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Camera batteries died and refused to be recharged any longer - therefore Ipad is only camera for a while and pics of this part of trip are few. On Monday, we traveled 17 hours from Puerto Lopez Ecuador to Mancora Peru and had our toughest travel day yet. Besides being long, having to navigate Guayquil bus terminal which is very loud, large & confusing, and make multiple changes, the border crossing was especially challenging. Lots of people trying to get extra $ from us, confusion about what paper is stamped and processed where, waiting in lines for unclear reasons, etc. We did not make it to Tumbes - a military town in Northern Peru with not much to offer for civilians - until after 9pm (3 hours late) and then unscrupulous touts tried to get us to pay double for mototaxis, next bus, etc.
There were five of us "gringos" - two from Quebec, one from Austria, and us - arguing in Spanish and English with the hustlers and we finally succeeded in only paying 50% more for the final bus than the locals rather than the 100% that was being demanded. Then bus was stopped a little before midnight for drug inspection - all they found was the smelly fish in the luggage area - but we all had to get off and wait until it was cleared. Arrived in beach town about 1am and only places open said no ninos (no children) as they were "party" hostels. Finally found place to crash and in morning sought out nicest family hotel in area.
Ended up staying at Samana Chakra in beautiful beach cabana with outdoor shower, pool, yoga every night at 5pm and very helpful staff for almost three days to detox from the trip there. Met blended family from Lima/Chile/Portland with 10 year old girl for Zoe to play with - turns out all swimming pool games are universal and they had a great time running around and giving Zoe lots of spanish practice. Althought people and travel in Ecuador were much more friendly/easier, food in Peru is much better - went to great restaurants in Mancora with fresh off the boat ahi tuna (sashimi, cebiche, seared on grill, etc.), fried calamari, and other great seafood treats. Felt like lovely three-day beach vacation. Then took overnight bus to Huanchaco/Truijillo, completing half of 20 hour buse ride to Lima, and are ready to do the next leg of it tomorrow and meet our friend Derek at the Lima airport. After 43 days straight together with no breaks (but who is counting:)), we are both excited to have some new energy on the road with us. It is also the transition from buses and hostels to more airplanes and hotels as Peru is much larger, and we are hoping to get to the northern jungle (Iquitos) southern colonial city (Arequipa), Sacred Valley (Cusco), and finally Lake Titicaca all before our return at the end of August.
- comments
Marian Urquilla let's hear for universal pool games!
Mike Allison Wow, grueling, but what an adventure. I wasn't even sure Blue Footed Boobies were real - great photos. I'm jealous that Derek and then Sue are headed your way. "Wish I were there!"
Chris Cunnie You and Zoe are my new role models! I just paid for a three week trip to India in October. Hope we can grab lunch in September!