Spoiled in Guyaquil

We enjoyed our last days of sun worshipping in Montañita and headed down to Guayaquil yesterday. The bus was very comfortable and only took 3 hours. We arrived in the biggest bus station I have ever been to. I swear, this bus station was bigger and better than most airports I have been in. There was a huge food court area, lots of shops and little stands. The only problem was that we were supposed to meet Soizick at 4pm in the station, but how in the heck were we going to find her in that huge place? We wandered around a bit and then decided that the food court seemed to be the most central location. We parked ourselves there, but were quickly moved on by some security guards. We were amazed at how many people came up to us to ask if we needed help. It was quite nice, even though they couldn't do anything for us. I found one of the telephone centers and called Soizick. Luckily this time she picked up and we made a rendevous spot.

Soizick and parents are wonderful! We had to go back to their office b/c a shipment for their cocoa company needed to be loaded up. So Keri and I got to go to the cocoa production plant!! We got a tour and tried some raw cocoa (extremely bitter) and got chased by the guard geese. Yes, you read that correctly. Evidently geese are amazing guard animals. The biggest and oldest goose is named Jose and he is very protective of his grounds. He squawks and goes after you. It is hysterical yet scary at the same time!

After they were done with work, we all (mom, dad, and us three girls) headed home. Their house is beautiful. Keri and I have been deprived of houses with indoor bathrooms for the last 3 months so this place seems like a palace. We have our own room and bathroom! They have a gorgeous backyard with a pool. It is heaven. We opened the refrigerator and the pantry and just stood there in silence as we absorbed what we were looking at. No fridges and pantries in Ollantaytambo!

It is so hot and humid here. At 7pm last night it was still in the 90s. After showering, Soizick, Keri and I went to this great mall near their house and had a good Italian dinner. We then came home and her parents drove us out to the area we were going to be hanging out in. We climed 500 steps to get up to where you have this beautiful view of the city and the huge Guayaquil River. Then we went to this really cool bar called La Paletta. It was bohemian and artsy. We stayed there all night just talking and hanging out with 2 of Soizick's guy friends.

Today we got up late, went to this really pretty park in old historical Guayaquil. There was this whole part where you go through and see animals of the area and of the Dry Tropical Forest. Then you went through all these old buildings that had been restored and saw what life was like in the 1800s here. There were people dressed in the clothing and acting like they lived during that time. It was really neat. We then went to the grocery and back to the house for a snack. We are going to shower and then go to dinner with the family to one of their favorite restaurants. After that, Keri and I are heading back to the greatest bus station in the world to catch an overnight bus to Punta Sal. We should arrive back at Punta Sal around 7:30am.

We are excited to stay at Caballito de Mar Hotel and hang out with our friend Gian, the bartender. We have set it up so that we get a good night sleep, then take an overnight bus, get a good night sleep, another bus then good night sleep and then fly our separate ways.

I cannot thank Soizick and her family enough for the hospitality they have showed us over the last two days. It has been great to be in a family home again. Guayaquil is definitely a much more enjoyable city when you have locals taking you around. Thank you Betsy and Phil for introducing me to your family!!!