Manta (Monticristi), Ecuador
Our first and only stop in Ecuador, and our first time to Ecuador. We buy some genuine hand made Panama hats and learn how they are made. In that order.
We weren't sure what to do here. We had four ideas. First idea was walk along the beach front sidewalk. Flopped, it was really small so not good for a long walk.
Second idea, catch an Uber to Monticristi, about a 25 minute drive, and learn how Panama hats are made. And maybe even buy some!
The Uber driver had a backhoe on his dash. There was a big church on the hill in Monticristi, so we had to take a gander. Confessionals! This one had a window where the priest sat, we've never seen that before. Probably helps bad stuff from happening in there. Confess yer sins, sinners! haha
Death highlighted of course. It was a beautiful building in it's own way.
Then we walked down the street and came across this Panama Hat making store.
We starting trying them on and before we knew anything about them really, we each bought one. One thing we did learn is the smaller the reed size, the more expensive the hat. They are very beautiful and so well crafted, so light too. We could appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into them.
After purchasing then we went out front and got a demonstration of how they are made. Super interesting! This lady has been making hats since she was 16, 54 years ago. Mitzi wasn't even born yet!
They soften the reeds with this solid wooden mallet. Mitzi pounded the crap out of that thing. JK, she was gentle.
As we walked up the hill to find a baño, we got one last picture of the church.
It's fun to have real Panama hats! Not sure why Ecuador says they have the genuine Panama hat, but there must be a back story somewhere. We had a nice time in Monticristi.