ECUADOR days.

It is interesting how different countries have different rules.  I observed, while standing in the mall the other day, that customers are not allowed to wear hats when they enter the bank.  They remove their hats prior to entering.  All banks have a security guard at the door and they enforce this (although he never did have to remind anyone to remove their hat).   I wonder how that would affect the rate of bank robberies in North American if this rule were implemented?

We have had a few quiet days here in Manta.  Our plans for the next couple of weeks include an overnight trip to Puerto Lopez which is a coastal town about 1 1/2 hours south of us.  We will visit some archaeological ruins, a chocolatier, and book a day trip over to Isla de la Plata which is commonly referred to as the "Poor Mans Galapagos".  Joe and I have concluded that we are not quite ready to be on a boat for a few days which is required if we want to go tour the Galapagos.

Yesterday, we met friends Mike and Marla at the Pacifico Mall and gve them a ride home to their development Mirador which is an hour south of Manta.  It was a very rainy day but the drive was enjoyable.  We got a kick out of all the Frigate birds along the way who were sitting soggily on the power poles near a fishing village we passed through.  I suppose they were looking for free handouts since it was too wet and rainy for them to fish.  I wish I could have captured a photograph of them !

Today we are resolving the issue of getting a flat tire repaired in a city where our Spanish is limited and the tire repair places are definitely all Spanish speaking !!  We are saved always by Google Translate which is amazing.

Our developers' staff member Berenice has a sister who works with an indigenous group in the Amazon.  She is in the planning stage for us to experience 2 nights and 3 days with this village in the Amazon.

We continue to explore Manta and all it has to offer.  One thing I know for sure.  The Ecuadorian people are wonderful.  They are kindhearted, happy and gentle people.

February 10 marks the beginning of "Carnival".  This is a huge celebration here in Ecuador that occurs every Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday marking the beginning of Lent. This carnival takes up the entire two days with the Carnival de Lunes and the Carnival de Martes.  The party actually will begin on the Friday before so we are in for a loud and raucousy few days !!  The silly string is being sold by the hundreds of cases in every store!  It is a national holiday and everyone parties hearty !!  Some cities have a big parade with colorful floats all vying for first prize! Manta is not one of those cities so we will miss that.

Just google 'Carnival Ecuador " and you can read all about this massive country-wide party.

Signing off for now.   Writings will continue .......