Manta, Ecuador perhaps.....

Well I spoke with a lovely woman from Manta, Ecuador through the couchsurfing site who was very inviting and a great ambassador for her city. She was very generous with her time and information. If we can possibly afford to make Manta our destination and still get Lisle into a Spanish school perhaps we will consider going there.

Pros are the weather and a sense of knowing someone there. I would so appreciate being warm for 3 months! Also having a personal contact who knows the area and can provide practical information is invaluable for newbies like us.

Cons are the added distance over Guatemala and the added cost. Guatemala is less expensive all around for flight, accommodation and Spanish lessons. However, we also know no one in Guatemala and going to the interior means lows in the 50's or less and highs up to 70. That weather is cold for me and I get enough of that here in Canada!

Best I can do is continue to save what dollars I can and keep on top of the flight costs. When we get more information about accommodation and Spanish lessons in Manta we will have to decide if we can swing it or not.