Shelter

When I woke up in Ecuador, everything felt like a dream. I was surprised to see that I wasn’t waking up in my little apartment in Canada. My “dream” was real, and I was really gone from home. The first night I arrived In Guayaquil I’ve never felt so tired! The hot and humid temperature, mixed with my long 12 hour Journey made me want to dedicate a full day to sleep. But that was most definitely out of the question. I had things to learn, places to go, people to meet, and houses to seek. My morning had an early start and it was go go go.

With the light of the day, I noticed how beautiful my hotel room was. Manso boutique is half hostel, half art gallery, and half heaven if you ask me.   

View from door

                                                 

View from table

The service was wonderful and the food was 100% organic and vegetarian. Though I’m an omnivore myself, my first meal in Ecuador at Manso hosteleria was simply mouth-watering deliciousness on a plate. I ate on the balcony, and snapped a picture of the view.

                    

Llapingacho, huevos y jugo de melon

Sonja and I met up everyday, and her knowledge of the city was helping me tremendously. We began the day by purchasing a telephone, that way I could contact her when necessary, and vice versa. Then we started making appointments to see apartments. None of them were ready for another 3 days! I personally didn't mind staying in the beautiful Hostel for a little bit longer :)

I could live anywhere for a short period of time, however 6 months was quiet a long time, and comfort was a must in my decision. A few days later, after seeing 3 apartments, the first one was cozy but had a few too many cockroaches for my liking. The second one was in an apartment building that I considered because it was nice, had an amazing view on the 18^th floor, and the people that I would live with were very pleasant. However, they say third times a charm, and they tell no lies in this case because WOW was all I could say when I saw this 3^rd apartment. 

Dining area

Living room

View of living room from window

My closet, bathroom

My bed

Another view from bathroom

The view from my Bedroom

My roommates name is Abraham. He is a 33 year old business owner, very kind and also an artist. He is passionate about painting and we share the same love of art. I feel a beginning of a great friendship coming along. 

This splendid apartnement is located in El Barrio Las Peñas  , which is the oldest street in Guayaquil. Most of the celebrations and festivals are celebrated within this street both historically and currently. Las Peñas also has 444 steps at the en of the street that that leads to a lighthouse you can go up to get the most amazing view of the entire city. 

Lighthouse and 444 floors

View from Lighthouse

Stairs from bottom 

Each step towards the lighthouse has a different restaurant, dancing bar, Museum, theatre, art gallery and so much more. Las Peñas also has a very cultural art scene (every other door is an art gallery), artisan market, free local films, live music, you name it, and this small street has it all. What impressed me the most were how well the area is maintained, and the amount of security guards that were patrolling the place 24hrs a day. It seems like the rest of the streets around it are neglected compared to this one. I feel very fortunate to have found such a nice place, and hope my partner Lindsay, who is arriving a month later than me, also has similar luck.