Translation from Dutch into English with GOOGLE TRANSLATE
Sunday and Monday, September 15/16
Patrick has brought us to the train station where we train
from half past seven (at night) have taken to Utrecht.
We knew that there were no trains between Utrecht and Schiphol
express bus that would drive. It will not be further
Piet as public transport goes somewhere that
without delay, failure or maintenance expires. Yet
did the trip, the bus was ready and we were
on time at Schiphol.
At check showed that all
sites by Baobab had been allocated and that no positions
side by side were available, a good start again.
The ground stewardess said we are close together and
The group were so may well swap. We have during the
coffee even met a group from the
group and there seem to be nice to sit between. When we in the
plane arrived, we exchanged with anyone outside the
heard group, who said the same: of course (but then at
French) and moved one spot. That meant we really
travel for two sat beside each other in a
double row. So nice to hang, go pee
and everything else you do what other travelers in an
triple or quadruple row can suffer from. After a
Bonaire stopover at 3.15 (what a time) where
We half hours in a transit hall have arguments were
we continue to our final destination. In Ecuador we had
countries again to 06.20 in Guayaquil, this time we were
is not only new but were passengers "loaded".
Evelyn arrived in Quito was waiting for us, apparently
and makes a nice girl. Soon it became very clear that they
it knows the ropes, at least she speaks fluent Spanish,
very important in a South American country. We are in a bus
In half an hour to our **** star hotel in the center
of town to go. Nice hotel, hot water in the shower
and a working toilet, what does a tired traveler more.
After an hour we went to unpack and freshen up the
Welcome briefing where we got a lot of information and
equal $ 360.00 should be returned to Evelyn. $ 80.00 for
additional flight, the tip jar for $ 80.00 and $ 200.00 for
eat during the jungle tours. That hurts in good, happy
and we knew we had so counted on. We have talked
down here and had dinner together and guarantee even
what we wanted to eat i.v.m. logistics and cooking.
After the meeting we spent walking around, we have
great basilica visited and climbed. Piet was a piece
later, I dropped out when the stage turned into a ladder with the
ground far below me. Nevertheless, I still enjoyed the view.
Then we have lunch together for $ 3.20, including drinks.
We were a bit careful with the food, the chicken was not
fully cooked, so we have a bit of leave. The
was also fun, it was a restaurant that only
existed for lunch and there were many Ecuadorians. We
are just about the market and have walked a dipper
purchased water. The immersion value we had worked
not, as Piet had predicted. This took the market
$ 2.00, so that cost us the cup either, especially considering the
Evelyn amount we already had ceded.
We went back to the hotel to the stuff back
and, of course for a beer. At this altitude you
finally, keep drinking
(Or should that alcohol is debatable, but what you need
in your holidays ...). Then we went on the hunt went
for cards and stamps, it worked, but we do not
more. $ 23.00 for 17 cards with stamps is a lot.
In the room, we drank a cup of broth and have
unsuccessfully searched for the travel clock, so forgotten. We
have asked the front desk to wake us the next day.
When we told messengers Joke and Petra equal to us
wake. "If we oversleep you also have bad luck"
was the claim and we did fine.
At half past six, we ate with the group, then the mess
the room is cleaned (the bags were exploded due to weather
the
Searching for the alarm clock) and small bags for
first jungle trek caught. For nine hours we went flat and
despite being a bed was too soft, we immediately
sunk.
Tuesday, September 17
We slept, showered with hot water and delicious
half past seven for breakfast. There was another large table
covered for the whole group. We have very good breakfast
freshly baked with eggs and stuff. Then we luggage
lowered and separated, not everything goes back to the jungle.
We had to wait in the van and the pick-up our
luggage to the next hotel would bring, but that was
all nice and smooth. At the airport I found out that
Bergman I set still in my wallet Sat and may therefore
not. There is namely a knife and scissors in one, nice
stupid of me to put it in my hand luggage to leave, but I
it was simply forgotten. After a lot of fives and sixes was
in custody and I would be on the way
pick up at Lost & Found by Tame Airways.
First time being but once in a packed plane to
Lago Agrio from there to the jungle to go. After
flight so we went further in a truckbus, a truck
who had turned into
(Surprisingly) a bus. The first
hours we sat in the bus. After lunch we went to six
persons on the roof, there would be less dusty in
Evelyn. That is just missed, but it was fun,
warmer and cozier. We sat on the roof with Joke
Petra, Evelien, Marco, so six of us. We were good
were warm and not too busy to walk on wooden butt
the shaken on the steel roof. The advantage was the
we had beautiful views over the jungle.
When hobbelrit was over we had a couple of hours sailing
in order
our camp in the jungle to come. We were at the starting point
of our canoe trip received by Sonia and her fellow guide
begeleiden.Zij us in the jungle were told what the
part of the jungle where we could linger and then
we went with two canoes engine.
We have way too many Seen:
Wonderful to be the
jungle boat, it's really like a picture you see on TV with
brown on both sides of a river surrounded by jungle with
noises.
3 types of Kingfishers, two sloths, squirrel monkeys,
bats, a weasel-like in a tree and flying
(Screaming) macaws. As if we were in a movie.
In the dark and in a gentle rain we arrived at our
encampment. It looks reasonable. We have a platform
the dining room and kitchen, with everyone
a (double) mosquito net and a platform with two
Western toilets.
There was just no running water, so had to flush
a bucket. Fortunately, this is not the first time, so that's
not so bad. We had no shower, but a very large
river as a bathroom. The cook had a delicious meal for us
prepared by candlelight we ate.
Back to a long table, it will be belong.
After a cold beer on account
($ 2.00) and
everyone was ten hours in bed. Around one hour or five
Morning
someone had to pee and when run on a platform
everyone is awake too, so in convoy to the toilet block.
It is very dark, so good that everyone has a flashlight with
him.
Wednesday, September 18
After breakfast we have appropriate boots for our first
jungle walk. The walk was more than three hours and we have lots
beautiful things. Mostly plants with too much explanation Sonia
gave about how they are used by locals. So
the sap of a tree used to make healing
wounds, it is dragon blood
(Dragon's blood) called
because it is red. We even ate lemon ants. They
are very small, when you remove them from the branch where they live
they are already dead and you can be so ": fantastic. It tastes really
sour. Piet has a couple living in his mouth made
but that went too far.
During the walk became clear why provision was made for boots, we have been very
what
mud patches come. You could see why the rainforest
hot, it's moist enough to have that name as
not raining here. At one point we passed a
centipede against which we have extensively reviewed and also
hand could run. Sonia has also, together with our
jungle companion, a backpack of a braided palm leaf.
So you see that everything used by the people in and
living near the rainforest. At the end of the walk
We were back in camp for lunch just fine
was, like breakfast.
We got to half past three the time to rest, that was a good
there were hammocks, which we had to try as well.
Afterwards we went on the road to the canoe for piranha fishing. This is done with raw
meat what appeared to be very popular with that kind of fish. There was a lot of bait
hooks removed, certainly without the fish on the hook Sat, they are very smart
and convenient. Nevertheless, there is something brought to the surface and see that it did Sonia
are dangerously little biter. All you hold them before they bite, even in a leaf.
Of course they were all put back. Piet is the only one grondvis
caught. Not a piranha, but something Aparts you trust him. Further
During the trip we have not seen a lot, but it was equally nice to
one while boating. We had a big rainstorm just before "home" After savoring
dinner we had been talking for a while and we went at half past nine to
bed, a fun but tiring day. It has the whole evening and night, rain.
Thursday, September 19
We were all together again woke up really early. To half past seven
breakfast and then a walk. This time we went
the canoe a little further. As we walk the last
had had no pleasure of the viewers did we do this
times but in the camp behind.
That was not very helpful since we first piece in a canoe
went we saw some more animals in the trees. When we missed
the viewers, of course, is sin. We saw owls, monkeys
and bats.
At the site of the walk arrived was a real
climbing and climbing party. Sometimes sliding back somewhat since the
was slippery, sometimes bathed by a
large (water) mud puddle. It was fun again,
especially since we saw some animals. Piet saw a
strawberry frog, sat at least one piece
identification from the terrarium time. Sonia saw another
Piet saw a frog and lizard. It seemed a
contest who is the first time.
There were also in this part of the rainforest has many beautiful, large flowers such as
bird of paradise flower. Els who really loves flowers she did
enjoy. After we drank and an Indian village
bought a packet of biscuits, we went back to the canoe
for lunch.
After the mandatory rest (life is hard ...) were
We again pad.Nogmaals to four hours in a canoe, en route to
the lagoon, we saw many beautiful things on course again
animal and plant area. Before we sent the lake were submerged
Sonia canoe a tributary of the river. There we heard
soldier wasps. They make the sound of a marching army
when their nest is disturbed, very fun to make.
At the lake we saw fresh water dolphins. What we really saw
were only the backs and once when a spraying
really surfaced.
They were much too far away, but they are
very shy and it's been nice that we have seen them. There was
opportunity to swim, but made only Marco
use. The sunset seemed not so nice, but gradually
He was surely the spectacular vista that Evelyn
promised. When it was dark we go caiman spotting.
It was not easy, you saw in the light of the spotlight
or their eyes reflect, but then the canoe close
they dove under and came away. One we can do well
photograph, which was around the corner from the camp on a
beach beautiful.
When we came back we had a nice dinner with cake
for dessert in honor of the birthday Kirsten. They had to first
remove the top layer off, because the kitchen staff had to
Happy Birthday mayonnaise letters written on the cake.
When that stuff was off the cake tasted good. When we go to bed
someone shouted that there were going over the nets a tarantella
Sat That was true, but over a mosquito net on the second
sleeping platform where four Belgians slept. It was quite a beast
with a body of 10-12 cm, so a nice boy. Soon a
few pictures and then to bed.
Friday, September 20
We woke up with the announcement that Evelyn $ 90.00
from her purse was stolen, it was the money from the fees and
eating spot. We have reviewed our own stuff all seemed
do not miss anything. Kirsten does, she talked about $ 200.00 and
passports of her and Edwin.
After breakfast we went Peguche left. Course
First a piece of a boat where we will macaws and an eagle
have seen.
Then again a few hours and then with the truckbus
plane. At the airport was our bus Siro
our driver waiting for us again. Above expectation was
Bergman I set my back. They had kept in TAME
Lost & Found. Arrived in Peguche proved a nice
small hotel to be run by an Ecuadorian with a
Dutch woman married. That was very pleased that we
see, she was able to speak Dutch and they did too loud.
After dumping our stuff to the room and had brought the dirty
was issued, we had the evening enjoy dinner at
The attractive restaurant. We went to bed pretty early,
tired of the long travel and all the impressions we
the jungle had gained.
Saturday, September 21
We would sleep in the first instance and the cattle market
Saquisili still visit and thus of Otavalo skip. When
we were early in the morning without even the alarm
We have put our stuff together soon picked up and
we left at 06.20 but fell to the cattle market at Otavalo.
It was nice to see, the market was not as big but
were enough for the whole screaming pigs specially
network. We even have some tea on the market before
We went to the mainstream market.
We have bought an alarm clock, forget who we were and that just is not convenient.
The alarm that we have chosen has a very high
kitsch content, it's a pretty red velvet bag. But he
doing and that is key, so we also have
a "fun" we had to have souvenir.Ook a toothbrush,
Piet had his spontaneous broken during cleaning and could
no longer in the back of his little snout komen.We were here
recover from the huge prices for those items they
asked
(Not) but in a restaurant and
coffee drinking, it was not until half past nine or so.
After the coffee we enjoy on the tourist market fell
where I have a backpack, t-shirts and long pants I bought.
Also a pair of earrings were missing not on the list, but a
souvenir we have not really found. After wander
the market we saw a rooftop terrace where we've been drinking and
enjoy the shopping crowd could see. There we
a nice hour spent with a beer and some nachos.
Then we went to an internet cafe for the kids to
know that everything was OK. When I opened the mailbox there was a
Saskia whole story about Nero. She wanted him to sell,
but sat there and did something with her heart skies. That may
always and in the meantime I was an answer to
tapping was Piet went to the bathroom. When he
came back and I was done we wanted to go and we came to the
discovery that the camera bag was stolen. Who stood beside me clip
on a chair and someone who during my internet off
stolen.
We asked if anyone had seen and what the whole
Internet checked, but there was no one who saw something
and had the bag was nowhere to be found. We were furious, but the
camera stuff there was also an amount of money.
In the rush to that morning still be on time
for the cattle we had not cleaned out like a camera bag
will always have the habit. But then towards the police
which of course was no one spoke English. We have
first half hour to wait before someone came to
an official report could make.
Those three words best man spoke English, but with my
two words of Spanish, pen and paper and sign language we are
still manages a copy of the correct data to get.
Then of course we had not much sense to go shopping
and
we went back to the hotel, still awful
pissed. We have done a beer and we got together to
concluded that the holidays just remain angry
would further deteriorate. We tried, therefore, not much more
talking about it, not thinking about it. Somewhere in a larger
City substitute stuff we buy, we finally
insured. We agreed it was not for the rest of the group
to say, we did not want the story to elaborate and
pity to hear. It was finally our own
debt, we had better to be careful, but KU .. was
though. Moreover, we had all been arranged with the police,
So there was nothing else to say.
Then what we wanted to eat at the restaurant showed
closed by the IRS.
Molly (the owner) said that this sort of thing
happened more often, but never quite clear why.
She was accused of being a higher rate for foreigners
it applied for Ecuadorians. She said that was not true,
but it could do nothing at that time, the restaurant was
Friday closed (we were apparently just AFET)
and she could not before Monday to the tax authorities to
redress.
She did have an alternative to the meals. At the hotel
was a conference room and there was a limited menu
served. That was then, because money in
Otavalo we did not sit here, the city would give us enough
money.
After dinner in the cheerless room were a bunch of kids in
who performed a folk dance in traditional costumes and also some
singing songs. That made it again or just fun.
To bed, tomorrow we are a long walk ahead.
Sunday, September 22
When we got up for breakfast showed that the current was
inoperative. That meant no eggs at dinner, but fortunately
have coffee, tea and pancakes. For nine hours we got into the
bed of a pickup, after a ride of 50 minutes to
arrive at the starting point of our walk around the crater lake
of Cuicocha.
In the beginning it was chilly, but fortunately
getting warmer, even by walking. It was a fairly heavy
Walk through the level, but also partly by the evidence
which simply could not walk, but it was more climbing.
Some pieces were walking along a ravine off really, nothing really
dangerous, but still. This was our first real walk
Height and despite the breaks that were needed was in
certainly very fun to do.
Eventually we have this trip in four and half hours done
first time for such a great time. When we arrived at the
end we have a delicious soup in the restaurant and what
drink taken. It was fine waiting for the rest of the group,
we had a spot at the window overlooking the crater lake
that again looked brilliant blue. It looked very inviting
order to take a dive, but the water was very cold
(We were told).
When the group was complete, we took the truck to the
village of Cotacachi gone.
This is a place where they learn a lot and we could sell
course also not leave without taking anything. Piet
purse for everyday use and I for a carnival. The
was a tiring but great day.
Monday, September 23
At seven o'clock breakfast, we left at eight hours and still had
pay off old scores. That was all fine, we do not really shocked
the account. En route we stopped to buy
cookies and chips. The first photo stop was for the Cayambe, a
volcano as we were going to see more.
After not too long a journey by road of the volcanoes were
we have a country road for a while at the lodge in the
cloud forest of Maquipucuna to come. Fortunately, we Siro
a good driver, so it went well. Arriving at
The destination turned out to be anything else than the
camp in the rainforest, it was just nice luxury. It was
a bamboo lodge with a separate bedroom for each
(Because it was not so busy). The only thing missing was
a private bathroom, but there were enough common
toilets and showers. Running and warm water is quite special
if you're an hour away from civilization it. Also current is
present, between six and ten o'clock at night. Order to Delicious
reading and good for people with rechargeable digital cameras.
After the manager had told some things about the lodge and
Nature lunch was arranged for us. As in the
rainforest was again well controlled. After lunch,
Walk with us. Unlike in the rainforest can
Here are some independent action, there are even walks
plotted. Our first led us to the waterfall, which lasted
about half an hour. It was close and there was no further
so much to see. After this we did a very heavy exercise
cold beer on the porch, so good, it's a real paradise.
Piet fell asleep in the hammock and was stone cold awake, he
seemed to have a little fever. After
(Again excellent) dinner but we are also
half past eight hiding under the wool.
Tuesday, September 24
Good sleep, I wanted to take a shower, but there was only
cold water and that'll be something too far. After breakfast
I heard that the communal showers as no hot water
had, but having a hot shower was one of the luxurious rooms.
So anyway in the hot beam, it was delicious.
Then we together enjoy a self guided tour of the
done. Stood for 45 minutes, we were there of course
half hour. Not because it all was so difficult
but because there is much more to see if you are quiet about it. We
have seen a lot of nice things, including leafcutter ants
who ever walked on a tree with a leaf on their
back.
They seem to use them as food for aphids that they
"vee" hold. The lice provide certain fungi
The ants then as food. After
lunch (which is down a little less, but it is not
Always great party) we went out with the hired guides.
Carlos a Spanish-speaking guide and Henry was a young man who gidsenvak
learning, but spoke English and therefore for us to translate what
Carlos was all about and wanted to tell. This was
So a failure, but only spoke with Carlos Henry
probably about everything, but not about what he saw.
Or Carlos had no time to look good by giving
any explanation to Henry, or the group was too large. Anyway,
We dropped out after three minutes when we sign a lodge
encountered. And whether it is a coincidence or not, we have
the
(Short) way than seen during the
walk led by the guide.
When the rest of the group came back they told that they only
even saw a squirrel and Carlos / Henry, two things
about them.
Because we were early in the morning, we almost immediately after
food went to bed.
Wednesday, September 25
The festival is back, the guard was about half past four on the door
true, we went looking for the red rock rooster. First in
pitch dark to the place spot. The walk was tiring, too
because there was a lot of hill walking. Certainly the
darkness helped it to them, you had to do extra careful.
But a bit of condition ensures that we are talking
saved.
Arriving at the place we had to
wait before the show began. Soon began a few
rock cocks to scream, the rooster who shouted loudest
was most likely a female, so that was pretty violently.
The shouting of the males was more like retching and
because I was a little sick of the effort
(And lack of breakfast) that came together nicely.
We have definitely seen six rocky cocks and they were pretty quiet, so
The viewers came in handy again. We climbed some more
up the hill to make a bit clearer to
look, so it was fine again.
Back to the lodge for breakfast we surely deserve
had a nice shower and then we went with the group again
away. The first piece we were in a cattle car, very special,
Siro would be our first bus on the tarmac waiting to exit. The
Next stop Lasso, we move along the center
of the Earth. First thing to a real center.
That was only 10 years ago, after examination by
Ecuadorians. There was not much to see, only a monument and
some small shops that were not open. Then we went
the "tourist" center of the earth.
This point was 150 years ago by a group of French researchers found, and there was
complete with a park built around museums, shops and half
amusement park. We have also seen how beneficial the real
point is established and we have a CD with the explanation and
research group bought the Ecuadorian researchers
support.
We found out that our own Evelyn had an interview
account was also published, so that we later
her e-mail was sent.
Then resumed on the way to our next accommodation Lasso and a hacienda that
super deluxe was
are. It was very nice, the room is good but not particularly
luxury. There are some beautiful antique furniture. While Piet went
showering, I ordered dinner.
I was just fed up and asked the group a two person table.
Evelyn who heard some other people thought of
group that might wish and made the manager's request for
more separate tables to reserve. Because we are not as fancy
I had been doing well but as a luxury meal, complete with a bottle.
After freshening up we had a cocktail in the hotel offered
we have in the reception room with fireplace jointly
drunk. Then we went to the restaurant. We have
lovely food and even the light turned off.
Thursday, September 26
From the hacienda we went after breakfast at 7.45 towards
Saquisili. First stop we went to the cattle, which was
similar to the animal market in Otovala. So many
screaming pigs and other beestengerei, there were at least
case many lamas, more than in Otavalo and that was also
fun again.
Then we went to the mainstream market and
have since bought some fresh stuff like strawberries. There was also a
tourist market was much smaller than in Otavalo, but
also fun to roam over it. Even so, we also
it found no souvenir. Of course we are all between
by even a cup of coffee somewhere to do it is after
holiday and we just run no longer fun ..
As next trip we went to our first Cotopaxi
walk on a height to make real. Gradually, the
getting colder, there was also left some white right there on the road.
When we arrived at the parking lot at 4500 meters, we
but once we dressed pretty thick, so hat and gloves
on. We would rise 300 meters but could not straight up.
Just when we started the walk along the path of about 2
kilometer began to hail, but we let our natural
not stop on this tour. I am after all not for nothing
me throughout the years to toil in the. Piet ran
my pace and that it had turned out, a mistake, he
has quite a few problems with his back had. Yet I could not
harder to top, the air was so thin that I ever had
stop gasping for breath.
Even so, we made it, there would be no question of giving up.
Evelyn was waiting for us at the hut at 4800 meters which unfortunately was closed, that
meant, therefore, no stamp in the passport. They brought us
on the path to the glacier. Because she was completely numb
she asked if we ourselves could find the way down. Because we
no problem was found quickly down to warm
be. Els arrived at the glacier was still there, but went
even though way back. That meant that we at some point
only on the glacier pictures of each other were making.
It is a very special feeling to stand on a glacier,
with the cold wind at your back, like herself quite
(For two)
in this world.
Remembering that in Ecuador, and thus on the equator gives
it is a very special accent. All in all I felt
great. Back went a lot easier and we were therefore
so.
The next stop was Banos where we would sleep two nights.
We have not done much more on arrival than was issued
the Mexican in the street what ate tacos, accompanied by
the standard beer, hot showers and delicious to bed.
Piet had a terrible pain in his back from the walk on the
wrong
(My) pace.
Friday, September 27
We slept and then first get going
Internet. Bep's birthday today and finally it's fun
and then what is heard from the far ecuador. Then we
had breakfast at Rico Pan, a bakery with an extensive
breakfast service. It seemed like we were back in the Netherlands,
you heard almost no other language. The breakfast was very
very nice, but again too much. Thus we have the remaining
but sandwiches included.
(We remain Dutch after all).
After some breakfast we walk by Banos, there are many shops selling
all the same, so it is as Evelyn said, it's just
Valkenburg. I have bought a T-shirt with a picture of the
Cotopaxi, we finally had the "subdued". We also
buy batteries for the cameras, which were also in the
Otavalo bag that they have stolen. Soon pins, because that
the money goes through there very fast. Went to the
supermarket for a snack and some siege on the breakfast sandwiches
and buy lunch in the room.
After lunch with swimsuits, swimsuit and towels on the way to
hot tubs. We thought we relax in the famous
baths, but it was a bit disappointing. From above we saw that
an open-air pool were mainly containing an
hope lanky youth, as in the pools in
Netherlands was good to get bored.
That has nothing to do with
peace making
(Is not that much further) and we
So let go. But then on a terrace
(Life is hard !!..). We were sitting in the
sun with a beer and watched a bit of what happened.
Although Banos a tourist town, there are not many
terraces and when we wanted to leave were still Joke and Petra
just join.
The result was that we not leave "should" and therefore "obliged"
had to remain seated.
Later, Marco still there then it was even later.
Suddenly it was seven hours and we had to pick up the laundry.
Then we took the group on the terrace, complemented by
Piet and Joke that came our way, the Mexican in
the street of the hotel eten.We layers to half past ten in bed,
unheard late for this holiday.
Saturday, September 28
We left and went out of their way to Banos for a Urbina
night in an old railway station at 3800 meters altitude.
Along the way we would our second volcano climbing,
Chimborazo.
I had up, I had already taken a
T-shirt bought and it can not be that you do the walk
not do so. The part of the group that was not life
Riobamba to go off to shop. Then
Continue towards mountain. This climb was shorter, from 4800 to
5000 meters.
Moreover, it was as bad weather and you could see all the way up
endpoint show. This meant that Piet me with confidence
could only run
(Otherwise he does not anyway)
and made sure we were both a little better top
could i.v.m. tempo and stuff. Another achievement, it remains
waiving such a walk at high altitude. Above we have a
bought a few stickers which we stamp with the date
received as evidence.
We went back to Riobamba to retrieve the rest.
Before we went out for the rest we did some shopping
for breakfast the next day. Piet got the go
terrible stomach cramps and during the fifteen minutes
shopping three times to the bathroom, the first time
In a typical local hostel.
I would not want to sleep all I got money, but
there was a toilet and if you've been in India makes
not, as you need to.
Urbina arrived at the inn proved to be very nice and
we still have a room for ourselves, complete with a
bed. Because we were aware it was a nice
pretty cool. We first near the
what station looked, they were just busy and small open air
to set up, with some cabins as formerly lived in the area
was.
Before dinner we went inside, warm by the fire
fireplace. They also Casarillo del Diablo, and we have worked with
Joke two cylinders removed. Then there's a band came
the atmosphere was complete and there was lots of dancing. Then the
brought food and we have a delicious meal
consumed. It is here in Ecuador not so bad, we get
at least no shortage. After dinner warm under five
heavy blankets in a cold stone room slept. Using the toilet
almost did not go, only very high distress caused
sure I still went out and terribly cold feet widening.
Sunday, September 29
Antisocial early on there, it seems almost vacation.
At 4.15 the alarm went off at 5 hours and we headed to
time for a seat on the train to get. Evelyn
hired for all of us a cushion, so we do too
wooden butt were on the steel roof.
Piet was the first piece in the train, he still had
good load of his back.
It had to wait until the train departed, the itinerary was
that he would depart at 7 hours and we were sitting at 5.50 already.
Once he started to ride it was still pretty cold as well,
so it was a good thing I had a number of layers over each other
attracted. Actually I'm really not wise to take a
Oily cold to sit on a train. It was then
Once the train ride was very nice, there were many
people on the road waving at us
(Will also have thought: what a half-soles that
train, you can also just sit in the same
money). We drove through various landscapes
beautiful views. Sometimes a bit scary, because you
is no protection on a train and is really close
along large chasms. There are several vendors that did
also not to do on the train to run their
such as biscuits and sweets to offer. There were very
young seller of particles during certainly not older than 12 years. The
train also stopped at two intermediate stations at which
Drivers and conductors were eating.
All very nice, but not up and down the steep stabbing
to wall ride. Later it appeared that the last phase of
the journey, a journey that they are special for tourists
were kept open.
From Alausí
(The route Nariz del Diablo) Piet
also sit on the train, it was good so that people from
went. From that moment had to do all pre-and
propelling the locomotive and also had a few
time to switch places. Since the cards were cut
simply by the conductor on the roof of the train ran to
his work.
Everything went well, there was only one annoying part where the train
half hours in the sun stood still since the conductor
was selling tickets for the regular train route
to Cuenca.
When we returned in Alausí we had lunch in the cafeteria
of a school, such as the TU / e. We are advised by Evelyn
taken some extra to take. The people in this region
are very poor and like it when we give them what the
form of food. Along the way we also have chicken and rice
given to children who indeed looked very poor,
I found it a little embarrassing, but Evelyn said it was very
appreciated and it will be.
Then we went to our Posada in Ingapirna. They were
delicious deluxe rooms, there was even a bathtub.
Unfortunately there was another long table for us, it is
almost annoying. I got up in time to bed, my
Head of the cold snapped, it seems every year once
during the holidays so should be. Fortunately I know that a
night, sleep well and then the worst is over. Piet went
just to watch fireworks lit for us, but
was soon back in the room. At night he is come to me
lie because I was so and he me snoring from another room
turn around so I can not stop. Fortunately, the two
double beds, so it would fit well.
Monday, September 30
In the morning a nice hot tub, which was good with
my cold. After that was all power, so I was lucky
had, because the heater did not. When we had
breakfast we had to pay and then showed again that a
luxury hotel also has luxury prices. The breakfast costs U.S. $ 6 and a
beer the night before U.S. $ 2.50, a bit absurd prices
compared to the rest of the holiday. Then we have under
a guide to the Inca ruins views.
When the tour
(Finally) was over we went with a small group
of 6 + Evelyn a slight hike from 2 hours to make.
We found a fairly heavy climbing and clambering Party
from 3 hours to the fields because they are differently distributed
and so the paths were closed. It was very nice,
sometimes scary because you're on and / or along the water was. We
were obviously not afraid, there could be no better place, we
were not near ravines or so, but the whole day
Piss wet shoes and clothes seemed no fun.
All in all, a little adventure on such a day.
On the way to Cuenca we stopped for lunch snacks such as
cookies and chips, it's not always the most healthy holiday
been. At a quarter past four we arrived at our posh Poepie
Hotels in Cuenca. This beats it all again, but four
stars we do not mind.
First I explore the city looking for a good
photo shop for camera gear. Nothing found, it will be a
entirely new set be seen in the course of the next
some days we find or should do.
Nice simple dinner together and went to bed.
Tuesday, October 1
Finally a day without a group activity. But first
even further on the hunt for a camera and everything it implies.
Eventually
(In the last shop) we found what we
sought and have the right but bought. Long live the golden
pass, we see the home or settlement, we are finally well
assured
(We hope) and no good stuff to the Galapagos
We will not happen, whatever it takes.
First I have some pictures and go in search of a
souvenir. We found only one thing we bothered
to take but there was 100% guarantee that it breaks
come home, so that we have not done.
Piet was of course not convinced of the quality of
stuff, especially the combination of lenses and camera, so we
we have the pictures we had meanwhile made to develop
the two hours service. Of course they were fine and was able to Piet
From that moment really let go with the right stuff.
At half past six we got the briefing on the progress of the
onward journey, the group would split into a section home
and part to the Galapagos Islands. Evelyn gave us the
Envelopes for gratuities Siro
(And herself). We have
also filled the spot, of course, after the usual discussion
over the height. Eventually we decided that every person has but
had to do what they wanted. We found the proposed
amount considering the standard of living too high and have a
we feel reasonably
(As well not peanuts) amount
done. We agreed that we Siro on the envelope for that night
would give complete with speech Joke and myself and
Evelyn's envelope the other day on the bus would get.
They had both the attention they deserve.
Wednesday, October 2
Today I slept and had breakfast at Casa Grande. Then
We walked to the museum del Banco. It's a very nice
museum with each population having a separate section.
Particularly in terms of the headhunters was very nice set, especially
because it completely into the "deep" jungle was recreated.
The other parts were very nice, just saw you again
a piece of recognition of all that we had already seen the road.
On the way back to the center, we also visited ruins.
There were three civilizations, Canaris, the Incas and the
Spaniards who had built their buildings together. Because the
excavation was exposed you could also see the differences
(Helped by the descriptions, of course).
On the central square we have some lunch together, I took a
tortilla con pollo and it turned out to be an omelette with chicken. This
of chicken that I had known that, but I thought a tortilla
a soft taco was so wrong, at least that time. Back
to the hotel for the luggage to split and then only as
walk for a souvenir, unfortunately, still found nothing.
When we decided to have another beer, we came to do Piet
Joke and against and that beer we enjoyed together.
We were well back in time at the hotel
(The pub was
Finally on the corner). Freshen up, we were the last
times with the whole food group, and it was also
goodbye dinner Siro. We got him there too Envelope
given. That Evelyn not that we had finally
agreed. Evelyn seemed a little disappointed about that
to be, it was as if she walked away angry.
After the delicious food we did have a nightcap in the
pub and we went to bed at 11:30
(It should not
crazier, so after that we are night owls).
Thursday, October 3
To 6 hours on, one last hot shower in our luxury hotel and nasty
7 hours for breakfast. We would leave at 8 hours. When, after the
Breakfast was going to pay the hotel bill, I found an Evelyn
who was upset about the events of the night before.
Piet was there too and we have for they can
convince themselves that they saw all wrong. She thought
namely that they were not appreciated by us because they do not
gift was given. So wrong, she had the whole night
need to bounce. Fortunately, it was after an explanation of the sun
her face.
When we were an hour away, I have her on behalf of the group
thanks, with a little hint to what happened. Half of the
group did not understand it, but had not been given and
that was otherwise not so bad.
Arriving in Guayaquil the hotel was one of the worst to
are a stuffy room with no daylight. We will be
save it a night.
After bringing up the luggage, we said goodbye
those who did not went along to the Galapagos Islands.
Unfortunately, the wrong people, but you can not
everything.
The afternoon we spent at searching for a souvenir, there
is also in town to do nothing. It's just a
large city with many modern shops and department stores. They are
Like everything in every major city is rebuilding, so it
was not even really enjoy shopping.
Eventually we found a little doll or Inca
nice.
In the evening we had dinner in our hotel, it was not
particularly, but otherwise there was nothing nearby.
To bed, tomorrow to the Galapagos.
