Guayaquil is not as bad as everyone seems to think. Waiting on the streets outside barred and locked compounds seemed to be discouraged strongly but, again I think if you use your common sense ... it's not particularly more dangerous than the next big city. But, it is huge. And to be honest, doesn't have a whole lot else going for it really.

It does have a really nice new built-up waterfront though. We walked along this most of Saturday and it was pretty pumping. Lots of things going on for kids, a massive play ground, a re-created rainforest zoo type thing, plenty of ice cream and just generally a nice walkway.

Guayaquil is blessed with similar gorgeous architecture as it seems the rest of South America, again some lovely churches and parliamentary buildings. The craziest thing about Guayaquil is Parque Bolivar, totally packed out with free-roaming iguanas! There are probably about a hundred of them, literally just wandering around the park. Some of them are huge, it's a totally crazy sight - super cool.

The other major thing to do in Guayaquil is head to Las Penas and walk to the top of the hill to the lighthouse. Definitely worth the trek, lovely view and it's a lovely, albeit noticably rough around the edges and I think a bit poor, neighbourhood, little narrow cobbled streets and colourful wee shops. The place was cranking on a Saturday, loud music blearing from almost every second window and lots of different little places to chill out (with super loud music still!) or have a beer. We accidently went the wrong way so managed to trek slightly off the tourist path so we got to see a wee impromptu local fun football match ... they love their football in Ecuador - a lot! From the lighthouse you can get some nice 360deg views of the city and there is a cute wee church at the top as well - because churches are everywhere in South America!

This morning (Sunday 17/7) we head to our new home for the next five weeks. The south-west coast of Ecuador, Playa Kamala near Montinita ... time to find out if I remember how to study!