I travelled to Latacunga today in order to visit a community project run by Plan International through the money raised through their child sponsorship scheme. I also had the chance to interview some of the mothers of children who went to the school we visited and got some fascinating insights into their lives.
Apparently one of the traditions in their local community until a few years ago was for families to aim to have twelve children. The ladies I spoke to did not seem to know why twelve in particular was the desired number - but they agreed that their mothers had had little choice in this and had simply done what was expected of them. Happily things have changed considerably in recent years. The average now seems to be between three and six, (I felt quite at home!) and I am glad to say that the women said that they now have an equal say in issues of family 
planning.
planning. 
Although Latacunga is only 89 km from Quito it took just under three hours to get there. Tuesday is market day (not a single tourist in sight)....here are some pictures to give you an idea of what it was like.
Thank you for the advice on how to post a comment. Still think Fred's hat is better as a souvenir than a fashion accessory though...
12 kids! Brings to my mind the religious cult "Lestadiolaiset" in Finland. Eventhogh kids can be a blessing I still see this almost a sort of imprisonment. If the women had nothing to say about it. To make sure that the women are bound to be home and taking care of the kids for the next 30 years or so and too tired to think anything nor want anything execpt sleep. Well, maybe there's another angel to this issue as well.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, great picks Jody - as usual. I've really enjoyed all of yr fotos here. The fruit baskets looked delicious and energy giving. The bread like - what ever frying on the pan looked yammy as well.