January 7 – Last day in Puerto Lopez

Pam/ January 7, 2012/ Travel

The hike and heat yesterday (and a not very good night’s sleep) left me feeling low on energy today so the plan was to stay in Puerto Lopez at the pool and beach. On my walk through town this morning Johnny, my moto-taxi driver, suggested I take a trip to Agua Blanco. There’s a museum there and he said they

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Characters of Ecuador – Hiro

Pam/ January 7, 2012/ Travel

Hiro was one of our island guides today. While sitting next to me on the boat ride to the island I notice how small his feet were. In fact, I put my foot right up to his and they were about the same size. Later, on the island, we were walking to the beach together and I would guess I

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Characters of Ecuador – Yamil

Pam/ January 7, 2012/ Travel

Yamil was on the boat tour today and volunteered a couple of times to take my photograph. He also speaks great English, having studied for three years in New York. He was enrolled in a hotel and restaurant management program in 1995 and currently works in Quito for Swiss Hotels, a chain. Yamil is a runner and I’d guess he’s

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Characters of Ecuador – Javier

Pam/ January 7, 2012/ Travel

Well practiced in his sales speech, Javier sells tours for Palo Santos. He’s 31, rides a motorcycle in town and literally seems to know everyone. The first time we met, he sold me on the tour and also recommended Los Frailes. He knows the ropes and has a charm about him. Or maybe it’s confidence. Between the two of us,

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January 6 – Puerto Lopez

Pam/ January 7, 2012/ Travel

The day’s work was done by the time we got back. The sun was heading towards the horizon and with just an hour of daylight left, people were enjoying the beach. Kids playing soccer, adults getting exercise by running on the beach, others starting the weekend with a drink at one of the many hut-like bars that run at the

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January 6 – Snorkeling off Isla de la Plata

Pam/ January 7, 2012/ Travel

After the hike on Isla de la Plata, the guides got us back on the boat and served us lunch: watermelon, a slice of pineapple, two hot dog sized sandwiches (one tuna salad, the other ham and cheese), served with Coke. We ate while the boat moved to the snorkeling area. Without speaking Spanish I missed all the description. Medusa

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January 6 – Isla de la Plata

Pam/ January 7, 2012/ Travel

Javier told me to show up about 9:30 AM for the tour. I was the first one there, two other “chicas” showing up shortly after I did. Although Javier told me the guides would speak English, neither of them did. So much for learning about the blue footed booby from my guide, Hiro. We walked the short distance from the

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