MANTA

Manta, Ecuador   Day 8 of 110             January 12, 2011

Our first South American port of call is a gritty but friendly town.  People are smiling, streets are clean but restaurants are few and far between.  We grabbed a cab and went to what was called in our pre-cruise research a “mountainside colonial town”, Montechristi.  It was pretty much the same as Manta except there were hills.  We both purchased Panama Hats which, despite the name, are hand created here.  The name Panama stuck when everyone working during the construction of the canal wore one of these hats.  They are crushable, light weight and come in a balsa wood box.  When we went to Galapagos I almost bought one in Quito for $80.00.  Price in Montechristi, $20.00.  

Sadly to say, Holland America has fallen into the Carnival Corporation way of doing things.  Get people onboard for as much as the market will bear then absolutely rape them financially when they get onboard.  Coors Light with tip is $5.24, Jack Daniels on the rocks $7.48 and not even a decent shot.  All parcels are supposed to be checked on boarding for alcoholic beverages.  So, if you buy a bottle of booze onshore, it will be confiscated and returned on the last day of the cruise.   The tour from the ship for what we did today was $89.00 per person.  Our cost $20.00 for two by cab.  Now these people with whom we are traveling accept this for the most part, as the cost of doing business.   However, several folks are definitely finding ways to beat the system.  I walked past a cabin on our deck today which was in the process of being cleaned.  Stacked at the base of the bed were three cases of white wine.  These were obviously shipped from home prior to the cruise.  In fairness, Holland’s policy of intercepting booze and beer as you board and holding it until the end of the cruise, is certainly being overlooked.  But why should I feel like a criminal when I try to smuggle aboard a six pack of beer from whatever locality I may be in?

The first of the tours we will host leaves in Lima in three days.  Passengers have been fantastic in their responses of yea or nay for their participation.  We even had one lady who complained to the front desk that she was not part of our group and would we please stop leaving things in her mailbox.  After we explained to her why she was one of the group, she is now an enthusiastic member.

Another day at sea tomorrow before a two day stay in the port of Callao for Lima.

Sorry there is no photo, having minor technical difficulties.

Joe Wagg