We stayed at the Grand Guayaquil Hotel downtown Guayaquil. Loved the hotel. We wanted something close to the cathedral and “Iguana Park.” The hotel is literally built around the back wall of the cathedral!
We started our first day in Equador with an awesome breakfast compliments of the hotel. Took the hotel shuttle back to the airport to collect out car. An awesome transport van - Diesel, Automatic.
Upon returning to the hotel, we attempted to visit the Cathedral. Our efforts were stymied by Holy Thursday Mass. As we peeked in we saw row after row of priests filling the church. Denied entry to the Cathedral we went across the street to Iguana Park. So named for the iguanas that live there...loose...everywhere! Fun to see!
We then set out to Riobamba. The government is trying to limit gatherings for Holy Week due to Covid. To aid in this they have restricted driving based on even and odd license plates. We had the wrong day for our plate and about 40 minutes into the drive we got pulled over. After a lengthy discussion (argument?!) it was evident what was happening. $100 “payment” requested and paid. Ridiculous.
We stopped for wonderful lunch and shortly after getting back on road we were stopped again. Equally lengthy conversation, same result, a payment was requested;$120! Not happening. We refused and were told they would confiscate the car and we could walk! After claiming to have only $40 in cash he pocketed it and let us go.
Look what quick learners we are!! From that point on, any town or city that we approached we were on the lookout for roadblocks. We are proud to report that we evaded the police 4 times. A couple of dirt roads, some “roads” not on any map, a crazy cow that jumped out of the bushes, and slowly weaving through herders and their sheep; success! After the stress of the day we had a great dinner complete with a huge margarita!
Funniest line of the trip so far is from Peyton while we were arguing with the cop, ”Want me to eat a peanut?” (For those that don't know, Peyton has a severe peanut allergy!)
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| Iguana Park - Guayaquil |
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| Iguana Park |
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| Iguana Park |
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| Guayaquil Cathedral |
Lee would be envious of that Coke. Did you adopt an iguana? He could take turns sitting on your shoulders. Do you think he'd qualify for an emotional service animal? Are those "back" roads bringing your closer to experiencing your dream of driving in that Mongolian thing? Bribing cops is a skill we definitely do not have. Glad you are excelling in that!
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