GOODBYE SOUTH AMERICA.........

During our stint of voluntary work at Alto Choco we managed to get a weekend in Otovalo, famous for its indigenous market. We ensured we were there for the 6am kickoff of the livestock market which was a real insight into the trading practices of local farmers. A field full of pick-up trucks had been emptied of their contents primarily pigs, sheep and cattle. We witnessed arguing and bargaining as the livestock changed hands and saw the charming sight of lambs and piglets led off down the road, squealing in some cases. Not all the animals were willing participants:- one enormous pig refused to budge with his new owner, while another piglet took off down the road on his own at a rate of knots - relative of the Tamworth two maybe? Pride of place however would have to go to the black Brahman Bull who stood magnificently aloof throughout proceedings. There were a few goats and chickens, but sadly no guinea pigs which we had looked forward to seeing in their hundreds.

The main market is a colourful, noisy, bustling display of all types of handicrafts including clothing, woodenwares and original art. As our bank cards were in Quito (an oversight) we looked rather than bought.

We left Alto Choco on the four hour tortuous journey back to Quito and will always be grateful for having access to that remote part of Ecuador not normally visited by tourists.

Our experience of voluntary work has been mixed, the scenery and settings we have lived in were splendid. The food and cold showers were a pain, along with the lack of electricity, which is bearable for a day or two, but soon becomes boring when the only thing to do when darkness falls is to head for bed. The work was hard especially in the heat and at altitude but we gave it our best shot.  As an example, one day we lugged many tree trunks uphill; our reward was a dinner comprising two spoons of mashed potato accompanied by lettuce. Those who know Rob well can imagine his face!!

We enjoyed a few more days in Quito which by now had become very familiar to us, resting, shopping and visiting the open air arts market before continuing our travels.

South America has provided a wonderful four and a half months for us both - the people, the culture, the mountains, scenery, wildlife and marine life. During all this time we had had no first hand experience of violence or trouble until our very last night when we witnessed a shooting just 100 yards up the road at 8pm. Scary, no idea of the consequences as we legged it to the local Indian Restaurant.