Causerie Called “Cotacachi” – Part 2

 

Ok, I’m back. “Welcome to Cotacachi”! – To a “Tour of the Town”

This part of Calle 10 de Agosto is quite rough, but soon you will see the more “modern” Cotacachi. Just watch your step! If you trip and fall, it is not the municipio’s fault, it’s yours, because you do not look where you are going. Also remember, pedestrians are less important than traffic. Dodge and dash wherever you can. We have three traffic lights in the town – a real “high light” for Cotacachi – we are so impressed with them that we even take pics of them!. What a bunch of spoiled brats you are!

The beauty of this little food store is that it is brand new – just been opened. There was a special on – buy 10 eggs and get one free! It’s handy and very clean and the service is personal, not like your huge, unfriendly, part-of-the-store service that you receive. And your dollars do not go very far – mine do! An added advantage is that there is no red tape here in Cotacachi – no registering your business – just go for it!

Surveillance Cameras in Cotacachi are everywhere! Beware! Behave! Their “sirens” will blast you if you step out of line.

The people in Cotacachi engage in any type of business, just anything to make a living, and they are interested only in surviving. I purchased “choclos” from this little store. Buy six and you get one free! These are very special people. They may not have upmarket stores, but the value and quality you purchase is excellent. Never judge a book by it’s cover!

This shopping complex is in the process of being built. Not much doing here, except three “treasures”. Dan and his wife recently opened three stores here – the first time ever in Cotacachi – a Christian Book Store! They also opened a restaurant and a Juice and Ice Cream store. Dan and Cindy are Christians and have named their stores “Solid Rock”. Jesus is known as the “Solid Rock”.

On your left is the Libreria where I purchase the Bibles for the folk in Cotacachi and in other towns as well.

The hair dresser was very happy to have his photograph taken. When I made an exit, I was the talk of the town. A female gringo had never done anything quite like that before. I just heard roars of laughter – perhaps of feeling really important.

As usual a bakery always draws hungry people. Baking is done on the premises. Would you like to stop here and buy a snack, while I check my map for our next store? In case you haven’t noticed we are now in the center of Cotacachi.

Hardware and building supplies are in abundance here. Manuel from Su Ferreteria has been our supplier for the past year while building our house. His service is excellent. He spent many years in the UK and his English is perfect. Hola Manuel!

Calle 10 de Agosto, the main street in Cotacachi, known as the famous “Leather Street”, where numerous goods are manufactured and sold in stores lining both sides of the street.

This little photographic store may not look the most inviting. It is tiny, quite dark inside, and the back door leads to the owner’s house. I am going to leave you here while you have some of your pics developed. You will be pleasantly surprised. The results are excellent!

Thought for your Tour:

Have you ever heard of the “All You Need” Store? The address is: Philippians 4:19 – “For my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory”.