Health Update:
Ellen continues to make progress, although we are still traveling to Salinas every other day. Chances are we’ll be here another 1-2 weeks. I’m not going to lie, we are getting a little antsy, even though we are in a lovely place. There is a lot of Ecuador to still see, and we only have about 5 weeks left on our visas.
The Ruta del Spondylus runs through the marine paradise of Ecuador, from cloud forests northwest of Quito to Guayaquil on the coast of Esmeraldas , Manabi and Guayas, this journey through the tropical coast of Ecuador is full of adventure activities, beaches, cliffs, bays national and nature parks. It is certainly one of the most important tourist venues in the country. We are staying on the southwestern part of this route. It used to be called the Ruta del Sol, (Route of the Sun), but the branding people have moved it over to the Spondylus, and for good reason.
The Spondylus is a type of bi-valve mollusk that has been important to Andean peoples since pre-Columbian times, serving as offerings to the Pachamama, as well as some kind of currency. In fact, much like in Europe, the Spondylus shells also reached far and wide, as pre-Hispanic Ecuadorian peoples traded them with peoples as far north as present-day Mexico and as far south as the central Andes. The Moche people of ancient Peru worshipped animals and the sea, and often depicted Spondylus shells in their art. These shells were so important to the indigenous peoples of the area, that the Spanish were able to cart off the gold items, as they were valued so much less than the shells.
Now that I’ve taken the bus on this route about 20 times, I’ve gotten to know it pretty well. For the most part it goes through all of the coastal villages, and depending on which side of the bus one is riding, the ocean is often in view. The other side tends to provide views of dusty and dry landscapes. There is junk everywhere, partly, it seems, as there is no place to put it. Many buildings are partially complete, to the point that it is very noticeable.
It is common for chickens, cows, goats, horses, and burros to be seen roaming around.
Vendors routinely get on the bus, selling coconut water, fruit, empanadas, and cookies.
The cost from when we flag the bus down outside of the house, to Santa Elena is $1.80. The taxi from the terminal to the clinic is an additional $3.00.
The closer to the Salinas area that one gets, the more developed it becomes. There are high rise condos sprouting up, but still quite a few shrimp farms along the way.
Here are some shots (from camera on phone). Click on any shot to enter slideshow mode.
I can believe that Ellen’s surgeon would kiss HER goodbye – in any language this has to have been an extraordinary experience, and I’m glad that Ellen is beginning to feel enough better to want to move on. I’m really glad that you are blogging this for us, Steve, because there’s no other way we could imagine all that has happened. And you take wonderful photos worth 1000 words each! I miss both of you (but, I’m not gonna lie – I miss Ellen more!)
Beautiful!!!