1. TSH is 70 today – thanks to all who sent cards and greetings. The butler produced a card and a number of balloons. Regular readers who do not know him will be surprised that he has reached such a distinguished age. Diva, of course, is much younger. In the restaurant, a special desert of crepes suzettes was served as requested by the birthday boy.
2. TSH bought some new reading glasses from a pharmacy in Manta.
3. TSH and Diva crossed the equator at 4am on 23rd January. Their first real time in the Southern hemisphere – the last time, on the Amazon, was really just following the line of the equator itself.
Diva was disappointed that the excursion was rearranged to
substitute a local culture museum for the promised archaeology museum. The
latter was damaged in last year’s earthquake and has not yet been repaired.
Panama hats are made in Ecuador. During the hat-making demonstration,
the guide explained that it takes 3 or 4 months to make a hat of the best
quality. Diva was unsure that this was a good thing. It did not seem very
viable as an industry. And it isn’t – young people are not interested in the
work anymore.
In the centre of Manta, between the market and the childrens’
playground, was a small patch of garden, where there were iguanas in the trees
and on the ground. Quite a shock in a busy place!
Tuna is a big industry in Manta and many boats were
unloading their catch.
On the subsequent sea day, Silversea held a ‘lunch under the
lifeboats’ event for those doing the whole circle voyage. This was a literal description of where the food
was served – in the normally quiet place where TSH and Diva do morning Tai Chi.
It was so windy that the waiter announced that the garnish ‘had blown away’. A
good lunch and good company in spite of that.
Birthday balloons
Dressed for dinner
At dinner
Crepes
Tuna and iguana
Panama hats
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