Ahhhhh.... Canoa

Note from Rhonda: This is an excerpt from email from Alan... hoping he will edit and add photos soon!

When they said that the weather does not wary much here, they were telling the truth.  Yesterday was beautiful, although I did manage to get a little pink (yes, I am using sunblock).  You do have to be extremely cautious with the amount of time you spend in the sun.

Last night was great. It stayed warm, only required a light sheet on the bed.  The ocean breeze keeps it from getting too humid in the room (paid $12 for a nice room, nice double bed, nice pillows, hot water, on the beach). Actually slept in this morning for the first time in Ecuador.  No traffic, no horns, no obtrusive noise, mostly just birds and ocean breeze.  Is quite calming compared to Quito.  Had a huge plate of
fresh lightly battered shrimp with rice last night for $4.  Probably could have found it cheaper but it was in the restaurant at my hotel on the beach.  A cold 600ml Pilsener beer costs $1.50 right on the beach. Am taking my first surfing lesson this afternoon, so that should be entertaining.

First impression of Canoa is that it is just a quiet, little surf and beach playground.  There are more people here than I thought would be, but it is also the weekend and I think there are a lot of locals that
come and stay for a couple days.  The beach sand is not white, but it is very nice, fine and clean.  They work to keep it quite clean and it is evident.  First thing this morning they had a crew of guys out
sweeping the dirt streets after last nights party.  There is definitely a more African flair to the party atmosphere here (music and dancing), but quite nice to listen to.  Canoa is nice but thusfar all I have seen are hostels,restaurants, a couple surf shacks, gift shops, and artisans selling their goods.

Will look around more this afternoon.