We weren't sure what to expect, as is often the case, when Jennifer said she wanted to take us to this park. It literally means Historic Park but she said there would be native animals to see. But, she had taken us to very interesting places thus far.
It was a longer drive, out to a wealthy suburb, to get to the park, but it charges no entrance fee as it's completely government funded. The park captures the recent history of the Guaya province (including the city of Guayaquil) of Ecuador and is divided into sections: Urban Architecture of the early 1900s; Farming Tradition of the late 1800s; and Wild Life of the four ecosystems in this coastal region.
We always enjoy a museum that is mostly outdoors :) and the girls have plenty of pictures to share. (See photo section.) The girls were also very inspired by a tree house that was in the final display, promoting sustainable urban living. (Now that we're back at the house, they're drawing up plans for their own tree houses, with adaptations for the Midwest climate.)
After enjoying the natural and historic beauty at the park, we walked four blocks and entered a completely different world of an upscale shopping mall. Very cold AC, everyone dressed to the nines, American stores and fast food. We had asked Jennifer to take us to a book store, and this was our chance! Luisa wanted a book in Spanish that is her speed, so chose a children's Bible (familiar stories, helpful pictures, but plenty of writing to keep her busy). Kent found an up-to-date small Span-Eng dictionary to replace the one (now falling apart) my dad bought when we traveled during my teen years. Also, bought an expensive, "good" cup of coffee. Successful :)
The history park sounds very nice. I assume Magdalena will post some pictures of that. Good that you found a bookstore. Luisa, I'll bet you've already read a lot in your new Spanish Bible.
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