Manta, Equador
Our last stop in South America was a jewel. As we sailed in there were dozens of dolphins swimming near the ship and sea turtles to greet us when we pulled up to the pier.
Manta is a major port and the fifth most populated city in Equador. Our tour started with a visit to a fish market. We saw locals making and repairing their fishing boats and selling fresh fish, fruits and vegetables. Tuna is a huge industry here. We then passed by a Starkist factory on our way to Monticristi, a poor community, as are many in South America. Even a government worker in Equador only makes about $350 a month. The good news is that their local currency is now the US dollar, so shopping was easy and the best part of this stop. After watching the locals hand making the famous Panama hats, we were given time to shop and we did! There were amazing bargains. Once back in Manta, we visited a museum that housed local artifacts, some dating more than 6000 years back, when the area was first settled.
As we sailed away about 8:30pm, we were treated to a full moon shining over the water. We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful end to South America. Tonight around midnight, we will be again crossing the equator back into the northern hemisphere.
Our last stop in South America was a jewel. As we sailed in there were dozens of dolphins swimming near the ship and sea turtles to greet us when we pulled up to the pier.
Manta is a major port and the fifth most populated city in Equador. Our tour started with a visit to a fish market. We saw locals making and repairing their fishing boats and selling fresh fish, fruits and vegetables. Tuna is a huge industry here. We then passed by a Starkist factory on our way to Monticristi, a poor community, as are many in South America. Even a government worker in Equador only makes about $350 a month. The good news is that their local currency is now the US dollar, so shopping was easy and the best part of this stop. After watching the locals hand making the famous Panama hats, we were given time to shop and we did! There were amazing bargains. Once back in Manta, we visited a museum that housed local artifacts, some dating more than 6000 years back, when the area was first settled.
As we sailed away about 8:30pm, we were treated to a full moon shining over the water. We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful end to South America. Tonight around midnight, we will be again crossing the equator back into the northern hemisphere.
No comments:
Post a Comment