Palm Trees Refuse to Bend on Murcielago Beach in Manta Ecuador
Hospitality runs in the Porras Family. In Quito, Maria Pillar Porras or Pili opened her home to us for 10 days of relaxation and home cooking. We played Rummy-O, ate yucca fritters, and enjoyed the metropolitan scenery through her 2nd floor windows. A month later, Neil and I made our way down Ecuador’s Ruta del Sol. Off the bus, we caught a taxi to “Edificio El Vigia.”
Jaime and Gladys Porras Rent Out the Front Room of their Home for Homestay Travelers in Ecuador
At the resident entrances, we told the guard we were there to see Sr. Jaime Porras. In two minutes, we were up the tight elevator and zipping to the 5th floor. The dark wood door opened and a sea breeze rushed through the apartment. Welcoming us, Maria Pillar’s parents kissed us hello.
Their apartment opens to the ocean where the Malecón Boardwalk winds from Tarqui to Manta and fishing boats anchor in the bay. Pelicans loiter on rocks and birds dive into the water. Our new homestay parents or rather grandparents, gave us a big welcome. “Mi casa es su casa!” Immediately, I see where Maria gets her charm.
Empanadas Verde Homemade! Breakfast was always ready before we woke up for the day!
—And her cooking skills!
Over three days, Gladys and Jaime worked magic in the kitchen. Breakfast was a gourmet feast with fresh empanadas verde with cheese, melon juices, omelets, and an insane broccoli casserole made with ham on one side for Neil and extra cheese on the other for me! While we worked on the balcony, Jaime prepared popcorn and Gladys offered hot tea. Their hospitality was so kind. When we received Skype-calls, they seemed to “suddenly” have errands to run and left the apartment. When I needed to charge my Mac, a makeshift charging station appeared in the living room so I could still work near the windows.
On one hot day, our Ecua-Abuelos drove us around town, showing us markets, malls, and fishing wharfs. When we insisted on walking along the Malecón Boardwalk, we didn’t get very far. Concerned about the heat, they gave us a ride almost all the way back. Reluctantly letting us back out into the sun, they said “Cuidado! The sun!” and watched as we continued to stroll along the beach.
Even when we'd Left to Meet our Friend Sergio on the Malecón, Jaime and Gladys made sure we were safe
The View from our Manta Homestay
I’ve heard horror stories about homestays. But I guess we’ve just been lucky. Between our Ecua-Mama Pili and Ecua-Abuelos Gladys and Jaime, we’re 2 for 2. For $30 a night, this Manta seaside homestay is the best! Contact our Ecua-Mama for reservations.
sending...