Andres Valenzuela

La Mejor Comida Del Mundo!!!!

Other than my family the thing I have always missed the most from Ecuador is the food. Ecuador is known for it's soups and juices. To me the best in the world. Most people agree.

Here's a sampling of just about everything I had the privilege of eating mostly at family's homes.

Les voy hacer tener ganas!!!

Sopa de Arroz de Cebada

Chochos

Chulpi

Chulpi en Supermaxi

Cerveza Pilsener

Habas

Timbushka

Patacones

Naranjilla

Maracuya

Platanos

Habas crudas

Kimbolito

Jugo de Pina

Jugo de Guanabana

Filete de Pollo

Pinchos

Fritada con mote y llapingacho

Empanada de Viento

Empanadas de Morocho

Jugo de Mora

Camarones

Lomo Apanado

Canelazo

Encebollado

Helados de Paila (Mora con Naranjilla)

Barquillos

Biscochos con Queso de Hoja

Motecillo con chicharron

Dulce de Tomate de Arbol

Mani Cris

Chitos

Cueritos

Chocolates

Queso de Hoja

Chicle Kataboom

Locro de Papa

Choclo

Chuleta con Arroz

Tostado

Fritada con Llapingachos

Fioravanti

Biscochos

Sopa de Lenteja

Llapingachos con huevo frito

Jugo de Naranjilla

One of the traditions for everyone who comes to Quito for the first time or after being away for a while is to go to Otavalo. This small city is full of incredibly talented entrepreneurs. Los Otavalenios as they are called set up this Market in the city Square and sell all sorts of beautifully crafted memoirs from Ecuador. Things from sweaters, bags, necklaces, paintings, carvings, etc. The detail in each one is amazing and the colors are so intense.

Here's a few pictures from the drive out to Otavalo from Quito and the city of Otavalo itself.

Once you leave Quito you start to really see the beauty of Ecuador. The mountains are simply majestic!

This image is one of my favorites from my trip. I can't even imagine how old this door and wall are.

These are necklaces from this seed called 'Tagua'. You take the seeds out and carve them into different shapes and color them to make jewelry.

The people in Otavalo amaze me. They are so talented and deserve so much more than what they charge.

She was so cute when she saw my camera.

This old man is tiny. He could not have been more than 4 feet.

So everyone knows Liga is Champion of the Libertadores, but as much as I have respect for them I LOVE EMELEC!!!! :)

hard working hands

This lady has been here for years and every time I go to the market she happens to find me. I oblige and take a couple pictures of her and give her some money. There is beggars all over and when you give them something they always say 'Dios Le Pague' (May God repay you).

Click the slideshow below to see many more pictures from my visit to Otavalo.

Trip to Ecuador....

So I'm back in NY after having a life changing week back in my home country of Ecuador.

What a beautiful country! I know I am probably very biased since I am from there but I have not lived there permanently for years and they say that absence makes the heart grow fonder and every time I go back (which is every two years) I fall in love with the place so much more!

I LOOOOOVE Ecuador! For a third world country of a mere 14 million people this place is absolutely overflowing with life and beauty.

And the food....oh my God the food!!!!! Other then my family it's what I miss the most!

The amazing thing is that in the last week I was only able to visit Quito, make a trip to Otavalo (about 2 hours outside of Quito) and see an amazing landscape from the air flying out. I didn't get to visit the beach, jungle, galapagos or many of the amazing snow capped mountains and country side that this country has. I swore on my next trip that I would make a trip to Galapagos and visit the jungle. I intend on making good on my promise.

I have compiled several photos and slideshows of my visit here and will also post some on my Facebook.

click on the slideshows at the bottom to see more to see more....

This is Quito and it's outskirts through my eyes.......

A minute after take off you leave Quito with this breathtaking view of the city and the mountains that embrace the city all around. I don't think I will ever forget this view!

Quito sits at the skirts of the lindo Pichincha!

Quito is a huge city and skyscrapers can be found in several parts of the city.

One of my favorite places in Quito. El Estadio Atahualpa is where Ecuador plays their world cup qualifiers. This stadium is over 45 years old and has seen Ecuador qualify to two world cups! ARRIBA ECUADOR!!!

I was so excited to see Quito now has a Mac store!! YES!!

If this is the view God has of Ecuador I want to sit next to him!

Every day life.....

This is 'Quito Viejo' (old Quito). This restaurant sits on top of one of the old houses in this part of Quito. The view is unbelievable and as you sit there you feel like the city embraces you all around.