Day 3: Otavalo Craft Market

Yesterday, we adventured to La Mitad del Mundo (the middle of the world) and La Capilla del Hombre (the chapel of man- for and by Oswaldo Guayasamin) and I got some great pictures which I will eventually post when the internet is faster.

But today, we went to the world famous Otavalo market, you can get more information here. Its one of the biggest, if not the biggest, indigenous and artisan market in South America. And it was WONDERFUL. Everything is so much less expensive and everything looked great. A friend on the trip got an alpaca blanket for $18! Crazy! I just ended up with a hat, a bag, and some colorful souvenirs, but I won't spoil the surprise for my friends who follow me. And the food looked so delicious, but they advise that gringas (foreigners) not eat the fruit or vegetables unless they can be peeled or boiled because of differing bacteria. But I love how limes are central to cooking here (and drinks) because lime is one of my favorite flavors.

Here are some of my pictures of the market!

I hope you enjoy these pictures! 

Papas Fritas

For my first food adventure in Quito, our small group went with our program coordinator to get some late night (everything closes early) eats at a nearby "fast food" place. They had a bunch of delicious sounding dishes, but I wasn't that hungry so I only got a side of papas fritas (french fries) and lemonade for under $3! And it was a huge portion. The papas fritas were good, but they reminded me more of home fries than french fries. Overall, a good first dish!

Ecuador: Quito

I am officially safe in our hotel in Quito, but 3 other girls from my program are going out to get food, and I am going to tag along! The flight was good, the layover is another story :) but I managed to start and finish Julie and Julia

Lowcountry Goodbye

I am preparing to say goodbye to the Lowcountry for a little bit, so it was only fitting to make shrimp and grits with my dad, our signature dish to make together. I can't believe how much I missed local shrimp. They are so tasty and plump! Our recipe is pretty simple- onions and bell peppers sauteed in olive oil, then add the shrimp to the mixture.  Make grits (preferably stone-ground) and top them with the shrimp mixture. And enjoy! It hardly needs salt because of the flavorful olive oil and is filling. If you don't have a palate for grits, it tastes equally good over rice! Try it this weekend for me :)

Packing

Sorry I have been slacking on the posting! I am getting ready for a big trip to Guayaquil, Ecuador! I am going for a month and studying Spanish for my minor :) I will be posting pictures and food adventures, but I wanted to let am just packing and trying to get everything done. I can't wait!

Do you have any good traveling advice for me?! Its the first time I will be leaving the country alone!

I Scream, You Scream

We all scream for ICE CREAM!

Its almost summer for everyone in public schools here and the ice cream man came by our neighborhood. Although not as tasty as homemade ice cream, its just so nostalgic that I couldn't resist buying an ice cream pop. Sour blue raspberry hit the spot perfectly! So, listen for the ice cream truck soon and treat yourself (its a steal at $1!)

What I love about my house

There are many things that I love about my house (my parents' house) in Mt. Pleasant. The location- close to the beach and downtown Charleston, a place to cook and craft with my mom, and my mom's herb garden. Its so nice to walk outside and grab some fresh herbs to cook with for dinner.

Basil

Rosemary

Spearmint 

These are just so pretty I couldn't exclude them- blueberries! I hope they ripen before I go to Ecuador next week! 

I just wanted to share a little bit of my home with you :) Have a wonderful weekend!