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.

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

Canoa, A Small, Quiet Surfing Town

Jan 31: The main street in front of the beach in Canoa (photo right). Although dirt, they are very diligent at keeping it clean, as well as the beach.   On the weekend, it was quite busy, but on the week it is very quiet, not what I had expected for their "High Season".

Went to the Surf Shak yesterday and rented a board for a week.  Took out a shorter one first and basically got my ass kicked.  Took out a bigger one in the afternoon and it was much better.  My goal for the week is to be able to get up on the short board.  Met a part owner of the Surf Shak (Peter from Colorado).  Has been down here for years (early 40s) and is now starting to get into some real estate.  He agreed to take me on a tour tomorrow morning, so will be able to get a better feel on the area.

It really does take a little bit to get used to being here.
Everything is at such a slow pace.  There is no rush for anything. Everything gets done, just not at the pace we are used to. I have met several travellers along the way buy most are early 20´s, so most are quick visits.

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.

The First Couple Days...

Excerpt from email from Alan...

Well, it was a long day, but I finally made it here to Quito at about 1:30 am, Thursday morning.  Was stuck in Miami for a while and was more than ready to be out of there by the time we departed.  My ride was at the airport and everything went fine.  I am staying with a very nice family (Manuel & Nellie).  I am in a little 1 bedroom apartment that has all I need.  It is in a quiet neighborhood so that is nice. Very nice people everywhere,  helpful and friendly.  The adventure has begun.

Had my first class yesterday, and wow, gonna have to kick the old brain back into action!  Have a really nice instructor who is extremely keen to go once she found out I want to learn as much as possible in a short period.  I got the impression there are some at the school who are just kind of filling in time. 

Went shopping for a few items this mañana and it is really quite easy to get things done.  Everyone is very friendly and willing to help. Had to buy an umbrella as it is raining pretty good, and not looking to let up.

Here's a map showing Ecuador and Quito.

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