Ano Nuevo

Un Feliz Ano Nuevo a Todos!

We burned the traditional Ano Viejo dolls at midnight in Tumbabiro, Ecuador, at the beautiful Hosteria Pantavi. The dolls represent a person disliked in the past year. The choice wasn't ours, but on the fire were Venezuela's Hugo Chavez and a person we couldn't recognize. (I am not a Chavez champion, I do agree with a lot of what he has done and disagree with many things as well. If you want to hear more, you'll have to buy me a beer.)

Masks for the Ano Viejo dolls on sale in Ottavalo.

Anyway, the ceremonial burning took place after our hosts at the hosteria--the very friendly Dutch owner Marjolein and her extremely courteous staff--treated us to a dance performance by an Afro-Ecuadorian group from Mascarilla, a nearby town where you can also buy some great works of art. (Soon to be on display in my home.)

I didn't participate in all of the New Year's celebrations due to the continuing problems after eating something bad on Friday, but was up at midnight to watch the fire and subsequent fireworks and wish everyone a happy New Year.

The New Year's trip was in succession to the tour of the Valley of Longevity. We stayed away for three nights, one in Otavalo at the Casa Sol (great rooms and architecture, but lousy food and so-so service) and two at the previously mentioned Pantavi. In Otavalo, known for ponchos, its animal market and its artisan fair, we also visited the Condor Park, a refuge for birds found wounded or otherwise in need of help before being let back into the wild.

Otavalo's market

At Pantavi I mostly rested and read Anthony Bourdain's "Kitchen Confidential" while the rest of the group went for a hike in the blazing sun, shopped and swam in the pool.

All in all, a good start to 2008, especially now that my intestine starts to calm down as well.