Fresh off the Gringo Truck in Ecuador! : 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.

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