Breakfast of fried eggs, lousy coffee and juice, and toast with guava jam. We walked down the 3km track to Bahía Tortuga (Turtle Bay). Along the way we saw a few finches and lava lizards and discussed Oli’s schooling. The sand on the beach was fine, silver, coral sand and was absolutely beautiful. The sea was quite rough and it was drizzling, but we enjoyed the walk along the beach in the company of pelicans and finches.

We came to the bay itself, which is very placid and quite shallow. It is protected by a natural peninsular. We chose our spot then went for a swim. I used the snorkel, but didn’t see much. I put some suntan lotion on and lazed around whilst Oli went for a short walk before joining me. Dad read a book.

Later, Oli and I went along the peninsular to look at the sea iguanas and lizards. It’s amazing that you can sit within a couple of feet of these wild creatures and they still come towards you. At this point Oli realised that he was beginning to burn, so we went back and put some lotion on, and our shirts. The walk back along the beach and path gave us some good opportunities for more photography of iguanas, lizards and pelicans.

Back in town we headed straight for the west end where we had our fill of fish, chips, salad and bread. Siesta ensued for Oli and Dad; note writing for me. Oli came up like a beetroot and looked in great pain.

In the evening we went to Las Cuatro Lantinas for a couple of drinks and met Jaquelina who had chatted up Oli in her shop the previous day. She took us up to a classy restaurant called La Casa de Phillippe. We met the owner and settled down to listen to the good, live guitar music. Oli and I had lobster tail and Dad had fish in sauce. With the drinks, coffee and music all added to the bill it came to S/-105,000 (£32). This was our most expensive meal in Ecuador, and it was not well cooked. Still, the restaurant was very nice with good music and atmosphere. I beat Dad at pool, after a struggle, and had an interesting conversation with a Bavarian. My Deutsch is much better than my Spanish.

Dad and I left Oli with Jaquelina, but he came in less than ½ hour later, having failed in his quest. I think she’s a bit strange anyway.