Touchdown...pheww..finally...After a 24 hour flight from India to Guayaquil(2 stops- Amsterdam and Quito), I land in a city which will be home to me for some years. The immigration check was surprisingly the quickest I have witnessed till now. This might also be so because I was extra cautious and was carrying additional documents like: Invitation letter, husband's passport and visa copy, marriage certificate etc. I am one of those traveler who is not just careful, but extra careful to ensure that I have it all and don't get in trouble for inadequate information.
So, as I stepped out of Guayaquil airport; which was small and not one of the top 10 airports I have visited, I was greeted by the sight of number of people who looked very similar to us- Indians, and thus the relief of not being the complete "odd one out" took over. Being the person I am, I hate being the new girl in class and like to fit right in where I am. The physical appearance,thus, was a thing less to worry about. Pheww.
Heading home, I was surprised to see that unlike my expectations, this city was far more developed than most of the cities back home. Lots of malls, perfect roads, lots of cars on the roads and thus 'mucho tráfico'. And then my smile grew broader. Why? Because I spotted 'ZARA'. A city which had one of my favorite clothing store, could not be that bad. Maybe it was time I let my apprehensions fade away a bit.
Guayaquil, is the largest and the most populous city in Ecuador, with around 2.69 million people in the metropolitan area, as well as the nation's main port. So, I am not kidding when I say that traffic can be a bit tiresome, but considering the country I come from and with the population there, this did not bother me one bit. This city is big enough to be metropolitan, yet small enough to ensure that you reach from one extreme end of the city to another in max 40 minutes(unless traffic happens to be really bad).
In 20 minutes, I reached my new home which was located in one of the popular areas of the city- Urdesa. This part of the town is popular for the number of restaurants and the large number of pubs and clubs. Suited me perfect, as I am as my friends call me; quite a 'party person'. So, the excitement of exploring the night life was alive and kicking. But first the BIG task- getting rid of the JET LAG..:(
In the two months, since my arrival I summarize the city in the points below:
1) A very metropolitan city with more than 7-8 malls or as they call them here - 'Centro commercial', great infrastructure, well managed traffic.
2) The people living here are a mix of various Latin ethnicities and primarily speak Spanish and Quechua(native language), but definitely majority DO NOT speak or understand English. So I repeat- DO YOUR HOMEWORK WELL, and try learning the language well in advance for a smooth experience in the city.
3) Climate: As a coastal city just a few hundred kilometers from the Equator, Guayaquil has a tropical climate. From December through April Guayaquil is sunny, hot, and humid. The rest of the year, it is cloudier and cooler. So pack well, according to the month of your arrival.
4) Safety: As per me, safety is something we should worry about any and every where we go. Anything can go wrong, at any time, at any place. Like any other city, Guayaquil also has safe and not so safe areas. My suggestion- be vigilant all the time, but not so much that you forget to enjoy the moment :)
5) Living in Guayaquil, you always have the choice of going to the beach or to the mountains on weekends. Three hours hours away in one direction there are cool, chilly mountains and the same time away on the other side you have the sunny, relax-all-you-can kind of beaches. So wake up in the morning and can always decide what you are in the mood for.
6) Food: There are a lot of options where you can go eat reasonable local food. There are variety of 'platos' you could choose from. Mexican, Chinese and Italian food are also available in plenty. And then there are the McDonalds, Pizza Hut, Subways etc of the world. So you definitely won't go hungry here :), FAT- maybe yes....
So, this is my short summary of the city which is my new home. I am excited, yet still a little apprehensive of my stay here. Only time will tell, how all goes. But till the, I plan to keep writing and updating you of my experiences and adventures.
In my next upcoming blogs, you will get to read all the places in and around Guayaquil I visited, which you must too if here and a summary of the things of what to do and what not. So keep reading mi amigos.
Read more about Guayaquil in my other blogs:
1)Parque De Las Iguanas(Park of Iguanas), Guayaquil, Ecuador- Watch Out for the Big, Slimy, Creepy Creatures
2)Preparing to move: Ecuador here I come
You can also refer to these other articles which I found helpful while looking for more information on Guayaquil and things to do when here :
1)Parque De Las Iguanas(Park of Iguanas), Guayaquil, Ecuador- Watch Out for the Big, Slimy, Creepy Creatures
2)Preparing to move: Ecuador here I come
You can also refer to these other articles which I found helpful while looking for more information on Guayaquil and things to do when here :
1)Tripadvisor
2)Lonely Planet
3)Guayaquil Overview
That's all from my side for now. Keep reading for more blogs.
Till then,
2)Lonely Planet
3)Guayaquil Overview
That's all from my side for now. Keep reading for more blogs.
Till then,
Chao!
Adios!
Hasta Luego!
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