Banos Day 3

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Day 12: Banos Day 3:

Well, we woke up pretty early again, hoping again to ride mountain bikes down the waterfall route, but it was raining even heavier than yesterday. So it was raining so much, we decided to have breakfast upstairs in the terrace cafe. Manoli and I each ordered a number 2 breakfast which consisted of scrambled eggs, bread and conditments, juice, and coffee. It wasn't bad at all, and not too expensive at $2.50 each. It continued to rain some, so at about 11am we decided to try walking a ways, using umbrellas. We didn't even get out of town before Manoli decided it was very enjoyable this way, so we decided to wait a while longer... maybe after lunch. For lunch, we went to another of the local restaurants to try another almuerzo. This time I order churrascos instead, which turned out to be two large beef filets, two eggs, rice, french fries, and a small salad. We both got juice with our lunches, and everything was very good. I almost ate all of mine. The total bill was $7.00. We strolled around town again in a light drizzle, then returned to the room to read and hope the rain cleared. Around 3pm or so, it finally stopped, so we walked up to the bike rental place and rented two mountain bikes with helmets, lock, and map.

We started downhill and within 10 or 15 minutes, Manoli wasn't feeling very comfortable riding on the side of the two-lane road with cars passing us frequently, but she stuck it out. We reached the first main waterfall, Agoyan, in about 40 minutes. it was pretty spectacular, as evidenced by the photo. Since it still wasn't raining, we decided to try the next one about 4 more kilometers down the road. After passing thru the only tunnel that doesn't have a side path for bikes, we reached the first side path, but couldn't go any further. Today was not our day! All the cars, and bikes, were being stopped because of a landslide just on the other side of the tunnel. The police told us they were going to let cars thru each way in about 15 minute intervals, but that it wouldn't be safe for us. So, we figued we might as well try to return to Banos by bus or truck. Luckily, there was a largish pickup truck parked across the street and after inquiring, the driver told us he'd take us and the bikes back to Banos for two dollars. Not too bad. Also, two other ladies decided to join us, so Manoli had a couple of ladies to chat with all the way. Arriving in Banos about 5pm, we returned our bikes and chilled in the room for a bit before realizing we weren't sure what time the bus left for Cuenca tomorrow. We walked to the bus station and after checking, we found out there was a more or less direct bus leaving tomorrow morning at 8:45 via Riobamba.

After the bus station, we went to an ATM for more money for the hostal and trip, then to the supermarket for Coke and water. On the way back to the hostal, we stopped and the Swiss Bistro for a light dinner before turning in. I ordered a "Capun", which was spinach, cheese, and mushroom rolled in some sort of dough and a capuccino. Manoli wasn't hungry, but ordered a bowl of tomato soup. My capun was very good, but Manoli didn't care much for her soup, mostly because she wasn't hungry. After dinner we returned to the room for some needed sleep. Tomorrow we head to the colonial city of Cuenca, on an 8 or 9 hour bus ride. See ya there.

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