It was not my intention – it just kind of happened –
crossing the equator in all three of the continents that the equator runs
through. First in Africa (Kenya and Uganda), then in Asia (Borneo) and now in South
America (Ecuador). 
We also pass through a town where everybody bakes biscuits and we of course visit one of the bakeries
and taste the goods – which are good – and pass by the extinct
volcano Cayambe with its iconic cone shape. At 4600 m, it is the highest
point in the world through which the equator passes and the third highest peak
in Ecuador. 
Otherwise, the highlight of the day is the market at Otavalo.
It is one of the most important indigenous markets in the Andes. Food and
fabrics are for sale in different locations and both are an orgy of colour. The
food market has rows upon rows of stalls selling a huge variety of fruits,
berries, vegetables, beans, pulses, rice, grains, fish, chicken, meat and
roses, of all things. It turns out that Ecuador is the world’s third largest
exporter of cut flowers, including roses. 
Some of the food products are unrecognizable to me
and, once again, I regret that I do not speak Spanish well enough to ask the
tradesmen and women what they are selling. Being able to strike up a
conversation is one of the best ways I know to get to know people well enough
to get permission to take their picture. As it is, less than a handful indicate
that they are willing to be photographed, so most of my people pictures are of
people’s backs. It is such a shame because many of the people are dressed in
their traditional outfits. 
Anyway, I go from the appetising and colorful food and
flower market to the even more vibrant hues of the textile market. Here you can
buy blankets, hammocks, blouses, scarves, tablecloths, shawls, ponchos,
sweaters, pillow covers and much more – all of it in bright but not gaudy
colours and oh so soft alpaca wool.
