Greg's Ecuadorian Adventure

My final leg of my Christmas Break trip brought me to Puerto Lopez, in the southern part of Manabi Province. This was the location I was most excited and ready to see of all my stops. I was previously told this is the place to stay if you want to make it to the "Poor Man's Galapagos," Isla de la Plata. The previous night, December 31st, I partied in Montañita with Adrián before leaving back for my hotel at 2 A.M. After what felt like the shortest six hours of sleep after a crazy night, I woke up and ate my well-deserved free breakfast at my expensive hotel for one night. Sitting in the lobby, party-goers were still partying hard and bringing in the New Year. It was not even 9 A.M. and people were walking around with Pilsner Grandes , 24 ounces bottles of Ecuadorian beer that reminds me of MGD in taste and appearance. Prior to my arrival in Montañita, Adrián suggested we go to Los Friales  together. He met me back at my hotel, loaded my suitcase into the back and headed ...

For my second leg of my christmas break trip, I booked a room in Manta in Manabi . It is the fifth largest city and second largest port in the entire country, so I figured that there would be some adventure to be had. Also, it is in close proximity to Montecristi , the city where Panama hats originiate, as well as areas where you can view some interesting wildlife like howler monkeys. I made plans to be there from 29 December to 1 January... being here on New Years was a great idea, right? Getting There I was getting ready to leave Bahia , but I wanted to make sure I had enough traveling supplies. Mostly just water and snacks. After returning from a quick shopping trip into Bahia, I packed my luggage and waited for a taxi to pick me up to go to the terminal. Dude tried ripping me off. I had a vague idea of where the terminal was in relation to my hostel, so I worked hard on negotiating him down... I only got down about 50 ¢ but good enough for now. Immediately after getting out ...

Over Christmas break, I planned a solo trip to the coast of Ecuador, particularly the Manabi Province. My ultimate goal was to figure out which beach was "mine" for when I have some extra time to get there for some R&R.  I have three major stops booked at hotels and hostels for three days each: (1) Bahia de Caraquez, in the north; (2) Manta, in the middle; and (3) Puerto Lopez, in the south. Each week for the next few weeks, I am going to post separate entries for each stop because... well, each were separate and unique experiences-- especially for traveling alone in a country I now call home. This will also makeup for the impending lack of adventure in my life leading to February when (1) my dad and Tina  visit and (2) my trip to Panama with friends. The reason behind not doing anything (likely) is this marks the end of the " quipster"  and I will be busy with final exams. That February break will also be one of the last times of real relaxation befo...