Oh my gads. So many buses. BUT bed seats are most definitely the way forward.
Thursday
After leaving Vilcabamba at 5 o´clock in the morning (not cool) we hotfooted it to the bus to Piura (after having changed our ticket and luckily not being accosted by too many strangeos in the Loja bus terminal unlike last time).
The bus to Piura was shoddy. Fact. Too many people who do not understand the etiquette surrounding putting your seat back ( quote "stupid bitches" by Will). Some serious knee issues going on. Bus was also incredibly hot. Turns out the south of Ecuador and the north of Peru is a desert. Who knew. Sweaty times. Managed to get our stamps to leave Ecuador and get into Peru - and after a little wander realised we needed to go to Peruvian immigration too. Luckily we are now legally in Peru.
Once we reached Piura we tried to make friends with a Polish couple. They did not want to be our friends. Sad times. BUT the woman did speak good spanish so it helped us to get good seats on the bus to Lima.
Bus to Lima was 15 hours. Bed seats made it. As did dinner and breakfast on the bus - with an airhostess....maybe a "bus-tess"!? Arrived in Lima without being hijacked woop and with all of our luggage.
Friday
We have spent today exploring Lima. 8 million people live here so to say its busy is a bit of an understatement. Green lights and red lights mean NOTHING. If you need to cross the road run for it. It is however a really nice city. Lots of friendly people (including some school children whose day we definitely made by being "tall" and blonde woop - they genuinely love blonde hair and "sky" blue eyes woop) and interesting buildings (says Will). Went to the catacombs beneath San Francisco Church where around 70000 people were buried. Lots of femurs (if the RMS needs more we know where to come) but a distinct lack of pelvises, ribs etc. No idea where those were!
As well as friendly people there are as usual the odd strange ones. Lots of weird men with too much hair who like blonde hair it seems. And also a man (who may have been a woman) who decided to gain some super powers by stroking his naked foot up Will´s leg. WHAT THE BEJESUS! Genuinely have no idea why - but when Will´s foot becomes gangrenous after being scratched by this person´s nail we shall start to worry.
Tomorrow we get to meet the group which we will be travelling with for the next two weeks. Hopefully they all avoid salt with fluoride and none of them are concealing electromagnetic weapons - otherwise things could get nasty.
Off for food now but unfortunately no guinea pig yet!!
Friday, 30 July 2010
The Valley of Longevity and very few electromagnetic waves...
We left Cuenca bright and early and headed to Vilcabamba - a wee town just outside of Loja also known as the Valley of Longevity. We´d decided to treat ourselves and stay at a beautiful hostal complete with swimming pool. Sad times when we arrived to find out there was no room at the inn BUT we managed to head to somewhere on the otherside of town which not only had a swimming pool but also a jacuzzi! (whoop - more for Will than Katharine, the hot baths in Baños were quite enough.)
Spent the afternoon relaxing at the hostal which only had another 4 guests (lol) and then headed down a fairly dark road to find food in town. And what good food we found! Lovely mexican restaurant complete with green interior lighting (we sat outside - the green lighting was simply too much for Will). Then headed back to the hostal avoiding any dodgy men/dogs).
Next day we headed on a long walk around Vilcabamba. Map reading skills = 0, walk = 2 hours longer than expected. But we did see some pretty good views of the village and lots of banana plants (WHICH are technically herbs - WHO KNEW!!??) Finished our walk with lunch in town and this is the moment when entered the STRANGO...
.. Will kindly offers an American guy change for his $20 (NOONE has change out here) and then he starts talking to us. Firstly about how Vilcabamba has quite a large Gringo (ex-pat) population AND THEN about how the reason he is here is to escape the electromagnetic weapons of the US. Apparently, the levels are very low here but not at 0 so he will be heading to Peru next month to get as high as possible to avoid them completely. He then also advised us to avoid the salt (they add fluoride - and as the Nazis and Russians knew, fluoride shrinks a gland in your body making you very passive....) Will thought this would be an appropriate time to tell him that fluoride occurs naturally in the water near his home in England and it simply gives people better teeth.... Thankfully in walks another American family who the guy knew and that´s when we made our escape.
We didn´t hire horses although as a sign read, ´Hire a WHOLE horse. Horses make you happy.´We were happy enough with the lack of electromagnetic waves. No horses needed. Next we plan to try and make it to Lima in Peru. HELLO long bus ride, bye bye Ecuador.
Spent the afternoon relaxing at the hostal which only had another 4 guests (lol) and then headed down a fairly dark road to find food in town. And what good food we found! Lovely mexican restaurant complete with green interior lighting (we sat outside - the green lighting was simply too much for Will). Then headed back to the hostal avoiding any dodgy men/dogs).
Next day we headed on a long walk around Vilcabamba. Map reading skills = 0, walk = 2 hours longer than expected. But we did see some pretty good views of the village and lots of banana plants (WHICH are technically herbs - WHO KNEW!!??) Finished our walk with lunch in town and this is the moment when entered the STRANGO...
.. Will kindly offers an American guy change for his $20 (NOONE has change out here) and then he starts talking to us. Firstly about how Vilcabamba has quite a large Gringo (ex-pat) population AND THEN about how the reason he is here is to escape the electromagnetic weapons of the US. Apparently, the levels are very low here but not at 0 so he will be heading to Peru next month to get as high as possible to avoid them completely. He then also advised us to avoid the salt (they add fluoride - and as the Nazis and Russians knew, fluoride shrinks a gland in your body making you very passive....) Will thought this would be an appropriate time to tell him that fluoride occurs naturally in the water near his home in England and it simply gives people better teeth.... Thankfully in walks another American family who the guy knew and that´s when we made our escape.
We didn´t hire horses although as a sign read, ´Hire a WHOLE horse. Horses make you happy.´We were happy enough with the lack of electromagnetic waves. No horses needed. Next we plan to try and make it to Lima in Peru. HELLO long bus ride, bye bye Ecuador.
Monday, 26 July 2010
Bed buses
Currently in Cuenca after a day of travelling yesterday. Spent our last night in Montaita on Saturday which involved a lot of hunting for toilets and drinking beer in the street. Also turns out Katharine´s Spanish rapidly improves after a couple of beers and she spoe to an Ecuadorian family for a long time - blonde hair is definitely s talking point here! Managed to stay out quite late though despite not really doing anything which wasn´t the best idea for getting up early!
On Sunday got the bus to Guayaquil and then on to Cuenca. The second bus we were on was amazing - the seats were like beds! Genuinely amazing! You can almost forget that you´re in a bus! Managed to find a hostel and crash for the night - much colder up here in comparison to the coast!
Spent today doing touristy things in Cuenca. LOTS of churches and cathedrals. Visited a big museum with lots of religious art and then loads on all the different cultures here. Even got to see some real shrunken heads woop. They have some Inca ruins here but most of the stones were removed by the Spaniards so its a little bit difficult to see whats there. Cuence is pretty small so we managed to wander around most of it today.
Tomorrow of to Loja to begin the humungous trip to get to Lima, Peru. Hopefulyl more bed buses!
On Sunday got the bus to Guayaquil and then on to Cuenca. The second bus we were on was amazing - the seats were like beds! Genuinely amazing! You can almost forget that you´re in a bus! Managed to find a hostel and crash for the night - much colder up here in comparison to the coast!
Spent today doing touristy things in Cuenca. LOTS of churches and cathedrals. Visited a big museum with lots of religious art and then loads on all the different cultures here. Even got to see some real shrunken heads woop. They have some Inca ruins here but most of the stones were removed by the Spaniards so its a little bit difficult to see whats there. Cuence is pretty small so we managed to wander around most of it today.
Tomorrow of to Loja to begin the humungous trip to get to Lima, Peru. Hopefulyl more bed buses!
Saturday, 24 July 2010
Neither of us would do well in the Navy...
Hola!
Sadly we woke to rain this morning in our lovely little coastal town of Montanita, but alas this just gives us a good excuse to be updating the blog.
So yesterday we headed out on our trip to Isla de Plata (the poor man´s Galapagos) including some whale watching on our way there. However, although we were both doing really well following our late night out, it turns out that adding in some motion sickness really didn´t bode well for either of us (but especially Will). Half an hour into the trip Will had to relocate to the back of the boat where he remained for the remainder of the journey to the island, vomiting at regular intervals. Katharine lasted a bit longer but come an hour and a half into the trip she also got a reminder of what she had for breakfast. Don´t worry though, in between these bouts of sickness we still spotted a few whales AND a green turtle - all very exciting!
Once on land we did a tour of the island and saw some blue-footed boobys (genuinely there name), some other cool birds, a snake and MOST EXCITING OF ALL, an albatross! Just as we´d started to feel better it was time to get back on the boat. Katharine managed to sleep through but Will had to relocate again to the back of the boat. But all in all quite an exciting day! haha
Spending our last night in little Montanita tongiht before we head further South. I think we´ll both be laying off the alcohol for a while though. Thursday night was so much fun (Will had to pay twice as much to get in the club - haha!). Katharine was taught salsa by the guy who had the microphone in the club (we dont really know why he had a microphone but he must have been important), Katharine was mistaken for being Swedish because of her hair and the night was finished off with a good dance on the stage - AMAZING!
Thursday, 22 July 2010
Dreadlocks, sand and hippies.
Yesterday we spent the whole day in the bus which as bad sa it sounds didn't end up being too horrendous. The buses here are REALLY good - much better than that Lothian Bus nonsense!
We are now in Montanita which is a tiny little town in the coast. It is really small - only about 3 blocka by 3. And it is definitely too cool for the two of us haha. Lots of surfers and hippies. Lots of people walking around with no shoes in and lots of dreadlocks all around the place (neither of us have been tempted to start growing them though haha ). It is however the busiest place at night compared to all of the other places we have been too - there are actually more than 5 people in each bar ... its amazing!
Our hostel is quite nice too. Very beachy! Hammocks and sand everywhere! Katharine got very excited becuase we have to sleep under mosquito nets. Unfortunately it wasn't quite as exciting as she hoped!
Today we spent the day on the beach. Unfortunately the sun is not out - very cloudy - but Katharine still managed to get burnt! The beach is alright but would definitely be better if the sun was out - hopefully tomorrow! Met some more people so we might even make it a late one tonight (!) but don't worry Katharine's mum ... we won't go mad!
We think tomorrow we will go on a whale watching tour becasue they come here to mate so there should be quite a few - we shall see!
We are now in Montanita which is a tiny little town in the coast. It is really small - only about 3 blocka by 3. And it is definitely too cool for the two of us haha. Lots of surfers and hippies. Lots of people walking around with no shoes in and lots of dreadlocks all around the place (neither of us have been tempted to start growing them though haha ). It is however the busiest place at night compared to all of the other places we have been too - there are actually more than 5 people in each bar ... its amazing!
Our hostel is quite nice too. Very beachy! Hammocks and sand everywhere! Katharine got very excited becuase we have to sleep under mosquito nets. Unfortunately it wasn't quite as exciting as she hoped!
Today we spent the day on the beach. Unfortunately the sun is not out - very cloudy - but Katharine still managed to get burnt! The beach is alright but would definitely be better if the sun was out - hopefully tomorrow! Met some more people so we might even make it a late one tonight (!) but don't worry Katharine's mum ... we won't go mad!
We think tomorrow we will go on a whale watching tour becasue they come here to mate so there should be quite a few - we shall see!
Tuesday, 20 July 2010
Baños
We realise that we´ve neglected our blog over the past couple of days but we do have a good excuse - we´ve simply been too busy relaxing in Banos.
It is a beautiful little town nestled in the middle of many mountains. Also one MASSIVE volcano that errupted only 5 weeks ago (lol?) but you´ll be pleased to know we are well aware of what to do in the case of an erruption thanks to the signs all over town ....
However, although the volcano often takes away (on a massive scale) it also gives - in the form of thermal baths. We hired ourselves bikes yesterday and headed out on the Route la Cascades (route of waterfalls) - Katharine was loving the fact she was ACTUALLY Katharine WHEELS Bingham.. haha. After our day of exervise and excitement we chilled out at the local thermal baths. Will braved all 3 including the extremely hot one but due to Katharines burn patch on her leg and burn on her foot this was not an option.
Today we both enjoyed a morning Health Bath. This included being steamed followed by bathing outselves in freezing water, followed by ´massaging´our colons and then a high pressure hose down.... yeah a little strange but at least we didnt do it naked.......
Anyway today has included a massive hike - all great training for Machu Pichu. Will just got naked for a massage but claims she stuck to his head, neck and back.....
Much more to come soon but we´re off out for dinner now with our FRIENDS (yeah.. we made friends) for our last evening in Baños. Much more exciting blogs to come soon when we´re not on a slow computer.
It is a beautiful little town nestled in the middle of many mountains. Also one MASSIVE volcano that errupted only 5 weeks ago (lol?) but you´ll be pleased to know we are well aware of what to do in the case of an erruption thanks to the signs all over town ....
However, although the volcano often takes away (on a massive scale) it also gives - in the form of thermal baths. We hired ourselves bikes yesterday and headed out on the Route la Cascades (route of waterfalls) - Katharine was loving the fact she was ACTUALLY Katharine WHEELS Bingham.. haha. After our day of exervise and excitement we chilled out at the local thermal baths. Will braved all 3 including the extremely hot one but due to Katharines burn patch on her leg and burn on her foot this was not an option.
Today we both enjoyed a morning Health Bath. This included being steamed followed by bathing outselves in freezing water, followed by ´massaging´our colons and then a high pressure hose down.... yeah a little strange but at least we didnt do it naked.......
Anyway today has included a massive hike - all great training for Machu Pichu. Will just got naked for a massage but claims she stuck to his head, neck and back.....
Much more to come soon but we´re off out for dinner now with our FRIENDS (yeah.. we made friends) for our last evening in Baños. Much more exciting blogs to come soon when we´re not on a slow computer.
Saturday, 17 July 2010
Equador = equator = very strong sun = BURN
Hola
Took a mini adventure today to Quilitoa (a volcanic crater with a lake in it) via Zumbhua (?spelling) where there was a massive market. They were selling everything although neither of us were brave enough o buy anything - maybe next market time! They even sell chicken heads mmmm (Kristina you would probably love it ahaha). Saw some llamas which Katharine loved ... definitely bringing one back!
We hitchhiked a pick up truck to get us to Quilitoa which was an incredibly bumpy ride to say the least! Also think we should have bargained the price a little as we defo got the "foreigner" price! Quilitoa is a tiny village with very little there except hostals and cafes which are springing up in response to all the tours which go there. The lake is fantastic - absolutely huge! Unfortunately the weather wasn´t that great so it didn´t look quite as spectacular as all of the postcards! We hiked down to the bottom of the crater to have a closer look which wasn´t really worth it because it definitely looks better from the top! Going down wasn´t too bad but the hike back up was fairly horrendous. We had descended 400m in only about an hour so going up it was very steep. Luckily there was minimal moaning! We could have got a donkey back up but they looked just as exhausted as us!
It only took just over an hour and a half to get back to the rim of the crater (Katharine took a little longer!) but by the time we reached there it was definitely getting cold. Who knew that when you are at nearly at 4000m it gets VERY cold! Also despite the cloudy and cool weather we both definitely managed to catch the sun!
After a pick up truck and a bus we are back in Latacunga for the night. People in our dorm are all very friendly although all seem to know more about everything than us - it is not going down very well! Staying here tonight and then off to Baños in the morning to relax in some hot springs and admire the volcano!
Took a mini adventure today to Quilitoa (a volcanic crater with a lake in it) via Zumbhua (?spelling) where there was a massive market. They were selling everything although neither of us were brave enough o buy anything - maybe next market time! They even sell chicken heads mmmm (Kristina you would probably love it ahaha). Saw some llamas which Katharine loved ... definitely bringing one back!
We hitchhiked a pick up truck to get us to Quilitoa which was an incredibly bumpy ride to say the least! Also think we should have bargained the price a little as we defo got the "foreigner" price! Quilitoa is a tiny village with very little there except hostals and cafes which are springing up in response to all the tours which go there. The lake is fantastic - absolutely huge! Unfortunately the weather wasn´t that great so it didn´t look quite as spectacular as all of the postcards! We hiked down to the bottom of the crater to have a closer look which wasn´t really worth it because it definitely looks better from the top! Going down wasn´t too bad but the hike back up was fairly horrendous. We had descended 400m in only about an hour so going up it was very steep. Luckily there was minimal moaning! We could have got a donkey back up but they looked just as exhausted as us!
It only took just over an hour and a half to get back to the rim of the crater (Katharine took a little longer!) but by the time we reached there it was definitely getting cold. Who knew that when you are at nearly at 4000m it gets VERY cold! Also despite the cloudy and cool weather we both definitely managed to catch the sun!
After a pick up truck and a bus we are back in Latacunga for the night. People in our dorm are all very friendly although all seem to know more about everything than us - it is not going down very well! Staying here tonight and then off to Baños in the morning to relax in some hot springs and admire the volcano!
Friday, 16 July 2010
Adios Quito, Hola Latacunga!!
Ok, so today we well and truly waved goodbye to Quito (with a very small tear in Will´s eye - none in Katharines, they´re bright red at the moment.)
We scribe this post with Lady Gaga playing in the background - this hostal obviously wins mega points for this fact. Katharine is extremely happy right now. Today we arrived in Latacunga - a town that is well and truly slated by most guide books. However, we would like to put the world to rights. LATACUNGA IS A NICE PLACE. Today we have seen some beautiful squares, walked up to see a huge statue of the Virgin (who looks like a man and is definitely not called Mary.. dont ask, we don´t know either.) We also headed to a HUMONGOUS market. Will likes markets but apparently not meat on a slab and he well and truly chickened out of visiting the meat place complete with pigs heads.... HAHA.
Then we went for our second proper Ecuadorian cuisine. Brace yourself because I think this may actually be more adventurous than the tripe stew. We had Chugchucaras - fried pork, fried pork skin (complete with hairs..), fried plantain, fried corn, popcorn, fried potatoes and then some miscellaneous barley + pork scratching mixture. Haha.. so like a heart attack on a plate and not as good as you might think but extremely happy we both tried it.
Afterwards we headed to a museum of archeolgy and religion - now just wait before you laugh. It was actually really good and Katharine got to really put her Spanish to the test when we were given a full tour completely in Spanish. We saw multiple pictures of the last supper (one of the disciples is definitely a woman in all of them... SPREAD IT.) The best bit was probably finding out about the ´Mama Negro Festival.´Literally.. the Black Mamma festival. This basically consists of one man painting himself black and dressing up as a black woman, and then having a parade follow of many other men (also mostly dressed as woman) performing various rituals. (Will, "It basically looks like a Gay pride parade")... Can´t believe its not until September time.
Katharine just found the Ecuadorian version of monopoly so that´s us sorted for the evening. Chilling in our beautiful hammocks and drinking some peru beers is how we plan to spend the evening. Pictures soon - we promise!
We scribe this post with Lady Gaga playing in the background - this hostal obviously wins mega points for this fact. Katharine is extremely happy right now. Today we arrived in Latacunga - a town that is well and truly slated by most guide books. However, we would like to put the world to rights. LATACUNGA IS A NICE PLACE. Today we have seen some beautiful squares, walked up to see a huge statue of the Virgin (who looks like a man and is definitely not called Mary.. dont ask, we don´t know either.) We also headed to a HUMONGOUS market. Will likes markets but apparently not meat on a slab and he well and truly chickened out of visiting the meat place complete with pigs heads.... HAHA.
Then we went for our second proper Ecuadorian cuisine. Brace yourself because I think this may actually be more adventurous than the tripe stew. We had Chugchucaras - fried pork, fried pork skin (complete with hairs..), fried plantain, fried corn, popcorn, fried potatoes and then some miscellaneous barley + pork scratching mixture. Haha.. so like a heart attack on a plate and not as good as you might think but extremely happy we both tried it.
Afterwards we headed to a museum of archeolgy and religion - now just wait before you laugh. It was actually really good and Katharine got to really put her Spanish to the test when we were given a full tour completely in Spanish. We saw multiple pictures of the last supper (one of the disciples is definitely a woman in all of them... SPREAD IT.) The best bit was probably finding out about the ´Mama Negro Festival.´Literally.. the Black Mamma festival. This basically consists of one man painting himself black and dressing up as a black woman, and then having a parade follow of many other men (also mostly dressed as woman) performing various rituals. (Will, "It basically looks like a Gay pride parade")... Can´t believe its not until September time.
Katharine just found the Ecuadorian version of monopoly so that´s us sorted for the evening. Chilling in our beautiful hammocks and drinking some peru beers is how we plan to spend the evening. Pictures soon - we promise!
Thursday, 15 July 2010
Mindo
Hola!
We have made it to Mindo and then back again to Quito in the past day. After an early start we got the bus to Mindo which is a little town up in the cloud forest. Slightly surprised we managed to make it there in one piece with the drivers tendency to have NO HANDS on the steering wheel. Just tried not to to look. Or look over the edge as it was a very windy road with no barriers and VERY high up.
Pretty sure we were the only people staying in our hostel but tit was really nice. Went on a humungous walk up to the waterfalls after we dumped our stuff. Very up hill and very humid. Once it started raining the novelty began to wear off! 2 hours later we reached the point where you had to PAY to go and see the waterfall - since when do you pay to go and see water!
Anyways after a brief chillax at the bottom of the valley with the waterfall in the rain we decided to head back. It was definitely pouring and it was definitely very steep. By the time we made it back to the hostel everything was soaking despite the rain having stopped - and we mean everything...passports...books...underwear... gads.
A hot shower and a wee rest later and food was needed. Katharine had a combo of meat, cheese and eggs - much better than its sounds! Definite protein overload though hahaha. A beer and a cocktail later and it was half 8 - definitely time for bed haha.
This morning we went on The Mindo Canopy Adventure which was basically zip wires VERY high up in the trees. Absolutely amazing but poop your pants scary - especially for Will who was brave enough to go UPSIDE DOWN!!! Katharine definitely was not.
We are now back in Quito where it is raining AGAIN. We´re off to Latacunga tomorrow from where we should be able to go on some good day trips woopwoop.
PS best answer to 20 questions is ALWAYS Elizabeth haha.
We have made it to Mindo and then back again to Quito in the past day. After an early start we got the bus to Mindo which is a little town up in the cloud forest. Slightly surprised we managed to make it there in one piece with the drivers tendency to have NO HANDS on the steering wheel. Just tried not to to look. Or look over the edge as it was a very windy road with no barriers and VERY high up.
Pretty sure we were the only people staying in our hostel but tit was really nice. Went on a humungous walk up to the waterfalls after we dumped our stuff. Very up hill and very humid. Once it started raining the novelty began to wear off! 2 hours later we reached the point where you had to PAY to go and see the waterfall - since when do you pay to go and see water!
Anyways after a brief chillax at the bottom of the valley with the waterfall in the rain we decided to head back. It was definitely pouring and it was definitely very steep. By the time we made it back to the hostel everything was soaking despite the rain having stopped - and we mean everything...passports...books...underwear... gads.
A hot shower and a wee rest later and food was needed. Katharine had a combo of meat, cheese and eggs - much better than its sounds! Definite protein overload though hahaha. A beer and a cocktail later and it was half 8 - definitely time for bed haha.
This morning we went on The Mindo Canopy Adventure which was basically zip wires VERY high up in the trees. Absolutely amazing but poop your pants scary - especially for Will who was brave enough to go UPSIDE DOWN!!! Katharine definitely was not.
We are now back in Quito where it is raining AGAIN. We´re off to Latacunga tomorrow from where we should be able to go on some good day trips woopwoop.
PS best answer to 20 questions is ALWAYS Elizabeth haha.
Tuesday, 13 July 2010
Centre of the world
After nearly a ten hour sleep we got up and ventured out of Quito... on a public bus! But actually turned out to be much less like the queue for big cheese bar and more civilised. Anyway after 2 bus journeys (and $0.55 later) we made it to the Mitad del Mundo - the Equator!
At the huge monument we got lots of pictures straddling the line of the equator, in real tourist-style and then we BOTH managed to climb to the top today.. whoop whoop.
Unfortunately we ruined an American family´s trip when we told them that (according to the guidebooks) this isn´t the REAL equator ... which was 300 metres down the road.... good times. We also went there and watched the water go down the plug in two different directions - prrof it does actually happen! THEN the most exciting bit of our trip occured so far - we both gained our diplomas in egg-balancing. That´s right.. we both managed to balance an egg on the head of a nail... try it at home!
Katharine may or may not have experienced altitude sickness for the first time today ... not really sure but before you ask it DEFINITELY wasn´t a hangover!
We´re off to Mindo tomorrow which is up in the cloud forest. Hopefully see some animals? And other ecuadorian things ...
At the huge monument we got lots of pictures straddling the line of the equator, in real tourist-style and then we BOTH managed to climb to the top today.. whoop whoop.
Unfortunately we ruined an American family´s trip when we told them that (according to the guidebooks) this isn´t the REAL equator ... which was 300 metres down the road.... good times. We also went there and watched the water go down the plug in two different directions - prrof it does actually happen! THEN the most exciting bit of our trip occured so far - we both gained our diplomas in egg-balancing. That´s right.. we both managed to balance an egg on the head of a nail... try it at home!
Katharine may or may not have experienced altitude sickness for the first time today ... not really sure but before you ask it DEFINITELY wasn´t a hangover!
We´re off to Mindo tomorrow which is up in the cloud forest. Hopefully see some animals? And other ecuadorian things ...
Monday, 12 July 2010
Hola!
Hello!
So we made it to Quito safe and sound. Managed to wake up the hostel at 2am so they could let us in... we are not their favourite people right now. Katharine and I are sharing a lovely double coomplete with a starry sky painted on our ceiling!
Today we´ve wandered Quito which is humongous. Our adventures included a climb up the Basilica´s clock tower which was really scary (well Katharine didnt quite make it). All churched out after visting the cathedral too. Ventured into local Ecuadorian cuisine for lunch (in a cupboard). We had guatitas which is basically a tripe stew. Katharine definitely did not know this when we started eating. Remarkably good though. Will successfully spoke his first bit of Spanish too so all in all a good day. The woman looked kind of shocked because until that point I think she thought we were just stupid tourists...
Currently sitting in an internet shop as it pours down outside. Defo forgot we are in the mountains and it is not sunny all of the time! We did have some sunshine this morning, and for all of those who will be concerned, Katharine made sure she had her SPF on so don´t you worry!
We plan to go to Mitad del Mundo tomorrow (the equator) which wil linvolve us getting on our first Ecuadorian bus... (imagine the queue for the bar at Big Cheese and then put in on a bus..)
So we made it to Quito safe and sound. Managed to wake up the hostel at 2am so they could let us in... we are not their favourite people right now. Katharine and I are sharing a lovely double coomplete with a starry sky painted on our ceiling!
Today we´ve wandered Quito which is humongous. Our adventures included a climb up the Basilica´s clock tower which was really scary (well Katharine didnt quite make it). All churched out after visting the cathedral too. Ventured into local Ecuadorian cuisine for lunch (in a cupboard). We had guatitas which is basically a tripe stew. Katharine definitely did not know this when we started eating. Remarkably good though. Will successfully spoke his first bit of Spanish too so all in all a good day. The woman looked kind of shocked because until that point I think she thought we were just stupid tourists...
Currently sitting in an internet shop as it pours down outside. Defo forgot we are in the mountains and it is not sunny all of the time! We did have some sunshine this morning, and for all of those who will be concerned, Katharine made sure she had her SPF on so don´t you worry!
We plan to go to Mitad del Mundo tomorrow (the equator) which wil linvolve us getting on our first Ecuadorian bus... (imagine the queue for the bar at Big Cheese and then put in on a bus..)
Saturday, 10 July 2010
The day before it all began
Hi all :D
Its the night before we jet away and I finally figured out how to make a blog (apologies because I know its not quite as nice as Paul's!). We'll be arriving in Quito (capital of Ecuador) at 11 o'clock tomorrow night after 20 hours of travelling and I am just hoping that the hostel will still let us in! I am so excited! But also terrified at the same time ...however supposedly its raining over there and only 13 degrees so maybe theres less to worrying about than I thought!
We shall try and document what we're up to ... and depending on how I'm feeling I might do some REAL blogging hahaha (starting with the titles of each day lol)... we'll see how the chat goes!
Its the night before we jet away and I finally figured out how to make a blog (apologies because I know its not quite as nice as Paul's!). We'll be arriving in Quito (capital of Ecuador) at 11 o'clock tomorrow night after 20 hours of travelling and I am just hoping that the hostel will still let us in! I am so excited! But also terrified at the same time ...however supposedly its raining over there and only 13 degrees so maybe theres less to worrying about than I thought!
We shall try and document what we're up to ... and depending on how I'm feeling I might do some REAL blogging hahaha (starting with the titles of each day lol)... we'll see how the chat goes!
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