Well Couchsurfing sometimes falls through.  I arrived on Thursday in Guayaquil and promptly plopped myself down with my overpacked backpack in what is commonly termed the Park of the Iguanas.  It lives up to its name:

These creatures are strange and the locals are interested, though perhaps not as much as the tourist I saw who had placed or enticed a number of the lizards on her arms and shoulders.  I got to know this park well, as I would spend 3 hours waiting for my couchsurfing contact to show up though he never would.  After a while I began a conversation with Kari, an older woman who was very clear to give me constant advise about being safe.  She made me nervous enough about the neighborhood to move out around nightfall and find a hotel.  

Beyond the Iguanas, there isn't much to report.  I am getting my bearings here, and hope to get out of the city sometime shortly.

I have a functioning phone if anyone feels the need to call.  The number is +593 09 68093276