Quita/Manta, Ecuador

2/12 –Today is one of those days where a lot is being squeezed into 24 hours. In the wee hours of the morning we crossed the equator. A hardy few stayed awake either at the GPSing group gathering to do the countdown or the rest who observed the countdown in the comfort of their cabins. The rest of us got our beauty sleep for a day of shore excursions for Manta/Quito and Montecristo, the home of Panama hats. Learning how Ecuador adopted US currency in 1998 was interesting and so convenient to shop in the local stores. One of us on our shore excursion paid for a coke with a $5 bill and received 4 - $1 coins. That’s where they went since most of us do not use them in the States.                          
                            Manta Port

           

Weaving Panama Hats