Donkeys barn intrigues

Girmantas | Travel | June 28, 2010

So as you already know – for quite some time we are in Santa Marianita, Ecuador. Got some wind for a few days, so went out kiting with the jellyfish. Got some waves for great SUP sessions.fi Got some rain for a few days (as it was raining all over the world), so we spent our lazy days watching the FIFA World Cup. We have stayed in the second floor of an international youth hostel “The Donkey Den”. Linda, the owner, is a real animal lover. There are eight cats living in the second floor as well as two dogs guarding the backyard.

Living conditions were pretty simple here – shower, kitchen and Pacific ocean view. Everything we need, nothing we don’t. We came here with no guaranties, but for free. Have agreed with Linda to help around the hostel and take care of the cats and dogs. Everything was clear and simple. But Linda had to leave back to USA.

And the small, friendly hostel was taken over by an ecuadorian Denis and danish girl Luis. The mood has changed and we felt really unwelcome. I guess it’s our fault. We shouldn’t have offered the tequila we brought from Mexico, or invite them for lasagne dinner and, most likely, we spent too much time cleaning after those lazy donkeys and taking care of the animals. That was too much to make new friends. They started to ignore us, not to mention private barbeque parties behind our backs. Finally we were asked to leave. The official reason for us -  too many guests are coming so there is no bed left for us. Though it’s hard to believe that, if you take the number of beds into account.

We don’t understand, what was the reason, but we believe, that it’s happening for good. Have no intentions to spend our time around a place like that, and you shouldn’t too! I don’t recommend to anybody to stay where the staff is smiling at your face and doing bullshit behind your back. And we really sad for Linda (to have such a staff) and her beloved animals. It’s doubtful that donkeys will take care of them until Linda is back to Ecuador coast.

We are moving on. After a few nights spent in hostel “Maresol” we have decided to leave cloudy Santa Marianita behind our backs, see the Andes and know Ecuadorian culture better. Will be back next week, will write you then!