Thursday 22 March 2012 I woke up early, packed up and went looking for the restaurant at which I was supposed to meet up with Leo, for breakfast. However, it was far too early for it to be open, and even after a visit to the bus terminal where I determined what time busI could get, it was just starting to open, but they pointed me to another restaurant. So, I was unable to make the appointment or make my apologies to Leo, and ended up having breakfast at one...

Wednesday 21 March 2012As previously arranged, I met up outside the tour operator for 9:30 am, having had breakfast and made sure that I had plenty of water, being forewarned by Ramona and Dan that Isla de la Plata is very hot and that there may not be sufficient water provided for everyone.We made our way to the beach where there were many male and female frigate birds wheeling and diving over the many fishing boats present due it being market day. The frigate...

Tuesday 20 March 2012 I woke up to the sound of rain and started packing up to be able to leave very soon after breakfast. I had breakfast and went back to the hotel to say goodbye to Ramona and Dan, who were unsure whether to go to Canoa or Mindo before setting off to Quito for their onward journey to New York and Iceland.I got a taxi to take me to the bus terminal and was lucky enough to catch a bus parked along the street, which was about to take off to Porto...

Tuesday 20 March 2012 I woke up to the sound of rain and started packing up to be able to leave very soon after breakfast. I had breakfast and went back to the hotel to say goodbye to Ramona and Dan, who were unsure whether to go to Canoa or Mindo before setting off to Quito for their onward journey to New York and Iceland.I got a taxi to take me to the bus terminal and was lucky enough to catch a bus parked along the street, which was about to take off to Porto...

Monday 20 March 2012 -that's Ecuador for you Had breakfast with Ramona and Dan in a lovely old hotel on the waterfront: we wandered came in from the street walking through the dining area with old-fashioned décor and knick-knacks to the breakfast room overlooking the sea. After breakfast, we investigated ways of getting to either a dry mangrove forest or to Isla Corazon for a wildlife board walk and canoe trip, but within Ramona and Dan's budget; however, ...