Day 4, Bahia Ecuador

And what a day it has been.  We started out with a tricyclica (tricycle) taxi into town for coffee at Fika coffee shop and restaurant.  Outstanding cappuccino and omelet.  Owned by a young American gal, she has travelled to and lived in many countries around the world.  Originally, she is from Vermont.  Ecuador is home for her right now.   We ran into people we had met the evening before while enjoying a cold Pilsner.  It becomes a small town when you start seeing the same people at different places!

We walked off lunch by heading down to the new mall in town.  Thought we should explore what is available at the big supermarket there.  It also has a large hardware section and dry goods section.  Kind of like a super-store actually.  Joe and I both find it so sad that there just isn't enough money to hire street cleaners and get this little city tuned up because it has such a beautiful setting.  But if there is no money - there is no money !

The sun came out and as the locals say ..."when we have an el-Nino year, it is more humid that normal and when the sun comes out, it is telling us it is angry and causes much humidity".  

We strolled along the street by the water and found our other 'watering hole' where Dave and Victoria greeted us and made us a delicious banana/strawberry smoothie.  The fruits had come fresh that morning from the local farmers market that can be visited every morning.  I had read about this market a few weeks ago and completely forgot about it !! I love farmers markets and if time  permits tomorrow morning, we will go check it out before our ride picks us up to take us to the airport to start our journey back to Phoenix.

During our conversations here this week, we have learned that there is a wonderful Toronto-trained dentist who comes here from Quito a few days each month and his speciality is implants.  He will do
an implant for $1000.  A little less than the $4000 I paid for my last one!!  The fact that he is trained at Toronoto Univeristy or dental school is good enough for me!

We also learned that the best heart hospital in the country is one hour form here in Manta.  That is the final destination airport when we fly here.

After our smoothie, we caught another tricyclica taxi to the museum.  The museum is free and is 3 floors.  Two floors are fascinating archaeological artifacts on the top floor was an art exhibit.  It was delightfully cool inside and we totally enjoyed our time there.

The other night at dinner, Kim introduced us to a man who she knew.  He had cancer a few years ago and went deep into the Amazon and spent time with Shaman healers.  He came out totally cancer free.  He also learned much about their healing medicines and blended a "Jungle Rub" which he sold successfully a couple of years back.  It is better than any topical pain relief cream ever !  He is currently trying to sell the 'recipe'.  Many people here have used it and even the disbelievers and sceptics say it works.  Kim was able to get us a tube of it to try.  He is now looking at property with organic cacao pods for a new holistic treatment protocol.  A very interesting man needless to say and one I would love to spend long conversations with.

We found our way to a lovely ocean side restaurant and enjoyed lunch with the cool ocean breeze on us.  Joe had his usual shrimp feed and I enjoyed a shrimp Caesar which was so fresh and so good!  The lettuce tasted like it had been hand picked from my grandfathers garden just this morning.

One fun thing here is that the sunrise and sunset never vary all year long by more than about 15 minutes.  Of course - being so close the the equator it makes complete sense!  We didn't really think about that though.

We enjoyed the most amazing steak dinner with Las Olas friends tonight and were kept very good company by 3 street dogs.  They are everywhere and know the outdoor restaurants very well.  The daughter of Pascal and Jennifer joined us.  She will soon be 14 but the sweet little gal dedicates all of her spare time raising money to help feed, neuter and spay these street dogs and cats.  She lives and breathes her 'foudnation'.  Joe and I gave her money to have a cat and a dog spayed which is only $40 here.  So if any of you pet lovers want to help Lori-Ann with her cause, I am happy to take your money and send it to her!  As in all third world countries, it is a major problem here and someone has to help get it under control.  it is always the Westerners who start the process of education etc. With regard to the problem.

Time for bed here in Ecuador but we've had a wonderful few days and are excited to spend more time here next year.  Tomorrow we leave in the afternoon for the airport to begin the journey home.