Abundance of fruits.JPG
This abundance of fruits is present everywhere, I love to stop at the highway to see what they have to offer. Just to give you an idea of the prices, a box with around 100 small mangoes for $10!
Soursop - Guanabanas.JPG
Ecuadorean love to serve freshly made fruit juices at every meal. Soursop is similar to Chirimoya, with a more tart taste. I would say, it tastes like tutti fruti.
Huge Papayas.JPG
Look at the size of these papayas!
Roasted Guinea Pigs.JPG
In many countries, guinea pigs are kept as pets but here in Ecuador, they are used as a source of food. Guinea pig is one of the main sources of protein for many indigenous people.
My son trying guinea pig fo rthe first time.JPG
My son eating at Fiambres, where a couple of years ago, the famous Andrew Zimmer from the popular show Bizarre Food, went and tried guinea pig. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuXKGuxB9ZcI did not eat any guinea pigs that day because I’m not very fond of the taste. I remember when I was trying to get pregnant years ago, someone recommended that I eat them – that’s when I first tried one.
Middle of the World Latitude 0.jpg
It is so interesting to know that according to the indigenous people’s cosmovision dating 1000 years ago, and based on their observation of the sun they were very aware of the Equinoxes and Solstices.
Spice Store.JPG
Palo Santo Sticks.JPG
Palo Santo Sticks, the Palo Santo sticks are burned to keep mosquitoes at bay in the coast are of Ecuador. I love the smell, it reminds me of the Colonial Churches in Quito.
Boldo Leaves.JPG
Boldo Leaves (Peumus boldus) my mom has always boiled these leaves for liver complains. Great to detox the liver.
Cinnamon sticks.JPG
Cinnamon brought from India, a must in every household. Its infusion is taken for digestive problems and for those cold days in the Ecuadorean mountains.
Frankincense.JPG
Frankincense resin, brought from the Middle East
Sarsaparilla.JPG
Sarsaparilla, a great blood purifier, tonic, diuretic, sweat inducer
Sahumerio.JPG
Sahumerio (incense?) This was a real mystery for me, since it looks like frankincense and myrrh, but apparently comes from Ecuador but nobody could give me the real name, the name of the plant or the origin.
Spices.JPG
Herbs and spices are used on a daily basis as infusions to heal minor ailments.
Prices displayed on sign.JPG
Prices here are in dollars and per pund. To give an idea: Star Anis is $3,50 per pound, Oregano is $2, Linseed is $0,70, Frankincense is $6, Palo Santo $1
San Pablo Lake.jpg
San Pablo Lake, located a short distance from the major Indian market town of Otavalo. The Lake of San Pablo is large enough for boating and the community that surrounds it is a vibrant place.
Imbabura volcano.jpg
As the dominant geographic feature of the area, Imbabura is of significant importance to the local culture, which involves a spiritual relationship with the land. The mountain is sometimes personified locally as Taita Imbabura, or "Papa" Imbabura. In fact, Imbabura is considered the sacred protector of the region.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imbabura_Volcano
Amazing treatment room at La Mirage Hotel and Spa.JPG
One of our clients is La Mirage Hotel and Spa in Cotacachi Ecuador. La Mirage is a real oasis in the Andes, part of the 5-Star Relais and Chateaux. Here is where their Amazon Treatment takes place. They offer unique spa treatments like the Shamanic Purification Treatmen where a female Shaman tblends relaxation techniques using the rose petal filled float tank and completes your healing process with an hour long aromatherapy spiritual massage.Read more: http://www.garyascott.com/tag/hotel-la-mirage-spa#ixzz1kJwIXiKZ
You must log in to post a comment.