Finally, I was able to experience a typical "Dave Day" here in Ecuador. I wanted to know exactly what Dave spends his time doing while I am off slaving away during the week. So, what is a typical day in the life of Dave? I found out that it is a day that is filled with bus adventures, people watching, and a lot of walking.
Dave and I left our gated community for the busy streets of Guayaquil on Saturday morning. He was armed with his handy-dandy spy camera, and I was armed with my purell hand sanitizer. We caught the ChongGong bus headed towards the city and our day officially began.
Oh, the things we did see! Here are some of the highlights:
1. Party balloon truck. Awesome.
2. Iguana Rumble. I wish we caught a picture, but they are quick little buggers. You will just have to let your imagination take you to the Lizard WWF that we witnessed.
3. The Bahia: Ecuador's Black Market. You will be able to find absolutely anything you can imagine in this district, at any price. It is noisy, chaotic, and the best people watching you could ask for.
4. Alternate modes of transportation.
5. Me jumping on the bus as it was still moving. Pretty common in Ecuador if there are only one or two people who want to catch a ride. I have to say, I was pretty impressed with my hand-eye coordination on that one.
6. Couples in love, lots of them. I guess it is not culturally acceptable to bring home boyfriends and girlfriends. Instead, the kids find alternate places to make-out. The bus, the park, the sidewalk, a bench, anywhere but home.
7. Ecuador Bike Shop. Job opportunity Dave, think about it.
8. Bus vendors. These are the guys that hop on and off buses to sale whatever you think you might need on the journey. Want some fruit juice, candy, ice cream? They will be sure to hook you up. Never ride the bus in hunger again.
9. The San Marino Mall, for those times you are feeling extra homesick and just need to walk into a Tommy Hilfiger store. Yep, this mall has all the comforts of home and I soon discovered that no matter where you go, you can't escape Brittany Spears or Paris Hilton.
10. What? DVD's for only a dollar?
11. Public Protest. You are pretty much guaranteed to come across some sort of political function or protest in Guayaquil. Elections to rewrite the constitution are coming up next weekend so things are heating up all over Ecuador.
12. Firework show. No rhyme, no reason. Feel like seeing some lights? No problem. People here just set off fireworks whenever they want. Everyday is the fourth of July.
13. And my favorite "I Spy," the street-vendor who kept his change in his ear. Smart, resourceful, and a good reminder to always wash your hands.
Recreated here by David
It was a great day. All in all, we spent about seven hours riding the buses, walking the streets, and experiencing Guayaquil. I have to admit, I'm a bit jealous of how Dave spends his days.
I'm ready to trade gigs. We need to find that boy a job.
Dave and I left our gated community for the busy streets of Guayaquil on Saturday morning. He was armed with his handy-dandy spy camera, and I was armed with my purell hand sanitizer. We caught the ChongGong bus headed towards the city and our day officially began.
Oh, the things we did see! Here are some of the highlights:
1. Party balloon truck. Awesome.
2. Iguana Rumble. I wish we caught a picture, but they are quick little buggers. You will just have to let your imagination take you to the Lizard WWF that we witnessed.
3. The Bahia: Ecuador's Black Market. You will be able to find absolutely anything you can imagine in this district, at any price. It is noisy, chaotic, and the best people watching you could ask for.
4. Alternate modes of transportation.
5. Me jumping on the bus as it was still moving. Pretty common in Ecuador if there are only one or two people who want to catch a ride. I have to say, I was pretty impressed with my hand-eye coordination on that one.
6. Couples in love, lots of them. I guess it is not culturally acceptable to bring home boyfriends and girlfriends. Instead, the kids find alternate places to make-out. The bus, the park, the sidewalk, a bench, anywhere but home.
7. Ecuador Bike Shop. Job opportunity Dave, think about it.
8. Bus vendors. These are the guys that hop on and off buses to sale whatever you think you might need on the journey. Want some fruit juice, candy, ice cream? They will be sure to hook you up. Never ride the bus in hunger again.9. The San Marino Mall, for those times you are feeling extra homesick and just need to walk into a Tommy Hilfiger store. Yep, this mall has all the comforts of home and I soon discovered that no matter where you go, you can't escape Brittany Spears or Paris Hilton.
10. What? DVD's for only a dollar?
11. Public Protest. You are pretty much guaranteed to come across some sort of political function or protest in Guayaquil. Elections to rewrite the constitution are coming up next weekend so things are heating up all over Ecuador.
12. Firework show. No rhyme, no reason. Feel like seeing some lights? No problem. People here just set off fireworks whenever they want. Everyday is the fourth of July.
13. And my favorite "I Spy," the street-vendor who kept his change in his ear. Smart, resourceful, and a good reminder to always wash your hands.
Recreated here by David It was a great day. All in all, we spent about seven hours riding the buses, walking the streets, and experiencing Guayaquil. I have to admit, I'm a bit jealous of how Dave spends his days.
I'm ready to trade gigs. We need to find that boy a job.