Today we are getting the bus from Santa Elena (a $5 cab ride away from Salinas) to Guayaquil.  We will spend the night in a hotel near the airport as we are flying to the Galapagos tomorrow.

We head out for walk from our hotel and go in a different direction than we have gone before.  We find some shops that are new to us.  We also pass a building that appears to have been abandoned before it was completed.  That doesn’t stop some people from moving into the bottom floor.

We stop for a coffee at a nice little place called “Common Grounds”.  We each order a different type of excellent coffee which we all enjoy.

Outside we see a Jeepy type vehicle and Stu wonders what it is.  Nothing on it to indicate what make it is. I do notice that the keys are in the ignition, so he could take it for a spin if he likes. 

We arrive back at the hotel and pack up our belongings.  There is a building under construction across the street.  Today they have removed some of the tarps that have been covering it.  This exposes the scaffolding that appears to be made of bamboo.  Scary looking construction site.

We arrive at the bus terminal, buy our tickets and once again have less than 10 minutes before the bus departs.  Our timing for this trip has been incredible.

Just over 2 hours later we arrive at the Guayaquil Bus Terminal.  This is a multi-level terminal.  It is larger than some airports.  It also has many many shops, looking at times more like a mall.  Greg and I go into the grocery store to stock up on Happy Hour snacks while Stu and Leslie watch the bags.  Snacks in hand we head out to the taxi stand and discuss our destination with a cabbie.  He will take us.  As we get near the hotel, it is difficult to find.  After some discussion with Greg and the cabbie, they spot the hotel.  Just a bit down a little lane.  He pulls up, we all get out and hear a loud HHHIIIIISSSSSS as the front passenger tire goes flat.  We find a valve on the ground.  We feel very badly for him.  This is a $5 fare plus a flat.  Our host at the hotel tells us that a repair shop is very close by.  We see the cabbie a bit later and he seems to be happy as his cab is jacked up and the tire being repaired.

This is a very quirky place. a one level building with interesting bedding and decor. It has a nice pool and comfy outdoor seating area. Makes it nice to chat with other travelers. It is a family run business. Mom and Dad are both lawyers that practice from the hotel. They have 3 daughters that are going to university and helping run the hotel.

There are a couple of ladies here from Calgary.  One is quite a talker.  😉  p Hour is a bit different today.  We are soon  joined by 2 men from the US.  They are long time friends from Louissiana.  Quite the characters.

Eventually we head out for dinner.  Guayaquil has a bad reputation but we found a nice Colombian restaurant near by.  Had a great meal.