Today our coffee ran out. Not all is lost however as we will try a recommended local brand (Lava Java) to tide us over for the next month while we wait for a special delivery of Juan Valdez from the mainland. Don’t think for a moment that we will not be placing orders with anyone coming this way.
Since we arrived we have lived in two places and later this week we move into the third. On arrival we stayed in Darwin campus housing and were then offered a housesit for 11 days. Yesterday while investigating a permanent rental we were offered the adjoining suite for a month while its owners were away, a perfect way to see if we liked it as our suite would be the mirror image.
Puerto Ayora is the hub for trips throughout the islands so there is a lot of activity harbourside with people and supplies. The road from the harbour along the waterfront in town has many shops catering to tourists that range from the ordinary clothing and mementos to glossy highend jewelry. There are plenty internet places so you don’t need to bring your lappy.
Construction is all concrete, concrete frame and then filled in with concrete block. It looks rather rough until the finishing crew comes in and applies a smooth finish coat which is then painted.
The food is concentrated around fish, chicken, pork, beef and beans. Veggies are available but not as varied or as nice as we are used to. Not until Saturday morning market that is. With set up starting at 4 am. and largely over by ten, it is a spectacle of fruit, veg and protein. There are also hot food vendors who will provide breakfast. Prices are very good and the produce is the freshest you will find all week. Needless to say it is very popular and crowded. Anyone travelling here should time their visit to include market day.
One of my favourite spots is the place in the center of town where the fishermen come in with their daily catch. You have to fight your way past the scrap scrounging pelicans and competing sea lions before you can buy sushi grade fresh yellowtail tuna for $2,oo/lb.
A few blocks away from the waterfront is a block of small open air kioskos or small restaurants that offer basic Equadorian fare at bargain prices. We eat there often but on some nights guiltily go to a more expensive place that has nicer surroundings but basically the same food.
Regarding travelling, I think that 3 or 4 days in PA itself would be sufficient time to see this island (Isla Santa Cruz). Other island excursions would be in addition to that. There are many companies selling day trips and diving trips. It seems to be cheaper to book trips from here, and if you are flexible and adventurous there are last minute deals to be had. Forget Christmas – vacations were booked a year in advance!
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