At sea and Ecuador
Trip Start
Jan 16, 2007
1
23
42
Trip End
May 18, 2007
Manta,
Ecuador
Monday, April 2, 2007
Thursday 29th March - we docked at Manta, Ecuador's 2nd largest port. We decided on taking the locally organised bus service into town - you are not allowed to leave the port area by foot. The bus took us into 3 places which seemed to be strictly controlled with high security - again a bit disconcerting. Firstly a hotel that promised high speed, low cost internet connection. Well the cost part was right but after about ¾ hour of frustration we decided to get back on the bus for the next stop - an authentic local market. The bus moved off the main road and into a side area, resembling a boot fair, except the entrance was guarded and controlled by security guards. This market seemed to be put together solely for tourist visitors which was understandable but didn't really give us any feel for Ecuador. The final stop was at a shopping mall which could as easily have been Stevenage or Luton, except again for high security presence throughout. Perhaps we should have booked an organised trip but we had a real desire just to walk around and get some feel for the place but it wasn't to be. We returned to the port and watched the fishing boats unload huge hauls of tuna, again under guard, but at least this felt a bit more like real life! Back on the ship, leaving at 7.00 pm and we should cross the equator around 10pm.
Comments
Security
Lizianjosh,
Manta is a small and beautiful seaport. However, the City Mayor in combination with the Tourist Director, before the ship arrives the city takes all precaution for you and your family to see the city safely, that's why all security around the tourists. Next time, please coordinate to see the town with the ship guide and perhaps they will make other arrangements.
I hope you come back to my beautiful city.