Mark and Charlotte's Travel Blog

 The Andean chapter of our Ecuador adventure included wandering through Quito’s Old Town, getting lost in the Otavalo Market, visiting a rose plantation, standing on the equator at the Middle of the World, and lunch at a farmhouse in the countryside

She can always sniff out the chocolate…

Chapel inside the main church

Ecuador produces some of rhe worlds finest and vibrant long stem roses due to consistent 12 hour sunlight and rich volcanic soil.

Third largest flower exporter in the world, it’s a woman-heavy industry with woman picking and packaging roses

Roses are washed through a disinfestation process required for biosecurity and preservation

Otavalo, Ecuador outside of Quito is known for its vibrant market. We strayed a bit and found some local life

In other news, the Gadomskis were officially initiated into Quito's Carnaval celebration today! There was dancing, singing, and foam sprayed on everyone and everything — it was a blast. Every now and then, they cover themselves (and anyone nearby) in black ash or paint to signify mischief and anonymity

You can stand in two hemispheres at once at Ciudad Mitad del Mundo - Charlotte is in the northern hemisphere, I’m in the southern. Hoppy didn’t want to choose a side.

Obligatory tourist shot

Embroidery thread used for ladies traditional dresses

Scarf over one shoulder indicates the woman is single

Church on the property of the farmhouse. Mother Teresa visited here

After lunch at the farmhouse our host invited us to tour his homemade beer cellar

Driving back to Quito we were rewarded with beautiful views of the Andes