www.ecuadors.org

[Zabir]

I'm planning a vacation in the Otavalo area in September, and as a writer/photographer am of course turning it into a "working vacation!" I'm considering a book assignment on Otavalo, and wondering if others interested in the area have already found good books focused just on the life, culture, peoples and sights in the immediate Otavalo area (not general travel to Ecuador)? Any input would be greatly appreciated!
Also, I've a few questions of those who've been there or live in Ecuador...
As a visitor from the U.S. seeking info and taking photos, would it be advisable to adapt the dress of the local people, or to just "be myself" in my usual casual wear (jeans, t-shirt, sweatshirt, etc.)?
Would I be better off focusing on learning some Spanish, or would learning Quichua be more beneficial to me?
What about cell phone use in Ecuador, especially Quito and Otavalo? I have doubts that my U.S. cell phone would be any use to me, but I've heard that you can rent cell phones to use during your visit.
I'm interested in any and all comments and suggestions!!!

[Pia]

When I was planning my trip, I corresponded with a hotel owner in Otavalo, Hotel Ali Shingu. Her name is Peg, and she speaks both Spanish and Quichua. She has been there a long time, and knows much about the Otavalenos. You might contact her, and if you're looking for a place to stay, it's a gorgeous hotel right in town.

Jeans, t-shirt, sweatshirt, etc would be the dress of the local people, other than the indigenas who wear traditional costume. Actually, I didn't see too many older people in Wranglers, but the kids look just like the kids here, complete with exposed mid-section, lol. In Quito, people tend to dress up a little more.

I'd definitely learn Spanish first. You'll need some to travel comfortably in Ecuador, and I think most of the native Quechua speakers are bilingual. There is a Spanish school in Otavalo if you have time.

Well, that's my two cents, just keep in mind my expertise stems from a whopping 8 days in the country!

[Zabir]

Thanks, skipaway, for the helpful info! I am, in fact, planning a couple nights' stay at the Ali Shungu! I've actually decided to stay at several different places for my whopping 9 nights' stay, to get a better feel for the community, etc. The other places that I think I've narrowed it down to are La Luna and the Dona Esther (in Otavalo), and Aya Huma in Peguche. But I'm still researching! Meanwhile, I've won an auction on ebay for "101 Languages" (includes Spanish and Quechua... but I'll focus primarily on the Spanish!). Thanks again for the advice.

Any input from others out there?

...Still trying to find out more about cell phone rentals.