Guayaquil

On Thursday Amy and I joined Claire and her fiance Edwin on a trip to Guayaquil. This is biggest city and the commercial centre of the country. I have wanted to visit all year but Guayaquil has a terrible reputation for crime and I just didn't fancy being robbed and murdered so I haven't been. However with Edwin and Claire there to fight off the robbers Amy and I decided to tag along and see what all the fuss was about!

   We had a lovely 5 hour drive south- Passing sun drenched banana plantations and shining flood plains. Salsa music playing and palm trees gently swaying in the breeze.

  We arrived to a busy and very hot Guayaquil. 35 C at least and high humidity levels meant we spend the entire time there exhausted and wanting nothing more than to pass out in front of the air conditioning unit. Our first stop was the British Consulate to sort out papers for Claire & Edwin (they are getting married this week.) The Consulate was...sweet! Stupid description but true. The lady was thrilled to meet more British people (Brits are a novelty in the British consulate?!) and we were ushered in with big smiles. Every photo of the Queen was very dated and each info leaflet proudly displayed was at least 14 years out of date. For sheer randomness though my favourite touch was the bottle of red wine proudly on display by the letter rack!

      After the paperwork got sorted we went to our hotel. Amy and I decided to save some money and go for a double room instead of a twin room. Over here a double is called a "matrimony" room and it caused quite a stir when 2 girls wanted a marriage room. We got some very funny looks and muttered comments; we later realised that we were both wearing matching rings and they look like wedding rings so obviously incorrect conclusions had been made! Prostitution is legal over here and the hotel had rooms available for day use and I swear we got a "day" room! Mirrors at the head and foot of the bed (very disconcerting to be able to see yourself from every angle!) not to mention a shower soo big it could fit about 5 people in it. Plus a thoughtfully placed phone directory right by the private phone...mmmmm. It is funny to be somewhere where homosexuality is condemned but prostitution is legal and socially accepted.