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Published: March 7th 2008
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Wednesday 5th Once on the flight, is all clean/friendly... And in Spanish first of course! Soon the entertainment system is running - have opted for Disney's 'Enchanted', followed by Alvin and the Chipmunks - adult, I know. Food is pretty tasty alongside the films before I try to fall asleep. Manage 2 x 2 hours of sleep, which is more than before. Wake up to watch 'Martian Boy', and await breakfast. Back to my book as we come into land. Easy through security - not impressed to see that another part of my bag is broken (and these 2 breaks are not covered by the guarantee). No taxi waiting as half-expected. Been warned to look out for taxis, one gets me - says $18, which is about right, but then says have to pay in Pesos, which he says in 40,000! Fortunately I have already checked with the hostel who say 12,000 pesos is about $20, so we settle for 12,000. I realise a bit over, but want to get to my hostel. Not impressed that he tried that on though. When I get there he doesn't have the right change so gets 13,000! As they said, look out for them!
So, now am at the Happy House Hostel. The dorms look great, but I'd already pre-opted for a private ensuite room, and end up with 3 beds. Nice room - quite humid, but hey. Slowly sort some papers out, have a shower to try and wake up - just want to sleep (I have jumped back to 16 hours behind New Zealand). Walk into the city, a bit of a distance but OK. Obvious style of Latino architecture, but some great big European style too. Make it to Plaza da Armas - get nobbled by a couple of people looking for money for student funds. They're friendly, even when I say am giving my time this year. For those of you who don't know, I am going to work for Oak Hall for the summer season, starting with a trip to Venice 24-31 May - awaiting to hear what else I've been allocated, but hoping to get to Winchester first week in June now. Wander round, sussing out the shops and some of the attractions. Too tired to think what to eat so opt for water, banana sandwich and more Gelato icecream. Can't find any souvenir shops. Decide will
come back tommorow and see what is around.
Quite a walk back to the hostel. Trying to find an internet café with DVD writer - No joy! Hear a bit of a crash at one point, and turn to see a guy has fallen off his motorbike. Collect his helmet, but seem to be plenty of people looking after him, so leave them to it. Get back to hostel and use (free) internet - it has a DVD writer! Except I can't get it to function now, maybe will try again later. Check out the facilities - all clean, neat, friendly - find the roof terrace. Great view! Sit there and try to stay awake.... Ran into a German girl, Sybil. We met up to use our free wine vouchers, both of us struggling to stay awake. Nice wine, could have had Pisco Sour, but chose not to. Thought would fall right to sleep but noise from 2 x restaurants below, and 2 communal areas outside meant that although I went to bed at 9, it was gone 11 by the time I fell asleep!
Thursday 6th Day looks quite overcast when I drag myself up at 8am.
Being strict with myself in the hope that the jetlag will pass quicker this time. Read for quite a while, shower, and just make it down for breakfast which finishes 10am. Surprised that breakfast is laid out, and I'm served with juice, cereal, cake, grilled cheese sandwich and yoghurt. Meet a few people to chat to then head back outside to relax/read. Too hot quite quickly, so head into my room where am impressed to see my room cleaned.
Check out my map/guidebook and decide will head across to the statue of the Virgin Mary. Try out my USB SD converter in a couple of internet cafes - nothing happening - not sure if it's too fast or if it's terminally broken! No one seems to sell one. Never mind. Find the Funicular and see the large statue of the Virgin Mary (find some cloth badges too!). Have a combined ticket with the cable-car. This is not so exciting, but some more views. Head back to the Funicular, into town, where, yay, find a USB SD stick for about GBP5. Bit of supermarket shopping, then head back for some sweetcorn, a cake, lots of water - and a chat
with Sybil. Find a free computer and find that my new purchas works, so I'm currently backing up to DVD then I can upload! It´s already 10.30pm, and I have to ensure I am packed, and get up about 4am to catch my flight. Ouch!
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