The Party Goes On

Although Santa Marianita has a typically arid climate, it is still subject to unusual weather like every other location in the world.  The day before one of the countries biggest celebrations of the year, ¨"Carnival" they received torrential rains which washed out huge sections of the beach and road, taking several down several power poles as well. 

 But the Ecuadorians are resiliant and were not about to let a little rain spoil their party on the beach.  They packed the beach for 4 days straight, and it was quite the sight.  Everyone there had a smile on, and were happy to be able to spend the time with family and friends.  I can say with all honesty that for the entirety of Carnival I never witnessed one single conflict, which is something considering all the beer consumed.  A great time was had by all, and I would highly recommend a visit during this time.

Properties for sale

Here is the view from a hilltop lot

Some undeveloped terraced beach lots

Terraced development in the works

After looking at several different land, housing options, and talking with the local expat community here in Santa Marianita have come to a couple of conclusions.  As a result of being so close to all the amenities of Manta, the price of raw land here is quite high now, driven by expats willing to spend excess amounts.  It appears that the good deals were done about 4-5 years ago. They sell it by the square meter now ($35 for hilltop to $100 for right on the beach).   Will be interesting to find out how far you have to get from Manta before the prices start to decline.  With regards to the cost of living here, it can be done on a very small budget.  A good seafood meal will cost you between $3-5 and all the local fruits and vegetables are very inexpensive.  Anything imported, packaged, processed will cost you as much or more than at home.

Land shopping - Santa Marianita

Have been here in Santa Marianita now for about a week, and really do enjoy the vibe.  Definately an older, more mature, family oriented crowd here versus the backpackers in Canoa.  During the week you can often claim huge sections of the beautiful beach as your own.  The weekends are a little busier, but still very relaxed in comparison.  The city of Manta,which has all the amenities, is a quick 15 minute drive away, and really gives you the feeling that while here anything you need is at your fingertips.  For these reasons I thought I would do a little property shopping.

South to Santa Marianita

Feb 6: After some quality time on 3 separate buses, and a short taxi ride, I made it to Santa Marianita this afternoon.  Obviously should have researched a little further, because upon arriving here I found it is the wrong season for kite-surfing and windsurfing.  But it was meant to be, for as soon as I walked into the second housing option (there are only 2, the first was too expensive) I was greeted by 4 dogs.  All extremely friendly, well fed, and groomed.  Amazing how something so small can make you feel at home.

The owner is not here at present, so I was greeted by Dennis, an Ecuadorian student, currently in-between semesters in Germany.  He stays here helping, in return for free board.  As his schedule is not very pressing he said he would be glad to help me with my Spanish.  Is very quiet here as the only other guest is leaving tomorrow morning.  There are 2 beautiful suites on the bottom floor and smaller rooms upstairs with kitchen area, computer, bathroom.  Will see how it goes, but if he is a good teacher may stay here for a bit.

Feb 7: Had my first spanish lesson with Dennis last night and it went well.  Dennis speaks excellent English and I believe he will be better than my teacher in Quito.  We did the lesson out on the deck, with the only intrusion being the sound of the waves crashing (they are quite big here).  We agreed on a price of $6 per hour, and he was quiet happy with that (I probably could have got him to $5), but he really is a nice fellow.  His family run a little dairy inland with about 60 head total (holstein x brahma).  Would be interesting to see but it is a ways to go.

It is very quiet here, except for the waves.  Sounds like it will remain like this until Carnival which starts on the 18,or 19 and runs for 4 days.  It is $15 per night, which includes kitchen, TV (spanish), unlimited internet, and laundry.  There is a truck to Manta that you can hop on for $1, so will most likely head in and grab some groceries, as I think I may stay for a while.

Map showing Santa Marianita (it is just south of Manta on the coast)
Link to map