Monday found Diego back at work and finally the shed got a thorough going over. By the time we picked her up on Wednesday she was gleaming, both inside and out, was proudly showing off her new tyres and Diego's Mum, Miroslava, had even cleaned our helmets.
It was an absolute joy to feel how she had got her power back. Diego very kindly came to collect us later in the evening and took us round the Old town at night when it was all lit up. We tried some local delicacies in a quaint little bar. One of the drinks was like drinking rice pudding and it took a bit of getting used to when I had a slurp then found lumps in it. Fancy having to chew your drink! We also tried a sort of mulled wine and a corn snack which tasted a bit like a Greg's pasty. Diego was an absolute treasure and seemed pleased that we were going to travel down the coast. He identified where the nice places were and also the places to be avoided. Thankfully, he explained the easiest way out of the city. We said our goodbyes to the hostel staff and got ready for leaving early the next day. Of course, there was the inevitable party goers returning in the early hours, noisy, hungry and oblivious to others in the hostel. Thank goodness for ear plugs!
Absolutely no problems getting out of the city and heading out towards Esmeraldas on the coast. It felt great to be back on the road. We went through a few of the coastal towns before deciding on staying at Sau. This is a very small town and many of the hotels and hostels were closed, probably because it was out of season. One thing was for sure it was a lot warmer than it had been in Quito. At the far end of town there was a run down hotel. The room was very basic, parts of the building was damaged and the guy who greeted us was clearly working very hard to put it right. However, it was right on the beach front, had a bar and a restaurant and was only $18 for the night.
We had a quick dip in the ocean and a swing in the hammocks before eating and watching all the beach activity involving lots of young people and boats.
The room was very hot but believe me we soon got to sleep. No partying at 3am, no odour of frying food at 3.30. Finally we had peace and warmth. Just what we ordered. In the morning we had a feast for breakfast. He just seemed to give us a bit of everything. We ate looking over the sea and in the company of rather a large green thing which I was brave enough to take some photos of. Well, I have to admit I didn't get too close and I took full advantage of the zoom facility on the camera. The guy at the hotel told me in his best spanish that it is called a Saltimantis but I'm sure that somebody somewhere will tell me it's real name.
Not too early a start and then we were off to Canoa where we find ourselves at the moment. It's nice and warm but very cloudy. There was no problem finding accommodation because it is still out of season here. The town itself is small and sandy. The roads are covered in sand which nearly caused a bit of a problem for the shed. Canoa has a lovely feel about it. Lots and lots of beach (mostly deserted)
bars and cafes, lots of restaurants.
There are some caves at the far end of the beach and quite a few surfer dudes. Of course, we found an Irish Bar. It's called Shamrock and is owned by a guy called Mark. He serves delicious food and last night we had bangers and mash. It was lush! The Pinacoladas served on the beach are fantastic (mostly rum of course) and everything is so very, very cheap including land and houses. We find ourselves lying in the hammock on the balcony or in the grounds or on the beach dreaming about what it would be like to live and work here.
In our minds it all seems perfect....... I think we have found 'the place'.
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