The best part of our morning was after we checked out of our hostelaria. Before I get there, we did get a decent breakfast then walked for awhile along the beach. We saw hundreds of tiny crabs; when we got close, they disappeared into their holes. There were a lot of boats out this morning, some from the small fishing village we visited last evening; some for a village North of our location. When we walked north, we saw a lighthouse. We said goodbye to the guy (Pedro) from New York and his family; they were headed up towards Bahia and further north.
We arranged for a taxi to pick us up around 11 a.m. Before he left, Pedro did some translating for us and explained to the hostelaria employee (could have been the owner?) that we wanted a tour of Manta before going to the airport. The kid who picked us up at the airport yesterday picked us up again. He took us on an excellent tour of Manta; we saw what we missed if we had stayed in Manta! It’s much bigger than we thought with lots of hostalerias, and a Howard Johnson’s Hotel. He took us along the beaches and waterfront where cargo ships were docked, as well as the shopping and tourist areas. The next time we come to Manta, we’ll know where to stay and what to do; we’ll need another day or two though. The guy (he told us his name, but I forgot – again!) then took us to a small town East, perhaps North (I think – I’ll find out when I look at a map!) of Manta called Monte Christi.
The trip from Manta to Quito was quick (35 minutes) but we still got a snack - we traveled on Continental to Quito (5 hours) and didn't get that!
Diego picked up at the airport and brought us back to the hostal. It started to rain when we got here. Because we checked out yesterday before we left so someone else is in the room we were in. So, now we're upstairs in a double room - one with a double bed and single; the other with a single. We think it must have been a library for the family who lived here before it became a hostal because our room has bookcases all around the walls and what probably used to be a book storage area that is now a walk in closet. We also have double doors leading to a balcony! Nicer than our other room! We got the rest of our luggage, unpacked a little then went to Dr. Peredes in the pouring rain. Funny, the first taxi we hailed didn't have his glasses with him so he couldn't see the address on Dr. Peredes' card so we waved him on and stopped another taxi. He wanted three dollars for a $1.70 ride so we walked a block and caught a bus (25 cents each). When we got close, the bus made the standard left turn so we got off and hailed another cab; this time, for $1.00, for a total of $1.50 - I'm getting good at this!
I told the dental tech that my new crowns needed grinding a little so she put me in a chair and went to work. While doing that and checking my mouth closer, she found three very small cavaties so I told her to fix them - why not at $10.00 a filling! I think all of the girls enjoyed having me in the chair; when one had no patient, they would come to the cubicle where I was then start talking, giggling, etc.! The dental tech told me she'd been learning English for about a year but said it's difficult with no one to practice with; I told her that is my biggest problem with learning Spanish! We tried teaching each other some words; one time she asked me, "how do you say 'spit' in English?" I said, "spit". The other girls (three of them) got a big kick out of that. I can assure you, dental staff in the U.S. are not allowed to have so much fun! I'll have to call or email Dr. Peredes and ask him the dental tech's name; she was very sweet and excellent at her job. Jenny was downstairs waiting for me. She said she got a little concerned because she thought I'd only gone in to get the crowns adjusted; with the fillings it took almost 1 1/2 hours. They have not worked on me that long since I've been going but they had to finish today.
From the dentist, we caught a taxi and went directly to Curves. Oh, by the way, when in Manta, Jenny saw a Curves! The ladies there were thrilled to see her and wanted to know all about her trip. Welllllllll, since I had the camera and Jenny needed to workout, I told Shirley and her friend (Arriana) about our trip in pictures! Arriana spoke very good English so we enjoyed speaking to each other. Shirley's picture viewing was interrupted by a new client - she had to do the paperwork, measuring, etc., so Arriana and I looked at the rest of the pics. When Jenny and the last group of women finished, Shirley closed the store and we walked part way down Av. Gonzales with Arriana. At a circle just past the Quito Hotel and Casino, we parted company and caught a taxi back here - at least that was our intent. On the way, we went by La Union so when we stopped close to our corner, we walked back to our favorite eatery for dessert and capuchino. We had one of the guys take a picture of us with Marco, our favorite (and only) waiter and told him we may not see him again so adios!
We reweighed all of our stuff and think we would be okay weight wise, but will probably go ahead and get one of those at the Chinese store. First thing in the morning, I'll check in @ Continental.com and report and pay for another bag. If it's accepted, we'll go get the bag so the bigger ones won't be so heavy (right at 50 pounds each).
Jenny and I agree - a beautiful place to retire and enjoy ourselves in an inexpensive place to live, as well as a much slower pace! We plan to return in three years.
And, buenos noches to all.
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