Manta, Ecuador

Wed January 11, 2023

We woke this morning to a harbor view of Manta, Ecuador. Distant green tropical hillsides set back from the bay filled with numerous small fishing boats.After catching our breath we hurried off for a quick breakfast of oatmeal, scrambled eggs, bacon and hash browns with a tall glass of prune juice and coffee. David had his usual everything vegetarian omelet. 

We moved on to the Ocean Bar to meet our tour arranged by ‘Mary’ and we we placed on  group four. After an easy disembark from the Volendam we went to the beautiful port depot and waited and had the opportunity to purchase some local Tegu Nut carving, Ecuador hats and a nice variety of other locally produced handcrafts. I found two hats I liked very much and regret not buying them but figured I could pick them up on the return.

Our first stop was the fish market where Tuna are the main attraction. There were of course a number of other fishes, shrimps, crabs, octopus and some other disgusting creatures spread out in small tables. The open air market seemed remarkably clean. Numerous Frigate Birds, gulls, pelicans and a gathering of egrets and a very hungry heron of some type. We also made a short walk to the shipyard where they build and repair the fishing boats.

After a short drive through the Ceibo Tree Savanah we made our way to the Pacoche National Park and Wildlife Refuge. One there we had time for a quick potty break and began a rather short trek through the rather dry juggle. The path was lined with various Helconia, Tegu Palms, Giant Alocasia, Bamboo, Spiny Agave and bromeliad laden jungle trees. We did see and hear Howler Monkeys. All things considered it was a rather unremarkable slice of forest. Yet I had to catch my breath and appreciate the gift and reality of being in an Ecuadorian jungle. 

Then off to a nice lunch at a seaside restaurant on San Lorenzo Beach where I tried the local Inca Cola. It was very sweet with a hint of Banana. We then drove up the hill towards the lighthouse where we stopped for a few photos of the ocean.

Our handsome tour guide shared the essential oil of the sacred Santo Paulo tree to film our bus with sacred energy as we continued our journey through the dry forest.

Our next stop was the town of Montecristi famous for their ‘Panama’ hats which we learned are actually Ecuadorian. They came to be called Panama Hats when President Teddy Rosevelt came home from visiting the new Panama Canal and everyone wanted the new rage Panama hat! We met o woman hunched over a table where she remained ‘hunched’ over day in and day out weaving hats which can run $800 to several thousand $ for a hand made hat. A soon to be lost art as few people want to spend their entire lives weaving hats anymore. 

Our last stop was the Mausoleum of one of the early Presidents of Ecuador and a small history museum (I think). By then I had kinda lost my patience. I had seen a couple hats and some tegu buttons back at the port shop that I regret not having purchased and hope they will still be there when I get back.

Sure enough the hats and buttons were waiting for me at the terminal! Bingo Ecuador!

"Even a man who is pure at heart"