11th December - Cuenca We wandered around for 10 blocks, looking for pastries (which we have become addicted to!!) until we realised there was a pastry shop right next door to our hostel. On our way back to the hostel, Jake and I got approached by the man from the DVD shop next door, asking us to help him with his English. It was hilarious because Jake didn´t have a clue "where Jenny was going"! We went to try and book a tour for the day but realised how expensive everything was as it was peak season, so after a few [View Full Entry]

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10th December - Riobamba to Cuenca We rose early for our long coach journey ahead which departed at 7.30am. The journey was relativley pleasent and the views were amazing. Jake took a lot of pictures whilst i listened to my ipod. after 6 boring hours of no leg room, we arrived in cuenca. 1st impressions wre good, the town looked modern, clean and more travellers were wondering round like us. We went to our hostel, which was crap! But due to a mistake we managed to blag a free upgrade to a room with a private bathroom. We wondered around the [View Full Entry]

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9th December - Riobamba We went sight seeing around the local churches and monuments and took lots of pictures. We sat in the park eating a greedy slice of choclate and cherry cake while catching the sun and learing some spanish. That evening we went to an italian restaurant and shared a pizza and some pasta while a marching parade of small children passed by outside. When the bill came, naughty Jake was so cheeky and decided to take the tip he had left ($1!) as we sneeked out through the side entrance! That night, missing food from home, we were [View Full Entry]

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8th December - Riobamba We woke early feeling groggy but glad to have had a nights sleep. We unpacked, sorting out our dirty washing , showered (after tears and tantrums over lack of hot water!!) and thn headed into town for a delicious continental breakfast. We spent the aftrenoon enjoying the local park, eating icecreams, calling our parents and writing up our diary in the park for the events of the last 3 days. we strolled around the town and picked up some food from the supermarket for tea. We went back to the hotel but had to go to bed [View Full Entry]

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7th December - Tena/Amazon The bus chairs were reasonably comfy, but we still didnt manage to get any sleep. At 4am after a horrible journey, of thinking whether our bags were safe or not if we fell asleep, we arrived at Tena bus station. It was dark and full of drunken teens. Knowing we couldnt wonder the streets at that time of the morning, we managed to persuade the driver to let us stay on the dark stationary bus, until about 6am, when the bus would set off again. Tired, hungry, smelly, and snappy, we woke, and went to find some [View Full Entry]

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6th December - Peguche We wanted to go to Peguche Waterfall eary, so woke up before 7am, but ended up sat at an internet cafe trying to sort a hostel for that night which proved difficult. FINALLY near midday, we set off, but had the wrong footwear, so the terrain hurt our feet. After half an hour of walking up a hill and burning in the sun, we sked some local children for directions. Jakes spanish was proving to be really helpful, as although he couldnt understand everything that was said, he got his point across. We continued on the route [View Full Entry]

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5th December - Lake Cuicocha We woke early to get breakfast out, so we could head straight to the lake early to catch the views. We went to a local pastry shop, but the woman behind the counter ripped us off. It was becoming a frequent occurence, as we obviously looked like tourists, with our pale skin, guide books, and cameras! Annoyed, I stormed back in for my CORRECT change!! Pleased with myself, we headed off to explore Otavalo market, and ended up passing a stall selling Panama hats. My bartering skills were working, until Jake fell for the hairy legged [View Full Entry]

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4th December - Quito to Otavalo We got a dangerous bus to Mitel del Mumdo, where you can stand on the exact line of the equator! It was amazng, boiling hot, and we got pictures of both us, with a foot on either side of the equator lines. We ate melted cheese rolls (again!) for lunch, then made our way towards Otavalo. We were confused on where to get the bus, so whilst w were stood on the corner of a street, I had a scary moment when I managed to get bundled on to one of the buses.. An equadorian [View Full Entry]

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2nd December - Quito Still tired from the flight, we decided to take it easy and just get a feel for the town. We visited Él Panecillo (Virgin Monument) which stands about 3000m so you can see the city. The views were amazing. After that we visited Old Town and New Town. Old ladies were wearing ponchos and I couldnt get over how small everybody was! We had planned a visit to Iglesia de San Francisco, but didn´t make it. Our hunt for La Basilica del Voto Nacional ended with us getting lost so we ended up at cafe Tianguez for [View Full Entry]

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1st December - Madrid to Quito I was dreading the 12hour flight. We got to the airport where there were delays. We sat at the gate, and I was nervous thinking me and Jake were the only British people waiting to board the flight. As expected the flight was long and boring, and typical for us, we got sat in between 2 crying babies for the entire flight! To say I was fuming is an understatement! Poor Jake had to listen to my whinging when the Air Comet meal arrived.. soggy mushrooms soaking in what looked like pond water.. cardboard like [View Full Entry]

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