Ibarra

On Friday, Kim and I took our bags to Andrés and Milena;'as, where we left the majority of our things, taking only what we would need for an overnight stay in Ibarra. We would return to this home on Saturday night.

The view from Andrés and Milena's living room window

We crossed to Tulcán and left from the terminal there to begin our first trip to Ibarra.

This is the first police check on the route. (There are two.)  This one is just on the outskirts of Tulcán.  The other one is closer to Ibarra.  This is a common place for hordes of vendors to get on the bus and hawk their wares.  Sometimes you sail through this check, and sometimes you can sit here for a LONG time.  That brick building in the back of the picture is the White House, in case you were wondering.

Vendor at the second police check

We ate lunch after we arrived in Ibarra.  At Pizza Hut!!! 

This was our view out the window.

The past while, we've had six separate Bible studies in Ibarra each time that we go - four on Friday afternoon/evening and two on Saturday morning before we travel back to Ipiales.  With Kim coming, I had modified the schedule a bit so as not to overwhelm my poor incoming co-worker.  So, we were down to two studies on Friday and two on Saturday, with one on each day being in English.  Maybe that wouldn't be too much???  

The view from the street running by Sra. Cecilia's house

Take too many forward steps, and you'll find yourself tumbling down into the abyss!

When we had arrived at Sra. Patricia's (where we always spend the night) to leave our things before heading out to our studies in the afternoon, I commented to Kim that it looked like we might be attending a concert without having to pay the price of admission.  They were setting up a soundstage in the plaza right next to Sra. Patricia's and blocking off all of the incoming streets to the obelisk.  Not a good sign!  

And sure enough, a local radio station was celebrating its anniversary, and everyone within earshot was cordially invited.  I can't remember what time the "music" started, but it didn't shut down completely until 3:00 Saturday morning.  Needless to say, it wasn't an exceedingly sleep-filled night!  

Welcome to Ecuador, Kim!!!

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