We docked in Manta just as the sun was rising. Manta is a major commercial center and the second major port of Ecuador. Manta’s main industries are fishing and tuna canning and processing.
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| early morning photo from our balcony - many fishing boats in port |
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| Manta Cruise Port |
This is our second time to visit here. When we were here in 2023, our room was on the opposite side of the ship and I got some really nice photos of tuna unloading right from our balcony. Since tuna is such a vital industry here, I’ll post a photo I took from that visit.
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| tuna boats unloading tuna into trucks (from our balcony, 2023) |
We decided to get off the ship for a few hours this morning before it began to get hot. The complimentary shuttle dropped us off at the port entrance where vendors had various items for sale, including the authentic Panama hats. I say "authentic" because some are now coming from China but without nearly the quality. The classic Ecuadorian Panama hats are made by hand in nearby Montecristi. Some from the ship took tours to visit there.
Panama hats are very expensive, but it’s easy to see why when you understand what is involved in making them. Here's another photo from our last trip of a lady weaving a Panama hat out of fiber made from the boiled and dried leaves of the toquilla palm. The tightness and uniformity of the weave determine the quality of the hat. Every step is done by hand and it can take months to make one hat.
| skillful fingers weaving tiny fibers |
We had planned to go to a market called Mercado Artisanal but were navigating with our phone and actually ended up going to a different large market. It was definitely not a tourist attraction but obviously where the locals shop for food. Oh well, it was probably much more authentic anyway.
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| plantains for sale |
The central building was surrounded by blocks of smaller shops, some not much more than holes in the wall. Vendors sell not only food but just about anything one could possibly need. I walk along with my cell phone in hand and snap photos of anything I find interesting or colorful.
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| colorful produce |
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| cheese & eggs |
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| get your beef here |
From there we walked to a very huge and modern mall where we cooled off while I enjoyed a Thai bubble tea. A few stores were names that we recognized, but the majority we did not. After walking around a bit, we headed back to the ship which was only about 15 minutes away. We skipped the beach because it was beginning to get hot. When we arrived back at the ship, Ronnie’s watch showed that we had walked about 3 miles.
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| dress shop in Mall del Pacifico |
Barbara: Wow, busy morning.
ReplyDelete1. I wonder who fits into those dresses, Betty Boop?
2. Real Panama hats are glorious. And they are worth every dime.
3. Tuna. I love it. All kinds. All cooking or non-cooked. I will eat it fresh from the sea or out of a can or pouch.
4. Kitesurfers in Hawaii talk about Manta, so there must be good breezes.
5. I know some folks who have retired there. They love it. They say the people are nice, there are good restaurants and the sunsets at the beach are gorgeous.
6. Seems like grocery shopping would take a long time and looks like it is hard to get a park on market street.
6. You and Ronnie know how to have a fun walk thru the markets! I felt like I was along! Wish we had that Bubble Tea together!
Me too! Love all your comments. I'm not sure Ronnie enjoys the markets as much as I do, but he accommodates me. ha! Btw, he had fresh (cooked) tuna for dinner tonight. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the walk and Barbara’s comments as well though I can’t imagine retiring that far from family and friends. One of the residents’ daughters is visiting here from her home in Germany. She teaches voice at a university there. They have such a fun relationship and I admired how they make the most of their visits.
ReplyDeleteSeems Roy and I are either sneezing or coughing so I imagine the change of scenery and sea air keep the allergies away! We miss you, dear friend!
I'm with you, Karen! I wouldn't want to retire to any of these places, but it's fun to visit them and see how people live. Barbara is right - it seems it would take forever to grocery shop. No curbside HEB, that's for sure! We may be spoiled and not know it. ;-) I know I'm spoiled on this ship - no shopping, cooking, cleaning or laundry! I hope you and Roy are both doing better. Thank you for keeping in touch!
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