PERU TO ECUADOR 

TIMID TOURISTS:  We docked in the port of Salaverry, a jumping off point for tours to the excavated Chimu city of Chan Chan.  We did one of the Chan Chan tours a few years ago, and my unfading memory is being told off by the guide who felt I wasn’t showing sufficient interest.  “Mr. Rum”, she said crossly, “you pay attention”.  “Ron” translates to “rum” in Spanish. 

Instead of a tour we decided to go into the neighbouring city of Trujillo.  Conveniently, there was a shuttle bus from the pier and we boarded for a one-hour drive through very 3rd world districts.  The drive was quite depressing; the sad streets of housing only broken by our passing two universities that looked very nice; at least what we could see over the very high and solid fences that surrounded them. 

When we arrived at the dropping off point near the city center the bus was swarmed by dozens of hustlers.  We made a quick decision to stay on the bus and return to Salaverry. 

BOSTON BOB:  After our aborted trip to Trujillo we had dinner at the French restaurant, “Jacques.”  We were joined by a very pleasant couple from Boston, who were first-time cruisers on the Marina.  Bob asked if we objected to his ordering foie gras.  Apparently, that is politically incorrect in Boston.  When told it was “o.k.” Bob asked for advice on which foie gras to order.  We recommended all the choices:  the cold pate with cherries, the warm appetizer piece of liver, and the tournado rossini (a tenderloin steak topped with a large filet of warm foie gras).  Bob ordered all three.  I listened in the night for a helicopter medical evacuation but apparently Bob is all right.  It could have been worse, I suppose, he could have had an egg on top. 

MANTA, ECUADOR:  We docked at this prosperous fishing port and shuttled into the small city center.  In contrast to Trujillo this city was pleasant, clean and the people (despite no English) were very friendly.  We walked to the limit of Betty’s ability and then did some Christmas shopping at stalls, which rather than offering Chinese-made junky souvenirs, had lots of nice items that were actually made in Ecuador.  

When we returned to the pier there was a truck with fish mongers selling fresh mahi mahi, red snapper, etc. to the ship’s chef, who appeared to purchase several hundred pounds. 

SANITATION:  One of the biggest worries of cruise ships is that some bug will spread through the ship.  There are constant reminders to wash your hands; one is expected to use disinfectant when entering a dining room, etc.  The past couple of mornings we have had coffee on our deck while watching the tour buses line up to take people to various places.  However, before passengers are allowed off the ship crew members carrying spray equipment enter each bus and disinfect the seats, arm rests, etc.   When someone leaves a seat in the buffet, the chair is sanitized before the next guest. 

ESMERALDAS:  We were the second of only two cruise ships that will dock this year at this northern Ecuadorian city.  Thus, the city is not experienced in dealing with tourists.  We got off the ship and talked to a guy who was offering a one-hour city tour.  It may have been the first tour his company had ever offered.   

We agreed to be guided, and along with 20 others, got on “his” bus.  The tour was absolutely great, although it lasted 3 hours and 15 minutes.  

He took us to the best and worst parts of the city.  

We stopped at the fish docks, and had a great stop along the banks of the Esmeraldas River for fruit and a short folklore show.  When we got to the stop by the River, the bus couldn’t navigate the turn and we were asked to walk.  Betty would have stayed on the bus, but they got a small vehicle to come and give her a drive in and out.  The guide was very interesting, and not shy about expressing his political beliefs. 

A COUPLE OF PICTURES FROM THE SHIP: