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Bus Journey with the Locals
So today I wandered out with my book all set to sit in the sun and do nothing all day. But then very quickly decided that was a waste of a day. So I thought maybe I could take a bus somewhere...but where? I hadn't really researched anywhere or knew how the bus thing worked. So I sat watching people getting on and off for a while. It seemed like it was all a bit random...the bus stopped, anywhere..giving the honkers behind something to honk about. People then got off and on again while the bus was still moving! They seemed to sit down, or usually stand as they were all packed, without paying. I guessed that part came later. Perfect I thought. I can do that.
So I made myself get on the next one and sat next to one of the local women. After a minute I asked, in Spanish .(I KNOW!) how much, for 10 mins? I had no place names and was scared to go too far. She and several others within earshot all laughed at me and chatted heartily amongst themselves at how ludicrous this was. Where are you going they asked. I don't know I said (again, in Spanish. Be impressed). Anyway, with gesticulations and more broken Spanish she took 1 sole (approx 30p) from me and gave it to the bus conductor. An 11 year old girl.
I stayed on until the girl told me it was the end of the line. But I was thrown off just on the outskirts of the town. I'd hoped I'd be taken out and away from all the smells but as I was away from the touristy bit the urine smell seemed to be even worse!
I then wandered around for a while, watched some people setting up a kind of market thing. One guy was talking (preaching?) at a crowd and then started singing really badly to them Gloria Gloria Hallelujah. I'm sure it was the Elvis version.
Then I found a coffee shop and watched another guy out on the street cup his hands round his face to shout to his friend down the street. After a while I realised there was no friend and after 10 mins shouting he moved on.
The coffee shop owner said my Spanish is good. I think I can say a sentence which sounds ok, but then when I get an answer I have NO idea what they're saying so usually just smile, say thanks and head in the direction they have originally pointed!
I then found my way back to where I know, using my new found confidence and only talking to the locals. Found an Irish bar, had my 1st "gin con agua tonico" and went back to the hotel for a siesta.
Off to Puerto Maldonado tomorrow to hopefully see lots of different wildlife in the jungle. Tarantulas were mentioned but I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that part. Way out in middle of no where so electricity for only couple hours a day and cold shower only. THIS is more like why I came here...bring it on! xxxx
- comments
Heather Sounds like your having a great time so far! I'd ignore the talk about the tarantulas as well!! #shudder!! X
Susan You are so brave and adventurous! Who'd have thunk it! Keep up the lovely descriptions, I can totally imagine the scenarios, but need more pics please :)
Andy Don't get on "random " buses please !
Anne Lee Pauline, I never realised you are such an accomplished writer. This is riveting stuff.
Debs You take care of yourself, travelling on strange buses. Scottish and Spanish mix as well as Yorkshire and Spanish. Sat here in MH01 missing you.