Guayaquil, Ecuador - March 9, 2014

Our hotel served us fresh fruit juice, coffee, bread, preserves and eggs.  We went back to our room and slept.  Guess the trip was a bit more tiring than I thought.

Later we ventured out for lunch on the Malecón 2000, a boardwalk overlooking the Guayas River in Guayaquil.  On our way to finding a restaurant we walked the Malecón which included a "mall" filled with small boutique stores of shoes, jeans, intimates, accessories, sunglasses, jewelry, etc. Outside there was a garden and a pond where kids were rolling inside giant balls on the water. Everyone seemed happy and enjoying their Sunday afternoon as families.  There are many children - lots of babies.

The river served for tourist boats and this amazing schooner.  Lilies floated free style in the Guayas river with a few even in bloom.

Eventually we got to eat.  I tried Seco de Chivo, stewed goat chunks served with sweet plantains and avacado (delicious) and Steve had Ceviche, nothing like the Ceviche I've had before (thank goodness) - very good.


After lunch we headed to the Iguana Park.  To get there we walked several blocks through a GIANT marketplace filled with little stalls in tight quarters. People were hocking everything from refrigerators to clothing knock-offs.  We kept our eyes focused and moved forward waving off those trying to solicit us. The market was really intriguing, though.  Not only did it go on for blocks in the direction we were walking but it ventured off to our left with hundreds more stalls.  Many stalls were closed, maybe because it was Sunday?


We finally made it to Iguana Park where, huh, Iguanas roam free.  They chase treats from the children, like crackers or slices of mango.  They climb trees, too, but be careful.  Don't get too close to the trees or you may get "rained" on.  The park is in front of a large cathedral where a couple of elderly women were begging.