Saraguro day 1

Our group made a weekend trip to Saraguro. It was a four hour ride south on the Pan American highway. Great name for a horrid road. Some of it was dirt, other parts paved but full of pot holes and other parts were under construction. It took 4 1/2 hours to get there by bus but the scenery through the Andes was beautiful.

Saraguro is an indigenous community and according to our guide, no one lives there who is not part of the indegenous community. They all wear the traditional indigenous garb but their particular sect wears all black, to mark their sadness over losing the war with the Spanish 500 years ago.

We stayed in a hostel owned by an indigenous couple who became our guides for the two days. Immediately after dropping our luggage in our rooms (think primitive here but there was a shower with hot water :) we drove into the country and began our hike. Actually climb would have been more accurate and this climb made the Cajas look like a stroll. again, hand holds and strong knees were needed. I quickly ended up in the back where the lady guide was in charge of the rear. Holding out her hand she said "ayuda" and I hesitantly took her hand. She appeared to be about my age and was wearing a dress and what looked like ballet shoes. I reluctantly took her hand and found her to be rock solid. She should prance up the steep inclines as sure footed as a mountain goat. We became fast friends! I´m not sure I would have safely made it up and down without her sure hand.

After 2 hours we finally made it to our destination which was an area in the Inca trail for worship. There were several holes carved in the rock to collect water and watch the reflection of the stars at night. And we got a lesson on their worship of the sun, the land, the importance of the cross. etc.

I´ll spare you the tedious description of my descending, but just know that I¨m better going up than down. After the 4 hour climb we were off to a demonstration of weaving. (Note it is about 7pm now and we´re starving!) The building had about 15 weaving looms for weaving and they sold their products. It was killing me not to buy anything but I´m sure I¨m already over the limit for weight. Beautiful fabrics, rugs, etc.

Finally around 8.30 we were treated to an indigenous dinner. These people eat so healthfully. Full grain everything. No need for metamucil down here. Wonderful potato soup, followed by corn, potatoes, carrots, and chicken. I usually do not eat the meat, now that I´ve seen the meat market.

After dinner the cooks and waiters became the band and we were treated to a wonderful musical performance. Our students began to dance and the evening turned into a lot of fun in spite of exhaustion. Finally our two indigenous guides began to dance too and it was apparent that they dance quite a bit. I even danced with them too and when we sat down, the lady guide (my hiking friend) gave me a big hug. Really cool.