Montanita

We have been in this little coastal town called Montanita *the second n actually has a squiggle line above it, but I can't make it work on the keyboard* Being here has been super relaxing. I(Cass) have been working hard at enjoying each day since all I can think about is being home....in four days!! We have been super relaxed here. We had originally planned on visiting a few different coastal town but tonight will be our 6th night here. Woops... We ended up really liking it. It's a super chill, surfer, party, touristy town. We of course don't really surf or party for that matter, but we have just really soaked up the chill vibe. Jesse actually did surf though, and did pretty well for basically his first time and zero instruction.

The street. There's really only one main street. The town is super small.

Jesse enjoying his FRESH morning juice that we have come to enjoy and almost expect. In Ecuador you have freshly made juice with pretty much every meal. I think this one was pinapple banana...one of our favorites.

Classis beach. There are venders everywhere. Everything is pretty cute, but after looking at it alllll the time everything kinda blends together an you don't really see anything. Haven't bought anything yet... maybe today, our last day here.

More classic beach. Ceviche venders everywhere too. I had my first share of it last night. It was very good, and I am not sick today!

We have talked about getting henna tatoos since our honeymoon. There are tons of people "vending" these as well. We did it our first day which probably wasn't the best idea since mine is already pretty much gone. Oh well. It was pretty cute though.

This is Edison, the "artist." Acctually he just traced a drawing, pressed it onto our backs, then traced it again with the henna. He was super sweet though. He even helped Jesse create his own.

Jesse wanted to try out surfing, since that's basically the only thing that people do here. He had only done it once in the freezing cold rain in Santa Cruz about five years ago. He did great. Got up pretty much every time. It may have had something to do with the fact that the board he rented was a GIANT, super boyant plank. . . .perfect for learning!! I was super proud of him.

These drink street venders were out every night. They lined the street. There were always lots of people at them, so I think that they were probably safe, although we never ordered anything on the street.

So, yesturday we went to this little island called Isla de la Plata. Some people call it "Poor Man's Galapagos." It has some of the same bird species as the Galapagos. The travel book that we have warned us that it might be a rough ride, but we didn't take it heart I guess. My poor sweetie threw up three times. Once on the way there and twice on the way back. He was such a good sport though, making jokes and smiling the whole way. He was pretty beat by the time we made it home though. We had a windy hour car ride to finish off the trip. I was quite miserable too, but willed myself not to puke. Thank you Lord, I HATE puking..
The Blue Footed Boobie.

Don't remember this one's name. Cool bird with gian red neck/chest.

Ummm don't remember this one's name either. But look at the one in the back, there were two eggs under him.
Then we had a chance to stop and snorkel.. It was pretty chilly though and we didn't really have that long, then we had to ride on the rough water again, so Jesse and I just took pics from the boat.

Our trip to the coast has been a good one. An extremely relaxing way to end our trip. We splurged on a hotel, $30 per night..it has a pool, jacuzzi, and nothing that Jesse is allergic to!! It has been quite the treat. We leave the coast tomorrow on a plane back to Quito where we will finish up our souvenier shopping, visit with our new friends, Jon and Anna, and then fly out Friday afternoon. . .

I'm sure we'll have plenty of thoughts to share with you when this is all over, but for now... please pray for safe journeys and health. . . my throat is sorta feeling yucky today, and I'm hoping it's nothing more.

Nothing but Love.

See you soon.