Blogs from Ecuador, South America - page 658

Well we made it to Ecuador. We left Chiclayo on the 6th at 10pm on an overnight bus to Tumbes near the border with Ecuador. We arrived in far northern Perú at 5:30 am (before dawn). As soon as we left the bus agency, they closed the doors. We were the only gringos on board and the other passengers quickly dispersed. This meant that we were besieged by a dozen taxis, moto-taxis, and minibuses all offering to take us towards the border. No me gusta. We tried to fend them off, but they were very persistent. We knew we had to just get out of there, so we chose one and got across the border an hour or two later. From Huayquillas, the Ecuadorian border town, we took a bus to Machala, the next city inland. ... read more

Hey there amigos, it´s rich today we made our merry way across the river for the mighty first anniversary celebration of a shopping mall. Many fliers had been spied regarding the event around town and it seemed like a damn fine way to spend a morning. Festivities were to begin at 10 am sharp, and would culminate with a fantastic 500m (oh yes, half a kilometre) sandwich. Tempted by the prospect of ridiculous food we sallied forth with our gallant fellow students Mora, Addie and Shawn, and arrived on the dot. Well, what can I say about the sandwich? false advertising would suit, as would massively disappointing. No sign of a Ron Jeremyesqe mighty sandwich, but merely a huge number of normal ones on a table (they were quite big to be fair, but far from ... read more

- FOOD: Generally excellent food on the tour - breakfast of fruit, juice, herbal teas, BROWN toast, crispy bacon, ham, cheese, cornflakes, muesli and yogurt. Lunches and dinners served with soup first, always different. Nice deserts too. - AREA: Heaven. WOOOOOOOW. 1st class yacht, volcanic islands, totally unspoilt and animals, birds and fish galore that are super friendly. Such a nice break from the general hassle of Quito and so nice to be looked after and have the decisions already made for you. - PEOPLE: Nice tour mates although slightly irritating American family with 4 kids and a very moany NZ woman. Informative guide even though he wasn't a barrel of laughs. - WEATHER: Quite a lot of wind and rain but occasional sun bathing sessions. Some choppy seas! Thur 7th: My dream come true started ... read more

- FOOD: Bargainous almuerzo, good pizza by an open fire, my first gin and tonic (and my last having tasted it). - AREA: A very bad journey to Otavalo which is home to the 'best' market in South America. Ok but a bit tacky (or have I just been to too many markets now?) - PEOPLE: Lovely local lady on the bus to chat to. Back in Quito, a very drunk Dave and a very slimy Ecuadorian man. Luckily, Simon the saviour appeared at the right time. - WEATHER: Enough wind and rain for the trees to fall down, blocking the road to Otavalo. Tues 5th: Had yet another lie in and then had the most bargain lunch of a starter of avocado with palm hearts, main of chicken and rice and desert of mousse, with ... read more

- FOOD: Pizza with a grey crust, Indian that took ages to arrive so many cuba libras were our starter, banana and nut pancakes that didn't cure the hangover, Thai food which was just ok. Typical Ecuadorian dish of sausage, mash and cheese and avocado. - AREA: New Town Quito has small streets similar to Soho but they don't feel too safe at night. Old Town Quito reached by tram is nicer with plazas, many more people and a fantastic high cathedral with views of the whole city after climbing the steep dodgy stairs. Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World) - very touristy area where people straddle the ecuator line for photos. Some crap museums. - PEOPLE: Annoying fellow bus passengers, taxi drivers that rip you off, more Aussie guys, fewer indigenous, more black and ... read more