15,16,17/3/2013 Manta
Well Manta is beginning to feel like some kind of home. The Hostal is a great place, so central and Javier here is a great guy, he is really looking after me.
Octavio and I have the top floor with our own personal kitchen, we have a washing machine at our disposal also and city views.
All the other guests are on the lower floors, they don’t bother us, or we them .
The last couple of days have been spent relaxing, eating prawns, studying Spanish, visiting the markets for fruit and not much more.
I have shed a bit more gear, just small things and some spare parts. Some of these were exchanged for instant patches at Louis’ bike shop. I am getting good mileage out of these instant no glue patches, attaching them is so easy. I now have a good supply. Devin informed me he was getting punctures everyday in Peru.
The culinary delights here are being enjoyed. Just the best soups are available street side.
All my clothes are thoroughly clean and the bike is ready for further kilometres ahead. The ride to Guayaquil is pretty much flat, then more of the same heading west to Cuenca for the first 80 kilometres.
From here, it will be very challenging. Over the total distance of 173k, the elevation goes from sea level up to 4100 metres, then down to 2520m upon arrival in Cuenca. The temperatures will fall correspondingly, thankfully. Though, I will be out of condition, this kind of cycling epitomizes riding in this part of South America, though as mentioned before, the non-material rewards for me, are very rich.
It has now been 11 days since last riding, tomorrow a flight is being taken to the Galapagos for seven days. It will be close to 20 days by the time one actively partakes again. It doesn't take long to get out of shape, though the return is fairly rapid. Fingers crossed!!
It is an ideal opportunity, as the lyrics in this song by the Doors reverberate; I am “waiting for the sun”. Mid April will see the rains abate. By the time the border into Peru is crossed it will hopefully be ideal conditions, and then on into Bolivia, the Altiplano will be dry, with daytime max temps of 19°C whilst the overnight lows will be around 2°C.
Having said this, though, preferring not to talk about the future, as there are so many completely unknowns, most nights, not even knowing where my head will rest.
Today, Sunday, an early morning swim was enjoyed at Playa Murciélago, Mantas main beach, walking there from the hostel. The sea was just the best temperature, people were everywhere at 0730, many in the water, many selecting their beach chairs for the day, many walking the beach, whilst all were just loving the break in the rains, myself included. Surfers were enjoying waves at the north end of the beach.
Swimming felt great, the brine was casting its magic on the many insect bites amassed in Limoncocha and here for that matter. It felt so good!!. Many families drive here from Quito for the weekends, about 5 hours.
A large cup of water melon, banana, apple, pineapple and strawberries, dowsed in chocolate and condensed milk was savored on the sand.
Another cruise ship is in town, locals were asking me am I from the vessel. Pretty much any gringos in town are.
The bus trip south to Guayaquil is 4 hours and the flight to the Galapagos is 1.5 hours and the islands are 1 hour behind of the mainland. The flight cost $400 and a fee of $100 is charged on arrival.
I have booked nothing on the islands but have some good info from people on cheap hostels and walks etc. Will be interesting.
Well Manta is beginning to feel like some kind of home. The Hostal is a great place, so central and Javier here is a great guy, he is really looking after me.
Octavio and I have the top floor with our own personal kitchen, we have a washing machine at our disposal also and city views.
All the other guests are on the lower floors, they don’t bother us, or we them .
The last couple of days have been spent relaxing, eating prawns, studying Spanish, visiting the markets for fruit and not much more.
I have shed a bit more gear, just small things and some spare parts. Some of these were exchanged for instant patches at Louis’ bike shop. I am getting good mileage out of these instant no glue patches, attaching them is so easy. I now have a good supply. Devin informed me he was getting punctures everyday in Peru.
The culinary delights here are being enjoyed. Just the best soups are available street side.
All my clothes are thoroughly clean and the bike is ready for further kilometres ahead. The ride to Guayaquil is pretty much flat, then more of the same heading west to Cuenca for the first 80 kilometres.
From here, it will be very challenging. Over the total distance of 173k, the elevation goes from sea level up to 4100 metres, then down to 2520m upon arrival in Cuenca. The temperatures will fall correspondingly, thankfully. Though, I will be out of condition, this kind of cycling epitomizes riding in this part of South America, though as mentioned before, the non-material rewards for me, are very rich.
It has now been 11 days since last riding, tomorrow a flight is being taken to the Galapagos for seven days. It will be close to 20 days by the time one actively partakes again. It doesn't take long to get out of shape, though the return is fairly rapid. Fingers crossed!!
It is an ideal opportunity, as the lyrics in this song by the Doors reverberate; I am “waiting for the sun”. Mid April will see the rains abate. By the time the border into Peru is crossed it will hopefully be ideal conditions, and then on into Bolivia, the Altiplano will be dry, with daytime max temps of 19°C whilst the overnight lows will be around 2°C.
Having said this, though, preferring not to talk about the future, as there are so many completely unknowns, most nights, not even knowing where my head will rest.
Today, Sunday, an early morning swim was enjoyed at Playa Murciélago, Mantas main beach, walking there from the hostel. The sea was just the best temperature, people were everywhere at 0730, many in the water, many selecting their beach chairs for the day, many walking the beach, whilst all were just loving the break in the rains, myself included. Surfers were enjoying waves at the north end of the beach.
Swimming felt great, the brine was casting its magic on the many insect bites amassed in Limoncocha and here for that matter. It felt so good!!. Many families drive here from Quito for the weekends, about 5 hours.
A large cup of water melon, banana, apple, pineapple and strawberries, dowsed in chocolate and condensed milk was savored on the sand.
Another cruise ship is in town, locals were asking me am I from the vessel. Pretty much any gringos in town are.
The bus trip south to Guayaquil is 4 hours and the flight to the Galapagos is 1.5 hours and the islands are 1 hour behind of the mainland. The flight cost $400 and a fee of $100 is charged on arrival.
I have booked nothing on the islands but have some good info from people on cheap hostels and walks etc. Will be interesting.
looking south west, Playa Murciélago, from near the fruit stall
Both lefts and rights were there for the taking. Great conditions for learning.
The dark sand, makes the beaches very different from Australia, they take a little to get used to. The shallow water always looks dirty with the sand in suspension.
|
All settled in for the dry spell.
A floating town was en situ. Its inhabitants were dispersed within the city.
|
Here are just a few obstacles on the footpath on the way from the hostel to the beach.
People here are still able to be responsible for their own actions, trip on one of these and you are on your own. There are no handouts here. This responsibility is rewarded with very low rates etc.
