We have contacted the hosts of the places we are staying, asking some general questions about the town, transportation and activities that are in the area. We have chosen to stay in small "hostel" style accomodations, usually owned by one person or a couple, with only a few rooms available. This will hopefully allow us to get an idea of the local culture and the opportunities that might be available, should we choose to live there on a permanent basis. Owners have already replied offering to assist with anything we need, including transportation and information about the local economy.
I have been focusing on learning enough Spanish to express myself and understand basic conversation. I love learning languages, and I am already fluent in English and French.
We are hoping to visit many "mercados" during our trip. Most every town in Ecuador has a local market where you can purchase fresh produce, fish and seafood. I am fascinated by the bright colours and busy atmosphere of these markets and I believe they are like a microcosm of the community. Below are pictures of the mercado in Puerto Lopez. Credit to original photographers. Puerto Lopez also has a boardwalk or "malecon" that extends the length of the town along the ocean shore.
We are excited to learn more about the places we are visiting, but most of all we look forward to experiencing this country first hand when we arrive there in January 2017.
