community is a power that many do not practice today, but it is a tradition among the indigenous of Ecuador. In the Cotacachi area are many communities where indigenous people live and carry on the ways of their ancestors. Today you will see a few tell tale differences with modern things like cell phone usage and vehicles and some modern conveniences, but despite these things there is little difference in how the community is structured compared to years ago. When there is a matter concerning the community, a meeting is called and everyone is invited to participate....
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