A question I always ask of myself—consciously or unconsciously—when I'm considering someplace new is, "Does it feed my soul?" This may seem like a strange question to some, but I think it's at play when I look at new places. Nature feeds my soul. Family, friends, interesting people, cultural outlets, learning, silliness, fulfilling work, volunteer possibilities, and spiritual explorations are all things that feed my soul. Cotacachi fed my soul with its breathtaking vistas, warm expats, and soulful, colorful indigenous. Manta, so far, has failed to seduce me, even though I've met some wonderful people and am reunited with the wonderful ocean of my youth. Deciding that two days in the Gringo Zone had kept me from knowing the "real Manta," it was time to venture beyond the gates. I've been feeling like the "GZ" is
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