Feliz Navidad

Anne at the Beach in Olon, Ecuador

Christmas at the beach has a whole different feel than Christmas in New England.  Christmas Eve day most people seem to be working.  The gardeners show up as usual, the tienda's are open, and everyone is going about their daily routine.  In the afternoon we opt for a walk along the beach and stop for a beverage at one of the many small beach shacks that are restaurants and bars.  Many serve only cerveza's, water and coke, but this one has a full bar.  Between the six of us we try several cocktails, ranging from frozen margarita's to laguna azul, which made William's tongue turn blue (at least by the second one).

In the evening we made dinner at the house.  Coq au vin with chicken we bought in Montanita on Monday as well as broccoli and fruit salad with some of the incredible white pineapple grown in Ecuador.

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Ecuadorian Christmas Pagent

After dinner we walk a bit and join up with the Christmas procession.  It's lead by a man dressed up as an angel and behind him are three wise men, Joseph, a pregnant Mary, ten women in long skirts and then the townspeople.  They stop at various businesses and homes along the route where a song is played on a portable stereo and the women perform a swaying dance.  At some locations the owners come out with cups of a chocolate looking beverage and buns.  After the procession we head over to Katy's newly relocated restaurant.  It's opening night for them  and she has hires a six piece jazz band. 

Christmas Day is laid back. We start with a walk along the beach before breakfast.  There are surfers out early to catch the waves. Later in the day we have planned to grill chicken in the back yard. 

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