3rd August

3rd August
Manta Equador Cloudy Temp 26c
Our tour today had an early start so as usual we ordered breakfast in our cabin. We ordered it for 6.30-7.00am but it turned up at 6.10am. and I was still asleep but Betty heard the faint knock on the door. We did have a wake up call for 6.30. First stop on our tour was at a workshop where they cave ornaments like animals and birds out of a nut which they call the Ivory Nut because after it is dried it is as hard as ivory. The conditions in the workshop certainly would not pass our health and safety standards. Next we went to Monticristi, home to the famous Panama Hat. We saw skilled artisans still making the best ones by hand. They split palm into thin strips and weave it to make hats worth thousands of dollars. Nearby was a market where every second stall was selling these hat most of which were much cheaper. Scarves were for sale at $5 for 2 so Bev & Betty bought one each,what a bargain! On the way back to the ship we past an area where they still build wooden ships by hand the traditional way.
Tonight in the Vista Sean O'Shea a vocal impressionist performed. His was a high energy performance which was quite good."