Manta all day
An early start was had down at the fish market, here you can see the boats coming ashore amid frantic bids for the fish they have aboard.
Much of it is sold on the beach, while another lot makes to the sheltered market just off the beach. Shark forms a huge proportion of the catch, much of which ends up in cerviches.
Tuna, Bonito, Dorado, Squid and prawns were the most common product for sale.
Some fresh tuna for sashimi was bought long with a pound of headed green prawns for $3.
A delicious fish soup was devoured at one of the many food stalls on and off the beach.
I needed new brake pads for the bike so a visit was payed to the bike shop Almacén Parrales, Luis there was really helpful. They have a good selection of Shimano parts, among other things.
They can be found at Tarqui Av.107 entre Calles102 y 103.
Luis asked me to come for a ride with a group of riders this evening, his offer was accepted.
Lunch was a treat of fresh bread rolls, ham, cheese and salad from the Super Maxi. This is the first time I have had a little treat like this for awhile.
In the room next to me is a guy from Korea who lives here and buys Tuna to export to Japan and his home country. We get on well.
It took sometime to get the brakes perfect and repair the tyre.
From there a good sleep was enjoyed before the evening bike ride.
At 1900 I rode off to the meeting place, about 100 riders were there. Luis told me they have been pushing for cycle tracks for sometime, they are slowly making headway with those in power.
A police escort kept us all safe. The ride took us south along the coast. Though it was dark people told me this part of town is where all the new condos are being built.
The ride lasted about 3 hours, alot of fun and meeting many people.
We were blessed with a balmy, dry evening.
Getting back to the Hotel, Octavia and his girl friend were up. We had a beer and practised Spanish with his girlfriend who is studying English at uni.
WE shared a feed of prawns I cooked up, being Korean Octavio loved the spicy delicacy.
This Hotel is great, especially having a fridge, kitchen, good internet and centrality. Octavio and I are the only ones using the kitchen.
8/3/2013 Manta all day
The fish markets were again frequented, breakfast on the beach joking with fisherman was enjoyed, more prawns were bought for dinner.
Some Spanish lessons were printed, my hair was cut and a visit to the cultural centre was made.
All in all a fairly laid back day.
I booked a ticket to Tena on the bus at 0800 tomorrow. It will take me through Quito and on east to this frontier town famous for its jungle, remoteness and white water rafting.
I feel comfortable leaving my bike here for a small charge. Javier is a good guy and really helpful. My gear will be in my room locked up. He has given me a great rate just to leave it in there.
Another reason to go is I need my Exped air down mat replaced. It has delaminated.
Though it still holds air, 2 of the chambers have become one, it is very uncomfortable.
Exped in the US are sending a replacement down on FedEx, they are a Swiss company and make seriously good outdoor gear.
Mine used, all last year, is being replaced under their 5 year warranty. You couldn’t get better service than this. My thanks goes to Brendon at Exped in the US.
My time in Tena will allow for it to be sent and arrive here at the motel.
Ecuador has a fairly reliable postal service, as compared to some other countries here. There are many US expats residing here.
Prawns were again enjoyed for tea.
Sixteen hours busing it, well I’m not sure about this, maybe a good time to brush up on some Spanish or just chat, take in the views or sleep. Plenty to do, one might think?
An early start was had down at the fish market, here you can see the boats coming ashore amid frantic bids for the fish they have aboard.
Much of it is sold on the beach, while another lot makes to the sheltered market just off the beach. Shark forms a huge proportion of the catch, much of which ends up in cerviches.
Tuna, Bonito, Dorado, Squid and prawns were the most common product for sale.
Some fresh tuna for sashimi was bought long with a pound of headed green prawns for $3.
A delicious fish soup was devoured at one of the many food stalls on and off the beach.
I needed new brake pads for the bike so a visit was payed to the bike shop Almacén Parrales, Luis there was really helpful. They have a good selection of Shimano parts, among other things.
They can be found at Tarqui Av.107 entre Calles102 y 103.
Luis asked me to come for a ride with a group of riders this evening, his offer was accepted.
Lunch was a treat of fresh bread rolls, ham, cheese and salad from the Super Maxi. This is the first time I have had a little treat like this for awhile.
In the room next to me is a guy from Korea who lives here and buys Tuna to export to Japan and his home country. We get on well.
It took sometime to get the brakes perfect and repair the tyre.
From there a good sleep was enjoyed before the evening bike ride.
At 1900 I rode off to the meeting place, about 100 riders were there. Luis told me they have been pushing for cycle tracks for sometime, they are slowly making headway with those in power.
A police escort kept us all safe. The ride took us south along the coast. Though it was dark people told me this part of town is where all the new condos are being built.
The ride lasted about 3 hours, alot of fun and meeting many people.
We were blessed with a balmy, dry evening.
Getting back to the Hotel, Octavia and his girl friend were up. We had a beer and practised Spanish with his girlfriend who is studying English at uni.
WE shared a feed of prawns I cooked up, being Korean Octavio loved the spicy delicacy.
This Hotel is great, especially having a fridge, kitchen, good internet and centrality. Octavio and I are the only ones using the kitchen.
8/3/2013 Manta all day
The fish markets were again frequented, breakfast on the beach joking with fisherman was enjoyed, more prawns were bought for dinner.
Some Spanish lessons were printed, my hair was cut and a visit to the cultural centre was made.
All in all a fairly laid back day.
I booked a ticket to Tena on the bus at 0800 tomorrow. It will take me through Quito and on east to this frontier town famous for its jungle, remoteness and white water rafting.
I feel comfortable leaving my bike here for a small charge. Javier is a good guy and really helpful. My gear will be in my room locked up. He has given me a great rate just to leave it in there.
Another reason to go is I need my Exped air down mat replaced. It has delaminated.
Though it still holds air, 2 of the chambers have become one, it is very uncomfortable.
Exped in the US are sending a replacement down on FedEx, they are a Swiss company and make seriously good outdoor gear.
Mine used, all last year, is being replaced under their 5 year warranty. You couldn’t get better service than this. My thanks goes to Brendon at Exped in the US.
My time in Tena will allow for it to be sent and arrive here at the motel.
Ecuador has a fairly reliable postal service, as compared to some other countries here. There are many US expats residing here.
Prawns were again enjoyed for tea.
Sixteen hours busing it, well I’m not sure about this, maybe a good time to brush up on some Spanish or just chat, take in the views or sleep. Plenty to do, one might think?
The Tuna industry is big here in more ways than one.
Typical early mornings at the beach infront of the fish market.
The main beach as viewed from the cultural centre.Museo del Banco Central
Boatmen waiting to ferry people to boats at anchor.
A good place to get spare parts while in Manta, Almacen Parrales
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Some large sharks are caught here day after day. All fins go to China
A good ride with nice people and dry conditions. Almost everyone rode mountain bikes, the roads are a little less than smooth.
An ATM that got lost, it was in the middle of nothing in particular, though near the motel.
Tuna, of the yellowfin variety.
Sopa de pescado
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