Thanks, Caitlin — And fun to see your pictures, too, with more of an emphasis on the wonderful foods! What a beautiful country! (and to my readers, check out Caitlin’s blog at http://forageddish.com – she is always coming up with something healthy & fun; the photography alone will give you inspiration to try something new & creative. It’s a great food blog!)

Good question! No, I did not see much in the way of garlic. I would think garlic would be difficult there, being as it requires a cold period to form a bulb. The weather there stays mild all year round. But we did see a variation in crops grown at the higher elevations compared to the lower (much more corn at lower elevations, for example). What I was looking for, though, was amaranth, quinoa, and assorted roots: oca, mashua, yacon, ulluco, and others. I was amazed at the number of varieties of rice available in even the smallest of street-corner shops! Fresh fruits every single day. They are always making fresh juices. Such a treat! Lots of pineapple, guava, banana, and some I had never heard of. And yes, I purchased a few of the tiny colorful baskets. It was amazing how small they made them and how intricate the weaving! They used a dowel as a form around which to weave the reeds.

Kind words, Dianna. Thank you. <3

Thank you, Kay! I didn’t take my good camera … I purchased a little reconditioned point-and-shoot that I wouldn’t be upset about if I lost. It was very frustrating, being as I was used to other features and buttons – but I was glad I got a few good shots out of it that help me to remember what a magical place Ecuador is. I appreciate your stopping in to the site and taking the time to read through it all 🙂 Hope to see you soon…
~blythe

Thank you, Les – so great to hear from you! and fun to find you on here and share … it would be fun to reconnect. I hope to head up to Anchorage in the near future for a visit. Will send you a mssg.

Wishing you all the best in your cosmic travels. Would be nice to connect … lets talk some time? Send me an email with your phone number, if you wish.

Best to you and your family,

Leslie Huttunen