THE BEATING HEART OF ECUADOR
Guyaquil
18.01.2022 - 18.01.2022 80 °F
Here we are in Guayaquil, Ecuador, described as “the beating heart of Ecuador’s commerce.” We are actually docked six miles south of the city. It is indeed a commercial port, but it doesn’t make our hearts beat any faster. We have been eagerly awaiting disembarkation here; our visas have been checked, and we had an antigen test yesterday afternoon, called a “complimentary mandatory procedure." The negative results came in early this morning, followed by an announcement that, oh dear, the CDC had now designated Ecuador as Code Red, so we could not go ashore except in a bus. Our “visit” would be 2 ½ hours of panoramic travel (that means looking through a dirty bus window). And it is drizzling here on the equator. So we are staying shipboard ... no Panama hats, no local cuisine, no souvenir shopping, no museum visit, etc. etc.
But we are better off than the Australians aboard, three of whom are being removed from the ship today for lack of a proper Chilean visa. They are considering options like the Galapagos or a local hotel, where they must stay until we get beyond Chilean waters – and that means they can’t return until we arrive in South Africa on February 22.
We are enjoying fine food and great entertainment and relaxation, and especially each other. We are also watching our window washer wash; (the stunning view from our suite (without the washer) is pictured above.
H&B
Posted by HopeEakins 22:51 Archived in Ecuador
What a disappointment! At least if it is a rainy day you can enjoy puzzles, trivial pursuit and a lovely nap.
by Seabury