Hats

Ecuadorian Hat Factory

One of my favorite things in Ecuador was something I didn't know existed before we went there - a hat factory! First off - who knew that Panama hats were made in Ecuador! Yes, it's true. When years ago they were shipped to Panama for shipment to the rest of the world, they became internationally known as Panama hats when of course they should have been called "Ecuador hats!"
On a tour around through the towns in the hills around Cuenca, the first stop was the hat factory. We got to hang out in the factory and watch as the people actually made the hats. There were weavers, pressers, molders and sewers. Some of my best photos in Ecuador were taken at the hat factory.  The colorful hats simply screamed to be photographed, as did the women at the ancient singer sewing machines. Well, actually the women didn't scream, but they smiled and were most friendly to these intruders into their work place. I wish that I had bought one of these famous hats since I adore hats anyhow and these are world famous. But in my usual travel fashion, I knew that I didn't have any space in my bag, I would never end up wearing the thing and I didn't really need it. I need to get over it. I didn't buy the most incredible rug in the world when we were in Tangier and I didn't get a Panama hat in Ecuador.
By the way, in Ecuador they are called sombreros de paja toquilla, toquilla being the straw they are made from.