Beach walk toward Montanita Day 18

I took the hike down the beach toward Montanita today and it was interesting. I could not pass by the cliffs and rocks to get around the point, its just impossible. However there were fishermen hauling in a huge net. There were two lines going into the ocean to the net and a crew of people pulling on each rope to make their haul. Photos are pretty good.

Later this evening went to the town center where many kids, mothers, dads, and grand parents all showed up for their Christmas celebration. The kids and even many parents were dressed up and all having fun. It was really touching and fun to watch.

Montanita Day 17

Just a quick trip to Montanita today for an ATM visit and a short hike to the point between Olon and Montanita. I will make the hike tomorrow from Olon to Montanita from the Olon side and see if its possible or not.

Click on photos to enlarge.

[caption id="attachment_261" align="alignnone" width="300"] Hotel in Montanita that looks like the Taj Mahal or ? The did have a big sign out for happy hour so it must be a fun place. :)[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_262" align="alignnone" width="300"] Now we all know what Montanita is all about.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_263" align="alignnone" width="300"] This is the point between Montanita and Olon from the Montanita side. [/caption]

[caption id="attachment_264" align="alignnone" width="300"] Looking back at Montanita.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_265" align="alignnone" width="300"] On the point between Montanita and Olon.
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Olon & Puerto Lopez Day 16

Woke up this morning hearing Chirp chirp, click click click. Then it did the same again and again. I just hid my head under the cover in hopes that the owner of the car alarm would turn it off, but it never happened and yet here it comes again but now with a tapping on my window. Startled I looked out from under the covers only to see a crazy bird who had been imitating a car alarm!!! Wow the bird got one on me, then it just flew off once it saw me move I guess. Oh well it was daylight so time to arise anyway.

After lunch I hopped on a bus for Puerto Lopez. Didn't know it took just about an hour to get there and so didn't get to do much but now I know and will plan accordingly next time.

Photos have captions. [caption id="attachment_256" align="alignnone" width="300"] View of Puerto Lopez from the highway on the bus on my way in today. [/caption]

[caption id="attachment_257" align="alignnone" width="300"] These are some of the effigies that will be burned at midnight on New Years Eve for ano viejo (old year). The tradition is to get rid of all the bad in the old year, but Mini Mouse and Kirmet the Frog?
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Olon Day 15

Its been a good sunny day. I went for a swim and body surfing in the wonderful ocean as its a new habit for me now. I will get a board sometime in the near future or just rent one but will start with a boogie board.

Had breakfast with a guy from CA who has been here for 5 years and he has built a very nice hotel and a huge house here. He showed his 4000 sq ft house that is absolute beautiful and he rents it out for $3300 per month for vacationers. Seems like a lot but enough room for 10 people so its not to bad for a big group and with all the nice things it has and is fully furnished.

So I also found out that the very peak of the tourist season is actually between Christmas and New Years. My rent is paid until Christmas and was getting nervous about it since my rent is only paid up until Christmas. Shopped around for a place is hard to find, but after a while I did find a couple of places. Had a talk with the owner of where I am now (her in Spanish and me in English) and think I am secure until after the first but will go to the bank tomorrow and get enough money to pay up my rent for 10 days after Christmas. Hope I can find an apartment or a nice little cabin by then. This place is okay and for a hotel its really not bad on the price but can do a lot better with an apartment.

A couple of photos for today and another hotel that is for sale by someone else. Will find out more about it sometime soon. Then a great sunset this evening!

Olon Day 12, 13, & 14 with photo!

Here are some photos, and the link below is a very short video of my room as close to the beautiful beach as possible. All the photos will have captions if necessary.

I did make it into the surf today and was able to body surf. I plan on doing that everyday for a while until I am back in shape for that kind of activity, then I will start renting a surf board and see how it goes.

http://youtu.be/6qY1BtQq3Gw 44 second video of my room in Olon.

[caption id="attachment_235" align="alignnone" width="300"] Went to Montanita yesterday (12/20/14) and that is a busy place. [/caption]

[caption id="attachment_239" align="alignnone" width="300"] Launching a fishing boat Olon[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_241" align="alignnone" width="300"] Typical beach photo of Olon[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_240" align="alignnone" width="300"] Pushing the boat into the water for a launch. Then in the morning the fishermen come back with their catch and they load the boat on the dolly and push it back up on the beach until the next launch.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_242" align="alignnone" width="300"] On the beach the boats stay on the 4 wheel dolly and then pushed into the water to launch. [/caption]

[caption id="attachment_237" align="alignnone" width="300"] The beach in Olon is almost vacant compared to Montinita. And all of the Cabanas are not crowded.
[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_238" align="alignnone" width="300"] They have good food in those Cabanas and its not to expensive. Olon[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_236" align="alignnone" width="300"] The Beach at Montinita. Montinita is about 5 miles south of Olon. Its a crazy place here where surfers all gather I guess. [/caption]

[caption id="attachment_234" align="alignnone" width="300"] More of the Christmas party in the cit center of Olon. All of the children and parents were holding hands in a big circle dancing around to some great music. It was enjoyable to watch. [/caption]

[caption id="attachment_233" align="alignnone" width="300"] One my first day here I saw the kids and parents all dressed in Christmas clothes dancing to music in the town center. This is what I meant about being close nit community. Just awesome! :) [/caption]

Olon here I come! Day 12

When in Manta I had to make a decision of just where to go from there. Prior to leaving Oregon, I wrote a friend (Jean Anderson) who I was out of contact with for several years but knew that she house sat sometimes. Also getting concerned about my kitty and house as time is getting closer to go, I wrote her an email to see if she was interested in sitting my house and cat. Low and behold she had since moved to Ecuador 3 years prior!. Well since then Jean has been a great source of knowledge even with setting up the free to USA phone service. In Manta with no direction I recalled her strongly advising going to a place on the coast called Olon. So with that notion I decided that would be my next stop. Thanks again Jean! Olon is the best place in every aspect of my trip to Ecuador.

I have found that Ecuador is a very close nit country. Yes the entire country! And now I am in a little community here in Olon that is even more close nit as you will see in the photos below.

Off to Manta.......again! Day 11

The last time I was in Manta was going North bound and didn't feel comfortable there and it was close to dark so went onward immediately and think I made the right choice. This time I ended up there early in the day and had a little more knowledge about it. So once off the bus found a taxi and had him take me to the central part of town near the water front. Well he dropped me off at a beautiful hotel but could already tell it was out of my league. Well after a lot of walking around finally found a decent room but somehow didn't feel comfortable so took a few extra precautions and it was all fine. Extra precautions were to not leave anything of value like computer, passport, and such in my room when I went out to eat. One thing I have noticed about Ecuador is that it is not a quiet place where there is any sort of commerce or collection of people, plus traffic is always totally insane. So the next morning I still felt that Manta is not my sort of place in general not comfortable there, but decided to hike through the city back to the bus terminal. Not sure where the bus terminal is at this point but think its that-a-way so off I go! On my way an older gentleman says hello in English and started talking to me. Just a really nice guy and he was more then helpful. He also invited me to his home and could tell he was good and so went to his beautiful home that he rents for $300/month. He showed me some of his artwork, gave me his card and offered to help me anytime to find a place if I wanted. So only a short distance to go to the bus terminal now. Next hop a bus to go to Olon. Its about a 4 hour ride and so it costs 4 dollars, but this time when they asked for the fare I also showed them my drivers license and the fare is 50% less for seniors. Yep only 2 bucks for a 4 hour ride! :) So anyway I am learning as I go and it is getting better and easier. Everyone here in Ecuador has been nice and some even more then kind, even if they speak English. So all and all its good but knowing that it has its dark side too, so can't be to careful but not to stifle myself.

The only photos I got in Manta are of this Cathedral Parque La Dolorosa that I stumbled across on my hike back to the bus terminal. Would have loved to hear those bells in that huge tower. I think there are 8 of them up there.

[caption id="attachment_218" align="alignnone" width="300"] Bell tower and entrance[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_219" align="alignnone" width="300"] Entrance[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_221" align="alignnone" width="300"] Tower[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_222" align="alignnone" width="300"] Side view[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_223" align="alignnone" width="300"] Plaque out side[/caption]

Another day at Pedernales 12/16/14

Heading out to Bahia de Caraquez tomorrow, by van instead of bus this time. Its still very inexpensive and will most likely be a better trip with less stops then the bus. Not sure how long I will stay in Bahia but hope to find a home base prior to Christmas and New Years. Have been told that Puerto Lopez is a nice place so will check that out soon too. Here are today's photos!

[caption id="attachment_170" align="alignnone" width="300"] This is the monument for the Equator line and was moved from the actual line to here because there is just nothing there. Here it is in the central part of Pedernales. The equator is just about 6 or 7 miles from here. [/caption]
[caption id="attachment_169" align="alignnone" width="300"] This has word in both French and Spanish. [/caption]
[caption id="attachment_168" align="alignnone" width="300"] He Haw!!
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[caption id="attachment_167" align="alignnone" width="300"] Found out that the wooden saddles were for donkeys. This guy sure looks sad. [/caption]

In Pedernales Day 6,7&8

Today is Monday 12/15/14 and finally got my blog up to date.

I am not sure just why I picked this town, other then being very close to the equator, but it is okay but have decided that I can do much better, especially after experiencing Salinas (look below). I will head out on Wednesday and go south from here or even maybe east to Quito, yet to be decided.

So far this has been interesting and fun for sure. So far I have only found 2 people who speak English and so that has been my biggest disadvantage, but I am learning faster then I thought I ever could.

I will try to group the photos below with some sort of logic but no guarantees since this is also my first first blogging experience.

Oh and this blog starts with Day 1 so be sure to scroll down if you are interested.

[caption id="attachment_136" align="alignnone" width="300"] North view of beach. One huge beach here.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_145" align="alignnone" width="300"] Beach Pedernales South view[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_146" align="alignnone" width="300"] Igloos with water slide here near the equator! :)[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_154" align="alignnone" width="225"] A Crucify scene at the beach.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_157" align="alignnone" width="300"] They just don't get much cuter then this![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_156" align="alignnone" width="300"] This is what the inside of the bank looks like and stays that way all day every day.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_155" align="alignnone" width="300"] Outside of bank! I made the mistake of carrying $100 bills but could not spend them. So everyone told me to go to the bank to break them. It took 45 minutes in line and then they couldn't or wouldn't do it either but did help by asking someone who was making a deposit to break it for me. That wasn't easy either because he had to check with the bank that it was a good bill. ha ha lesson well learned.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_153" align="alignnone" width="300"] Very busy and the photo doesn't really show how busy it is, but lots of 3 wheel taxi traffic and more! Using care when crossing the streets. Biggest and fastest have the right of way is the rule here on the road and even on the sidewalk that are dangerous with lifted concreted and more.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_148" align="alignnone" width="300"] Three wheel taxi's[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_152" align="alignnone" width="300"] Nice carving job on the wooden saddles but not sure who I feel for the most, horse or rider![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_151" align="alignnone" width="300"] Veggies anyone?[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_150" align="alignnone" width="300"] Pick up full of more veggies.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_143" align="alignnone" width="300"] More veggies![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_142" align="alignnone" width="300"] Chicken, Sausage, or pig?[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_140" align="alignnone" width="300"] Notice to the left of the guy in the hammock there is one that is empty. Didn't try it but wonder if there is soothing effect from the fish smells. :)[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_138" align="alignnone" width="300"] Box of fish. I am getting hungry for some pescado. Actually the food is really great here and this is just reality.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_135" align="alignnone" width="300"] Here is the first auto parts store I finally found. Its bigger then the green front.[/caption]

Off to Manta but ended up somewhere else! :) Day 5

Well here we go and the surprises are what make it interesting. As mentioned before the trip from Salinas to the bus terminal in Santa Elena is about 15 minutes by taxi. But when I checked out of my room in Salinas couldn't find any English speaking people to find my way back to the bus terminal. So I wondered around and went to another reception desk at another hotel and the guy helped me by telling me that I could just take the local bus to the terminal to Santa Elena and it would take only about 20 minutes. So I walked about 3 blocks to the bus route and also found a restaurant that confirmed that the bus would come by there. Got lunch and pretty soon here come bus Line #13. Handed the drive .25 and off we went. Once there it was easy to buy my ticket to Manta and find the right bus to board.

Now this is where it gets a little weird. Several hours later (about 6:10) in Manta I got off the bus and looked around and it was a lot more shabby place then so far on my travels. I quickly decided that I didn't want to just jump into a taxi and have some guy take me to a hotel that I had no clue about. So then I hop on another bus to Bahia de Caracquez since I have heard that Bahia is a nice place and Manta not so much. Oh and the procedure for riding a bus changes at this point, you don't just buy a ticket but just get on the bus and then the drivers assistant will come and ask you for money. But anyway, traveled for about 45 minutes and the bus stopped. The money collector guy told me to get on that other bus across the street. So I did that and off we go again.

Now its getting even more weird, about 2 hours later we came to another bus stop and the guy who collected money told me to get on yet another bus. So away I go on this bus! Now I have a new bus fare collector and he wants more money, only a buck. But the bus is heading over a long bridge going out of Bahia (I think maybe) and then down some road and no idea where to but its out of any town. There are not many people on this bus ride either. Then it came to mind that I am most likely traveling north which is really the direction I ultimately wanted to go but only the next day. Then a sort of calm came over me sort of like when you freeze to death you get that warm feeling right before you die. Well couldn't accept that and started asking people where we were going and did find someone who could talk enough English to help. Broke out the good ole map and a flash light and found out that I was on my way to Canoa (north of Bahia) and was told that would be the best place to get off the bus. So here I am in a little town way out in no where late at night. Well I just walked about a block and found a hotel. The lady there was nice and rented me a nice room for $20. She directed me across the street to a restaurant so I grabbed a bite and and turned in for a nights sleep. Come to find out Canoa is a surfer town and really sort of popular. That is why I was directed there in that I looked like a surfer I had been since told. ha ha! Well at least a Gringo with a back pack and no Spanish. So that winds up that day, but sorry wasn't in the mood to snap pictures here in Canoa the next morning. I did just hop on another bus and off to Pedernales, which where I was going anyway.

Salinas! Day 4

So I went from Guayaquil to Salinas and here are some photos. I think the name Playa applies here and there was a lot of noise at night since there were a lot of mostly or all young Ecuadorian people in the same hotel as I had. But will say that it was a pretty good room for $30. Did get about 12 hours sleep here in Salinas spite the moderate noise, so it was a great place to get over jet lag and catch up on missed sleep.

[caption id="attachment_16" align="alignnone" width="300"] A selfie. [/caption]







[caption id="attachment_19" align="alignnone" width="300"] They are into Christmas but don't have the evergreens we do so they improvised pretty good. [/caption]

[caption id="attachment_24" align="alignnone" width="300"] Lonely ole me! :) [/caption]

[caption id="attachment_25" align="alignnone" width="300"] The food is great. Plantains are a staple here, glad I love them. [/caption]