Carrie: Your guide today
Guayaquil is a wonderfully eclectic port city full of old and new areas to explore. Obviously fresh seafood is abundant. There are plenty of delicious restaurants everywhere.
Hello Everyone. My name is Carrie and I will be your guide today, as we stroll through the beautiful city of Guayaquil, Ecuador. By the way, Guayaquil is the setting for the great Kurt Vonnegut book; Galapagos. A MUST read! OK, follow me and try to keep up! We’ll start at the top.
Whew! That was a pretty tough climb. Is everyone OK? Good thing we’re at sea level, huh? But, I think you’ll agree it was worth the effort, Here we see the Guayaquil skyline. Guayaquil is Ecuador’s largest city, with a population of over 3.3 million, and its main port as it is on the banks of the Guayas River, which the crew of s/v Terra Firma can attest too. As we sailed from Lima, Peru we had to cross the Gulf of Guayaquil and dodged many ships all night long while fighting a stiff adverse current. Ask me about the 700 foot ship that nearly ran us down! The city has a great history and more information can be obtained at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guayaquil This view is pretty enough to be a painting.
398,399, 400, only a few more to go. Trust me the view will blow you away. Plus it’s a pretty cool lighthouse.
Guayaquil skyline
Well, Pat appears to agree. With a little help from Photoshop and voila, a “painting” of Guayaquil’s skyline! Next stop Cathedral Metropolitana and Parque de las Iguanas! Let’s go, it’s easier on the way down!
WOW, what a beautiful church! No surprise, I guess, since over 80% of the population is Catholic. The church is located in the Parque de las Iguanas, aptly named as you will see. Come on.
Look, our first Iguana sunning himself in a field of flowers. Nice pose, handsome!
As you can tell, the Iguanas are well taken care of with regular meals being provided. It’s the least the city can do for all the tourists these guys bring in. Here we see Grandpa and Grand Daughter sharing a special photo op moment.
Hey, don’t look up and cover your heads. This guy is well fed and ready to ‘pop’, if you know what I mean!
The Igaunas provide many diversions. Here we see a 2 person race between Mario Iguana and Super Orange Girl. My money’s on Mario. OK, time to move on. You may not know this but this ancient city is a treasure of beautiful Architecture and Monuments. Let’s go see.
Here we see the contrasting elements of some of the old style architecture framed against a new high rise.
Don’t ask me what this building is, but it sure is a beauty. Probably my favorite in Guayaquil. Does anyone know the purpose or history of this building?
A closer view of the monument in front of the ‘elegant’ building.
Announcing our arrival is this winged trumpeter. All of these places were just impeccably maintained.
Hmmm.. These legislators were probably debating some diabolical scheme that will not result in good.
Ahh.. I think we were right. Could this be the result of that diabolical scheming? Break time. How about some ice cream? Follow me.
Yum, ice cream. Pinguino is the best. What flavor do you want? After ice cream it’s time to walk the malecon.
Malecon 2000 was built along the River Guayas, obviously to attract tourists. The nautical themes speak to the rich nautical history of city. Again, check out: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guayaquil , for more info.
Lest we forget our fast food culture. Here, McDonald’s features their new waterfront drive through.
Walking further down the Malecon we find the fort that once protected the city from evil pirates.
And we pirates aren’t finished yet! Watch me blow up that building.
OK, I think we can stop running now. We’ve lost the Authorities. Let’s just mingle along these ancient streets in Old Guayaquil. Whew!
Life is good in Guayaquil. Here we see one of the new luxury condos near the Malecon.
Well, it’s good if you have money. This poor community was at the far end of the Malecon up a hill over looking the river. The Church still is the central force in their lives.
Another view of the poorer section of Guayaquil.
Soccer comes in a close second behind the Catholic Church as the most important aspect of the local’s lives.
This is what happens when you’re caught shooting cannons into cities.
Hey, check out this cute little guy. Keep walking people, were almost to the end.
We’re safe walking the neighborhood, huh? Look’s like a pretty interesting text message. Ecuador is such a laid back place, hard not to love.
Picture moment everyone. Cool fountains, no?
Well, that’s the end of today’s tour. Tips are welcome! Hope you enjoyed yourself, but if not, have some raspberries! See ya! :>)