Manta-Manabi Ecuador

Hola! How is everyone? Bob & I are doing fantastic. Tomorrow, we'll be concluding our week-long stay in Manta-Manabi, which is a Port-Coastal town. The weather has been perfect here. Low 80's during the days with a pleasant breeze with the evenings turning a little cooler toward the low 70's. We were really bummed that there were no golf courses around. Manta didn't have a whole to offer as far as things to do but we didn't mind. It was nice to hang by the pool and read. Or stroll the beach and watch the kite surfers. As in all our ventures we learn something new all the time. Guess my parents wasted their money sending me to college. I'm learning and retaining a lot more than I ever did back then. BUT, then I wouldn't have met Bob. (AWE!!! ) The main economic activity is tuna fishing and canning. (Exporting to US and Europe). The chemical industry (cleaning products to oils and margarine) helps provide a stable economy here as well and they don't rely on tourism to make a living.

The seaport here is the largest in this country and

continuing to expand in hopes to become one of the

largest in South America.

Our hotel is on the beach and we spent many hours

watching the birds dive for their food, whales splashing around

and dolphins cruising the shoreline.

They have several large beaches and a Malecon that we

walked and enjoyed some good seafood meals.

Vendors also line the beach selling souvenirs,

natural juices, and ceviches.

The Malecon wasn't one of our favorites but

it did have tons of restaurants. What I don't

understand is that every single one serves

the exact same prepared items as the others. Why?

There are so many ways to prepare seafood.

We've seen that thru out our travels in other countries as well.

Where we come from; its all about diversity.

You would think someone, just one, would have a marketing brainstorm

to sell souvenirs other than the exact same things the other

10 or more booths in the same small area are selling.

Simple minds, I'm guessing.

The beaches are pretty much empty on the weekdays. We didn't do too much in this city which is fine by us. We slept in, played a lot of cards and games, went the casino a couple of times (our luck hasn't changed) and took in a movie. We did meet a few expats (Ex-patriots of US) and several other Americans looking for that retirement haven. Many read the International Living magazine and the editors list Ecuador as on of the top destinations for Americans to retire based on the cost of living, infrastructure, weather and safety. So far, we would give our vote to Mazatlan Mexico as the top choice. Half the year the daily highs get a little warmer than what some retirees look for but otherwise its pretty awesome. I can already hear some replies...why aren't we retiring there? We still have our hearts set in Honduras and the "island" lifestyle. Remote, no cars, beautiful calm waters and low population. Anyway, back to our travels here. We did take a bus to a small city called Montecristi. This city didn't offer beaches. The main attraction to this city is shopping. This is the town square. Very well kept and clean. How many of you think Panama Hats originated in Panama? I admit... I did. I learned that this in fact is not true. Bob claims he already knew that. The fact is Ecuador is the original manufacture of Panama hats. Here in Montecristi is where it all began. Our President, Teddy Roosevelt was the man who set the trend back in 1906. The reason Panama seems to be credited with the origination is that Ecuadorians sent all their shipments to Panama for deliveries to the rest of the world and soon Panama became the synonymous with the hats. There are 3 main types of Panama Hats. There's the Optimo which can be seen in the movie Casablanca worn by Sydney Greenstreet. There's the Fedora which Hannibal Lector wore and than the Monte Carlo, which was worn by Clark Gable in the movie Monte Carlo. Just like everything else price varies by the quality. We were able to find them in the $10 price range all the way up $200 They are all hand woven out of Toquilla leaves. The more weaves per square inch the higher the quality.

You can roll them for easy storage and travel.

And they don't lose their shape.

Which one do you like best?

We had a blast trying all kinds.

Bob was looking for an "island" style.

Girls definitely had a much broader selection of styles and colors.

A good look for him, don't you think?

He didn't think so.

Is it possible that I could be a Southern Belle Girl?

Not!

Bob sporting the Pimp Daddy look.

I have to say clothes shopping with Bob really wears me out and not in a good way.

The man can look at one item for 30 mins or more and still be indecisive.

Or if it's something he really likes and the price is a few dollars more than he

wants to spend; he'll walk away. O' Good God!

Fortunately we only spent one day shopping.

Tomorrow we're busing it back to Guayaquil and hopping another bus to Cuenca.

Cuenca is an inland colonial city and with some altitude. I'll be ready to pop some pills this

time if I start having issues with the altitude.

We're told lots of Americans live in Cuenca. Maybe we can find a sports bar

and watch some football. Of course it's been all about soccer so far. And tennis. Go figure.

We hope all is going well for you guys.

We will be in touch soon.

Much love,

Bonnie & Bob