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Plot Twist
Hello everyone!
We have since arrived in Bogota and found a place to stay at the Cranky Croc hostel, somewhere in the old district of town. We were looking for a different hostel when I saw the sign, and hit the brakes. In we walked, booked a room, and were immediately presented with what turned out to be a 2005 BMW HP2 Enduro. Adam, an Israeli has been traveling for 2.5 years, with 1.5 more to go. We then parked the bikes in the parking area, and there presented another bike, a 2009 KLR650. Chris from California ends his 1 year adventure this week. Tom and I are half way done. Awesome. Not an hour went by before Adam and I were talking up a storm, and I learned about what this guy has done for the past 2 years. He then mentioned that a local contact that he had made was going to arrive in the next hour, to give him a tour around town and go for a coffee. The man coming was named Pedro. It turns out Pedro had responded to my Horizons Unlimited shout out. Well, can I come along? Sure. No problem. Tom opted to stay put and find some food, and I threw on my ATGATT and we rolled out the door as Pedro and his wife arrived on his R1200GS. The first stop was to the top of a lookout area where we had a look around. Pedro is a skilled motorcyclist and has travelled in many areas around the world on his motorcycle and other rented bikes. Adam is 90k miles into his journey. I stayed in the back, and we hit the road. After checking out the sites, we road back down to a more urban area and sat down for a coffee around 6pm. We stayed until 9pm, talking about motorcycles, listening to Adams 2.5 years worth of travel history, his time spent working in Africa, and his current ride, a 2005 HP2. At 105hp, and only 386lbs (dry) it serves nearly 70hp more, and weighs only 62lbs more than my DR. And, it gets better fuel economy. Throw in the fact that Adam is a master mechanic by trade and services his own bike, and you have a pretty gnarly combo tearing up the highways and byways of the world. We sat with Pedro and his wife for a while, and his son Esteban arrived shortly thereafter, and Pedro’s friend on a R1200GSA came as well. The six of us had a great time. After coffee and a chicken sandwich each, Pedro refused to let us pay the bill, and covered the tab. He then paid our parking lot fee, and refused again to let us pay. He THEN offered to help me collect Kristi at the airport tonight in his personal vehicle. At 8:40pm no less. This guy is top notch. I only hope that someday, when I am back at home for a while, I will have the opportunity to show the same generosity to others. We all parted ways soon thereafter, and Adam and I followed his trusty GPS back to the hostel for the night. And now we come to today. Kristi arrives tonight. She comes bearing gifts. A full Happy Trail Pannier kit for my bike, spare parts for Tom and I, and a few select items that Tom requested she bring down. Clothes for the coming months in the Altiplano, and other misc things will soon adorn the interior of his luggage. .......... ……….. ……….. ……….. ……….. This is when things take on a different view point, and the original plan goes awry. However, we have nearly never made plans, and therefore, not much of a plan is being tossed awry, and in fact we’re just doing what we always do; Flying by the seat of our pants. Kristi arrives at 8:40pm today, Monday, August 22, 2011. I will dutifully go and get her. I’m very excited. We eat some dinner, spend the night in the hostel, and Tuesday morning I’ll put all my new luggage on the bike. Tuesday afternoon, I ride my bike to the home of Carlos; a Horizons Unlimited, Bogota, Colombia community member and I put it in his garage. For 4 weeks. Considering my recently broken leg, a 5’9” girlfriend, (340lbs of people) gear for two people, a cramped motorcycle, and the rough couple of thousand miles ahead of us between Bogota, Colombia, and Cusco, Peru (Kristi’s destination for this leg of the journey) I have decided to ditch the bike for a month, and hit up the gringo tourist track via buses from here to there. When all is said and done, and Kristi flies home to the states from Cusco, I’ll hope on a plane, fly to Bogota, recollect my bike, and continue the bike journey south. Gotta be nice to this leg right? Further more. Cruising for extended periods of time on a bus is no issue when traveling. Doing the same on a bike elicits demands on your body. We’ll be able to cover some serious ground, and see some awesome sights along the way, and Kristi will have a nice, gentle, epic midsummer introduction to the life that I have been living for 4+ months. I call it the beginning of a new kind of life. She won’t be missing me so much when she has to go back to school in September. She’ll be missing the traveling. She comes again Dec. 9th to Buenos Aires. As for now? I collect her in 5hrs 20min. AWESOME. --Alex |
Kristi in South America.
Hauling ass from Barranquilla to Bogota took a bit longer than anticipated, but not any longer then we planned for. We stopped a few times, had a few meals, met a couple people, and rode about 650 miles. It was all great fun and a good last few days.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4650.jpg Fast forward a day and a bit. Kristi arrives at the airport, her flight is on time, and she’s pushing a big cart with a couple of boxes, and a travelling backpack. Hell yes. Waiting for her for the hour we stood outside the arrivals gate was probably the most anxious that I have been in nearly 5 months. She’s never traveled outside of Canada or Mexico. I was hoping she’s got her ducks in a row. When I first saw her, she had a very confused look on her face. It was priceless. Tom and I helped her with her things, I took off to get a taxi, and then we all piled in the back and shot the shit on the way to the hostel. Kristi looks good. Better then I remember. Saweeet. On the other hand, I am a shadow of my former self, at nearly 20lbs lighter, a thinner face and slimmer body. I once hit the scales at 210lbs while working in Alaska. I don’t think I weigh 190 anymore… 20 minutes after hopping in the cab, we hopped out. Kristi had touched down in Colombia, and she had a constant smile on her face. I was happy to see her smiling. I love when she smiles. I’m a corny son of a bitch sometimes too. Get used to it, it’ll be this way for the next 4 weeks. We hit the street vendor selling pizza, cokes, and a beer for Tom, and gobbled it up. Kristi’s first effort at street food was a success. Righteous. I had reserved a private room for Kristi and I for the following two days, so we piled all our shit into the room and hit the sack. Time for bed. 8 hours later I was outside in the parking garage installing my new racks, bags, and top case. Here is how it went. Scan back to the first photo on this post to see what I was dealing with before. With every bump in the road I would feel my luggage shake, rattle, and nearly roll. I was wondering if I would make it all the way here. I did. Not now the new luggage goes on. Here is the right side rack. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4652.jpg And another view. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4653.jpg And a view of the Left side. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4655.jpg And a rear view. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4656.jpg Sweeet. Time for some boxes. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4657.jpg Side profile. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4658.jpg Top case! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4660.jpg Top case Side shot! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4661.jpg Ok, enough of that for now. You won’t be seeing my bike for a month, so take it all in while you can. It was a short while after I had spruced up the bike that I took off to find Carlos, the local HU community member that was going to let me keep my bike at his place for free for a month. I took off to find him. Found his address, or so I thought, was caught in a torrential downpour that had even the locals shaking their heads, and never found Carlos. I went back to the hostel, parked the bike, and grabbed Kristi. It’s time for food babe. Lets hit the town. And so we hit it. Hey Dad, Check out this church. We didn’t go inside, but it was pretty cool. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4665.jpg On the way down the street, we saw a street vendor vending fruit. Pineapple was the choice of the moment, and Kristi makes her first appearance in Colombia with a face full of fruit. Hi Kristi! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4666.jpg Down the road we walked. I wanted to buy a cheapo brick cell phone for the coming 5 months. We found one, and I paid $28 for it. A Samsung phone that runs on Dual Band GSM signals that I can use all over the world as long as I have a local Sim Card. I got a Sim card for $2.80, and put $2.80 of credit on it. Now it’s in my pocket. Here I am, geeking out. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4667.jpg We stopped to eat at a Parilla, or grill. Everything on the menu is 8,900 pesos. ($5.00) Cokes and lemonades are 2k pesos. ($1.13). Ordered up, we waited. When the food came, our waiter offered to take a photo, we happily accepted. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4670.jpg Kristi had the grilled steak with French fries, and I had the same, only covered in a mushroom sauce. We tried a bit of each other’s food, I ate my entire meal, and Kristi took half of hers to go. (I’m liking the sounds of only feeding her half a meal at a time… Cheap date). After that we hit the grocery store to stock up on dinner food to be cooked at the hostel. A pound of steak, bag of mini (super mini) potatoes, a head of broccoli, and a couple cups of rice, all to the tune of $6, and we were ready to go. Back at the hostel we met up with Brian and Adam. Brian is 33 from California riding the KLR650. Adam is 36, from Israel riding a BMW HP2. These guys are both cool dude. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4671.jpg We hung out in the local dining area of the hostel for a while, had a beer each, and shot the shit. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4676.jpg After a couple hours, it was time for dinner, and we got to work cooking. We ate like kings, and had half of it left over for the next day (today). We stored the leftover food in one of the grocery store plastic bags, wrote our names on it in permanent marker, and tossed it in the fridge for later. I love cooking too much food, because I LOVE eating it later. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4678.jpg That was yesterday night, and having lounged this morning in the bed, Kristi sleeping while I typed away, we have plans to hit the streets and find some food, and then go to the Museo del Oro (Gold Museum) and possibly another one as well. More to come! --Alex |
Tom?
One thing that I have not seen you say is what is going to happen with Tom?
Is he continuing the trip solo? Will the two of you meet up again in a month? Will he be staying fairly local? Chris |
Tom and his plans.
Tom has met up with Charlie and Andy, and is heading south with them for the time being. We´ll meet up on the route.
Check out Tom´s blog at The Tom Report Thanks for keeping up! --Alex |
Bogota to Cali, meeting Charlie, Tom and Andy, August 23-25.
Our last day in Bogota was a rushed one. Kind of. We took off at slow pace and made our way out the door with the goal in mind of seeing some new things that day. Kristi had looked up a few things to see/do before she left home, and one of them was the Museo del Oro, or the Gold Museum.
I haven’t gotten off my ass and made it to a museum yet over the course of the entire trip, so it sounded like a good idea to me as well. We hit the streets with a hostel map in hand and made our way out into the world, crutches under each of my arms. After asking directions ,getting lost twice, and finding our way there finally (though it should have been EASY to find) we stopped for a photo of the entrance where a brightly dressed girl was advertising something. I told Kristi to smile so I could snag a photo. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4684.jpg Zoom in on the girl. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4685.jpg Fast forward about 10 minutes and we’ve made our way into the 4 story gold museum. For 3k pesos each, $3.30 total, we paid the cover fee and started looking around. The museum covers the history of metallurgy, especially Gold, throughout the history of Colombia throughout the past 1000 years or so. I snagged some photos so the rest of you could see what these ancient guys were up to. First up. 7 pieces of finely hammered, many times over annealed, finely placed gold sheet were placed around this sea snail. Often times the inner piece would remain, but in this case, over the years, the shell has deteriorated and is no longer present. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4688.jpg This one is just one of the cooler, more intricately designed ornaments that was used to adorn some important person’s body, “back in the day”, and was created using the lost wax casting method. We watched a short vide on the process as well. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4691.jpg This one is made up of several pieces mated together, to allow the head and tail of the bird to move together in unison separate from the rest of the body. Pretty cool. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4692.jpg Another cool decorative piece of gold, meant to combine the characteristics of a bat and a human, as it was thought to embody strength, cunning, and other positive endowments. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4697.jpg We hiked and crutched though all 3 levels of the museum, then hit the road back to the hostel via “Crepes and Waffles” to grab an ice cream cone. Damn good ice cream cones. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4698.jpg On the way back Kristi made sure we snagged a photo of the passing Donkey for good measure. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4702.jpg Back at the hostel, we repacked all of our stuff to make sure we had everything taken care of. The buses, especially the night buses, can be brutally cold on the way south, and can even necessitate a blanket on top of your thermals , or sleeping bag over your outfit. Believe me. Everyone on the bus has a blanket, and sometimes more than one. When traveling in Peru/Bolivia in the July/August 2008 I even experienced ice forming on the inside of the bus windows no less than 4 times. It’s intense. So with that in mind, Kristi repacked her bag, and I went about reselecting what I would bring along. We initially thought that we would fit everything into Kristi’s 65 liter hiking backpack, and we could have, if not for my laptop, camera bag, and the sleeping bag that we elected to scavenge from my pile of goodies. So, we stuffed the 15*F sleeping bag (that I bought in San Diego, and haven’t used yet) into her pack, and all of my belonging went into one 25liter pelican case. So there we have it. Next step was to catch a taxi to the bus station to catch a night bus to get to Cali, so we can begin our trek south towards Ecuador and into Peru. Sounds like Tom, Andy and Charlie will be there as well. Lets see if we can find them. On the way to the bus station, we got caught behind this guy… Imagine you were on a motorcycle. F$*#. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4703.jpg Our Taxi driver admitted that just 3 days ago, that was him… I asked him how he got out, and he said, “Chug, Chugga, Chuuuuuuuuug! Used the Clutch!” Well, we planned on catching the 6:30 bus to Cali, as it is a 10-12 hour bus ride. That simply wasn’t going to happen as we arrived at the bus station at 6:45. When we looked online at bus times, it seemed that the last bus departing for the company “Bolivariano” was at 6:30pm. Well, it lied, and in no time at all we were on the 7pm bus, with 5 minutes to spare before its departure. From what we have read, and been told by other travelers, Bolivariano seems to be the best bus company to travel with. It only stops at actual bus stations to collect or drop people off, and has two bus drivers that rotate every 4 hours that the bus is on the road. They cost a bit more (only a few dollars more each) but that is made up by the fact that their buses are newer, and in better condition. We’ll take what we can get. Kristi’s first long bus ride! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4704.jpg We slept most of the bus ride, and 11 hours later we were in Cali, tired and with no idea where we wanted to stay as we hadn’t remembered to write down the address of where the other guys were staying. Damn. We had a name, but the Taxi driver had never heard of it. So, we drove towards the center, and as soon as I saw a sign for cheap accommodation (40mil for a private room), I asked the driver to pull over, and we hopped out. After 12 hours in same position on the bus, my foot was swollen into the shape of my Teva Sandals. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4705.jpg On the way into the city at 6am, I swore to myself that I saw a bright orange jacket riding a big black motorcycle riding behind two other big black motorcycles on the way out of the city. Tom and the gang must be leaving early! Damn. We just missed them. So with just the internet at our disposal, I emailed the guys via facebook and told them where we were. Andy popped on line soon thereafter and told me, “Dude, we’re in Cali. We never left.” Well hot damn. Lets meet up somewhere. Casa Blanca Hostel? Excellent. And so, within a few hours we met up, and then took off for the local English Pub, Talbert’s. The menu wasn’t cheap, but the food was good, and Tom, Andy, and Kristi liked the beer! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4711.jpg We all ordered outrageous meal, and between the 5 of us, we ate about 4lbs of beef and 8 potatoes. Then we had some more drinks. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4712.jpg Andy likes big beers, Charlie likes the imported ones, and Kristi… Well, I think Kristi likes the Aussie Accent… http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4713.jpg Tom on the other hand… He likes the Colombian accent. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4715.jpg All night long the speakers blasted music in English, to the beat of all of our favorite songs. I watched as Kristi danced. Then I watched as Andy danced. Then they danced together. I have a broken leg, and Andy’s girlfriend doesn’t join the party until September 1st, in Quito, Ecuador. They had a good time, and my leg got to take a break. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4717.jpg They danced a little, Then Danced some more. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4718.jpg Then Andy started busting some moves. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4721.jpg Then gave her a spin. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4722.jpg Then finish the song with a cheer! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4716.jpg Mean while, Tom is hitting up the Duff beers. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4724.jpg GIVE ME MORE!!! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4725.jpg By the end of the night, some crazy song had them all up in cahoots, and everyone was dancing together. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4727.jpg And that my friends was the end of the first night in Cali, Bogota where we caught up with some long lost pals and had a good time. Currently, we’ve since left Cali, and are now in Pasto, 2 hours north of the Ecuador/Colombia border. We took a night bus departing from Cali at 10pm, and arrived here in Pasto at 7am. We checked into the Koala Inn Hotel and booked a private room for the night for less than $17. Tom, and the Aussies left Cali within the last hour and are heading here now. It’s a 7 hour ride by motorcycle, so we’ll see them in the early afternoon. Tomorrow morning or so, we’ll head to Ipiales, the border town, cross into Ecuador, and then take a bus to Quito. Ty and Jill (Panamericans) are an hour south of Quito as it stands now, and we’d like to see them again. Anna and Kim are in the Galapagos Islands snorkeling, and will return to the south of Ecuador within the next few days. Everyone is somewhere and we’re all going the same direction. It’ll be good to see how things pan out! All is well! --Alex |
very jealous, everytime i come to get my latest installment of your journey I just want to pack up get on my bike and leave. Look forward to the next one. :thumbup1::thumbup1::thumbup1:
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Quito!
En route to Quito. Check it out. My camera takes bitchin photos. That, and my girlfriend is gorgeous.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4773.jpg Put a check mark next to it. We're in Quito. The camera is coming out of the bag, and we're hitting the streets soon. Damn photos are hard to put up when staying so busy. It's off the breakfast now after I fix this bed we just broke...http://d26ya5yqg8yyvs.cloudfront.net/yelrotflmao.gif Son of a bitch. Make that, off to the hardware store... --Alex |
Last day in Cali
The last day spent in Cali had us walking around the city looking around, just trying to find something to do before we took a 10pm bus headed to Pasto. First stop was to drop off our belongings at the Casa Blanca Hostel where the guys were staying at. With that achieved, Tom came down and led us to the ATM at the Home Center; the local equivalent of a Lowes or Home Depot (home furnishing department store). Outside Kristi saw some “pretty green plants.” Here is the obligatory photo.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4731.jpg After that, we went with Tom to the Suzuki Dealership where he picked up a couple of spark plugs that he had ordered. A whopping $18 later, he had two genuine Japanese Suzuki original parts spark plugs. I’ll stick with my $3 Suzuki NGK CR9E. Tom’s got all original stuff though, and Suzuki does it right, so no worries there. He had ordered a throttle cable, but it didn’t arrive on time. Oh well. After that we walked a couple blocks to Crepes and Waffles. This is a absolutely fantastic Colombian (from what I understand) restaurant chain that sells Crepes, Waffles, and among other things, gourmet ice cream. Their ice cream is damn good. So we went for some ice cream. Kristi really likes ice cream. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4735.jpg As we had several hours to kill before our 10pm night bus, we walked some more. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4737.jpg And found a little park area… http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4740.jpg Where she convinced me to smooch her… http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4742.jpg I told you guys, I have to post this stuff. It’s part of the deal. You get to see awesome shit for 4+ months, and now you get to grin and bear it for a few weeks…. Well, after a Colombian mid-evening make out, we walked back to the hostel and told the guys that we were off for dinner if they wanted to join. They weren’t hungry yet though, so we took off alone, and ate at an Italian Pizza and Pasta restaurant. I ordered a massive Calzone (Pizza Pantalone) and Kristi had a chicken salad and part of the outrageously huge calzone. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4744.jpg Next step. Night bus to Pasto where we should arrive at 7am’ish. Just in time to find a cheap place to stay where we can pass out for a few hours, eat some food, spend the night, and continue south to Ecuador! Next installment already in the works. --Alex |
August 29th Day 148 Pasto-Quito
Ahh, nothing like 9 hours on a bus in the Colombian Andes with 30+ strangers. It was good.
We slept most of the way from Cali to Pasto, and this time upon arrival, had a place in mind of where to stay. The Koala Inn Hotel. Less than $17 for a private room and a cheap restaurant close by to give me my fix of Carne and Arroz, and we were ready to go. We had a decent view from our third floor room. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4746.jpg My leg feels better every day, though after half day bus rides, my foot swells up quite heavily. After a 2 hour nap with the leg elevated on a pillow, and a bit of massaging, it’s ready for a walk around town. It doesn’t hurt to walk, and every day I wake up there is a noticeable difference in how it feels. We found a cool plaza for another photo. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4747.jpg Mmmmm. Carne, Arroz, Papas, y Ensalada. My staple diet for the past month. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4748.jpg Everyone around here is well dressed. This has been the case since we entered Colombia over 4 weeks ago. This guy is headed somewhere important. At about 5ft even (1.5mt) he was booking along. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4749.jpg After a walk, and food, and a walk back, we passed out again. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4750.jpg Awake again, we hit the street. As a Saturday, everyone was out and about and all the street vendors were in out in force. First stop was the guy squeezing orange juice into a cup for $.50. Two please. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4751.jpg I snagged a second photo at a different angle. Notice the normal mode of familial transportation. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4752.jpg We hit up an ice cream guy soon thereafter (another $.50) and after having a walk around the park where half of the town was hanging out, we snagged some more orange juice for the walk back to the hostel. Damn, I’m going to have to pay the man to fill up one of my liter bottles with this stuff. Later that afternoon, Charlie, Tom, and Andy arrived. They stayed at the same place, parked their moto’s down the street, and later that afternoon, along with a couple from New Zealand, went out in search of food and drinks. Well, we didn’t find much, and ended up down the road at a hole in the wall, eating pizza, more carne, spaghetti and burgers. Some beers later, we all walked back and passed out for the night. The next morning, the guys took off earlier then we did, and hit the road headed for Quito. Kristi and I got a late start and opted for the hostel breakfast of pancakes with fresh fruit and honey. They were some damn good pancakes. Kristi says hello Debbie and Kevin! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4758.jpg Hey look Mom and Dad. After I take a shower, and comb my hair, and put on a clean(ish) shirt, and smile for the camera… Well. I look okay! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4762.jpg After breakfast we took a cheap taxi to the bus station, headed for the border town of Ipiales some 2 and a half hours away. We had read that we could get there for 6-7k pesos each. We paid 7k, or less than $8 total, and hopped in a van with some others. When the van filled to capacity, we hit the road for the long and windy haul to the border. The van makes at least one, if not two, round trips a day. On the other side of the sign that reads “Pasto” it reads “Ipiales” http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4765.jpg 2.5 glorious, windy, 20-60mph hours later and we hit the border town. All the houses are stacked upon one another up the hill. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4770.jpg We heeded the call of the van driver around the corner for “Frontera” and in less than $2 we were faced with the easy task of stamping ourselves out of Colombia. First though, might you please take a look at the local form of transportation? Pile everyone in, and pile their stuff on top. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4771.jpg With no trouble at all, we stamped ourselves out of Colombia, and after a short walk, stamped ourselves straight into Ecuador. Success! It shall go down as the first country that Kristi and I have entered together of which neither of us has been to before. After stamping in, we caught a $3.50 taxi to the bus station, again heeded the call of a driver for “Quito” and after a $10 transaction we were loaded onto seats 34y35 for the 5hr journey to the capital city. Well, after the bus filled up 40 minutes later. While we waited, we were serenaded by a kid, rapping his heart out to a 4 inch speaker. I gave him $.35. He was pretty good. As the sun came out, we took off. Here’s that same photo from before. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4773.jpg We cruised as fast as the bus could handle the turns, passing every vehicle slower than us, winding up and down and around the Ecuadorian Andes on our way south. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4774.jpg Please look very closely at this photo. In it, amongst the bus seats, T.V., and a picture of Baby Jesus that reads “I will be reunited” (Yo Reinare); you will see the reflection of our venerable bus driver talking on his cell phone in the his rear view mirror. Most excellent. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4775.jpg On the way, we stopped a few times at police control points, at which time the local vendors would climb aboard and sell the passengers everything they forgot they needed and more . Here you can see a guy selling ice creams, and a woman selling chicken and yucca. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4779.jpg We bought some chicken. It was $1.50 http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4780.jpg 2 hours, a mild case of dehydration, overheating, and lethargy, we arrived in Quito. Apparently there are 3 bus stations in Quito: the north, center, and south. Well, we got off at the north, and hopped in a taxi headed for our destination, The Vibes Hostel. We found it in good order, and after paying twice as much as I should have for the taxi, $20 rather than $8-$10, we piled our things into a private room for the night. When we first met our taxi driver, he was very nice, very polite, very talkative, and asked lots of interesting questions. He was an excellent con artist. HOWEVER, I spied him from half a mile away. He asked if it was our first time in Quito/Ecuador. I replied honestly and said yes, (Don’t ever do that). He how long we’d be staying or where we had been (We told him we didn’t know, and we hadn’t been anywhere). And we continued along our merry way to the hostel. I asked him the price while we were in the cab (Not before hand like you should ALWAYS do). He told me $20. Was it very far? I asked. Oh yes, it’s quite far. I charge a good price senor. These guys here, they charge a very high price, like $30, $40, $50. $20 is a fair, honest price. I smiled and nodded, and accepted his pile of B.S. And then, in a moment of light heartedness when we arrived at our destination, I gave him $20. He talked a good talk, and walked a good walk. He was successful (mostly). After checking in, we hit the town, found a restaurant, ate more carne, papas, and spaghetti, and called it a night. Tom, Charlie and Andy stopped further north at Ibarra after a long enough day of riding. That was yesterday. Today, they have arrived, we’ve eaten local food, walked more than 3 miles (5km) and are going out again tonight to find the guys. Tomorrow morning we hit a bus to Quayquil, 9 hours or so south of here. The day after, we enter Peru headed for the coastal town of Mancorra. Ty and Jill will be headed that direction also, and we’ll likely catch up with the Kiwi girls in Quayquil upon their return from the Galapagos Islands. Then, it’s party time. Get ready everyone! More to come! --Alex |
More of Quito
Quito, the capital city of Ecuador, home to 4 million people, has been our home for two nights. We first arrived in Quito after a long bus ride, a too expensive cab ride, and found ourselves in the last available private room in “The Vibes Hostel.” We booked it, ate some food, and hit the sack.
The next day, we got up around 9’ish and took off for the obligatory walk around the surrounding area. First step was food, and we found ourselves sitting at a nice little café drinking tea and juice while Kristi demolished some eggs and ham with some bread. I had eaten a couple bananas and 4 slices of bread at the hostel before we left (free continental breakfast…) Before we left though, Kristi made a valiant effort to tame her mane. She only mildly succeeded. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4781.jpg After breakfast we walked for about 2hrs. Exercise is good for my leg, and though I am straining the muscles, I don’t feel any pain in my bone. After 2 weeks of not using my left leg, it atrophied noticeably and is visibly thinner than my right leg. Ergo, walking for extended periods, going up/down stairs, and simply standing for half an hour is difficult and I can feel the burn as the muscle rebuilds itself. So, instead of running through the flock of pigeons in the park we found, Kristi did the running as I watched. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4783.jpg The pigeons claimed this statue as their own and made it their home when they felt like it. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4784.jpg The local graffiti artists hit the street at night and paint up the concrete walls. Notice the broken glass cemented into the structure to prevent any old bum from climbing the wall… http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4786.jpg How about a close up? Some of the glass looks to be 1/4”-5/16” plate glass. Also, notice the spikes. I don’t suppose it would be much fun being impaled on one of those eh? http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4787.jpg Can she make it!? http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4788.jpg Later on we found another park with a group of 5 esteemed, well dressed individuals. Kristi went to have a chat with them. It was like they were speaking a different language. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4789.jpg We found this prism garden in the same park. It was dedicated to the victims of political violence that occurred in the past 30 years. Each prism topped a square granite pole that had a name engraved in it. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4790.jpg After our walk, we headed back to the hostel to hang out and relax. I found some food on the street corner, and had my fill. Kristi is wary of the street food; as she should be with only a month of travel. Any sickness could cut 3 days/10% off her trip. She’ll stick to the Orange Juice for now. Back at the Hostel, Kristi napped while I attempted to upload photos and do some future hostel researching. An hour later, the cleaning lady abruptly walked in. She immediately apologized profusely (it didn’t matter, I didn’t lock the door on purpose) and mentioned that she needed to clean the room. I told her not to worry, and that we’d use the same linens again that night. She smiled and left. Well, not 5 minutes later, the hostel reception worker guy knocked lightly, and when I answered, politely confirmed with me that check out time was 11am. Well as it was 1pm, I told him, “Right, yes, ok. Can we stay another night then?” He replied with, “Oh, yes, I’m sorry, I’d love for you to stay again here in this room, but we have a reservation for it.” What? You think he might have mentioned that the night before when we checked in right? Well. Damn, we liked this room. I told him not to worry, and that we’d be down soon so that they could clean the room for the next people arriving. I woke Kristi up, and before she was even fully awake, we had packed everything, paid the man, walked across the street, and booked into a cheaper hotel with a private room with private bathroom. Internet is skimpy at best, but it’s working. Our bathroom door handle is nonexistent, and here’s a shot to show you what I mean. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4791.jpg Well, not long after we checked into our second hotel in 2 days in the same city, we went out for another walk, saw some of the same stuff, and then returned to take another nap. Quito sits at between 8500-9000 feet (Around 2600-2800meters) and walking around for an hour or two can tire out an unaccustomed traveler. The altitude isn’t too much; it just takes a slight toll. We’re adjusting fast though, so it’s no worry. Back at the hostel, I checked the web. The biker boys had arrived and were at a different hostel a $2 cab ride away. An hour or so later, Ride Report updated, photos loaded, and we were on the road heading over for a visit. They are staying in a 5 story brick building hostel in the old part of town called the “Secret Garden Hostel.” It’s not cheap, but it’s within range, and the location is good enough. The bummer for the guys? They close the rooftop bar at 11pm. What the HELL? Give us a good location, serve us cheap beer and wine on your rooftop terrace bar, and then close of the well at 11pm? That’s crazy talk! Well, I tend not to drink much anyway, as I don’t much enjoy it often, and currently with a healing leg, any loss of feeling or subdued pain can only result in a bad outcome. So I had a big beer. Tom and Charlie were 4 big beers deep when we found them. I can’t speak to the condition of Andy, but I think he had been drinking too, naturally. Well the boys had already eaten, so Kristi and I headed down 4 stories and across the street for some local pizza at a pizzeria. We ordered the family sized pizza, I ate 2/3rds of it, and Kristi had her fill. We took some with us on the way out, and went back to rejoin the festivities. There was a rooftop fire burning in an old steel wheel barrow, and between the cigarette smoke, fire, and booze, the scene was a bit hazy. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4793.jpg As last call was made and the lights came on at 10:30 on the rooftop terrace, Charlie made the fanatical call and went straight to the bar for 6 more glasses of wine. Dutifully they were poured, and he and Tom brought them back between themselves, for themselves, with no intention to share outside themselves. Or so it would be planned. Half an hour later, and 4 glasses of wine still left to be consumed, the party was shut down and those who wanted to continue the fight hit up the $1 party bus that was headed to the bars. Andy respectfully declined, and headed to bed. The rest of us decided against the party bus and instead went down 4 floors to Charlie’s private room to listen to music and rally on in privacy. A parting shot of the cityscape. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4794.jpg Before we could leave though, a mild cheering began, much to the oblivion of the receiving party one level below. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4795.jpg Another man (or woman) has succeeded. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4796.jpg Downstairs, Tom was soon man enough to admit defeat and left the room headed for his dorm bed. Charlie accused him of having a soft wanker. Tom told him to kindly F’off, and then there were three. Charlie then began trying to pass off one of the glasses of wine to me. I declined. I now also had a soft wanker. Kristi put hers aside as she was beginning to feel dizzy. Half an hour later I asked the night receptionist/guard to call a taxi for us. In the mean time, Kristi and I each had a piece of the left over pizza, and after confirming with Charlie that the tap water was safe to drink, fed Kristi a couple of glasses of water to fend off the morning wine hangover that was sure to ensue. Failure Number 1: Let Kristi drink 5 glasses of wine in 3 hours on the roof top bar of a hostel situated at nearly 9200ft (2800m). Less oxygen in the air at higher altitudes thins your blood, allowing for a quicker transmission of alcohol into your system, resulting in a faster, harder, heavier drunk. Damn it. Failure Number 2: Feed Kristi tap water in the old town section of Quito. The water might be clean from where it starts, but by the time it passes through the pipes in old town/old buildings, it is likely to be contaminated. Failure Number 3: Combine tap water and booze, resulting in a sorely depleted immune system, greater susceptibility to water/food borne illnesses, and a sick Kristi. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4797.jpg Kristi is now currently passed out sleeping. Within 1 hour of drinking that tap water, she told me she was feeling bad. I chocked it up the wine, ordered the Taxi, and delivered her to bed. 1.5 hours post water, she told me she felt sick, the wine was getting to her. I fed her bottled water from our reserve in the hotel room. 2 hrs post water, and she was being annihilated by something other than the booze. For the next 5 hours, every 30-40 minutes Kristi was sick. I slept fully clothed, she slept in the sleeping bag we’ve been carrying along with us. Wake up, bucket, wipe face, wait 5 minutes, go back to bed. The process repeated itself 8 times. I would count the minutes on my watch between bouts. Every next session appeared to be 5 minutes later then the last. She was improving… Slowly… And so, I sleep walked, all night. Kristi didn’t rest much at all. This morning, at 8am sharp, I got up still fully dressed and walked the 3 blocks to the nearest mini mart, bought 1.5 liters of water, 1.5 liters of Gatorade, and small packets of Ritz Crackers for Kristi for later. I asked directions to the nearest pharmacy, and 1 block later arrived at the just opened doors of a local Droqueria (Drug store with licensed pharmacy technician behind the counter). I described the symptoms and walked away with $8 worth of drugs. First up was a 3 course meal of pills that came in pairs to be taken in 15 minute intervals: 1st, a stomach suppressant, 2nd an anti-diarrheal, 3rd a stomach antibiotic. Second, was a 3 day course of antibiotics to be administered three times daily every 8 hours until finished. Along with the drugs I bought a rehydration fluid. I went back to the hotel, and started with the first dose, the stomach suppressant to be taken with a bit of the hydrating fluid. FAIL! Any more than a cap full of liquid turned her stomach inside out. I didn’t see the pills regurgitated, but that doesn’t mean they stayed down… 15 minutes later, the anti-diarrheal… Success. 15 more minutes, and a foul smelling stomach antibiotic… Success. Combined with light capfuls of water every 5-10 minutes or when she wakes up, she’s seen 2 hours sans sickness. Here’s to keeping that streak going! And now, at 10am local time I type away with a dazed and confused sleeping Kristi in the bed. You may remember, but about 2 months ago, in San Jose, Costa Rica, Charlie had a very similar bout of sickness that wiped him out for 3 days. He took a very similar course of antibiotics and within 2 days was feeling much better, and on the third day we were back on our bikes. I hope for the same outcome for Kristi, and am glad at least that we had the fortunate luck to in a countries capital city again while fighting it off. Kristi will be fine, but we’re staying in Quito tonight. If she feels better, we’ll take the overnight bus tomorrow night to Mancorra, Peru skipping Quayquil on our way south. With only one date, September 19th, to make (her flight home), our plans can change. No worries! Onward! --Alex |
Here are a few photos:
Of the people that matter the most in my life:
These picture links were orginally posted over here: BUY ME A BEER, but I thought it would be nice to share the fame in this main thread as well. Because, these people Kick Major Ass. My Mom and Dad Rock. They created yours truly, and I'm more THAN happy with it. Thanks to my Dad and Mom for EVERYTHING. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...ch1979crop.jpg My Dad is Grandpa twice over thanks to my lovely sister Lorraine Dad, keep up the good work! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...y6-19-2011.jpg My Mom fed me breakfast, lunch, and dinner from the day I was born until the days I stopped coming home in time for dinner. I ate 2 school lunches in my entire life, once in 3rd grade and again in 11th. I didn't even know how to get it.... Mom, I love you! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...erswedding.jpg My Sister is my sister, and the mother of my niece Ellie Louise Blakley, and nephew Spencer James Blakely (whom I've yet to meet!) Her and her husband Brandon have done well for themselves! Sister! Because we always go WAY back! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...y/Ridetime.jpg My girlfriend Kristi is of a whole other league of people. She goes beyond the norm and has not EVER let me down. She is a giant success in her own right, and the positive outcome of a positive upbringing by her parents Kevin and Debbie Clayton. They are my second family, and they likely already know they'll never see the last of me. Kristi! You're my favorite! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...k75montana.jpg My ridiculous, late identical twin Brother. He didn't know the limit of his own success, and never cared to find out. This picture describes him quite well. Twin 12" Achilles wing tattoos adorned each ankle. Flying was second nature. He made the ring that adorns my left middle finger (that got bent in my crash on day 10 in Baja) Andy! Cause you were always a Winner! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a.../Andyflies.jpg This is the kind of stuff that raised his blood pressure... Slightly. His best friend Allen Davidson recently posted this on facebook titling it, "this is some Andy Shit here". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWfph...layer_embedded |
Mancora to the Rescue
Hello Everyone! It is 4:40am as I begin this, and we sit in our bed at the Loki Hostel in Mancora, Peru with the pacific ocean crashing not but a few hundred yards from the building itself. Excellent!
Ok... So the bus to Mancora left Quito, headed first to Quayaquil at 9am, and we were there for the start of the race. 10 hours later, at 7pm, we were 50minutes early for the 7:50pm departure from Quayaquil to Mancora. 9 hours later and we arrived! The border crossings were standard, and everything went as planned. When we arrived in Mancora we told the Tuk-Tuk taxi driver that we were headed for the Loki Hostal. He knew where to go, and for 4 Peruvian Soles, ($1.5) we were on the road! Minutes later we arrived, and soon after we were checked in! A short clip of our ride to the hostel. http://s979.photobucket.com/albums/a...t=MVI_4872.mp4 So far so good!!! --Alex (aka. Shaggy) P.S. Is it possible to embed video here? I tried the embed code provided by my photo bucket account and its not working here as it did on Adv... I'd like to share a bit more easily if possible. Thanks! |
End of our stay in Quito.
Our last real day in Quito was spent with a quite morning relaxing, and allowing Kristi to catch up a bit having just recently gotten over her bout of illness.
I had a bit of an issue connecting to the internet and so went out to the lobby for a better connection where I met Conner, a 30 some odd year old Irish guy who was wrapping up 5 months in South America before flying north to visit his extended family in Vancouver, Canada. In the middle of it all, Tom sent me a message over facebook to see if we wanted to meet him and Charlie at the bottom of the Teleferico, a several thousand meter Gondola ride that rises 1050 meters over the capital city of Ecuador allowing an extended view of the entire area . I said Sure, let’s do it. For some reason, Andy decided come, and therefore wouldn’t be meeting us there there .We all surmised that it was due to the fact that his girlfriend Cass, would be arriving in less than 24 hours, and he was preparing himself mentally and physically. So, I invited the Irish guy, told Kristi what our new plans were, and after a little while we were off to the corner burger stand where we all sat down and had a burger with fries and a coke for $2 each. Hell yes. Kristi even finished her meal! Success! From there it was a $4 taxi ride to the base of the Gondola, where we met Tom and Charlie, paid the obligatory $8 foreigner rate for the return trip up the mountain, and stood in line. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4808.jpg After a short wait, we all piled into the Gondola and started the climb up the mountain. Welcome! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4809.jpg To The! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4810.jpg Teleferico! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4811.jpg As we climbed, we looked down over the landscape and were able to see the city for what it really was; a sprawling urban capital complete with way too many people. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4813.jpg Further up the mountain we could see our destination. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4814.jpg Charlie and Connor had a look about as we climbed higher. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4815.jpg At the top, we all climbed out, half winded at the altitude, just over 4000m or 13,000ft. It was also significantly colder at the top, and we were all glad we brought our warmer outer layers . I lined up Kristi and snagged a photo. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4817.jpg Next it was my turn. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4818.jpg Couples photo! We make these for our parents. Here you are Mom, Dad, Debbie, Kevin. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4821.jpg You guys haven’t seen Tom in a while, so we I snagged a shot of him facing the opposite climb. Even at 4,000 meters, we were still another thousand meters below the summit of the mountain above us. The hike up takes about 5-6 hours and is a daylong event. None of us even considered it. What’s up Tom! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4823.jpg Jackets on, we all climbed a couple hundred more yards up the hill to a different lookout. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4824.jpg Group photo! (More of the same stuff) http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4827.jpg Meet Connor! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4828.jpg Here is a view down the path that we climbed from the Gondola station. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4829.jpg Having had our fill of 4k meter elevation, wind chill and frozen ears, we all took in our last couple of views and made out way back to the station for the ride down. With not much else planned for the day, I took a parting photo. Tomorrow, we hop on a bus, and head to Mancora. It’s a 16+ hour bus riding adventure, so it’ll do us well to get to bed early. Ciao for now! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/STB_4831.jpg --Alex |
The Long Haul from Quito, Ecuador to Mancora, Peru
The day began easily. Wake up on time at 7am. Feed Kristi her antibiotic pill, and start the wake up process. Jumping out of bed and blasting into space (i.e, being ready instantly) is a habit I learned in my early days while going to school. Sleep as much as possible, and be ready NOW. Kristi… Well, she needs like 20mins. This equates to me typing away at my laptop encouraging her to get her ass out of bed. Often times this involves rolling her around vigorously to annoy her enough to make her angry thus waking her up. She never stays angry, as she knows she needs the help!
First stop was the pharmacy to stock up on basics, ask the pharmacist guy behind the counter about the easiest way to get to Quayaquil (mid way to Mancora), and hit the road, walking the 6 blocks to the bus station that the pharmacy guy recommended. We arrived just as the 8:30am bus was pulling away at 8:40am. No worries, the 9am bus was just behind it, and for $9 each, we piled out things under the bus and got ready for the long haul 9hr bus ride. That’s right. Here in Ecuador, buses cost $1/hr. Hell yes. In a moment of spasticness, I pulled out my camera to snag a photo just to realize the memory card was still in my computer in the luggage under the bus. I bolted out of my seat, just in time to get to my luggage, grab my spare 1gb card (I have two 4gb, and one 1gb card), hop back on the bus, and pop it it. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4846.jpg We were off and rolling before we knew it, and sooner than later we realized that we were hungry. Damn. We had however, prepared ourselves this time around, and stuffed our day pack with not only our spare jackets, but half a gallon (2liters) of water/Gatorade, 3 bread rolls, 2 generic packs of peanuts, a 6pack of Oreos, a mini pack of Ritz crackers, 4 oranges, 2 kiwis, and 4 mini peaches. We were giving the big middle finger to hunger and thirst for the next 20 hours of planned consecutive bus riding. Well. As many people know, you needn’t over concern yourself with food while on these South American bus rides. There is nearly always someone or many someone’s that hop on the bus and start vending you their wares. The first one we jumped on was the lady selling corn on the cob with optional salt for $.50. I’ll take some salt please. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4849.jpg Being that it was only 11:00am or so by this time, we had the full glory of the Ecuadorian landscape staring us in the face under the scorching sun. With no clouds and 10k+ feet of elevation, often times simply walking outside will leave your bare skin feeling as if it’s being fried; it’s incredible. The bus window does little to lessen this effect. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4850.jpg Some hours down the road we were staring down the continuous rows of banana trees. You know those awesome banana’s you might enjoy at home? Well there are good odds that they come from Ecuador. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4851.jpg After a couple of river crossing, (not the kind I had in mind at the beginning of this journey), I snagged this shot. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4857.jpg Many hours later, half of which I slept through, having drank nearly all of the water and Gatorade between the two of us, the sun began to set and we began to feel a bit more like sleeping. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4858.jpg After 9 hours of joy, we made it to Quayaquil at 7pm. 7:50pm saw us on a double-decker bus, sitting in the front row of the upper deck with the best view in the house, re-stocked with a new liter of Gatorade, a 2liter of water, a couple of chicken and beef empanadas in our bellies, and 3 bags of popcorn to stave off any hunger during the night ride to the Peruvian border. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4867.jpg Kristi and I were both happy to enjoy the leg room provided by the upper level front row. Saweet. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4870.jpg Fast forward 9 hours, and we’ve checked ourselves out of Ecuador, and into Peru. The border wait times weren’t too bad, and by 3:15am we were pulling into the Mancora, Peru bus station. After unloading our bags, we were soon being informed by many people that they had the best hotel/hostel for us. I politely informed them that we had a place to stay. The quickest Tuk-Tuk driver was quick to size us up and realize we must be staying in the only real, honest to goodness traveler hostel in the small town, The Loki Hostel, and asked us as much. We confirmed that we were, and he hustled us to his Tuk-Tuk. We negotiated 4 soles, ($1.5) for the ride to the hostel. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4871.jpg Like the smart backpacker I have since become in the last week and a half, I emailed ahead to the hostel to attempt reserving a private room. I never had time to check for a reply, but I had the faith. And it worked. We checked in at 4am to our private room, and I managed to not have to pay for the wee hours of the morning. Success. We piled into bed, and after I updated the RideReport, hit the sack. We awoke to this. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4875.jpg And minutes later had this girl knocking at our door. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4876.jpg Here is the view from the other side. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4877.jpg And from the side of the pool looking up, we’re on the third floor smack in the middle. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4879.jpg Well, we hit the sun pretty quickly and were laying in the sun chairs and along the poolside. Anna makes her reappearance in good form as always. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4885.jpg Some of Kristi’s first words were, “This is way better than Hawaii.” She is back in her element! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4886.jpg As the day wore on, we took a break from the sunbathing and made sure to eat enough food to fight off the ever present night life that exists in the Hostel world. Did I mention that Ty and Jill have arrived? And that Kim was just hiding around the corner from Anna? Ty was in the moment for this shot. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4888.jpg We all decided we needed food other than what the hostel offered. So we headed for the streets. On the way, a slightly less than sober Ty made sure that we had a seat on his bike. This is the first time that Kristi has seen it. She took the pilots seat as I hopped on the back. I make these big bikes look like toys. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4890.jpg After we all found the too expensive menus offered at the local restaurants, we went right back to the hostel and ordered the house food. Have I mentioned what makes these places so popular? Location helps too… http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4891.jpg How’s your food Kristi? Oh, you like that Pineapple Rum Slushy more eh? This one’s for you Mr. Ken 5cent! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4892.jpg To top the night off, I made sure to snag the group photo of Jill, Anna, and Kristi. Mancora has proved to be the highlight of the short month that Kristi has so far. However, we intend to make even more happen when we hit Cusco! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4893.jpg Stay tuned for more to come! --Alex |
Sept 3rd, Living it up on the Coast.
The sun is hot, and the breeze is cool; a dangerous combination when you can’t feel your skin cooking, and that cheap suntan lotion that you bought from the pharmacy across the street only works mildly.
Well, that just means we’ll be a bit tan I suppose eh? So with little else to do mid morning, we hit the beach for a walk that soon turned from 20mins to well over an hour. Kristi spied some “pretty” shells on the beach early on, and it quickly turned into a shell hunting expedition. The vendors even hit up the beaches down here. Ice cream anyone? http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4897.jpg Out here you don’t need many clothes, so we were lathered in sun tan lotion (sun cream to anyone not American), and hit the sand. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4899.jpg For a while, everything was nice, calm, and easy. Then, off in the distance we saw a car coming our way, driving sporadically through the surf and sand. The driver was polite to any passing pedestrians and slowed down and drove around them. However, he/she was completely abusing the apparently new vehicle. When it drove by, the passenger window was open, and I could see a young guy in the driver seat with a young teenage girl in the passenger seat. Some spastic young kid trying to impress a girl; all while rusting out the bottom of his parents purchased rig. Damn. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4900.jpg Out here, less is better. She looked to be about 35… http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4903.jpg After finding way too many broken shells, and not many spectacular ones, we stopped for a photo shoot. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4904.jpg She looks better than me… L http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4906.jpg After a little while longer, we turned around, and headed back to our hostel/resort on the beach. Have I mentioned that a dorm room bed goes for $10/night, and that a private room goes for just under $31? We’re literally ocean side, with a better view than a $100/night Hawaiian Hotel room, with way more like minded people around, complete with traveling friends. I’m above my personal allowed daily budget, but Kristi was worked into my budget 2.5 months ago. So I’m still doing fine. Oh, and this place serves great food too. And the prices are reasonable (less than $5 for the Hamburger and fries). We don’t have to leave this place. Another hostel well built around the principles of traveling youngsters. Provide cheap accommodation, good food at decent prices, copious amounts of alcohol with extended happy hours, and a view; and you’ll be a happy business owner. Not since Zephyr Lodge in Eastern Guatemala has another hostel done it as well. Back at the hostel, the sun went down and people began milling about. There was word buzzing around about a “P” party, in which all participants were urged to dress up as something that started with a “P”. Well, we didn’t see much action happening as of yet, so we hit the pool table. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4907.jpg Neither of us are very good at pool. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4910.jpg She’s not even posing. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4911.jpg Both of us suck at pool, and I lost both games that we played by scratching on the 8 ball. Son of a Bitch. After a drink or two with Jill, (Ty spent the entire day in their room feeling sick), we went back to our room to find our next door neighbor trying in vain to get a condom over his head. He would be a Penis tonight at the “P” party. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4912.jpg Well, shit, we look the fools now don’t we!? We’re not even dressed up. We need to get on the bandwagon. Well. What are we going to dress up as? Kristi soon decided on her outfit, and moments later I had mine. So we got to work and soon looked like everyone else at the party, scantily clad and painted. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4914.jpg Kristi was a “P”ussy Cat! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4916.jpg Who after a few drinks needed to find herself a cab, so made good use of the phone standing nearby. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4918.jpg Hey everybody! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4919.jpg Oh man, that “P”et Dog over there is really getting some nice attention from her “P”revious owner! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4920.jpg Soon, “P”retty Woman was gossiping with the “P”ussy Cat and having a grand ‘ole time. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4922.jpg “P”retty Woman took the following event quite seriously, while the “P”ussy Cat was just playing around. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4923.jpg Over the course of the night, too many Pineapple Rum drinks and Mango Rum slushy’s were consumed leaving the “P”irate being attacked by “P”eter “P”an all the while Ms. “P”izza Delivery Girl stood watch along with Mr. “P”eace. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4925.jpg By the end of the night, the “P”revious owner had fandangled his way into a shot with both his “P”et Dog and her arch enemy, the “P”ussy Cat. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4930.jpg At this point it was time for bed, so I took my Prized Pussy Cat home with me back to our room to sleep off the effects of a rum punch or two. We’re staying here tomorrow night and leaving the day after… “P”robably. --Alex |
Goodbye Mancora!
After our participation in the “P” Party, waking up was a bit easier than you might think. We left the festivities about 2-3 hours earlier than everyone else, and therefore awoke with little problem.
The food that they serve here is good. Free bread, coffee and tea are available until 1pm every day, and the food menu is tasty. A complete breakfast (Chorizo, Bacon, 2 eggs, two slices of toast, and half a fried tomato) is $4.5 and was my choice for the morning after. Kristi enjoys the fruit salad with yogurt and granola on top. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4931.jpg A whole lot of nothing else happened until around 4:30pm when Ty, Jill, Kristi and I went down to the surf shop and checked in for our previously booked surfing lessons. Kristi was super excited to try it out, and having surfed a couple of times before in Hawaii, was willing to give it another go. Ty and Jill were happily optimistic as well. And so we were all given the same sized long board, sent to the beach with our instructors, whom spoke only basic English (besides mine who spoke none), and away we went. Minutes later we were in the water, paddling away, heading for the waves. 45 minutes later, we were all beat, and headed back in. We all managed to surf at least a few waves, and had a good time doing it. Ty said it best though. “Do you think I would snowboard if I had to hike my ass up to the top of the mountain just to ride down? That’s what surfing is; hiking your ass to the top of a mountain to ride down. It doesn’t do it for me.” My camera isn’t water/sand proof, so it stayed in the room. No pictures of the surf, sorry people. The sunset that night from our room was pretty spectacular. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4932.jpg And when the time came, we all put our name down for the barbeque that was being held that night. At a cost of 15 soles (Just under $6), nearly everyone signed up. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4933.jpg The barbeque consisted of a pile of rice/beans, half a potato, salad, coleslaw, a shrimp skewer, piece of chicken, and piece of beef. No one went hungry, but I can always eat more! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4939.jpg Sooner than later, the girls were on the rum/pineapple drinks, and Ty and I were drinking beer. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4940.jpg That was the end of that night, and with no urge to continue with the drinks, we all went to bed more or less earlier than usual. Kristi and I had a bus to catch the next day at 6pm heading to Lima, an 18 hour adventure. We needed our rest for this one. Having gone to bed early, we woke up early as well. Kristi didn’t like the smell that was coming from her dirty clothes bag and decided to wash her clothes in the sink. She deep cleaned everything. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4941.jpg Well, that morning, Jill told me that she had been in contact with Andy and the other guys, and they were planning to arrive that night. What? You mean, we’re leaving tonight and they are arriving? Damn. Two minutes later it was decided that Kristi and I would stay, at no expense from Jill’s insistence. It would likely be the last/only time that all of us would be in the same place at the same time. It would mark 8 of us. Ty, Jill, Andy, Cass, Tom, Charlie, Kristi and I would all be ready to rock and roll that night if we stayed. And so, before the 12:30 check out time rolled around, I walked down to the bus depot that sold me our bus tickets, and for a cost of 4soles, or $1.5us each, I moved our bus departure back a day. Back at the hostel, we hung around lounging. Kristi is enjoying the sunshine here, and with only 2 weeks left on her trip, she’s begun to realize that she can’t do everything, and might as well enjoy a few select spots for longer than planned, and save the rest for later. So we’re relaxing. I joined a “Killer Pool” tournament for 5soles, and did my best not to lose. I didn’t have a chance. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4942.jpg Then, all of a sudden around 6pm, everyone arrived! Beers were accumulated and paid for, and we all were sitting around the bar in short order. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4943.jpg Later, we moved to a table, and continued the merriment. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4944.jpg And that is where the merriment ended for me. Half way through the day, I realized that I didn’t feel too well. Later that afternoon, I still didn’t feel well. And just after everyone arrived, I realized I was soon to be pretty buggered and had to skip off early for bed. Dammit. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4945.jpg It doesn’t look it, but I was feverish, and freezing my ass off with chills. Combine that with some gut cramps, and a feeling that I would be up all night, and I hit the sack. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4946.jpg That night was just as it had not been planned: waking up every 30 minutes, sleeping on top of a towel to absorb my sweat, using the bathroom with abnormal frequency, and otherwise sleeping like hell. The next morning however, I wasn’t the only one feeling a bit under the weather. The long ride to the hostel, combined with above average quantities of beer left Tom happy to update his blog just as I am now. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4951.jpg Having moved our bus ticket back a day we are now scheduled to be at the bus depot at 5:30pm. We should depart at 6pm and arrive 18 hours later in Lima, Peru on Sept 7th. From there, we plan to spend little time in the countries capital as we have booked already booked and paid for our transportation from Lima to Cusco. With little time left on Kristi’s mini summer adventure with me, we have decided to forgo the bottom half of Peru and make our way directly to Cusco in order to find and schedule a hike to Machu Picchu. The bus trip/ticket associated with mini journey is listed as 24 hours, and $66us. The nicest buses are $85. A 1hr 20min flight is $100….. We’re flying. --Alex |
The last of Mancora, and a snippet of Lima
The last of Mancora, and a snippet of Lima.
Our last day in Mancora was a nice sunny day. It was early to bed and early to rise for Kristi and I, and I was feeling a lot better. Tom was hungover, Andy and Cass were doing fine, and Charlie was unusually chipper. Seems he’s been off the booze for a while. Kristi was just content for the first while to lounge around in the sunshine. So I took a photo. I like these kinds of photos. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4962.jpg Well, with everyone else happy to lounge around, Kristi and I hit the beach to find a secluded spot to snag some sexy beach shots to remind us about our youth when we’re old farts and want to remember how good she looked. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4965.jpg I don’t even pretend to need to worry about how I looked when I get older. I’ll never look this good… http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4980.jpg I’ve got more of where those came from, but you don’t get to see them! AHAHAHAHAHAHA. Sorry guys, and probably some of you girls! On the way back to the hostel, we saw this poor fella. He was out of luck. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4997.jpg If he wasn’t so dead, I might have considered eating him. He was a good sized fish. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4999.jpg Back at the hostel, we ordered some cheeseburgers, and hung around a bit longer before grabbing this parting shot of the boys and one girl. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_5001.jpg Their bikes, parked in the hostel main entrance, make me a bit sad. I miss my motorcycle! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_5002.jpg A minute later we were piled into the back of a TukTuk heading for the bus station. A .70 ride about a 3/4 mile down the road. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_5003.jpg We sat there, 30 minutes early as we had been instructed, and waited 30 minutes for our buses scheduled arrival time. Of course it arrived 30 minutes late. Like we didn’t see that coming! Haha. It just gave us time to make sure we were stocked up with 3 liters of water, and enough snacks to ward off any hunger pains. All the while, we got a good laugh at this little boy who was raising holy hell around the area. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_5004.jpg It would seem his sister was content to make much less noise. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_5005.jpg It got dark fast as we hit the road, positioned in the very front of the bus, and soon we were watching a movie dubbed in Spanish, with English sub titles. Thanks bus lady! (Kristi was the only one on the bus that can’t read/understand Spanish, and I was glad to have familiar words to read.) Soon after the movie a meal was served, and soon after that, we were sleeping. When I awoke, Kristi was still passed out, but it was the next day. Another movie began playing, and I got a good view out the window of the passing Pacific Ocean and its accompanying desert sand dunes. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_5009.jpg On the other side of the dunes, lays the ocean, at the bottom of a VERY steep hill/drop off. At the bottom, there are huts. Exactly who they belong to; I don’t have a clue, but it would seem that the inhabitants hike down via the sand dune. Rough climb! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_5015.jpg On the way into Lima, we could see some writing in the hillside of the mountains. Written with tons of ham sized white rocks, the images are easily seen from a distance. “Faith and Joy, No 30, 21 Years Educating in Values http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_5017.jpg When we hit the bus station, we grabbed our things and snagged one of the waiting Taxi drivers. After agreeing to pay 12 soles, $4.50, we hopped in the cab with our bags. I immediately went to remove the 12 soles from my pocket as is my habit (as to not be fumbling for money when we arrive) and realized that my wallet was NOT in my pocket. DAMN. Now, check this out. My wallet has the funky habit or working itself UP from the depths of my front right pant pocket whenever I am sitting down. Why? You might ask… Well, it’s because most seats are low enough to the ground, and I am tall enough, that the difference leads to my knees being Higher in relation to my hips, providing an incline for my wallet (actually, I love the damn thing, it’s called a Smart Clip [url=http://www.smartmoneyclip.com/]The Official Site of the Smart Money Clip |
Lima to Cusco, Day 158
Our only night in Lima was a productive one.
First, after arriving, showering, sleeping, and getting hungry, we found a place to eat on “Pizza Street”; a street that is essentially all restaurants and bars that fight for your business with way too many flyers and shout outs. After a good meal of grilled meat, we found a taxi off to the Parque de Agua. (Water fountain park) We arrived around 8:30pm, and had a walk around the world’s largest water fountain park. Cool. At 9:30pm the show began, and like a professional idiot, I brought my camera, and left my SD memory card in my computer. DAMN IT. So, to show you the awesomeness of what we saw, I found this link, that I hope works. Amazing Water fountain SHOW!! in PERU!! - YouTube The next morning, we hit the road early. We woke up earlier than usual, at 7:30am, with the realization that in the next 4.5 hours, we’d be walking off a plane at nearly 12,000ft elevation. Is my body ready for this ass kicking I wonder? http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...1/IMG_5025.jpg Well, we intended to get up early, so that we could leave early for the airport, so that we could arrive early for our flight, so we wouldn’t have to worry. Well…. Those plans were shot. A taxi ride to the airport normally takes about 20mins, but with the horrible morning traffic that exists every morning in Lima, that ride turns into 45mins-1hr. Shiiiiiiit. Well, in timely fashion, we left the hostel at 8:30am, with two German brothers on a whirlwind 3 week tour of Peru. Straight to the airport we went. At 9:30, we arrived, only 40 minutes prior to our 10:10am flight to Cusco. Shiiiit again. Well, when we first tried to check into the flight, they told us it was closed. Then, 4 Brazilians on the same flight arrived late as well. Damn. We’re going to hold up the show here! Well, we were lucky, and everything got expedited, and both of our bags made it to the plane, my slightly crippled self speed walked to the departure gate, and all was well. In a moment, Kristi and I were seated on the plane, ready for takeoff. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...1/IMG_5026.jpg On the way there, I zoomed in on the window for a shot of the Andes Mountains. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...1/IMG_5028.jpg After the first set of mountains, the earth plateau’s. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...1/IMG_5029.jpg Then, we were above the clouds! (Imagine that eh?) http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...1/IMG_5030.jpg Check out Mt. Salkantay! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...1/IMG_5031.jpg In less than 1hr and 15mins we touched down onto the third highest airport in the world. Minutes later we were waiting at baggage claim, sucking wind at 10,860ft. Soon after that we were walking out of the airport with bags in hand, being solicited for taxi rides that were way over priced. It helps that I have been here before (summer 2008), or I might have paid the 25 soles (almost $9) up the hill to our hostel (Loki Hostel, Cusco, Peru). Instead, I lead Kristi out of the airport gates, a 1 minute walk, hailed the first taxi and paid him 8 soles to take us to the our hostel. On the way, we saw some neat stuff. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...1/IMG_5032.jpg And a statue of an Incan chief? http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...1/IMG_5034.jpg And old stone and brick buildings. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...1/IMG_5035.jpg What is this? The Loki hostel weekly party schedule. Oh man. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...1/IMG_5036.jpg After a quick check in, lunch break, and 4 hour nap, we walked outside. Damn, walking up this hill will suck. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...1/IMG_5037.jpg Down the hill we went, and made it to Plaza de Armas where the tourists like to be. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...1/IMG_5038.jpg Say hi Kristi!!! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...1/IMG_5039.jpg The fountain in the middle of the main square is quite the ornamental piece. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...1/IMG_5041.jpg At this point it was about 6pm, and the sun was on its way down. Kristi and I however, were on our way to meet Fiona, a Loki Hostel employee that had only hours before finagled us into volunteering the next day. She then mentioned that she was off at 5pm to meet her friends Lynden and Jeanette, two Australians on motorcycles that have spent the last 13 months traversing their way south from Canada. She then showed me photos. Of two 2009 DR650’s. With FMF pipes, happy trail panniers, and IMS tanks. I nearly fainted. Obviously I had to meet these people. And forget to bring my camera. And not get their photos. DAMMIT. So, after chatting it up for an hour and a bit at Paddy’s Irish Pub, the highest all Irish owned Irish Pub in the world, we hit the streets again to hike our asses back up the hills to our hostel. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...1/IMG_5042.jpg That was the day and night of September 8th. Easy enough. September 9th was a different story all together (a good one) and is set to be told soon! --Alex |
CUSCO Day 159
Our first full day in Cusco was a riot. First thing first, I woke up earlier than Kristi and headed to the restaurant/bar section of the hostel to type away. Kristi likes to sleep more than me, so I use that time allowance to support my addiction. (This RR).
Our private room in the hostel came complete with an electric tea kettle, tea cups, and tea bags. Saweet. I typed away for an hour or more, until Kristi showed up, then I typed away even more as she ate her fruit bowl for breakfast. The next step was to move out of our private room, and move into another one, as ours has been reserved for that night. Easy, we moved 5 doors down. From there, we piled all of our dirty clothes into a plastic bag and I carried them across the street to the Lavanderia to have our clothes washed. We had 7 kilos of clothes (nearly ALL of our clothes) and we paid $6.60 for our clothes to be washed. I dropped them off with a 6pm retrieval time listed on my receipt. Minutes later, we were waiting in the lobby for Fiona; an Australian women 11 months into her travels, living and working at Loki Hostel, and volunteering every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday with an after school program for some of the poorest local school kids around. When she arrived, we took off down the hill. We were 3 Israeli girls, 1 British guy, Kristi and I, and Fiona. Our destination was at the very bottom of the hill, and was represented by a store that sold everything. Our aim? School supplies, paints, pencils, crayons, coloring books, stickers, feathers, beads, string, markers, pipe cleaners, popsicle sticks, glue, scissors, and everything else that little kids love. Our target audience was aged 5-15. We had to cover our bases. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_5047.jpg Kristi was in her second element of choice. After the sun, come the arts and crafts. I let her loose with instructions to check prices, and not skimp of these kids. They have nothing more than the same clothes to wear every day, and they love this shit. All of you guys that have added to the “Beer Fund” can have the happiness of knowing that on September 9th, 2011, you bought some happy kids some fun. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_5048.jpg Back up to the top of the hill we walked, and at 2pm we were set to catch the nearest taxi, and pile all 7 of us into the next station wagon that rolled by. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_5050.jpg In no time at all we were headed in the right direction, out of town a little ways, and into the hillside. The kids come from the surrounding area after school each day to the same place. Not all of them know each other, and it’s a good place for these kids to make friends. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_5051.jpg When we arrived, there were some children already there. Fiona had brought a new ball with her, and one of the boys went nuts nearly immediately and took off with it. They other children were more subdued and waited for us to pile all of their new play toys and supplies on the floor of the communal area. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_5054.jpg Nearly immediately, these kids were stringing beads on string, laying colors down in the coloring books, painting, gluing, and creating. We all joined in. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_5057.jpg The more flamboyant kids were flaunting there native headdresses in minutes. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_5058.jpg This kid might have a permanent smile. He created that necklace, which he self declared as “muy bonita”, very beautiful/pretty, in seconds flat. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_5063.jpg Have I ever mentioned that Kristi loves kids? I wonder what that will translate into in the next decade? http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_5067.jpg Que pasa amigo? http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_5068.jpg Elton John even made an appearance. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_5069.jpg This little 11 year girl, named Elizabeth, didn’t talk much, but was happy the whole time. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_5071.jpg Look guys. When you grow up with little, and have little of your own to claim to yourself your entire life, without as little as $2 to spare for entertainment; it is the little things in life that make up for it. This older woman was making up for lost time and loving it. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_5074.jpg In the middle of all the mayhem, one of the permanent volunteers that had been living at this place for the past 2 weeks, brought out a massive pan of Chocolate Zucchini bread. It was AWESOME. I love zucchini bread, and so did all of these kids. We washed it down with some Tea. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_5077.jpg The baker/volunteer from England, whose name I can’t remember, let everyone know that they needed to be careful as they ate their cake. He had baked a coin into the cake, and the recipient who found the coin would have good fortune for the next year! T.J. found the coin! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_5076.jpg After the cake and tea, we spent a few minutes and cleaned everything up. Then, we started with the group photos. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_5082.jpg Here is another with all of the day’s volunteers and some of the children. When they realized that I would pick them up… All hell broke loose. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_5085.jpg Kristi had to pitch in too! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_5088.jpg All of a sudden, a plan began to form. Elizabeth had a near permanent berth on my back, and Kristi was full up. I had room for a couple more? http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_5092.jpg This kid was up for it, so on the count of three; I hauled his little butt into the air. (Keep an eye on the kid in blue behind us. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_5094.jpg Kid in blue didn’t have a choice. He was next… http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_5095.jpg I had him with an iron grip. COME HERE YOU! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_5096.jpg AHHHHHHHHH!!!!! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_5097.jpg Then, it was time to go! So long, fare well, my little Cusquenan amigos. It was fun! And so we took off down the hill, in search of the 25cent bus that would drop us off less than 100 meters from the front door of Loki Hostel. On the way down the hill, we met up with this local guard. He owned his ground. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_5098.jpg Onto the bus we all piled, and took off on the short rumbling journey that would take us to our hostel. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_5099.jpg Back at the hostel, Kristi and I took a shower, and then I hopped on line to find Anna. She had sent me a message outlining her plans to hike to Machu Picchu, and with which companies she had talked to. All in all, it turned out that we would all plan to hike to Machu Picchu, via the Salkantay Trail, on Tuesday. To make this happen, we had to book that night. So we cruised down the hill, hung a left, took the first right, and found Anna at her hostel. Minutes later we were ponying up the cash for a 5day, 4night trek to M.P, with all the intermediate b.s. taken care of, and our permits into the site taken care of. On top of that, we were able to secure passes to hike up to Waynu Picchu, the summit that sits above the Machu Picchu site and affords those lucky enough to hike up it, a great view of the ruins below. After booking everything, we headed off for dinner along with some other friends. Kim showed up, Peter from Ireland, and Ryan from the US. Pizza was on the menu that night. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_5100.jpg After dinner, I took the last photo of the two Kiwi girls that have managed to meet up with us in 7 of the last 9 Latin America countries. Kim is already on her way into the tropics on jungle trek to M.P, and will likely not be seen again in the near future. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_5101.jpg Group photo! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_5102.jpg See you later Kim. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_5103.jpg With a great day behind us, Kristi and I headed back to the hostel to pass out. Walking around all day at 11k feet elevation takes its toll on a body, and leads to lots of sleeping. Combined with the lack of water in the air, and the relative proximity of the sun, dehydration can factor in as well. We purchased a 2.5 liter bottle of water, chugged half of it, and hit the sack, wiped out. Damn. Good day. --Alex |
Shopping and wild dogs.
For the past few days, at nearly 11k feet, Kristi has been freezing her ass off. Why? Well, she didn’t bring exactly the right clothes for this type of climate. She’s well dressed, but a little cold. So we made our way down the big ass hill that the hostel sits atop.
On the way down the hill, this little guy was walking at the same pace as we were, down the hill, taking the steps one at a time. He might have been 5 or 6 years old. Before I could ask him, a Flintstones Cartoon shining from inside a doorway caught his attention and we left him in our dust. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_5105.jpg 15-20 minutes later and about a thousand feet of elevation lower, we made our way into the Hand Craft Market where we intended to buy Kristi some cheap, warm, alpaca wool clothing. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_5106.jpg Though Kristi hates this photo, because she says her hair looks like a grandma’s, it is the only photo of the nice lady that sold Kristi and I two sweaters for less than $25. I’m wearing mine now, and I am glad I have it. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_5107.jpg This lady, though she looks grumpy, was one of the funniest people in the area. When I asked her for Moletos (fingerless gloves) she replied, “Ah, no senor, porque me preguntas por la cosas que no tengo?” (Ah, no mister, why do you ask me for the things that I don’t have). To which I replied “Porque no tienes las cosas de que estoy buscando? (Why don’t you have the things I am looking for?) And then I took the time to ask her for the two other things that I knew she would not have. #1 Pants that were long enough for me, and #2 Shoes that would fit me. To which she playfully cried, “Por que son tan altos? ¿Por que crecer tan alto?!?” (Why are you so tall? Why did you grow so tall?) http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_5108.jpg After buying Kristi a couple of knitted hats, and a pair of moletos (fingerless gloves), a sweater, and a bag for like $30, we walked out of the market and within 2 blocks of walking back to the hostel Kristi saw a girl wearing leggings. She wants leggings. At least I know that it wasn’t impulsive, as she had mentioned that leggings would help keep her warm (at least 4 times in the past 2 days). So we chased the girl down, and asked her where she bought her leggings, what she called them in Spanish (leggings…) and how much she paid for them. We could find them for $7 at the Molino Market, like 6 blocks down the road. And so we walked, and saw some stuff. Like this statue overlooking the more modern power lines. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_5109.jpg And then, after asking lots of people where this market was, we had walked about another mile, and suddenly we found ourselves looking at mannequins dressed in tight pants. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_5110.jpg And $7.5 later, we had a pair of leggings and were making our way back to this lady selling meat skewers on the street for 2soles (70cents). http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_5111.jpg And then we stopped for some fresh squeezed orange juice for $.50. Thank you! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_5113.jpg At the market entrance, where we had our snack, we hailed a taxi. For 3 soles, we were taken the 2 miles back up to the main square of the Santa Teresa area of Cusco, Plaza de Armas. On the way I took a picture of a museum. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_5116.jpg On the resulting walk up the hill, we passed a pack of wild dogs. I counted 15 of them! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_5118.jpg On the way to the hostel, I stopped off at a motorcycle rental shop. I had been told that for 90 soles, I could rent a motorcycle, with jacket, gloves, helmet and goggles for the whole day. That sounded good. Plus, Anna and a young American guy Cameron were interested. So I arranged to get her phone number to call her, to open the shop Sunday morning, to rent some bikes. Cooooool. Back at the hostel, we got dragged out for dinner, which involved walking way back down the hill, and then back up again. Well, the chicken, rice and french-fries were worth it. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_5121.jpg Anna and Cameron and Peter were at dinner with us, and that is where I filled in Anna and Cameron about the motorcycle rental. They were game, and so we planned to go. On the way back to the hostel, I made a couple of phone calls to the lady at the rental shop. She told me to call before 10pm or after 7am. It was 9:50pm, and she didn’t answer. Damn… http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_5123.jpg --Alex |
Hello everyone!
We're back from trekking to Machu Picchu!
Over the past 5 days, we hiked 46.5 miles (75km), up and over mountains, down and along valleys, over rivers, along train tracks, and finally up to the ruins of Machu Picchu. We had a great time, but now, the end has come for Kristi's 4 weeks of summer vacation, and now she flies home in just under 8 hours to go back to the daily grind of her University studies. Boo. As for me, the last 6 days have been photographed, and all the photos have been uploaded, and now it's time to put words to the photos. They will all come soon! So, to tide you over, I dug out this photo for you. Salkantay Mountain stands at 6271 m (20574 ft) and is the back drop to this photo. Our camp was at 3900 meters (12,795 ft) http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_5239.jpg Thanks for keeping up with the journey! Onward! --Alex |
Party in the Hostel.
Alright everyone! Back to the beginning of last week!
Sunday, September 11th, began easily. Kristi and I were just lounging around the hostel, having a good time, contemplating bungee jumping the next day on Monday. The people suggested I wait another week due to my leg… Here is a view of the hostel courtyard. Apparently, every once in a while people play volleyball. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_5126.jpg In the afternoon sometime, we left the hostel in search of cheap food and snacks. Of course that involves walking down the big ass hill, and then on the way back, walking up the big ass hill. On the way back up, we saw this guy on a Chinese clone Honda Cub 70 squeaking down the hill. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_5127.jpg Well, that was the end of the basic daily routine, as that night, it was party night. The last real day to party before we planned to leave on Tuesday, EARLY in the morning for our trek. So Sunday night we started with the beers, while everyone else did the same! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_5128.jpg These dudes were having a kick ass time playing pool, while also participating in Flip Cup, a team game that involves chugging a glass of beer, placing your cup upright on the edge of the table, and then flipping it 180 degrees to land on its rim without falling over. When that is accomplished, the next person in line on your team chugs his beer and does the same. When your last team member “Flips” his cup, and you’re ahead of the opposing team. You win! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_5131.jpg They happened to be the team that won! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_5137.jpg WINNERS!!!! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_5139.jpg Do you guys remember Janina? She was on the Stahlratte Sailing vessel from Panama to Colombia. You might remember her from this photo… http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4408.jpg Well, we got back on it that night, and it looked a little like this. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_5141.jpg We even hit the dance floor while everyone else was still drinking… http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_5143.jpg While Janina (Ya-neena) tried to de-robe (literally) the bartender/staff. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_5147.jpg I think the Macarena was going on sometime that night as well. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_5148.jpg Either way, Kristi was having way too much fun dancing with Janina! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_5152.jpg Outside of the bar some other outrageous shenanigans were going on! Wow! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_5153.jpg Does she know what she’s doing? (Who is she anyway???) http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_5155.jpg Wheelbarrow race time! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_5156.jpg Flipside! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_5160.jpg Oh, you, stooooopppp…. Yea. Right. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_5162.jpg Heyyyy! The whole group of them! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_5164.jpg I think it kind of ended like this…. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_5166.jpg Well, the next day, Monday, was spent just hang around in anticipation of waking up at 4am on Tuesday morning to begin our 5 day adventure, hiking 75km into the wilderness to arrive at the door step of Machu Picchu. That, my friends, is yet to come! --Alex |
Ooh ya tease! :)
|
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu Day 1!
Day one, September 13th, 2011, 4:15am. Kristi and I are awake, and we’re in the hostel. Our bags had been packed the night before and stuffed in the hostel storage room. Our packed bag for the next 5 days was on the floor, and we were ready to go.
At 4:30 am, our hiking guide was knocking at the front door of the hostel. Minutes later, we were down the street picking up new and other people. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_5172.jpg Minutes after that, we were loaded onto a bus with a bunch more other people. Anna was somewhere among them all… http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_5174.jpg Kristi was already excited, and I was ready for action. Bus shot! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_5175.jpg On the way there, the valleys and mountains came into sight. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_5179.jpg And then… Our bus got stuck…. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_5180.jpg Well, I should elaborate and tell you that it started sliding, precariously, towards the edge of the road… http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_5181.jpg And we haven’t even started yet! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_5182.jpg After we all piled out of the bus, it moved a bit more easily, and slid to the other side of the road. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_5183.jpg And soon had 4 tires instead of 6 on the ground… http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_5184.jpg Did I mention that we are up in the mountains? http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_5185.jpg So they started digging! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_5186.jpg And from the side box of the bus, whipped out the pick-ax! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_5190.jpg While this dude, with the help of many others (I jumped in to help) wheeled his bike around the bus to cruise up the hill on the other side, rear wheel spitting mud like a motocrosser. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_5191.jpg As the whole group (17 of us at this point) started walking the last few km’s up the hill, we left the bus driver and his cronies to the job of freeing it up. About 15 minutes later we were all back on the bus again. Hooray! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_5193.jpg And our first stop of the day? A small family restaurant that would be the source of our breakfast for the morning. On the right side, you can see Rhi. (Ree) http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_5195.jpg After breakfast, the hike began! And we stopped suddenly to peer at this cactus with weird white stuff growing on it, with small insects in the middle of the white stuff. Our guide, Juan Carlos, picked off a bug, and in the middle of a small scrap of paper, squished it, like, well, a bug. Its blood and guts he explained was used by the local Andean people as a dye for their clothing, paints, and ceramics, and is even used in the modern day as a source of coloring for cosmetic companies…. Hmmmm… http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_5196.jpg And so the hiking began. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_5197.jpg And so it stopped again an hour or so later. From left to right, Rhi, Anna, Kristi. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_5199.jpg At the top of a hilltop, Kristi and I snagged a photo. Remember this one, cause it’s about as good as we’re going to look for the next five days. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_5205.jpg 3300 meters and climbing. 3900 is the goal for the day. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_5209.jpg These cows dotted the landscape and kept the hiking a bit more interesting. The cows have much thicker fur/hair than the cows I’m used to seeing at home. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_5211.jpg After eyeballing the cows, it was lunch time. Meet Alberto, the 26yr old Spanish guy studying his masters teaching (developmentally disabled children) in the southern part of Chile for a year abroad. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_5214.jpg 3,450 meters and climbing, the rain came out, and so did our rain gear. Alberto’s rain gear is compliments of the ‘80s and his father’s wardrobe. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_5218.jpg Kristi wanted a photo with the jumpsuit. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_5219.jpg Did I mention? This is as good as I am going to look for a while? http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_5224.jpg Before the group as a whole has made camp for the first night, the horsemen are feeding their horses in the field. It is worth mentioning that the horsemen have arrived at camp, dismounted all things needed dismounting, and put their horses to pasture all before we have arrived. Well done. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_5225.jpg That night was spent in relative luxury, with a roof over our head! The guide, Juan Carlos, warned us that we’d be sleeping at 3,900 meters, and that it would be our coldest night of the trek. I wasn’t worried, and neither was Kristi. I brought my -9*C (15*F) sleeping bag, and Kristi had enough layers. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_5229.jpg Dinner that night stared with Happy Hour, which consists of hot tea and popcorn. Delicious, wonderful, salty popcorn. Yum! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_5233.jpg That night, the stars came out, and the mountains in the back ground were giving off a faint light. Perfect for a bit of experimental photography. Kristi and I were happy to have made it the first day, and nearly 12.5 miles of walking (21km). http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_5239.jpg Then, while everyone else was freezing, I made attempts at writing in the sky. Success! ADV! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_5251.jpg Day one was a giant success! Day two to come! --Alex |
Day 2, 19km's and 2600meters of Elevation.
Day two started off early in the morning with a 4:30am wake up call. Our hardest day yet was ahead of us, and we needed to be ready to hike 10-12 hours. We were starting off at 3,900 meters, climbing to 4,650, than descending down to 2,700. Lots of hiking was in front of us.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...2/IMG_5261.jpg That morning, the clouds hung low, and the Mountains were partly hidden. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...2/IMG_5262.jpg Later, rather than sooner, we were waiting for about 7 of the 17 people in the trek to get ready to leave. A lot of hair brushing and makeup was done by the 4 Brazilian girls, and some slow packing by the Venezuelans. The two Israeli guys, Yinon and Nitzen, sleeping in the same tent as Alberto were ready to rock and roll ASAP. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...2/IMG_5266.jpg A little while down the trail and we’d climbed 200 meters. Well, that was easy… http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...2/IMG_5268.jpg While we were sucking wind, and sweating already despite the cool early morning temp, a guy was watering his horse in the nearby stream. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...2/IMG_5269.jpg And that is when I realized that we were at the bottom of what would be the hardest stretch of trail yet, and as the guide told it, the hardest stretch of the trek. 550 meters of vertical elevation over the next kilometer or two, and we’d be at the top of the pass. Damn. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...2/IMG_5270.jpg At the top of the climb (not the pass), a victory smile from Kristi and I. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...2/IMG_5282.jpg RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWWWWWRRRR!!! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...2/IMG_5283.jpg After a break at the top of the hardest stretch of climbing, waiting for the entire group to catch up, we pressed onward, jackets zipped up. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...2/IMG_5285.jpg Before that however, Kristi got on the “Lion King Rock” and busted a victory pose of her own. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...2/IMG_5286.jpg And a clearer shot with our guide Juan Carlos. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...2/IMG_5288.jpg And the top of the pass! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...2/IMG_5293.jpg Success on day two! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...2/IMG_5295.jpg Alberto fancied himself a photo of the Cooks wife. So I obliged. If any of you are surprised by the footwear that Kristi and I chose. Well, then, look at hers. She and nearly every horseman/cook/porter/worker wore sandals very similar to those. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...2/IMG_5296.jpg These two guys, selling their wares, live in a mountain village at 5,500 meters, 90km away from Cusco in a different direction from where we had come. The 4,600meters we were currently at was a joke to them. They just didn’t like the cold. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...2/IMG_5297.jpg Group photo! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...2/IMG_5298.jpg I bought Kristi a souvenir for the hike. A bracelet, handmade for 5 soles. About $1.85 http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...2/IMG_5299.jpg My reward? Happy time! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...2/IMG_5304.jpg So, at the top of the pass, we had no option but to head down the hill. And so, of course, we did. For the next 7+ hours. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...2/IMG_5305.jpg On the way, we saw some Alpaca. They blended in with the rocks so well that half of the group nearly made it passed without noticing them! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...2/IMG_5306.jpg An hour or so later, we found our Lunch site. See that guy with the smile and thumbs? That’s Tony from New Zealand, living in Vancouver, Canada. He smiled a lot. I think Anna was hungry or something? http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...2/IMG_5307.jpg During Lunch, it rained like hell. Afterwards, it kept on a bit, and made for a LOT of mud. However, we just kept going, and at the next rest stop, we sat for a while waiting for everyone else. Meet Mr. Rooster! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...2/IMG_5316.jpg And the Dog! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...2/IMG_5317.jpg And the little kids beating off the horses/mules that were trying to make their way into the fenced off field to feed. No food for you!!! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...2/IMG_5319.jpg Hello everyone! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...2/IMG_5321.jpg After the break we hit the trail again. Photo time! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...2/IMG_5324.jpg Not long after, we made our way down a few more km’s of trail to the bottom of our hiking elevation for the day, and arrived at a suspension bridge. Nizten started first by bouncing a bit, and getting it to wobble. Kristi liked that! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...2/IMG_5325.jpg Smile for the camera! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...2/IMG_5327.jpg A couple of Km’s later, and some light up and down trail hiking, and we made it to Camp on day two. This dog was there waiting for us. It was awesome. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...2/IMG_5334.jpg Remember Tony? It’s dinner time now, just after Happy Hour. Smile for the camera! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...2/IMG_5340.jpg Not long after dinner time, everyone is ready for bed. And so we slept. I slept the best that night, but woke up drenched in sweat because my sleeping bag was too warm. I unzipped it, dried off (literally) and went back to bed. Day 3 is just around the corner! --Alex |
Day 3. Party time!
Day three was an easy day. Nothing to worry about. 5 hours of hiking with a surprise at the end. We’d be a short minibus ride away from some Hot Springs, and for the cheap price of $7.5 (20soles) we could secure ourselves a round trip ride and entrance.
These horses are taking it easy, they likely completed a marathon (40km) to get here, fully loaded. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...3/IMG_5342.jpg Our destination for the day involved switch backs following a road for a while, down to the river below. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...3/IMG_5343.jpg Group Photo! We’d be walking into the valley beyond. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...3/IMG_5344.jpg And crossing some unique pieces of Peruvian Engineering. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...3/IMG_5345.jpg Many of the tributaries to the river below consisted of waterfalls just like this one. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...3/IMG_5350.jpg Here you can see me fashioning a walking stick out of a piece of bamboo. My left knee was beginning to hurt pretty good from all the intense use it was receiving. 6miles of downhill walking with over 6,000 feet of elevation drop didn’t help either. Combined with week muscles still rebuilding themselves after 2 weeks of mind numbing atrophy, and you get the picture. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...3/IMG_5352.jpg Success! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...3/IMG_5353.jpg See the comparison? This man was cruising around at our first rest stop of the day. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...3/IMG_5355.jpg Peruvian Engineering at its finest. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...3/IMG_5357.jpg Ok guys, gals, and everyone in between. Who else has ever seen anything like this? A watermelon plant, growing its vines UP a tree, and growing a watermelon in mid air, hanging from a branch? It was at LEAST 20 feet in the air. I know we grow all sorts of fruits and veggies on hanging vines (grapes, strawberries, tomatoes), but this is a first time sight for me. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...3/IMG_5360.jpg Here we can clearly see a nice butterfly trying to make some horse shit, look a little less, well, like shit. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...3/IMG_5362.jpg Another one of those tributaries I was talking about. Saweet. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...3/IMG_5363.jpg This bug made its appearance at random. Whats up? http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...3/IMG_5367.jpg At our second rest stop, we all hung out for a while until everyone caught up. While Mama dog was begging for food, baby dog was getting as much as he could. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...3/IMG_5369.jpg Then it’s bro showed up to get some too. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...3/IMG_5373.jpg About a few more hours down the road and we arrived to our campsite before we knew it. Lunch was on the table, and we were feasting. I would like to say, that the entire time that we had been hiking, and then 6 meals I had received up until this point, I had yet to feel less than satisfied. This might be due to the fact that I was consuming everything not yet eaten and anything freely handed over. Including all of Rhi’s soup for 4 days, large quantities of rice, and many potatoes. Here you can see an abnormally large Lima Bean. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...3/IMG_5376.jpg Lunch time! I was always hungry. Have I mentioned that I’ve lost, already, nearly 20 lbs since I left home. Used to be 215lbs, And now, I’m 195. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...3/IMG_5377.jpg Something about these mashed potatoes turned most people away from them. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...3/IMG_5378.jpg The Simpsons are worldwide. Bart says, “Don’t ENTER! This is my room, my disorder, my problem!” http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...3/IMG_5383.jpg After lunch, we all changed into our swim suits, piled into VW mini buses, and made out way 20 minutes from the camp site to the Hot Springs that I remembered from 3 years ago. I was excited. Then we arrived, and I realized that the place had been demolished by a land slide, completely covered, uncovered, and slightly rebuilt. The price to enter was the same, and though the amenities were lacking, the water was still hot. Good enough for me, and no one else knew the difference. When we got back to the campsite about 3.5 hours later, we were all ready for dinner. And dinner was good. During dinner we came to a group conclusion that Kristi was the youngest person in the entire group of 17 people. When this came to be known, Niel and Australian guy, started singing Happy Birthday. Well, we all joined in, and the assistant guide went into overdrive! Your birthday today? How old are you? Write your name here for me please. Ok. We have surprise for you tomorrow. Um. Ok. Yes. K-R-I-S-T-I. ummmmm….I turned….23…. Thanks… Well. It turns out that another of the guides on a trek separate from ours had a birthday as well. And our guide, Juan Carlos had been invited. He made it back. To the floor… http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...3/IMG_5384.jpg I whipped out the camera to document it. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...3/IMG_5385.jpg Oh DAMN! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...3/IMG_5386.jpg Whats up Juan Carlos? Que Pasa Amigo? http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...3/IMG_5389.jpg When Alberto wanted a photo, so did Juan Carlos. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...3/IMG_5391.jpg Promptly thereafter he fell asleep again. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...3/IMG_5396.jpg From where he sat, Alberto and I physically lifted him up, and carried his drunk ass to bed, next to the assistant guide who was already in bed. Then the lady of the house locked him in. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...3/IMG_5397.jpg There he laid, sleeping on his fellow guide. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...3/IMG_5398.jpg But then the Nitzen and Yinon realized, that he, house lady, he’s going to have to pee in the middle of the night. They said this to me in English, I said this to her in Spanish. Her daughter replied, yes we know, she’s coming with a bucket! HAHAHAHA! And so she did! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...3/IMG_5399.jpg And locked him in with the bucket! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...3/IMG_5400.jpg And so he began to sleep it off. And we all went to bed soon after. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...3/IMG_5401.jpg The festivities continue on Day 4. Soon to come. --Alex |
Day 4, Aguas Calientes
So Day 4 arrived, and it was Kristi’s birthday. Oh shit. They baked her a cake! (Keep in mind, her bday is Jan 10th, and we only let the assistant guide believe it was her bday to see what would happen…)
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...4/IMG_5406.jpg So at breakfast the next morning, with her cake in hand, we all sang her Happy Birthday, and she blew out a candle made from 3 matchsticks that I lit with my lighter. Then she chopped it into 17 pieces. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...4/IMG_5407.jpg Since not everyone wanted a slice of cake that early in the morning, our hung over guide Juan Carlos, the assistant guide, the head cook, and the assistant cook all got a piece of the cake as well. Hand delivered by me, as the people who passed up their cake would have just as happily thrown it away. Instead I saw 4 people smile. Awesome. After packing up, and waiting for the Brazilian girls to get there stuff together, we kicked it with this dog for a while. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...4/IMG_5408.jpg Then, beginning our last day of true hiking, we gathered up for a group cheer! Whoooooooo! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...4/IMG_5410.jpg The first destination of the day was Llactapata; a small ruin 4-500 meters up the mountain side that overlooks the valley between it, and Machu Picchu. The way up was a steady climb, that never became too steep, but never let up either. As a group, we decided it was easily as difficult, if not more so, then day 2. Alberto agreed. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...4/IMG_5412.jpg We started just a bit above the river, and climbed, and climbed, and climbed. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...4/IMG_5415.jpg When my body realized that I wasn’t at altitude (by comparison to the previous days) and my mind realized we didn’t have any drastic climbs, my legs responded and I took off. I powered up that mountain like a llama. And then sat for 20 minutes for Alberto to arrive. While I waited, I snagged a photo. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...04/Sunnies.jpg Where we had come from! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...4/IMG_5427.jpg At the top of the climb, we arrived at Llactapata, the small ruins. From where you see Kristi standing, directly opposite from here, following the line, lies Machu Picchu. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...4/IMG_5431.jpg It looks like this from far away. (I stuck my camera card in Yinon’s (pronounced Ee-non) camera that has a 35x Optical zoom. Result. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...4/IMG_5443.jpg And another. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...4/IMG_7681.jpg And from a distance. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...4/IMG_7683.jpg On the winter solstice, apparently at sunrise, the sun lines up perfectly with the line you see below, illuminating the room from where the photo was taken. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...4/IMG_7688.jpg Looks likes this from another angle. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...4/IMG_7692.jpg Show me some love! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...4/IMG_7696.jpg Group rest point. Since day one, the same group of people have arrived last at each destination. I feel bad for them, because as we are all resting, they are still hiking, and when they arrive, they have to keep going. No resting for them. Too slow… http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...4/IMG_7697.jpg Couples shot! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...4/IMG_7702.jpg Alberto was walking on his hands before he landed flat on his ass! Alberto speaks very limited English, and on his 2 week vacation from school, he had let himself believe that he would find others travelers, Americans, Europeans, etc, that spoke Spanish as well, especially since we are in South America. Well, I was the only foreigner that spoke Spanish on that trek, besides the Venezuelans of course, and the mixed up Spanish that the Brazilians were speaking. The other 11 of us? I was the only one. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...4/IMG_7703.jpg This woman is a professional photographer, in the next few days, I’ll have a link to her page. And dare I say, you must visit it! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...4/IMG_7705.jpg One of the Brazilian girls busted out a Yoga pose in mid stride. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...4/IMG_7706.jpg Pretty soon, we were all ready to head back down the mountain. At this point, I’m pretty sure both of my knees hurt like hell. Left knee, from being over worked, right knee from compensating for left knee. All due to my left fibula that felt like normal. Damn it. Kristi felt pretty good though! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...4/IMG_7708.jpg And like a wonderful friend, she stuck back with me as I pulled up the 13th position of 17 people. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...4/IMG_7710.jpg On the way back down the hill, we began to see more vegetation. The jungle was producing again. This time around we found some orchids. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...4/IMG_7713.jpg And a BIG ASS leaf. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...4/IMG_7716.jpg At the bottom of the mountain, we reached the river again, only this time we were much higher above it, and crossed on a cable suspension bridge yet again. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...4/IMG_7717.jpg From the middle of the bridge you get this view. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...4/IMG_7718.jpg And when the wind blows, you get this one instead! ... To be continued on next post (too many photos)... |
story continued...
And when the wind blows, you get this one instead!
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...4/IMG_7722.jpg And when you look back on it, you can see two Australians taking outrageous amounts of photos, and never missing an angle. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...4/IMG_7723.jpg When we hit the riverside trail, the heat rose, but we were placated with a nice breeze that cooled it down quite a bit. Which probably contributed to the sunburn I received. This Quechan woman however, was still fully dressed, trekking away. She’s wearing stockings as well. Knitted woolen stockings… http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...4/IMG_7727.jpg Meanwhile, Kristi was butterfly hunting. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...4/IMG_7729.jpg As we walked along the river, we came closer and close to Hidro Electrica, the name of a town that is aptly named due to the Hydro Electric plant that is the main reason for its existence. A man made waterfall pours from tunnel above, cascading down and providing a cool breeze. Awesome. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...4/IMG_7732.jpg After the waterfall, it was another 30-45 minutes along the dusty trail to a checkpoint where we found the rest of the group waiting. As we weren’t the last people, we didn’t mind waiting a bit either. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...4/IMG_7734.jpg Sooner than later, we were back in the arms of our lovely cooks, sitting down for lunch and stuffing our face. It was day 4, and we wouldn’t see our cooks again. The same process happened the day before when our horse man left us. We were being appropriated for a tip. Well, I tipped away. I liked those guys. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...4/IMG_7736.jpg After lunch, we hit the train tracks. The last 10km of our trek would take place walking next to the train tracks that run all the way from Cusco to Aguas Calientes. The train makes a few stops as well, including Ollantaytambo, and Hidro Electrica. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...4/IMG_7738.jpg The sign reads, “Danger, don’t walk in the way” http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...4/IMG_7741.jpg And so we began the last stretch of our journey. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...4/IMG_7742.jpg The river was never far from sight. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...4/IMG_7743.jpg We crossed another bridge as well. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...4/IMG_7746.jpg Yinon took a nap. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...4/IMG_7747.jpg Kristi tried to hitch a ride and jump aboard a train. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...4/IMG_7749.jpg And eventually we made it to the end of the line. For the past 68km or so, I have been carrying the big backpack, and Kristi the small backpack. It wasn’t until I thought my knees would break (they just hurt like hell) that I passed the bag to her. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...4/IMG_7756.jpg You see this bus? This bus, along with many of its counterpart, take people up the hill from Augas Calientes, up to the ruins of Machu Picchu. Keep them in mind. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...4/IMG_7757.jpg My new mule, Kristi, carrying the big bag the last 6 km or so. Thanks! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...4/IMG_7758.jpg Alberto is nearly dead. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...4/IMG_7759.jpg And then, Andy showed up! What? You guys remember Andy right? Last time we saw him was in Mancora, Peru with the rest of the gang. Well, he’d moved fast since then, and caught up! So in quick succession, Kristi and I, Anna and Rhi took showers, and met Andy and Cass for a quick drink. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...4/IMG_7763.jpg Andy! May I see you sometime again in the Land Down Under! He’s moving so fast, with a deadline to meet, that I won’t be seeing him again. Damn. Good luck on the rest of your journey! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...4/IMG_7764.jpg Next stop, it was back to the hostel to gather up with the rest of the trekking group for dinner. Did I mention, we’re all sleeping in a hostel for the night? It’s nice. A real bed! Yay! Well, we’re all also going it for one last dinner together as well. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...4/IMG_7768.jpg Day 4 ended with an OK meal, and the usual aftermath. Stuffing my face with other people’s food. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...4/IMG_7773.jpg Machu Picchu is on the way, and Day 5 will be a winner! --Alex |
Day 5, Machu Picchu at its Finest.
Remember those buses guys? Well, they would be my friend today! All those who felt the urge to complete their full hike, right up to the gates of Machu Picchu had their shot this morning. Wake up early, be at the bridge before 5am, and start hiking the hill as soon as it opens. Be at the gates to Machu Picchu before 6am, and you’ve made it!
I did this hike 3 years ago. I took the bus up! I felt like a little bitch doing it too. But I could hardly walk down the stairs that morning, and that is not a joke. I nearly crashed and burned! So the night before, I took the liberty of buying a round trip ticket for myself, and a one way ticket for Kristi for the ride down. She and Anna had already committed to finishing the hike. Kristi laughed at the option of the bus. Go Kristi! At 5am, I was waiting for the first 5:30am bus; along with half of the rest of the tourists. Luckily they line up three buses that each leave directly after each other as they fill up in turn. I made the middle of the third bus. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_7777.jpg On the bus ride up! Alberto is somewhere on the bus, all but 6 of the 17 of us. Those 6 finished the hike. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_7778.jpg At the top of the hill, we piled off the buses and got in line for the opening of the gates at 6am. Kristi, Anna, and Nitzen were there wating, feeling like champs. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_7779.jpg After entering the park entrance, we all piled into a group to meet with our guide for a 1.5 hour tour. In the back ground you can see a large group of South Koreans on a 2 week, cram it all in, see as much shit as you can tour. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_7781.jpg And then…. We walked a little bit more… … … … And we saw… … … … http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_7784.jpg Smile girls! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_7786.jpg Kristi kept looking around like she was lost. She has a post card from me from 3.5 years ago, that I sent to her when I was in South America the first time around. Quick history lesson! Rewind to November 24th, 2007. My 21st birthday. 48 days after the plane my twin brother was in crashed. First birthday ever celebrated alone. Brothers last girlfriend is there, Julianne, along with many of her friends, Kristi is one of them. Lots of other girls there (my brother and I knew lots of girls), and some of my closest friends. Something happens. Kristi seems to like me. Then I ask her to hang out, and then we hang out more. And then. Well. We began to “not date” for the next 8 months. Then I left for my trip to South America in Summer of 2008,(Titled: Alex’s Excellent Adventurer) When I told her I was going, she got sad (so did I) when I told her I had more important issues in my mind to deal with then trying to think and care about her while I was gone, and that I needed to care about myself first, so that I could care about anyone else in the future. For the past 8 months though, I hadn’t been seeing anyone else the whole time, but didn’t want a girlfriend, and told her so many times, but never told her no when she kissed me, and always asked her to hang out, and go to the movies, and do all sorts of boyfriend/girlfriend stuff, and gave her rides on my motorcycles, and even my Dads motorcycle one time (2001 Triumph Bonneville T100, remake of the ’76 he used to have… Let’s see if he catches this one… he always suspected… etc) So while I was in South America, I sent her a post card. Well anyway, she kept the post card, and someday, like 3 years later, she started painting a picture of Machu Picchu, which is half finished, and now, finally, she is seeing it firsthand, and I guess, from what she tells me, this tree is in her painting. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_7787.jpg Couples shot! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_7788.jpg I hiked most of the past 75km with Alberto, blabbering away in Spanish, practicing, learning new words, and gaining a friend. He has invited me to stay with him when I make it to Southern Chile. I’ll be glad to meet with him again. Nitzen has a habit of being in other peoples photos. He’s famous for it. I didn’t mind. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_7789.jpg And here begins most of what is to come, a photo montage of Machu Picchu and some more. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_7800.jpg There is a bit of wild life up in these hills, and this bird was chirping away that morning, making music. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_7804.jpg Look at this rock closely. Many people stop to think and wonder how the Incans cut their stones to build their structures. Well, as our guide told us; they used bronze bars to chisel out holes in the stones in a straight line about 10cm (4in) apart from each other. When the holes were deep enough, they would jam wood into the holes, and then pour water over the wood. The wood would then absorb the water, expanding, and easily breaking the stone off into sectioned pieces, perfect for building with. Clever stuff. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_7805.jpg This stone, obviously not naturally made, was carved to point due south, with its corners representing the other 3 cardinal directions. North, East, and West. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_7811.jpg No one in our group had a compass to prove it, but the next guide that was in line to show his private group the stone, did have a compass, and laid it down to show us the proof. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_7816.jpg Then, the Andean Rabbit (named by our guide, also called a Chinchilla by someone else) popped out for a visit. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_7817.jpg This happened to the area where the building blocks were being created. Call it the construction yard if you will. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_7819.jpg And way down below, was the river we hiked along to get to where we were at the moment. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_7820.jpg Hello everyone! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_7822.jpg Kristi was taking a break for a moment. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_7826.jpg And this little bird, which looked more like a hawk to me, was swooping around chasing other birds. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_7828.jpg Kristi was still lost. Everything she saw made her happy! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_7830.jpg This is a map of Waynu Picchu, the mountain that overlooks Machu Pichu, is 400meters above it, and a bitch of a hike. All three of us, Anna, Kristi and I, signed up back in Cusco and paid the extra $10 to do it. We were in too deep to back out now! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_7831.jpg Well, there are two openings, of 200 people at each time, to hike up Waynu Picchu. One is at 7am, and the next is at 10am. Anna, Kristi and I had 10am tickets. So we walked around a bit. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_7835.jpg In the background, up on the hillside, is Llactapata, the viewpoint with the line that intersects Machu Picchu. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_7836.jpg And this is Waynu Picchu. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_7837.jpg A lot of these scaly little buggers were clinging to the rocks in the sunshine. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_7841.jpg While the rabbits/chinchillas hung out. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_7842.jpg Too be continued... |
story continued...
This has become a classic photo. I shall explain.
While the Israeli guys, Yinon and Nitzen were on top of Waynu Picchu with the 7am group, they whipped out their fancy cameras with a 35x zoom lens, looked back at their photos from earlier that morning, and then proceeded to find as many of the group as they could from their perch on top of Waynu Picchu. They nearly immediately found Kristi in her bring pink shirt. Among the rest of us, they found Alberto, who, at the same time, was taking a photo of them, who at the same time was being photographed by me. All the times on the cameras match. The Sequence shows First a photo of Alberto, from far away, looking out from behind a stone pillar, taking a shot of Waynu Picchu in the distance. Alongside Alberto is Alex, off to the right side, with his camera out, taking what would in turn be the photo you see below. As I took a photo of Alberto, he took a photo of the Isrealis while they took a photo of us. Coincidence on the mountain top. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_7843.jpg Some of the pathways in the ruins were quite narrow. Kristi had a good time exploring all over the place. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_7848.jpg And soaking in the views. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_7849.jpg While I looked for more lizards. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_7852.jpg And they stared back at me. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_7853.jpg So I gave one the big who’s who talk, and caught the son of a bitch, and nearly fed it to Kristi. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_7855.jpg After a quick jaunt out to the front entrance to use the bathroom facilities, we were back at the gates for Waynu Picchu, and getting ready to climb. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_7856.jpg About 35 minutes later. We were looking down at Machu Picchu from a new perspective. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_7857.jpg You see those switchbacks? That’s what I bussed up that morning. Kristi, Anna, Nitzen and a few others hiked it. Success. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_7859.jpg AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_7861.jpg Grrrr! Show them your muscles Kristi! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_7862.jpg Well, we hadn’t made it to the very top yet, and had a little more to go. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_7867.jpg Kristi posing on a rather precarious precipice. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_7868.jpg These two girls were proud themselves. I was proud too! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_7869.jpg The wind was blowing pretty strong up there! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_7870.jpg Smile for the camera everyone! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_7883.jpg I’m a Giant in the Clouds! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_7884.jpg Same shot. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_7887.jpg We’re number 1! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_7888.jpg From the other side, you see this view. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_7892.jpg I took a seat on the wild side. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_7893.jpg Kristi took it a bit easier. I learned that day, that she’s afraid of heights! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_7895.jpg After all of our, “On top of the world” photos, we decided to go back down. I caught Anna taking a break waiting for us to finish our photo session. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_7896.jpg Here is the same staircase looking up. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_7897.jpg A last glimpse of Machu Picchu from the sky. As it has been said, the Incans made Machu Picchu in the shape of a Condor. From this photo you can clearly see the shape of the wings above the bulbous body of the condor, flanked by its tail, hovering over its rectangular feet. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_7900.jpg Some of the stairs on the way up and down Waynu Picchu were quite intense, and nearly like ladders in the sense that using your hands wasn’t out of the question. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_7903.jpg Back in Machu Picchu proper, we made our way up to the base of the wings, and found the guard house, where the Llamas were hanging out. Eeek! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_7906.jpg Standard M.P shot. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_7909.jpg Kristi went for a short walk with the Llama. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_7910.jpg Machu Picchu in its full glory. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_7914.jpg Too be continued... |
story continued...
Kristi enjoying the view again.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_7917.jpg Feeding a baby llama. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_7918.jpg Couples shot! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_7919.jpg Getting all artsy fartsy with the camera. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_7925.jpg After the art session, we realized that we had seen as much of Machu Picchu for the day as we cared to see. We had walked around, seen lots of stuff, hiked to the top of Waynu Picchu, seen M.P from way up high, walked back down, petted Llamas, fed them, and battled other tourists for space the entire time. So we made our way out the front gates, headed for the buses. That is when I saw the 80+ year old version of my Father, with his personal Sherpa, (man behind him in the hat with sandals), who had just also been in Machu Picchu. I love you Dad! My Dad has told me, many times, that when he goes back to Europe, i.e. Spain, he’s going to hire a beautiful college bilingual co-ed to show him around the city and be his guide. Don’t wait as long as this guy did Dad! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_7926.jpg Back on the bus, headed down the mountain. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_7927.jpg Back in Aguas Calientes, we walked around for a bit and found a shop selling postcards and stamps, and had a post box outside. Excellent. Off we sent a couple of post cards. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_7929.jpg Not much later, we had a pile of food from the local grocery store, and we were at the train station along with everyone else from the trek. The last bit of our journey involved a train ride to Ollantaytambo, and a bus ride back to Cusco. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_7933.jpg Onto the train we boarded, and the rest it pretty much history. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_7937.jpg Do I look tired? Well, I’m also sun burnt. Apparently at 2300 meters, in the nice bright sunshine, a white boy like me gets burned. Damn. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_7938.jpg And there you have it folks. Our Salkantay Trek to Machu Pichu comes to a fantastic end. --Alex |
A video of Machu Picchu.
Let's see if this link works.
http://s979.photobucket.com/albums/a...t=MVI_7911.mp4 How do I embed the video? --Alex |
Back in the saddle again.
Alright! 7 days ago I left Cusco, and all you have heard about since then was the awesome Trek that Kristi and I made to Machu Picchu. Since then, a lot of not too exciting things have happened, and I made it via 2 buses, 2 flights, and 2 taxis to Bogota, Colombia.
My bike was where I left it, my luggage still in storage, my gear all musty/moldy and stinky, and everything else in basic, normal, working condition. The bike fired up on the first go, easily, after I turned the gas back on, and all is well! Well, leading up to this point were many mild events, and I’ll start with that, here. Well, after making it back to Cusco, Andy, Cass, Ty, Jill, Anna, Kristi and I went out for lunch at a place that serves Hamburgers as big as your head. Most of us ordered a kind of Hamburger or Sandwich, and dug in. Kristi didn’t know what to think about it… http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_7946.jpg So she just gave it a good effort. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_7948.jpg Holy shit! (I ate 1/3 of it, it was huge and she couldn’t finish it.) http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_7952.jpg Well, that was Sunday afternoon. Earlier that day, Rhi (from the trek) and Anna went for a full body massage. 20 soles later ($7.5) and they were in for a 1hr massage. Well that sounded nice to Kristi, and though I actually had no urge to go for a massage, as that’s not my thing, I went with her. So $15 later we were fully bodied, inca hot stone massaged, and ready for bed. And so we went to bed. Monday morning. The dreaded Monday morning (Sept 19th) would be the day that Kristi flew home. So, we had stuff to do! Did anyone else know that the highest bungee jump in South America is 20 minutes outside of Cusco, Peru? Well, we learned about it at the Loki Hostel, and who would believe that Kristi has this activity on her “bucket list”? Well. Here we go! Think she’s nervous/excited? http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_7957.jpg Well, we arrived in good fashion, to see the bungee jumping cage on its grounded platform, and the support wires towering above it in the sky above. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_7958.jpg Well, Kristi was first up. So they started harnessing her up, and strapping her in. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_7959.jpg This time I think she’s nervous. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_7960.jpg Rope her in boys! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_7961.jpg Inside the cage, the jump operator was checking her harness for a third time. All set? http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_7962.jpg I think so! And lift off! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_7964.jpg This is the exercise board/diagram that labeled and listed the exercises that we performed before jumping. Need to be limber! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_7965.jpg And then… She was airborne! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_7969.jpg And two minutes or so later, she was being lowered to the ground. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_7970.jpg Hey! That was fun! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_7971.jpg After that, it was my turn. Same basic setup, except the video that Kristi tried to take of my jump failed, and so no visual record exists. Suffice it to say, I jumped off like a pro, and it was awesome. We paid a bit extra ($8 or something) and they made Kristi a mini dvd of the jump. Then, it was back to the market. Cusco is a great place to find cheap things to bring home to your family. They are unique (more or less) to the area, and lots of fun for family and friends. So, we went back to the shops, and bought a few souvenirs for Kristi’s family. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_7973.jpg Then, we took a little walk around the plaza. Here you can see part of the Old Cusco buildings, built from stone hundreds of years ago. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_7974.jpg Here is Kristi in front of the locally famous 12 sided stone. Count it. Real deal. Stone Mason Mastery. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_7976.jpg Well, then, it was time to go back to the hostel, grab everything she had brought with her and the stuff she bought to take home, and hit up a taxi to the airport. She had to go home to go back to school to finish her last year! Damn. Airport waiting room parting photo. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_7978.jpg Awwww. She’s more sad than me! She has to go home and finish school, and I get to keep traveling. Damn. Life is unfair. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_7981.jpg Group “sad” photo. I think we actually were sad. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_7982.jpg And then she was gone. BUT, She’ll come back in December! Woohoo! Well. Damn. My first days of Solo travel began then, and have continued since. It’s nearly normal for me anyway, as I don’t mind making decisions, and I already have a plan in mind. So, for me, it was back to Loki Hostel to find a bus/plane to Bogota. That night, I found tickets to Bogota from Lima for $600. No way was I dropping $600 to get to Bogota via plane. I would bus. Well, the next morning (Tuesday) I saw flights leaving Lima on Thursday for $357. I just needed to be there in time to catch the flight. A bus takes 21 hours, and costs $66. I can make it if I leave now! That sounded much better, as busing it all the way to Bogota was 87 hours of bus riding. 4 days (STRAIGHT) and $280. And flying from Lima was a day and a half and $420. So I went to the travel/tour agency inside Loki, and booked a bus that was leaving 4 hours later for Lima. Then, I went back to buy my plane ticket, and they were sold out. Everything was sold out. No flights for less than $600. Damn. Well, I already bought the bus ticket, so I was on my way out the door anyway. From the front of the bus, through the bugs. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_7990.jpg Side view. Less buggy. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_7992.jpg Well, in a 21 hour bus ride, they serve you food. I eat much more food than is ever served, so I planned ahead. I.e. 3 liters of fluid (2lt water, 1lt Gatorade), 6 packs (4ea) or oreos, and a banana. The accompanying chicken, rice, and pastry went along nicely. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_7995.jpg Well, I before I got on the bus in Cusco, I saw listed on the bus station schedule, plastered massive letters on the wall, that there was a direct bus leaving from Lima to Guayaquil, Ecuador 3hrs 45minutes after I was meant to arrive in Lima. The price for that 30 hours bus ride was the same as the 21 hrs I would be riding from Cusco to Lima, I didn’t have to pay for a nights’ accommodation, and I would arrive in Guayaquil where flights to Bogota are way cheaper. So, I bought that ticket and signed myself up for 55 hours of nearly consecutive bus riding. On the way I met this Chilean guy who was traveling for a month, headed north to Colombia, looking for a job when he got there. He was a large scale mechanic that worked in the mines in Chile. He’d be looking for similar work in Colombia. In Lima with nearly 4 hours to spare, he also bought a bus ticket to Guayaquil, and with the next 30 hours of our lives scheduled in the same direction, we got in a taxi with Felix (another guy making the same trip from Cusco, flying from Guayaquil to L.A. to Sydney) and went down to the local Molino Market. When we arrived, Felix took off to find gifts for his extended family in Australia, and the Chilean and I (can’t remember his name damn it) went in search for food. We ended up walking a few blocks and I began to realize that I had been there before, when I was in Lima with Kristi. I turned a few corners and we found Pizza Street. A street lined completely with restaurants and bars. Eventually we came to the end, and the only restaurant not trying to ply us with free/discounted drinks just to enter. We ended up stuffing our faces on a order of grilled meats, French fries, salad and Inka Cola. Meet the Chilean. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_7996.jpg Well, shortly after the meal we walked down the street to the grocery store I remember existed there, and bought provisions for the next 30 hours. Bread, 2 apples, an orange, more water and more Gatorade. Then it was back to the bus, a front row seat on the top level for me with what turned out to be nobody sitting next to me for the entire ride to Ecuador. Awesome. Along the way we passed a town, dominated by small motorcycle and motorcycle taxis. They were everywhere! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8004.jpg 25 hours later, we arrived at the Peruvian Immigracion office, and I was first off the bus. Waiting in line to have your passport stamped can truly suck when there are 50 people in front of you. If you’re the first one, you get to do this while everyone else is standing in line: eat a chocolate ice cream bar with peanuts. Damn, they are so good. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8006.jpg Well, after exiting Peru, entering Ecuador (same first off first back on routine) it was 5 more hours to our destination for the bus ride. 5 hours later we were all shaking hands, (Felix, Chilean and I) and going off on our own way to do what we had planned. Briefly I considered catching one of the buses that leaves every hour to Quito, 9-10 hours away on the bus. But, after 50 hours of poor sleeping, poor eating, and urge to sleep in a bed, I made my way into the bus terminal (A MASSIVE two level shopping mall of a bus terminal), and found an internet café. After 2 hours on the internet I had found a hostel nearby, updated my friends and family , and the most important thing to me at that time; found, booked, and paid for a 2 hour flight to Bogota. 20 more minutes later and I was at the Funky Monkey Hostel near a shopping mall, on my laptop. My flight was scheduled for Saturday, and it was only Thursday night. Time to catch up on sleep. And so I did. And it was Friday morning till night that I spent a considerable amount of time uploading photos, writing captions, and connecting the dots along our trek to Machu Picchu. Relatively up to date by this time, I passed out. Saturday morning had me packed and ready to go to the airport. Less than 10 minutes later by taxi, I arrived in good order, 1.5 hours before the flight, (I wasn’t risking anything this time), and was checked in for the first of 2 flights that day, to Cali, Colombia. In Cali, I made a slight error and checked myself into the country of Colombia with the immigration officers there. Instead, I was meant to take a different route and head to the waiting area for my connecting flight to Bogota where, at my final destination I would check myself into the system. So, after erroneously checking it, I had 2.5 hours to wait for my connecting flight. No problem. The older women here like to dye there graying/white hair into hip and fashionable colors. The choice of these two nice women? Purple! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8011.jpg A normal scene at banks and airport ATM’s are armed guards ready to whoop ass if you try to rob them. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8012.jpg After eating ice cream again, and reintroducing myself to the third currency in 3 days, I was boarding onto the 35 minute flight to Bogota, and ready to rock and roll. I had saved a business card to the Hostel where I left my bike, and after collecting my luggage in Bogota, grabbed one of the authorized taxis, and was checked into the hostel that night. After retrieving all of my luggage from storage, my bed looked like this. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8013.jpg Well, that was Saturday, the 24th, and since then, I have picked up a package at the post office that my dad sent to me, (Sprockets, clutch cable, throttle cable, oil drain plug, carb screws), installed the new sprockets with a new chain that Kristi brought down when she arrived, tuned the carb, checked the tire pressure, loctited every pannier rack bolt, drilled 4 holes in my top case and mounted it, and changed the oil. That took me a few days as I am hard pressed to be in a hurry. However, TOMORROW, I leave bright and early in the morning. In the mean time, I have been to the grocery store, bought way too much meat, potatoes, broccoli, green beans, rice, bell peppers, an onion, and cooked the hell out of all of it. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8018.jpg Over the past two days I have eaten a kilo of meat, a kilo of potatoes, 2 peppers, and onion, and some rice. I am fattening myself up before I go back south again where large quantities of beef don’t grow until Argentina. On top of all of this, Tom and Charlie have decided to backtrack to Lima where a larger level of motorcycle related assistance can be found. Tom’s shock is trashed, and Charlie’s fork seals are leaking. That just means I’ll catch them sooner than originally thought. I leave tomorrow. Route as halfway considered is as follows: Wednesday, make it to Cali, Colombia. Thursday, make it to Ipiales, Colombia. Friday, make it to Quito, Ecuador. Saturday, make it to Cuenca, Ecuador. Sunday, make it to Mancora, Peru. Monday, half way to Lima. Tuesday, arrive in Lima. Onward! --Alex |
1 Attachment(s)
Great thread Alex.....enjoying your trip...while planning mine.....though I am 64. Purchased the bike 2 weeks ago....VStrom 650 and hope to be there in the fall of 2012. Alaska 1st ....May 2012.....from Muskoka Ontario Canada.
Stay Safe.....:scooter::scooter::scooter: |
Hola.
Hickery: Thanks for the compliment on the RR. I envy the Vstrom650. A great power plant, fuel injected, better fuel economy, and nice on road comfort with mild off road capability. Your side boxed look great as well! In my experience as well, age means very little. You'll kick ass at 64. Alaska was in my plans as well, but leaving early nixxed it.
You're going to have a great time on a great bike. Nicely done, well planned, and surely it will be properly executed. Thanks for following along bier --Alex |
Hi Alex
Great trip report .. have followed it from the start. I too have a wee strom... taking off going east in May 2012 for the start of my RTW trip. Ride safe Geordie aka Will |
Drunk man crossed paths with my bike at 90kmph (55mph)
I am in Azoques, Ecuador.
Yesterday, on my way from Quito the the Peruvian border all was well. UNTIL after lunch. I was thirty minutes from the city of Cuenca when I had my third (real) accident, and what I consider to be a real pain in the ass. Or I guess you could say my fractured (very mild) collar bone. I was going about 50mph down a straight section of newer road that runs parallel to the Panamerican Highway, and was riding very carefully as the little rain that had been falling had just stopped and the roads were a bit damp still. The last thing that I remember is seeing a man on the side of the highway, standing there, waiting for me to pass so that he could cross the street. Well, that man, aged 60 years old, and very drunk at the time, stepped directly into my path without any warning whatsoever, and with absolutely no option to avoid the accident, I impacted him head on. I then woke up in the ambulance, on the way to the hospital with the man laying in the stretcher in the rear, where they confirmed my fractured collar bone, bruised knee, and jacked up thumb (swollen and strained but not broken) The man on the other hand recieved substantial injuries including breaking all of his ribs on one side of his body, and was bleeding internally in his lung/s. His condition was stabalized by the time I left the hostpital. He was very gravely injured though, and in a coma the last I heard, though he should make it out alive. My motorcycle right side case was ripped off, and the left side case was slightly damaged. The top case was fine. My headlight glass lense was broken, and my hand guards deflected upward. The front break line was severed I think, and the ignition button was not working when I tried it. I was on Day 4 on the road since Bogota, and making great time, being careful and taking rest breaks often. I was just 10 minutes past lunch, and wide awake when it happened. I am 2 hours from Guayaquil, the biggest city in Ecuador, and when all is said and done, I will transport the bike there, and consider my options. I am tired however, and may be ready to send the bike home from there (a port city and major airport) and call it a day. Maybe not though. I still have much to think about. All I really hope is that the man lives, as his daughter and wife were not in a good way when I saw them at the hospital. Now I am at the police office. It is Ecuadorian law that traffic accident participants spend the night at the police station in a temporary detained position. I slept on the floor last night with my sleeping pad and bag, with a broken left collarbone. In 3 hours I will have an audience with law enforcement and a judge, and after an investigaion, fault will be determined. All of the police officers have told me to worry about nothing, that the man was drunk, that I was in the right of way, not speeding, and had no accessible option to avoid the incident. I have been provided a lawyer for the audience, and proceeding case work. I am physically and mentally well, but it will be at least 10 days off the bike with my broken collar bone. That, and the bike needs repairing. Did I mention that I am tired of this? EVERYTHING is very good however, given the circumstancese, and I am in very little pain ( Though I cant move left arm very well without straining sore muscles/bone). Though I was being as prundent and careful as possible (and I mean that), and I am still healthy, it still happened. I´ll write it again if you missed it before. I am tired of this. Edit: I just had an audience with the judge, my lawyer, and the other parties people. Now we wait while they investigate, and I can´t leave the country until the case is closed. Legally they have 30 days to do it, but it´ll likely take 2 weeks. So I´m here for now. Quayaquil is the largest shipping port on the west coast of South America as well. It may be time to have a friend collect the bike in Seattle while I continue on a bus. I don´t know yet, and am going to spend the next few days sleeping, eating, and thinking about it... --Alex __________ |
:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(Alex......really sorry to hear of your troubles......happy that your ok and praying for the recovery of the other.......if I recall correctly that's # 3.....I think your plan to continue by Bus is a good one........though you are young and heal faster than us old folks....your body needs rest and you have been pushing yourself .......send the bike home; as I read, this is what your senses are telling you. You can return next year with Kristi and complete the journey. I wish you the best on the legal side of things and a speedy recovery......will watch for your updates.
Hickery: |
Hickery: Thanks amigo. I am doing well now, and leaning towards this option as you read correctly. I really hope that guy is ok. I heal fast, but I´m tired of being broken. After Mexico, my hip lingered for 45 days. After Barranquilla, Colombia, my leg was busted, and took 6 weeks to get back to normal. Now Im looking at 2 more weeks. Thats, 15 weeks in 6 months.
Bus rides... At least you make good distances FAST, or they would be unbearable. Until then... I need a healed left collarbone, 21 plates of steak, rice, and potatoes (over 7 days), 2 liters of Orange Gatorade, and time to repair my motorcycle. THEN I will make a decision on the next step. That is 10 days from now, at LEAST. Potential processes include the following, in NO particular order of preference. #1 Fix bike, continue south. #2 Get bike to Guayaquil or Quito, send it home, buy backpack, and continue South. #3 Bag it all, send the bike home, and fly home, see family and friends, and Kristi. #4 Sell the bike if possible, and continue south. As we see here, therein lies only a 25% of bagging it and going home. --Alex |
Lousy Rotten luck
Terrible news Alex,
I've so enjoyed your daily blogs and hope you bounce back, mentally as well as physically, so that you can continue your great adventure. Cheers, DickyBeach |
Really bum news, but I'd love to see you sticking with the bike and completing your dream trip.
I hope the next ten days give you the resolve to carry on, as I suspect you may regret winding up back at home having left things 'unfinished' - I kow I would. Fingers crossed for your legal position and the guy who stepped out on you. Chin up! |
Alex....trust all is improving for you health, legal and mentally as you have been through a lot...........I see other readers urging you on.......I know that you won't be influenced by that but will sort this out for yourself........if you decide on completing this trip with Kristi next year I may have the opportunity to meet you and possibly ride part of the way. Should you go this route consider contacting the forum for members in the area....get the bike repaired...store it with a Horizon member and fly back with Kristi and her bike and continue the trip south next year.:clover::clover::clover::clover:
Wishing you all the best... Hickery |
Bogota,Colombia to Azoques, Ecuador
Wednesday, September 28th.
The Cranky Croc Hostel had run its course, and it was time for me to hit the road. The steed was saddled up with new panniers and top case, and ready to hit the road. Tom and Charlie were about 6-7 days of long riding ahead of me, and I had the urge to catch up. With nearly new tires on the bike, new sprockets,a new chain, new oil and filter, I was set to go. And so the road burning began. I stopped on the side of the road some hundred miles later, grabbed a coke and a bag of chips, filled up with gas, and took a photo. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8020.jpg Another 100 miles or so, and I was hungry. So I hit up this road side Parilla, and stuffed face on grilled pork and potatoes. Awesome. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8023.jpg These guys spent most of their time trying to flag down other customers. When I arrived, a couple in a car left, and no one else arrived for the 30 minutes I was there. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8024.jpg Then for the next few hours, I hauled more ass to Cali, the destination of the day. With only a far away destination in mind, it made little sense for me to plan any of my nightly accommodations, and instead just stay at the first one that I could find. Well in Cali, that doesn’t make the best sense. As I found my way into the outskirts of the town it was getting dark, and the first people I asked for hotel recommendations recommended that I get out of the Barrio I was in, and make my way towards the center. Well, I’ll take a locals advice any day when it comes to their city, so with their assistance and a 2-up police escort riding a Dr200, I was directed to the first less then shady hotel. Well, as we’ve come to be accustomed to, this hotel charged by the hour, and was quite swanky in its own right. It wasn’t cheap but it was clean, safe, across the street from the police station, and had underground parking with a guard. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8025.jpg Well, that night, as I was making my way to the hotel in the middle of Cali, my Vapor Tech Speedometer abruptly turned off. Well, that doesn’t make any sense now does it? With little time to think about it during my police escort to the hotel, I forgot about it until the morning. When I got to the bike at 7am the next morning ( I had paid for 12 hours, 7pm-7am), I realized my problem again. With no speedometer, or odometer, I was pretty inclined to find and fix the problem on the spot. And so I did exactly that. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8027.jpg You see these little guys? I brought them with me to specifically connect the vapor tech wires should I have a problem with their connection. Well they came into good use! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8029.jpg The power wires of the Vapor Tech had pulled loose from their one time use plug. I had to make new connections with the small gauge wire that I had to work with. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8031.jpg Well, to top it all off, as I was removing the plugs that held the wires together, the two power wires that were connected to my battery made a connection and instantly fried the ground wire into smithereens. Daaaaamn it. Soon, the bike looked like this. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8032.jpg And I had walked across the street to the ferreteria, bought some speaker wire, and was back in the workshop (garage). http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8034.jpg Check out the ground wire!! It fried its coating from the triple tree to the battery. Ugh. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8035.jpg In no time at all however, my new speaker wire had battery contacts wired to it, was routed, connected, secured. The Vapor Tech was back in the game. It only took me 1.5 hours. Damnit. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8036.jpg Thursday September 29th, the next day was up into the mountains, and it was awesome. The roads were great, the traffic was light, and I was making good time. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8039.jpg The bike was doing well also, and I was having a great time. My new luggage was great. From Cali, I made it all the way to the border of Ecuador, and found myself in a bit of a predicament. It was about 5pm, and about to get dark, and the border system was down. Yep, it had been down since around 11am, and there was a pile up of people to prove it. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8044.jpg So I tried to import my motorcycle. However, as I wasn’t able to yet secure a stamp for myself, I too wasn’t able to import the bike. However, the Migration officer was familiar with these kinds of situations, or so it would seem. There had been a couple of Argentinean bikers that had arrived before me, and he told them the same thing. The border system would likely not fix itself soon, and I was better off riding 5 minutes into Tulcan, the Ecuadorian border town. There, I could spend the night and return in the morning to import both myself and the bike. Well that sounded better than sitting on my ass and waiting, as many of these people had been doing for the past 8 hours. So I did exactly as suggested, got on the bike, headed into town, asked a few directions, and found a cheap hotel that immediately offered the front hallway as a parking lot for my bike. Deal. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8043.jpg Friday September 30th, the next morning, I was ready to get my bike imported, and get my passport stamped. So I packed up the bike and hit the road for the short hop back to the border. On the way there, I passed by a hotel with large bikes parked outside, and henceforth met the Argentineans. They were 4 in total, two men and two women riding a late model KLR650, and a Buell Ulysses 1200. The men had ridden solo from Argentina to Colombia, where their wives met them, and they were riding south to where the women would fly to Santiago from Lima while the men would continue the ride home. I stopped and asked them if they were headed back to the border for the same reason I was. They confirmed, but also told me that the system was still down. They had called and asked. Well. That sucks. See you guys there I guess then? Yep. Back at the border, it was a waiting game that sucked 3.5 hours from my day. A copy of my exit stamp from Colombia, and a copy of my passport home page (secured from a copier across the street for 10cents a piece) were necessary to manually enter me into the country for a temporary 10 days, which I had the opportunity to increase in Quito if I had the urge. The same went for the bike. Well, that’s fine, I’m hauling ass anyway, and won’t need more than 3 days if all goes as planned. Well, after getting the paperwork finished, I asked/invited myself into the Argentinean group, and we tore ass out of the border. The Argentineans made traffic look like a joke, and were weaving their 500lb+ motorcycles like mini dirt bikes. Riding with them was a hustle to say the least, but on the open road they slowed through the corners, and keeping up on my DR was no problem. As it was already nearly noon, Quito was the goal for the day. From Quito, which was only 3-4 hours away, Cuenca or Quayaquil would be a 7-10 hour ride. With luck I might even make the border, a claimed 14 hour bus ride, or 9-10 hours via Google Map. On the way to Quito, one of the wives made sure we stopped for a photo along the way of a life sized statue of a Mammoth. And so we did. Here I am with the guys. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8047.jpg Along the way, I had been fiddling with my fuel mixture screw, and after a bit of fussing about, my bike was eating miles for breakfast. That was until I saw three huge bikes parked along the side of the highway, one of which had an American license plate. Two Suzuki V-Strom 1000’s, and a BMW F800GS were parked in series, and there were two guys smoking next to their bikes, drinking a beer, waving me down. Well those Argentineans were hauling so much ass that I decided to stop and see what was new and met these guys! If I’m not mistaken ADV’er Captbb is on the far left riding from Alabama on his F800GS. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8048.jpg I was hungry and they were eating lunch. They invited me in, and I had a plate of food too. They had seen the Argentineans haul ass passed the restaurant, and had been wondering where they were from. Turns out that two of the guys are permanent residents in Colombia, and are of the retired type, while the other Captbb, is on a ride south from Alabama. Thanks to ADVrider and HorizonsUnlimited, Captbb had already read my ride report. Aaaaawesome. Well. After lunch, the three guys headed north for the Colombian border, and I headed south for Quito. They told me I would make it there before dark no problem, and so I did. Entering into the city, I saw the KLR650 on the side of the road, waiting for the Buell. So I pulled over too. Turns out they were looking for directions to the Quito Hotel, where they had reservations. Well, that sounded like a surefire way for me to find the center of a city with well over 2 million inhabitants, so I followed along. Sure enough, after 20 minutes of riding around the perimeter of the city, the Argentine guys asking every other taxi for help, they brought me to the first sign that I recognized, 6 de Deciembre. The first hostel that Kristi and I stayed at on our first day in Quito over a month ago was on the corner of 6 de Deciembre and Joaquin Pinto. The problem being, 6 de Deciembre is miles long and I had no idea which side of Joaquin Pinto I was on. Oh, yea, and at the time, I didn’t quite remember the name of the cross street. However, when I saw the sign, I gave a quick wave, and took off. 30 minutes later after a lot of looking around, I caught a glimpse of the road side store that fed me for the 4 nights Kristi and I spent in Quito. Just like that I was home for the night. I had found the Vibes Hostel, and my dorm bed for the night, with secure bike parking, and my favorite food stand on the corner. Done. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8049.jpg Saturday September 31st, found me awake early in the morning, looking at directions to get out of Quito, and if luck would have it, passed the Peruvian border the same day in Piura. I followed the signs for Sur de Quito, quickly found the way out, and was well into the day before I knew it. Hours later around 10am, I was up in the mountains, and the temps had never really warmed up. I had left my rain liners in from the night before and was glad of it. My heated grips were turned on, and I had zipped my jacket fully to my pants (3/4 zip versus 1/4 zip). This would come in handy later. Along the road south, I kept seeing dirt roads up in the mountains that looked inviting. However, I had places to be, and I didn’t feel like being sidetracked. So I passed them all except one. Right to the side of the road was a hilltop tower with an access road, so I hit the brakes, dropped a couple of gears, and ripped up it, fully loaded… And then started sliding backwards… Damn, it was a lot steeper than it looked. Well, the ground was dry, and with little effort I had the bike parked on the hill for the photo. Here is a view to the south. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8050.jpg And the hill I made it part way up before realizing it would be foolish to keep going. A fully loaded Dr650 with Pirelli MT90 tires (more street than dirt) didn’t really fit the scene well. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8051.jpg And a view north, from where I had came. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8052.jpg Well a while later, it was about 11:45 and I was hungry, so I began looking for the next appetizing road side restaurant. Furthermore, I was closing in on Cuenca, with about 30 minutes to go before I arrived. I decided that rather than stop for lunch in a city of 500,000, I would stop early and blow right through the city. The border to Peru was only 5 hours away, and I could make it before nightfall. Saweet. Well, that looks appetizing! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8054.jpg And so it was! For less than $3.00 I was munching on roasted pig and choclo, sipping a cold coke. Ecuador is cheap, the roads are good, and the people are nice. I like this country! See the skin that had been sliced off the side of the pig? The woman was slicing the hide into squares, trimming the fat that lined the inside of the skin, piling the squares onto plates, and serving them to some of the customers whom munched away happily. Roasted pig skin didn’t sound as good as roasted pig meat, so I let them have their fun. I considered going for round two of mister pig, but instead, hit the road. I kind of wish I had, come to think of it, but hind sight is 20/20 right? http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8053.jpg 30 minutes later. I hit the man. You’ve read the report. He was drunk. He walked out in front of me at the last moment, and KaBloohey! I creamed him. Luckily, he’ll survive, as will I. I walked away (more or less) he was stretchered away. I was lucky I tell you. He was not. Damnit. That man, lunch, and the roasted pig, were the last thing I remembered before the next thing I remembered. An Oxymoron you think? Only kind of, as about 20 minutes passed between that those two times. When I “woke up” I was getting into an ambulance. I had my tank bag slung over my right shoulder and my laptop bag in my right hand. I was blindly following directions, speaking only in Spanish, and asking way too many questions. They informed me later that when they had arrived, I already had my tank bag and laptop bag in my hands. Apparently, I collected my most important belongings while “out of commission” and had managed to secure my passports (American and Canadian), money, camera, and laptop. That is what I call a success. Then I was getting out of the ambulance, walking into the hospital, sitting down on a chair, and generally being in the way of doctors and nurses. Then, people started crying, and I was the subject of tearful questioning. “WHY?” “HOW?” And, “WHAT HAPPENED?” Were all part of the barrage. I just looked at them sadly, and replied that didn’t know. I couldn’t remember. The doctors and nurses soon pulled away the grieving wife and daughter, and I was left to try and remember what happened, and reason out why my left shoulder hurt the way it did, and why I couldn’t squeeze my left hand. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8055.jpg The nurses and doctor were very nice to me, and one spoke decent English as well, though we conversed 95% of the time in Spanish. I asked the young doctor (in his residency year) to take my photo, and the nurse jumped right in. I was glad she did. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8058.jpg Well, after receiving an X-Ray of my shoulder, being informed that my collarbone was fractured, and receiving a shot for the pain in my shoulder (that helped, but I didn’t really need), the police escorted me to their vehicle and we headed towards the police station. After arriving, and sitting around for a bit, I was told to follow two guys, which I did. However, it soon became clear a few moments later that they were asking me to park myself in an open air cell that looked like it had never been used, was dirty with trash in the corner, and home to at least one rat/mouse that I watched scurry out of the door/gate as it was opened. I'm not afraid of sitting on the floor, and I would have probably had a pet mouse by the end of it, but I was not really in the mood at the moment. I looked at the two police officers in turn, and without even stepping into the room, the following dialogue took place. “ How long am I meant to stay here?” I asked. “A few hours,” they said. I asked them the same thing again. “Only a few hours,” they said. “Are you being serious?” I asked. “Yes, you’ve been in a traffic accident, and you are being temporarily detained for the night as per law,” one said. “I'm sorry, but I am not staying here. And a NIGHT, my friends, is not the same as A FEW HOURS. I don’t care who you talk to, but I’m NOT SLEEPING HERE,” I said in no uncertain terms. And that my friends, is how I ended up sleeping inside, on the floor, here. Had I not had my sleeping pad and sleeping bag, I would have been sleeping on the floor with only the blanket for comfort. I was lucky again. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8059.jpg A few hours later found me eating this meal, courtesy of the police officer who brought me food. Although, I’m fairly certain he made off with a couple bucks, as I gave him $6, and I’ve been eating the same meal for $4.5 as of late. He told me it had double meat. Whatever. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8060.jpg Well, the next day, I had a court hearing. Or as they call it here, an Audience. I showed up with two police officers, 30 minutes early, and there I met the prosecuting attorney. We waited for 40 minutes, and my public defender showed up, 10 minutes late, having ridden the bus from Cuenca (30 mins away) to get there. The lawyer of the other party’s family was also there along with the man’s son and nephew. When my public defender arrived, I made a statement to the prosecuting attorney about what happened during the accident. He suggested that I speak it slowly so that he could type it down. I asked that I be allowed to write it down so he could copy it. And so that is what I did. It went similar to this, but in more detail. “I was riding the motorcycle. I saw the man on the side of the road. I thought he was going to wait for me to pass before he crossed the street, but instead, at the very last second, he stepped into my path. I couldn’t do anything about it, I had no alternative path, it was too late, I couldn’t avoid the accident, and I hit him. That was the last thing I remembered until I was sitting in the ambulance.” My public defense attorney read it to the prosecuting attorney in turn, correcting my ample grammatical mistakes. After typing it up, he printed it out, I read it over, and signed it along with my attorney and the prosecuting attorney. Next, it was right across the hall to the Judges chamber which we entered, and left after 5-6 minutes. The situation was quickly described to the judge, and I was informed that I was not allowed to leave the country while the pursuant investigation took place, which legally could take as long as 30 days, but which would rather take closer to two weeks. Well, that was simple. Now I get to wait. Well, the prosecuting attorney is a nice man and he offered me a ride, along with my attorney, back into town where he would help me collect everything from the police station where I had left it, and take me to a hotel. Well isn’t that convenient and very helpful. Thanks! And so, after dropping off my attorney for her next appointment, collecting my goods at the police station, and taking me back to his house where his wife fed me (I hadn’t eat at all that day and it was now 2pm), he took me to a cheap hostel where I checked in, and made myself at home. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8076.jpg The Chicago hostel was my home for following two nights. The nights found me sleeping in a bed that was not very comfortable, and the days found me spending most of my time at an internet café 3 blocks away, eating food at a local restaurant, and using public restrooms as my toilet didn’t work. Why didn’t I ask for a different room you ask? Well. It just didn’t matter enough I guess. The same day I checked in however (Sunday afternoon), I walked across the street to the Hotel Rivera to ask a few questions. The first of which was, “Do you have internet?” To which they answered, yes, of course. I asked the price. $20/night. Can I have a discount for 10 nights? Yes. We can do it for $15/night. Deal. I’ll see you in 2 nights. Thanks! And so, two nights later, I was in a much cozier room, with a better tv, a working toilet, better shower, nicer bed, a table, a night stand, and wifi. The difference in price was $3/day, which I easily spent at the internet café anyway. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8075.jpg And so, here I sit, enjoying my wifi, (which unfortunately shuts off at 1am, slowing down my movie downloads, dangit) the convenience of a flushing toilet, cheap food around the corner, and as much Animal Planet in Spanish that I could possibly desire. Oh the joy http://d26ya5yqg8yyvs.cloudfront.net/icon10.gif All is well over here guys and gals! Love you Mom and Dad! --Alex |
Alex
Another great write up (as usual), yours are normally the first thing i look for when logging in to the HUBB. To say you have been in the wars is a bit of an undersatement, but hopefully you will bounce back (not literally i hope) from this latest mishap. Think long and hard over your path ahead: I had a similar choice when in Australia a few years ago (accident with a very hot bus radiator), i decided to go home and while i have been back twice since, there always seems to be a bit of regret that i didn't finish the first trip as intended. Still onwards and upwards as they say, and i look forward to reading the rest of your trip however you decide to do it:thumbup1: |
I think I must be one of several hundred who are really enjoying this blog. It's really bringing the Americas alive!
Please be careful out there though, three smashes so far and luckily no serious consequences, I'm sure you'll do everything possible to avoid the fourth!.. Good luck in your recovery and further adventures! |
Hey hey HEY!
Hey everyone! Thanks for the comments, and for following along with the Ride Report. Obviously no more crashes are planned for the continuation of this trip, and I do plan to continue riding.
Anyhow, this is how it's been lately. Azoques, Ecuador, my home for the past week. How fun! I've got some (count it 2) photos coming, and a little description of what this place is all about. Turns out my hotel has a parking garage beneath it as well. So one of these days, I'm going to get my motorcycle, and bring it to me, so as to work on it out of the weather. I'm paying $1.50 a day for parking, which I don't mind. I can't yet ride the bike up to the parking lot anyway at the moment, but soon will be able to. A little synopsis of Azoques to come. --Alex |
Azoques, Ecuador in real time.
October 7th, Day 190
Oh the joy. I am glad to be laid up n a place like Azoques, Ecuador. Why, you ask? I’ll tell you. Azoques, Ecuador is a small town in consideration, of about 28,000 residents in the ENTIRE surrounding area. A local man estimated 15,000 when I asked him… I’ve been holed up in the Red building on the left, Hotel Rivera, since Tuesday, and it’s been just fine. On the corner, underneath the white building, you can see a corner store where I buy my Gatorade, and bananas, chips, coke, and whatever else I feel like eating. Just to the left of that is a Panaderia, (bread store) where I buy bread roles to munch on when I am hungry. Behind me nearly 2 blocks, is a restaurant that serves massive meals for less than $5. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8079.jpg Well, I walked up the street to my former internet café, and then, further up the street and all of a sudden I found myself in a town square, complete with a church on one side, and a statue in the middle. I’ll have to go back and read the statue’s plaque, I forgot… http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8080.jpg After staring at the Statue, I noticed a post office. I might go back to send some post cards. Then I went across the square, and saw two people with Ice Cream. Face to face marketing is what I call that. They were coming out of shop door, so I went in, and came out with my own ice cream. Over here, all the flavors are obviously in Spanish, so I stick with the ones I am familiar with. Fresa (strawberry) Vanila (vanilla), chocolate (chocolate), and other fruits, are the easy ones. They mixed ones don’t have the honor of being eaten by me. Well, then it was down another street. I walk the streets in my R.E.I cargo shorts, a t-shirt, and my Peruvian alpaca sweatshirt, wearing white flip flops. NO ONE, in this town wears flip flops. NO ONE. Most of the time people are looking first at my feet, and then, as I get closer, my head. More than half of the time, they will make a comment, a gasp, a giggle, or even ask a question. HOW TALL ARE YOU!? “Casi dos metros.” (Almost 2 meters) is the easy response. That blows their minds. I’m 6’6”, with the sandals on. 2 meters is 6’8”, which is close enough. Better (and easier) than saying, “Tengo ciento noventa cinco centimetros” (I have 195 centimeters) Well, on the way back to the hotel, I stopped off at a different restaurant that offered chicken. I like the roasted chicken around these joints. It’s good stuff. Well, 3 of the police officers from the station were there, and recognized me. They offered me beer, but I politely declined. They asked me how my motorcycle was. I told them it was good. How is the man that walked in front of you? I’m not sure, I responded, but I’m fairly certain he lives. Well that’s good. Yes, yes it is. Well, with a 1/4 chicken on top of a bed of rice with some French fries, I headed back to the hotel, hitting the corner store on the way. 1 liter of Gatorade, a bag of chips, a couple bananas, and a 20 minute conversation with the store owners sister (who may also own the store), and I was good to go. Whoops, I forgot to stop in at the Panaderia for some (5) bread rolls. Try one with cheese in it, buy a 250ml coke. The next events are nearly standard processs. Spend less than $10 on everything. (Seriously) A 500ml Gatorade while walking around $1.00, The meal $3.25, the 1 liter Gatorade $1.75, the bag of chips $.70, the bananas $.10 (5cents each, as we are in Ecuador, aka, Banana Land) 5 bread rolls $.60, a coke $.50, and an Ice Cream $1.00. Grand Total, $8.90. Find my way up the stairs to my hotel room, open door, unload groceries/meal. Set up the night stand to my left in such a manner that my half immobilized left arm can reach them easily. Sit upright on bed, turn on Animal Planet and hope this episode is in English. Begin munching on the chicken, downloading new movies to watch, and facebook everyone and their brother. Special Events! Remember that 10/7/11 marks 4 year anniversary of plane crash of twin brother and his friends. Skype Kristi on her cell phone, talk to her and her mom, and my mom, as they are all at my parents house after having a walk together. Email Dad. Pass out. --Alex |
A day in the life of Alex, here in Azoques, Ecuador. Oct 10th, 2011, Day 193.
Last night was spent eating a lot of these…
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8082.jpg …While I watched some more of the famous Animal Planet, and downloaded National Geographic Documentaries. I really enjoy learning, and if I can be entertained while learning, well, I learn even better. Also, I downloaded the computer game, “Civilization 4” as I have been bored during the day, and watching T.V all day is impossible. Somewhere in the middle of all the animal planet, movie/documentary downloading, and computer game playing, I went across the street to my new favorite restaurant, and picked up my $3.75 meal. “1/4 Chicken, on rice, with Fries.” http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8085.jpg I figure this stint in “Isolated Confinement” (i.e. spending so much time in my hotel room) will give me a leg up when I “get out of here.” You see, I’ll be used to talking less, and when I talk less, more people tend to enjoy being around me! HAHAHA. This morning I woke up to a dream that I was filling a toilet bowl to capacity while taking a pee. I reached out to flush the toilet so that I could continue peeing, and woke up needing to pee quite badly. So I took a pee, and then I took a shower. Consequently, in the shower, the road rash on my left knee (very minimal) decided to lose its scab. At least it doesn’t hurt! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8084.jpg Well, after the housekeeping staff here at the hotel finally roused me enough to get me the hell out of the room by: calling me on the phone, apologizing for bothering me, and asking me if they could clean my room; I finally got off my ass and went outside. That’s when I got a wild hair up my butt to go check out my motorcycle. And so I did exactly that. Overall, it's in great shape considering. There are only a few tweaked parts (namely the right side pannier frame/rack). The highlight was broken,(just the lens) but I might have already found a replacement at a local shop. The highway dirt bike (HDB) hand guards did their job, and really took a beating, but protected the hand levers, instruments, and handlebars as well. I installed a "fat" handlebar before I left (1 1/8" vs 7/8th") for the added strength, and heavy duty hand guards as well. They have really stood the test. I bought them all as part of a group by on ADVrider. Excellent. 2 blocks from my hotel is a "Taller de Soldura" (Welding Shop). I stopped in on my way back from the police impound lot (only 8 blocks away) and asked if they can weld Aluminum. They said yes. I'll be going back there to have them reshape my severely torqued right side pannier, and to have them pull out the bend in the right pannier frame. The front turn signals were knocked off as well, but replacing them will be easy, as the mount for new ones is still there, and the wires are already accessible. When my right hand guard got twisted upward during the accident, a bolt holding my auxiliary light impacted the banjo bolt of my front brake line where it connects to the brake fluid reservoir. Subsequently the banjo bolt was ripped out of the brake fluid reservoir. I'll have to get a replacement brake fluid reservoir from one of the many motorcycle shops around. The impound lot police officer attendant man suggested a shop right down the street (1 block) from the impound lot. I had seen it on my way there and noticed an Aprillia outside on the curb. Good news, it would seem that they work on both foreign and large cc motorcycles. The attendant referred to the shop as, "There is a motorcycle master just down the street." I’ll take what I can get. Other than that, the bike supported me when I sat on it, felt normal in regards to suspension. Rolled forward and backwards with no obstructions, the rear brake worked, the vapor tech was operational, and it appeared to be in good shape. The one thing I didn't do was bring my motorcycle keys with me, as I wasn't initially planning to go there. The first time I saw my bike (a week ago), the starter button didn't operate when I turned the key to the "on" position. However, I highly suspect the kickstand kill switch to be the culprit, as it had been slightly stuck a few times in the recent days before the accident. Either way, it wasn’t an issue of turning over and not starting. It simply didn’t even try. It should be an easy fix; here’s hoping! Next step is to call my public defender lawyer, "Andrea", and ask her to create a release document so I can remove my motorcycle. Then, I'll park the bike under the hotel in the parking lot that is available to me here, and get to work on fixing the bike. On my way back to the hotel, I went shopping for food. I won’t have to leave my hotel room again tonight. Excellent. $7.85 later, and I was stocked up. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8086.jpg The other day, I ran out of Ibuprofen that the hospital had given me. They are 400mg tablets, of which I received 12 of. I was instructed to take one every 8 hours, no more. Well, I generally took one before going to bed, to facilitate falling asleep, and another when I woke up sore as hell. So they lasted over 6 days, as I only took them when I really felt the urge to. Well, the side of the box clearly states, take only under prescription, so I was unsure if I would be able to get more at the corner farmacia (pharmacy). I just walked in, asked them what they had that was similar, the woman returned with exactly the same box, and asked me how many I wanted. “How much are they?” I asked. “They are $0.05/each.” She responded. I see… Out of curiosity, I asked what they had that was stronger, to which she replied, we have 600mg tablets as well, they are $0.35/each. Right…. I’ll take a box of the 400mg please. And so for $1.03 after tax, I had (20) 400mg tablets of Ibuprofen to outlast my stay here. I’m going back before I leave, as they likely won’t ever be that cheap again. Off to call my lawyer! --Alex |
Broken Leg Update Photos.
While I sit in this lovely hotel, waiting for news about the traffic accident investigation, and calling my lawyer to ask about getting the necessary papers signed to release my motorcycle from the Police Parking lot, I have decided to post an update of the scar on leg where the Doctors in Barraquilla, Colombia cut me open, drilled 8 holes, inserted a place, screwed in 8 screws, and stitched me back together.
As of today, two months and nine days after the surgery, my ankle feels exactly like normal, looks normal, and performs normally. It's like it never happened. EXCEPT for the awesome scar, and the fact that I can feel the metal plate under the skin. Check it out. View #1 http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8088.jpg And here is View #2 http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8090.jpg Most excellent if I do say so myself. Until next time! Ciao! --Alex |
Hi Alex,
I felt sick when I read you'd had an accident. I hope you're healing quickly. :( For what it's worth, here is my advice: #1 Fix bike, continue south. #1 Fix bike, continue south. #1 Fix bike, continue south. #1 Fix bike, continue south. That’s 100% Fix bike, continue south. :mchappy: I'm a bit older than you (more than double at 53) and I know that the regret from not doing something is far greater than the regret from doing something and having it go wrong. If you don't finish your ride, it will haunt you. Go for it mate! Apologies to your mum and dad for the above, but it's true. Dad rides, and he’ll understand. Hopefully he can explain it to mum. I've just gotten to the end of your posts and now I don't know what to do. I want to just sit here at the computer and wait for updates, but that's just not practical. I’m looking forward to your next instalment. Cheers, Simon. |
Being more accomplished at doom and gloom than many others here, I'd offer that if you're going to continue on your trip you really owe it to yourself to make the necessary adjustments so that you don't have more accidents. I don't know what's missing in your case, but I do know that it's possible to ride in reasonable safety, and three significant accidents between Everett and Ecuador is ample evidence that you're not doing it. Once might signify the luck of the draw, and twice might indicate a bad run; three times in a couple of months is something else again.
I left Bellingham a couple of years ago and made Ushuaia and then back again without an accident. I'm not particularly careful, and I'm not even particularly skilled or experienced (been riding since I was 51, which was not that long ago), but I am twice your age and that probably counts for something. There are lots of other folks making the trip accident-free too. There's a reason why you, not they, are attracting all the injuries, and I'm willing to bet it somehow involves pulling into traffic without considering that someone you can't even see might want to pass at that instant in your lane....or seeing a car waiting at a cross street and not immediately preparing for the possibility the driver would be drunk and would pull out at the last instant. The wise rider knows that just because the last 100 drivers stayed put until after he'd gone by, doesn't mean the 101st one will do the same. The fact is, if you're on a bike it doesn't matter much whose fault it is; you're the one who pays the price for the mistakes of others, and you need to figure out how to evade those others no matter what weird stuff they throw at you. That's what makes it possible to go cruising around happily month after month. Take this for what it's worth to you. That might be nothing at all, which is perfectly ok. It just seemed like a shame to ruin a perfectly good adventure if you can find another approach. Besides, I was enjoying your photos and reports, and I was hoping they'd continue. Hope that's helpful. Whether or not, I'll buy you a beer when you come back this way. Mark |
I have also been enjoying your posts and photos, living vicariously through yourself and others till my own trip becomes reality.
I can see your getting lots of encouragement to continue which is great if you really feel that psychologically you are up to it. If your not 100% "in the zone" to continue I would disregard those urging you to continue purely to avoid feelings of regret. You make different choices at different times and this time the choice might be that you are not 100% sure you should continue. You can always know that the decision you make was the best one for you at the time and therefore how could you possible regret it? I think your the type of guy who would come back at the time it suits you and have another crack. It does not have to be now or never. I think Markharf has some pretty valid points. He always seems to be the one pointing out the elephant in the room and I have to agree that 3 accidents in such a short space of time probably indicates that maybe your riding like your invincible and not as if your invisible. I could be off the mark but I was thinking it before Markharfs post. Whatever you decide just be 100% sure and have no regrets either way. Stay safe and will be reading your reports as long as you keep them coming. Cheers James |
Mini City Tour, Azoques, Ecuador
Alright everyone! As I sat here in my most comfy of all comfy beds (that is 3” too short for me), I received my near daily phone call from the hotel housekeeping asking me if they could clean my room. Yes, you may make my bed, and give me a new towel that is still clean, and already dry from yesterday’s use. You make take what little garbage I have accumulated. Most importantly, I will let you get me off my ass so that I will leave this hotel room once a day.
And so I made it 3 blocks down the road with my camera, and no camera memory card, as I had left it in my laptop. Damn. Back I go. Grab the card, stick it in the camera, and hit the streets. Mini City tour, here we go. This is a view to the SOUTH. You see that closed/gated door on the right corner, below the white building? That’s where I buy all of my food/snacks during the week. There are two nice older women (sisters) and a younger man (a son?) who run the shop, and I buy my chips, coca cola, Gatorade, and water from them. The Hotel Rivera is just beyond it on the right side, and has been my home for the past 2 weeks. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8106.jpg When I turn around, and look the other direction, NORTH, this is what I see from the street. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8107.jpg Look to the left (East) at the next corner and see the lower city. I reside in the mid level (as defined by me, by altitude), with the lower level to the East and the upper level to the West. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8108.jpg Keep going NORTH. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8109.jpg Cruise over the top of a mini hill, and look to the WEST to see a park in the not so distant North West, and other building with mysterious uses. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8110.jpg Look across the street and notice Drunk Guy #1. Someone left him a bowl of rice with a piece of meat in it. The man was breathing and moving (very little). Every Sunday finds itself with no less than a few of these guys, passed out on the curb, corner, or elsewhere. Everyone just lets them be. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8112.jpg Look EAST again, and zoom in on the hospital that checked me out after I had my accident 2 weeks ago Saturday. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8113.jpg Turn around and look SOUTH the way I have come from. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8114.jpg Turn around (NORTH) and snap a picture of the next intersection. You see that truck with the woman sitting in the back? She’s holding a stroller with her toddler sitting in it. Yep. There is a different level of safety standards around here, that’s for sure. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8115.jpg Make it to the corner where the truck was, and take right (WEST). Check out the wall art. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8116.jpg Then, keep going up the hill (WEST). http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8117.jpg Keep going up the hill, (WEST) for a couple of blocks. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8118.jpg Make it to the crest of one of the hills, and hang a right again, heading SOUTH. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8119.jpg Cross to the other side, and keep on heading SOUTH. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8120.jpg Who is that? Drunk Guy #2. This guy is a bit older, and awake. As a couple of young girls walked by him seconds later, his hands came up, asking for help/sympathy/assistance. They walked right by him as if he didn’t exist. Occasionally I will help such a person, but this time was not one. I kept walking SOUTH. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8121.jpg At the next corner, I made it to the same square that you might remember from several posts back, with the statue of a working man in the center. From this corner, take a right, head EAST. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8129.jpg Look across the street, SOUTH, towards the square and see Drunk Guy #3. This man didn’t move for over 20 minutes. He sat there, sleeping, with drool dripping from his mouth, enjoying the most comfy of seats among the other Drunk Guys. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8122.jpg Turn around again, and see my favorite Ice Cream shop. Awesome. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8123.jpg For $1, buy a “cono simple” and get one scoop on a wafer cone. AWESOME. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8124.jpg Look up, and look across the square again (SOUTH) and just miss the photo I was going for. The man on the right in the brown sweater had a cigarette, with no way to light it. The man on the left had a lighter which upon being asked, he lent to the man in the brown. The man in the brown was noticeably DRUNK, and hence Drunk Guy #4 was witnessed, in his multiple failed attempts to light his own cigarette. Eventually, he asked guy on the left to light it for him, and they walked away. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8126.jpg Look to the center of the square, a bit South West. What the hell is that? Is that Drunk Guy #5? I think it is. He’s found a rather comfortable, half sit, half lie down position, from which he didn’t budge for over 10 minutes. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8127.jpg Look WEST, and see another fine example of lax safety standards. Start the kids young right? http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8128.jpg Cross the square and meet a guy with his hand stuck out, asking how I am, and do I have a cigarette? Shake his hand and tell him, sorry, I don’t have a cigarette, and realize that I met Drunk Guy #6. Shake his hand again as he asks again if I have a cigarette. Respond with another sorry amigo, I don’t have a cigarette, but I have to go now. Ciao. Walk a couple steps and make sure that Drunk Guy #6 is walking away as well. Then, notice and read the plaque on the podium that I see. With agreement of No 2829, on October 31, 2000, the Ministry of Education and Culture, declare along with the : Cultural and Urban Heritage of the Nation, The historic and beautiful city of San Franscisco of Peleusi of Azoques, Administration 2000 - 2004. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8130.jpg And the statue that I have posted before, this time I checked out the plaque beneath it as well. Praise to the Worker This work was inaugurated, by the President of The Repubilic, the Aro. Sixto Duran Ballen. Governor of Canar, Dr. Luis Carpio Amoroso and Deputy Mr. Nelson Leon S. Azoques May 10, 1994, Sculptor Mr. Wolfram Palace Collmann http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8131.jpg Head left, SOUTH, directly across the square from the Ice Cream stand, and walk a couple of blocks. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8132.jpg Take a Right, and head East again across another public square. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8133.jpg Cross the square, still heading EAST, snag another photo, notice the yellow section of building on the left hand (SOUTH) side. There is a door open, and a person selling food/snacks/candy? Go and find out. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8134.jpg ---To be Continued--- |
story continued...
Hmmm. I see fruit. That’ll make a nice change of pace from the sorts of food that I’ve been eating. I better buy some, I’m getting hungry.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8135.jpg Apples are 4 for a dollar, Plums are 5 for a dollar, Bananas are 10 for a dollar. Awesome. $1.60 later… http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8136.jpg Heading EAST, a block, and I’m 2 blocks from where I started, and at one of my favorite restaurants. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8137.jpg Walk inside, and make my normal order of 1/4 Chicken with Menestre, fries, and rice with an extra portion of rice. It comes with a chicken broth soup as well, which I put the extra rice in and eat as a second meal. The different young (15-17yr/old) girls behind the counter know who I am by now, and get straight to work. When no one is looking, snag a photo. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8138.jpg Pay the girl the standard $4.75, head back to the hotel, still walking EAST. See where I’m going? See that building on the far corner on the left (SOUTH) side? http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8139.jpg Walk a block EAST, and look both ways when crossing the street. Left, Right, Left (SOUTH) again. Cross the street and hit up one of my normal stores. Buy a Gatorade, and two small bags of chips. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8140.jpg Walk another block and look left (South) again. What’s that? He’s a guy on the corner selling soccer jerseys to all the soccer fans around. These guys show up on the weekends to sell the jerseys. I haven’t seen anyone buy one, but they are always there nonetheless. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8142.jpg Cross the street (EAST) and take a picture of my fancy hotel J http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8141.jpg These people know who I am, and have for a while. So when I make it up the first set of stairs to the reception, my door keys are already in the receptionist’s hand before I have to ask. Take the keys, and head up two more flights of stairs to my room. Walk in, and unload my spoils of the day. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8143.jpg Then, it’s time to set up the work station. Food on the right side of the bed, drinks on the night stand next to the soup with the extra rice on top of it. Set the fruit on the floor next to the bed with the chips close by. Everything in reach? Check. Time to get to work. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8144.jpg And there you have it folks, a nice short half mile or so walk around the central area around where I “live” for the time being. Ice Cream, groceries, lunch/dinner, and not one, or two, but six drunken guys! What a Sunday good for if not for drinking!? Drunk guy 3,4,5, and 6, were all present in the square directly in front of a large church, and of course, when they are finished being drunk, they can make their way in to sober up. Hahaha. Now, as I sit in my “Work Station” I realize that I have lost over 24lbs (11 kilos) since the day I left home 6.5 months ago. When I left Alaska, I weighed 218lbs (99 kilos). Midweek last week, I was walking down the street and saw a scale that would measure my height and weight for 10cents. I hopped on the scale, and it told me I was 196lbs, fully dressed with flip flops, shorts, underwear and a t-shirt (about 2.5lbs) So I weigh a fantastic 194lbs or so. Alas, what once was; is no more. This is what I looked like 9 months and 24lbs ago. The epitome of Alaskan fitness. 40hrs a week of lifting appliances, 4hrs/wk of basketball on the Home Depot Basketball team, and 4hrs/wk of Shito Ryu martial arts. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...anPhysique.jpg And THIS is what I look like now. 6.5 months after leaving home, and 24lbs of less Alex. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8103.jpg In that photo you can see the bruise on my left shoulder/upper chest. It hurts very little anymore, but it wasn’t so nice 2 weeks ago. Haha. I eat a lot, but there is seemingly not a whole lot I can do to keep the weight on! Oh well. Carry on everyone! --Alex |
Alex........have you been able to get your bike out of the lockup......hope your legal matters are progressing favorably.
Best wishes Hickery:thumbup1: |
Bike in lockdown.
There remains but a key piece of the puzzle to remove my bike from the Police Parking lot.
I have to get papers signed by a lawyer. My particular public defense lawyer, isn't very motivated. I'm still healing so I'm not in much of a hurry. Everything is still favorable here, but I have no idea if it's progressing at all. I volunteered today with a private school. Pics to come. As of now, bike is still parked at the Police Lot. --Alex |
Volunteering, Meeting Whities, and Eating my Cake Too!
Two days ago, Monday, October 17th was probably one of my more active days here in Azoques, Ecuador.
First off, I work up at 8am! Holy crap, that is like 1-2 hours earlier than normal! I nearly always stay awake past midnight, and have no reason not to sleep 8 hours, thus you get the point. Well, you guys have already seen the corner store that I go to all the time. The owners of the store seem to be quite involved with a local preschool/1st grade school. After frequenting the store over the past 2 weeks, the older woman (I don’t know her name), asked me if I would like to go to the school in Monday morning, and visit the children, and speak English with them. I said, “Bueno, por supuesto!” (Great, for sure!) And so, Monday morning, at 9am on the dot, I was showered and dressed and at the shop. The older lady was there, and presto, we got in a cab and took off for the school. Pretty soon thereafter, and we were there. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8147.jpg To the right of the picture above, you can see the door into the school yard. This place looks NICE. Much nicer than previous volunteer experiences I have taken part in. On the inside, these kids were learning and playing in style. They have a TRAMPOLINE. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8148.jpg Mickey Mouse says Welcome! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8149.jpg When I first entered the school, I was of course the center of attention, and the teachers/administrators all welcomed me. They were all women as well. The classroom of choice for me that morning was the Preschoolers. Along with them at the school is a small first grade class as well. In the first grade class of which I have no photo, there were about 8 students. In the preschool class, there were 14 or more. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8150.jpg When I arrived, they were all finger painting. After finger painting come a snack and RECESS. But before that, the teacher called the students 2-3 at a time to the bathroom, where regardless of sex, the kids dropped their pants, hiked up their skirts, and went pee. In front of each other, with little else to do but laugh and point at each other when they other couldn’t get his pants back up, or her skirt back down. What a riot! When it is time to get up from finger painting, and head down the hall, down the stairs and outside for RECESS, these little kiddos knww the drill! They all sing a little song that ends each verse with “sshhhh”, and get ready to be quite all the way downstairs. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8151.jpg When the kids had all filed out of the classroom I snapped a photo of their “Digs”. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8152.jpg Backpacks lined up on the wall on the hooks, each of the kids with a hat was permitted to retrieve it before recess. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8153.jpg Before recess, each of these kids needs a bowl of rice and a glass of juice! FEED TIME! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8154.jpg And then, it was RECESS TIME! These kids bolted out of the door in under a few seconds, and were headed straight for their favorite toys. Be it the teeter-totter, the jungle gym, the sand box, slides, the swings, or the TRAMPOLINE! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8155.jpg Behind a fenced section of the playground, is a set of smaller toys, where the youngest of the children play. They are all about 3 or 4, and loved the swings the most from what I could see. The kids in the safety seats (child swings) couldn’t really swing themselves, and kept calling out “Vuelo! Vuelo!” (I fly, I fly). So, of course, I gave them a push. The girl on the left kept calling out, “Dame tu mano!” (Give me your hand!) to her swing neighbor who willingly obliged, and I made them fly. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8156.jpg This little boy got his fair share of pushes, as he was my favorite. He never called out for help swinging, and always smiled and laughed when I gave him a good push. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8157.jpg See what I mean? http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8159.jpg This kid was having a damn good time the whole time! The most relaxed kid in the entire school, hands down. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8160.jpg This girl liked to tell me all about her friends, and her dog, and her cat, and her mom, and her dad, and her…. You get it J http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8162.jpg Right when you enter into the front gate of the school, and look to the left, you would see the set of safety swings. Behind the swings, are more swings, and a mini slide, and spring loaded chairs to bounce/rock on. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...IMG_8163-1.jpg On the right side, after entering the gate, is a sand pit, walk a bit, and on your right is a large slide platform. Walk a little more, and the trampoline is now on your right side. Walk a little more, and you’ve made it to the teeter-totter and the Mickey Mouse sign, and entrance to the school on your left. Beyond all that, and you have an expanse for some of the wild children to run free. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8164.jpg And then you have this kid; who, when I found him, was sitting DIRECTLY on top of a massive pile of mini little ants. They were swarming over this kid like he was part of the landscape, and he didn’t give a damn. He sat and played with them as they crawled over his legs, stomach, back, arms, and hands. I made his stand up, so I could brush the ants off him. I asked him if he wanted to jump in the trampoline, “No.” Do you want to swing on the swing? “No.” Do you want to play in the sand? “No.” Do you like the ants? “Yes.” Do you want to play with the ants? “Yes.” Well. Shit. Ok. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8165.jpg Later, I found Ant Boy trying to steal a bunch of flower blossoms from another boy who had just proudly proclaimed that they were for his Mama. Ant Boy had a hand around group of stalks, and wasn’t letting go. I asked Mama’s Boy if we could share the flowers. “No.” So I took Ant Boy’s hand off the flowers, never let it go, and told him we could go pick more flowers for his Mama. Waaaaay more. And so he picked. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8167.jpg After that, for a while, my only job was to harass the children, in loud voices. “AAAAAAAHHHH! BOOOOO! BLABABABABA!” To which the children responded by running hell bent for cover, screaming, “Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeh!” I got a few of the preschool boys, and tossed them in the air with my good right arm, and pushed them over, and kicked them around, and tickled them, and picked them back up off the ground to “RAAAAAAAWR!” at them, as they ran away “Eeeeeeeeeeeh” ‘ing. After a while, I settled down and hit up the sand box. One of the smarter 4 year old preschoolers requested my help to dig a big hole. “Why,” I asked him. “To get to the wet sand. To build a castle.” He said. Damn kid, yea, I’ll help you. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8168.jpg After that, it was round up time, and the kids all piled into single file line to go back inside. In no time at all, we were back in the class room, and I was watching little kids draw lines on paper, mimicking a spiders’ string, hanging below its web. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8169.jpg Then it was time to brush their teeth! Two at a time, the kids brushed their teeth, while the rest of the class, having just got back from recess, half sat, half ran around the room waiting. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8170.jpg After the communal brushing of the teeth, I was informed that the bus that would take me home had arrived. I was permitted the front seat next to the driver while 6 or 8 of the little children were in the back with a teacher. On the way out of the gated school, I snagged one last photo of the play ground. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8171.jpg To give you an example of the types of families that send their children to this school, I took this photo of the home of the first student we dropped off. His maid collected him at the door. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8172.jpg And after dropping off all the children in similar styled homes, it was time to drop me off. And upon parting ways, I captured the yellow school bus! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8173.jpg I was dropped directly at the corner of the street where my favorite corner store is, and walked over to meet the nice older woman. She had invited me to lunch with her sister and her mother. I was hungry, having only eaten a banana and apple that morning, and was more than happy to accept. I made the right decision. It was the best lunch I have had the entire time I have been in this city! A bowl of AWESOME bean soup, a platter of choclo (think oversized corn), an avocado, a plate of rice, a slice of pineapple, and a plate with mixed veggies, and pan fried Pork. SO GOOD! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8175.jpg And that my friends, was Monday morning. For the rest of the afternoon I did a lot of reading. I read a lot lately. However, before all the shops closed down, I hit up the streets for my nightly meal of chicken/rice/fries/beans. Also, I needed to make an ATM run as I had run out of money finally, and hadn’t paid for the past 4 nights at the hotel. On the way back from the ATM/bank, I saw one of the 50 or so “panaderias” (bread store) in town. This one however had slices of cake for sale for $1. YES! And so I bought one. Around the block was my new favorite fruit stand, and this time they had peaches, and strawberries. Oh damn… I take 3 of those peaches, and 3 of those plums, and 2 of those apples, and 2 of those bananas, and oh yes, a bag of those strawberries. Right… $3. Off to the Polleria (chicken restaurant) pick up my meal, hit the corner store that’s open late, buy chips, Gatorade, Coke. Total up amount, less than $10 for everything listed above. Back to the hotel, veg out, eat food, Skype call Kristi, go to bed. Tuesday was the same as any other normal day. Wake up late. Eat fruit and rolls left over from Monday night grocery run, go out late for food, come back and veg out. Remember at 12:30am local time, while Skype calling Kristi that it is my sister Lorraine’s 27th birthday. Hang up on Kristi and call Lorraine. Blither blather for a while, tell her I love her. Call Kristi again. Go to bed. And that brings us to today, Wednesday, October 19th. Much more of the same happened until about 3:30. I got off my ass, determined to go to a lawyers’ office, and get my bike paperwork completed so I could remove it from the Police Lot. No big deal, I had the card of a Lawyer that solicited his services to me when I was at the Police Station over 2 weeks ago. On the way there, I brought my bike paperwork, my passport, extra money, and my bike keys. First stop, a farmacia (pharmacy) on the way there. No sour gummy worms to be found, so I settled on a 250ml coke. Back out the door, and WHAT THE HELL IS THAT?!?!? Seriously, WHAT am I looking at? What is that I hear? Low and behold, two WHITE European girls, speaking French are walking down the street. I don’t waste a second thought, and step in behind them. The taller girl (turns out she’s Swiss) looks at me like I’m God on earth, while the shorter girl (turns out she’s French) looks at Swiss girl in complete bewilderment. It turns out that the Swiss girl (Charlotte) has been in Azoques for 5 weeks volunteering at an Orphanage, while French girl arrived last night. French girl (Lison) doesn’t realize (As the Swiss girl and I do) that there are NO OTHER white skinned people (for lack of better terminology) in all of Azoques, hence her bewildered look at Swiss girl who is currently looking at me like I am God on earth. After the moments of shock, it is decided that I would follow them for a beer, as they were headed to a bar/restaurant. I’m left speechless at this point. I haven’t spoken English except for on the phone with my parents, Kristi, and friends. I now have new friends in Azoques! Charlotte is in between studying psychology and 23yrs/old, and Lison is fresh of high school and 18yrs/old. Charlotte is here till December’ish, and Lison is here till March. I’m here for 7-10 more days. So, it’ll be BEER:30 sometime in the next few days, and I’ll take the customary “MEET THESE PEOPLE” shots when I have the chance. I left my camera at the hotel prior to meeting them. Needless to say, I never made it to the Lawyer, or the Police parking. I’ll do that in the morning. And then, I’ll see if I can help out at the Orphanage these girls are helping at. The kids are 3 months to 11yrs/old. I’m sure I can help somewhere! It’s time for bed now, so take it easy everyone! Keep it real! Until next time! --Alex |
Big Church up on the Hill
Well, this morning, I got up off my ass, and left the room at 2pm. Why? I had plans to find a lawyer that would help me get my motorcycle out of the Police Parking Lot.
Well when I was first in the police station 18 days ago, a nice lawyer man gave me his card. I graciously accepted it, and put it in my wallet for safe keeping. Later, I ended up with a public defender named Andrea, who though probably doing her job otherwise, hasn’t been of much help to me getting my bike out of the Police Parking Lot. So, I took it into my own hands, whipped out the card, read the address on the front and walked down street four blocks and arrived. I walked in, stated my case, and told the man behind the counter that I wanted to get my bike out of the parking lot. “Ok, let me call the lawyer,” said his assistant. So he called the Lawyer, and when the Lawyer answered, handed the phone over to me. I said the same thing I said before, and was told that I needed to have the title of my motorcycle translated into Spanish. Ok. Thank you… Hmm… Where can I do that? Well, I asked the assistant where I could have the title translated, and he didn’t know, so he called the lawyer again, who told him to meet him at the other office. Ok. “Let’s go,” said the assistant, to which I responded, “Of course.” So we left the office, locked it up, got in the car of the assistant, and took off to meet the Lawyer at his other office. Well, it would seem that everything is working out thus far! And so it continued in this manner when we arrived at the other office. I piled out of the car and took my place outside the office of the lawyer, who wasn’t present. Well, I’ll wait, I’m accustomed to that. Well, one thing about being a “Gringo” in this town is that the Lawyers want to help you, or more accurately, they want your business, and that means others can wait. And so, though I was the last person to arrive/wait in line, I was the first to be served. I’ll take what I can get. The lawyer asked me of my case. What is the status of the case of your traffic accident? I told him that I had NO IDEA. No one calls me, no one tells me anything. Ok. Let me call the Prosecutor, what is your name? So I told him my name, and I referred to myself as the Tall White Gringo that arrived 2.5 weeks ago. That did the trick and the Prosecutor, who is apparently the friend of this lawyer, gave the lawyer permission to help me get my motorcycle out of the lot. Well, this is working nicely! From the Lawyer, I also learned that my earlier knowledge concerning the maximum time allowed to complete my case is not 30 days as I had first learned, but rather 45 days. Hmmm. That would keep me here inside Ecuador for 4 more weeks at maximum… Hmmm. This bike could be A LOT more important soon. And so the Lawyer told me that the translated form and the papers necessary to remove my motorcycle would cost $20. I accepted gladly. I handed over my title and passport and license for copying purposes and went with another assistant to have them copied. I got my passport back, but they held onto the title and license. I have another license, but NOT another Title, however I wasn’t worried about it. I didn’t have to stop them from stapling everything together though. (COME ON GUYS! Who STAPLES a TITLE and PLASTIC License… Jeeze.) And then, I was told to come back in the morning at 10am, and I would be able to collect all the papers necessary to retrieve my motorcycle. Eeeeexcelent. From there, it was a short walk down the hill back to my Hotel, and on the way, I snagged this picture. It was a nice sunny day, so I can’t blame the guy. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8177.jpg Then, it was back in the hotel, after stopping for my chicken meal, Gatorade, and chips. Yum. Well, remember that I told you I met some FOREIGN WHITE PEOPLE? I kindly instructed them that I would gladly leave my hotel room for a more interesting night should only they be so kind to ask. Around 7:30, I was beckoned for a beer, and so it was that I left my room again that day, an uncommon occurrence for me here in Azogues. I met the girls in the reception area, dropped off my keys, and off we went. They were hungry, so I agreed to get some food with them, as I can always eat more. Lison, the Frenchy, is vegetarian, as we soon found ourselves at a Vegetarian Restaurant eating veggie soup, and a plate of rice/veggies/tofu. Alas, they don’t sell beer there. Charlotte from Switzerland is on the left. Lison (Lee-zon) from France is on the right. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8178.jpg After dinner, we went to one of my favorite restaurants, and asked if they had beer. They had two… We bought them, sat down, and poured the beers into glasses. On a side note, the television shows here, and the movies that play on the T.V. are your standard rated R movies from America. Ergo, Tits and Ass are a common site on T.V., and will even be shown in common family restaurant. As an American, bred and raised as I am, this is not something that is normal per say. For the Europeans, it is exactly that, normal. And so it came to be that I sat drinking beer with two European girls, watching the sex scene of some poorly dubbed film. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8179.jpg After that, as we had drank the only two beers that they restaurant had, we went in search of more. With little effort we found some canned beer, but the restaurant was closing in 15 minutes. Well, it was agreed that we would take what we can get! Charlotte on the left, Lison on the right. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8180.jpg And that was basically the end of the night, as the shops were all closed, and the bars had long since shut. Plans have been made to meet again tomorrow, as all three of us are our only friends, and it would seem that we all enjoy talking, and having a good time. I’d also note, that we generally converse in Spanish, as Lison speaks much better Spanish than she does English, and while Charlotte speaks better English than her Spanish, we all just communicate as best we can. And when the two girls feel like clarifying a confused moment, they converse in their native language of French. Charlotte lives in the South East part of Switzerland where French is her first language. So between French, Spanish, and English, we’ve got these bases covered! Alright! Hey Dad! Yea you! Padre! You know that Big Church up on the Hill that you keep telling me I should go visit? Well, I always told you I knew where it was, but I never really looked into it in all reality. So I didn’t know how far away it was from where I am staying, or what it looked like, or anything of the sort. However, tonight, as I was walking into my hotel, while saying goodbye to my new friends, I saw THIS, up on the hill side. How I ever missed it any of the other times I have returned to the hotel after dark, I’ll never know. But there you have it; a picture of the Big Church up on the Hill. Love ya Padre! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8182.jpg Time to hit the sack now, as it’s 2:40am, and I have to be at the Lawyers at 10am to get my paperwork and hopefully retrieve my motorcycle! Then it’s on to repairing the beautiful son-of-a-bitch! Onward! --Alex |
Good to see you back again Alex.
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Good to see you back again Alex.
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Well, here we go again!
Since I made new friends the other day, things have been a bit more interesting in my life. First of all, I have friend. Second of all, they call me. Third of all, they invite me to hang out… Damn. I’m feeling lucky!
Ok, Charlotte and Lison volunteer at an orphanage, and they have time after “work” to do whatever they want. They are not necessary to the operation of the orphanage, but they do make a big difference around there. After work, they get the hell out of there. Friday afternoon, sometime around 5pm, I was invited to Cuenca, the nearest big city (half a million people about 20-30 minutes away) with the two of them and their coworker Gabby. I of course said yes, and in 10 minutes, I was crammed in the back seat of a 2 door car, and we were on our way. I had already eaten, but the girls wanted to go for some pizza. Well, pizza around here is a big deal, and we ended up at a Papa John’s…. I look like a scrawny son-of-a-bitch don’t I? http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/DSC05637.jpg On the way back to Azoques, I had the privilege of the front seat as we had dropped off Gabby’s friend that lives in Cuenca. I couldn’t be sure, but something might have been going on in the back seat… http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/DSC05647.jpg Nah…. Maybe? … Nah…. But… http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/DSC05646.jpg Well, the next day was the same deal. Except this time, two French guys were in on the deal, and we hopped in a cab to take the trip to Cuenca. They had met Charlotte when she had been in Banos the week before. They came to visit and help out at the Orphanage. Meet Antony, and Nicola, from top to bottom. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/DSC05727.jpg First stop was to a bar in the touristy section of town near where the French guys had a room in a hostel. First up was a beer, and then it was time for a photo. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/DSC05730.jpg After that, the girls were still hungry. I had already eaten but I never say more to more food. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/DSC05737.jpg One thing I noticed nearly immediately since hanging out with other people, is how much LESS money I’m spending while I’m here in Azoques. I’m averaging less than $25/day, and $15 of that is going to my hotel room each night (as I’m living in style over here). I’m at half my “daily budget” and it’s been good! Until these girls walked down the street speaking French, I hadn’t had a beer in over 3 weeks. In Azoques, a meal is $2-$4. In Cuenca, they are $5-$10. In Azoques, a beer is $0.65-$1.25. In Cuenca, they are $1.75-$3… I like Azoques! So, after dinner, it was off to a dance club/bar called Mojito, that didn’t serve Mojitos. I’m a tall gringo that likes dancing with his tall gringo girlfriend. I don’t dance particularly well, but she doesn’t care, because she likes dancing with me... Suffice it to say, I don’t dance much, but I like being around people that do. And so it went like this. Say “whaaaaat?” http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/DSC05741.jpg And another reason I don’t dance much… Hahahaha. Those people don’t even come up to my chin! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/DSC05740.jpg After standing, and watching people dance around me, and smiling at every smaller person that stood staring up at me while dancing a little as best I know how, Lison began to feel less then o.k.; and after a quick chat with Charlotte, we decided to hail a cab. The French guys took off to find a new club as they were staying in Cuenca that night, and 30 minutes later the three of us were back in Azoques, and I was in my bed trying to make Skype calls that wouldn’t work. That was yesterday, and today passed with little to comment about. Tomorrow will be a new day. The lawyer has asked me to return to the office at 2pm, where according to him, I should be able to lay my hands on the papers that will allow me to retrieve my motorcycle…. AWESOME. Now it just remains to pan out! --Alex |
Motorcycle and Traffic Accident update.
Ok guy and gals...
Are you ready for this? I've got some news... 1st item of Good News: I went to the lawyer today, and inside of 5 minutes, we were headed across the street to talk to the people that needed talking to, to decide the process to follow in consideration of getting my bike out of the Police Station. So up the elevator we go. 6 floors up. Talk to the man, he says he doesn't have the papers, but he has the phone number of the man that will translate my documents. (Title and Drivers License). So Mr. Lawyer Man called Mr. Translator Man. Turns out that Mr. Translator Man was nearby and would arrive shortly to help me with the process. The cost of the translation would be no more than $20 said Mr. Lawyer Man. Well, as it would turn out, it would be free. The man arrived, and we walked across the street again, to talk to the people that needed talking to. The final decision, was to come back tomorrow. On the way back down from the 6th floor, the nice guy told me (in English) that seeing that I had so many problems with the bike, the accident and the amount of time that I have been waiting, that he would not charge me for the translation. It was his way of adding a little "piece" to my adventure. In a sense, he contributed to the beer fund! Perfect. Now, I will wait for the man to translate my documents, which he will give to the Lawyer when he is finished. I will then tell the lawyer to collect my papers from the office across the street, and I will be able to go to the Police station and get my motorcycle! Summary of #1. I can get my motorcycle soon! 2nd item of Good News: The Prosecutor is friends with the lawyer I have solicited to help me acquire my motorcycle. They have talked since the last time I saw the lawyer, and there is good news. The Police ruled that I am not at fault, and that I am free and clear. I expected this outcome, but it is still a success!!! 3rd item of questionable status: The first audience that I had with the Prosecutor, my attorney, the other party, their attorney and the judge, was the day after my accident. The second audience that I will have, that will finish the case is 45 days after the date of the accident. I have been here 23 days. That is 22 days from now. That is November 14th. Options: I know have two options as I see it. Option #1: I get my bike repaired, and hang out around Ecuador for the next 3 weeks, exploring the country and spending time in new places such as the coast, Banos, Octovalo, etc. I go to Guayaquil to update my visa. I go to the audience on the scheduled day, and then leave the country. Option #2: I get my bike repaired, and get the hell out of town, skipping the audience with the judge/lawyer. Making my way to Peru and simply forgetting that I was ever here. Will I be able to come back? Would there be irreparable consequences? Would I really be causing myself problems? I don't know. Result: As I see it, and from what I think is the right thing to do, I will stay here in Azoques, Ecuador, using it as my home base. The hotel has an excellent well lit, underground garage that I will use to fix my bike. I will wait for the audience with the judge/prosecutor etc. I will use the time to repair my motorcycle, repack my bags, send useless things home, and reorganize my thoughts. I will explore the surrounding area, and enjoy my time like I have been for a while now. And that my friends, is what you can plan to expect for the next three weeks unless something changes! Nevertheless, I will have my camera, I have adventures, and I will have fun! So, of course... Onward! --Alex |
Oh yea.
And a few motorcyclist have rolled into town. I met Shaun aka Snohobo (See the RR on Adv Supermoto Around South America - ADVrider) in Panama when he was running the Panama House Hostel.
He brought a few friends along as well. I'll have pictures to prove it after dinner tonight!! --Alex |
Bikers in the ‘hood
Tuesday was a rather eventful day for me. Other people riding motorcycles rolled into town. Granted, I had been warned via P.M that they were coming, and an offer to find parts for my bike was even tossed in there. No parts were requested however, and they arrived at around 3pm.
Shaun, riding his KTM 690 Supermoto, and Arnaud and Angelica riding two up on a Suzuki DL650 were what I had to work with, so I did my best. After showing them to the center of the city, or the town square as I like to refer to it, they parked their bikes, and we sat down for ice cream and coffee at my favorite ice cream stand. You guys are already familiar with the setting. Its where all the Drunk Men congregate on Sundays, by the statue! After Ice Cream and Coffee, it was back to the hotel where they checked in. They got the frequent flyer discount and paid the same rate as me. Excellent. It was only then, that I actually saw the underground garage that my hotel has to offer. Awesome. Meet Shaun (on the left) and Arnaud on the right! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8188.jpg After they parked their bikes, we set a time for dinner at 7pm. A couple hours later, we were off to my favorite chicken place to eat some food. I had invited Charlotte and Lison, but both of them were sick and were not able to come out. You can read Shaun’s version of events here... Quote:
Supermoto Around South America - ADVrider After dinner, the guys went to work tying guinea pig legs to their handle bars. They had eaten some guinea pig recently and kept a clawed leg to ornament their bikes with. They tied it on with 30lb test fishing line. After that, it was time to hit the sack. Everyone else likely slept longer, but I went to bed late. No surprise. I woke to the sound of people walking up the stairs to say goodbye. I grabbed the camera and followed them down the stairs and into the garage. Here you can meet Angelica as well. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8189.jpg Group shot. I nearly stole Shaun’s helmet (Large sized Arai XD), as mine is getting worn out. The visor got scratched to hell in the last “slide on your face” experience… I held back though. Adios guys! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8190.jpg The entrance to the garage is just steep enough that the people that paved it built in steps as well. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8192.jpg Not to mention that you have to have some speed coming up it, and it enters directly into traffic. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8193.jpg At 8am on the dot, these guys were out of town headed to the south easternmost border with Peru. Until next time! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8195.jpg Well. I went back to bed then, and woke up much later. After procrastinating for a little while, I got my ass out of bed, hit the corner store for a water and bag of chips, and walked the 7 blocks to the lawyers office that I had been instructed to come back to visit today. I arrived, Mr. Lawyer Man was ready. We went across the street and up 6 floors to talk to the man that needed talking to which happened to be the same man as the day before, but not the same one as the day before that… We found the man, and then walked back down 6 floors to the cyber café that has a Xerox machine, and we made a copy of 12 documents. Then the man that had needed talking to said, “come back in an hour.”And so I did. In the mean time, it was back to my favorite chicken place. 1/4 chicken on rice, with beans, and French fries, which comes with soup, and a coke is $4. I love this stuff! And so comes the before shot… http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8196.jpg And after… http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8197.jpg I was back at 4:30, an hour later, and it was up the 6th floor again with Mr. Lawyer man. This time I snagged a photo out the window, and up the hill, of Iglesia de San Francisco. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8198.jpg After talking some, it was determined that I would come back in the morning and that would be the end of it. I would retrieve my bike then. (WE’LL SEE). On the way back, I remembered something that I read in reply to my Ride Report. Quote:
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8199.jpg And this is the prized translation of my title and drivers license. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8200.jpg Tomorrow, as they have told me, I should have my bike back…. We’ll see! Onward. --Alex |
Whoa!
Getting the bike at 8am!!!!! Photos and such to come!
The all important folder full of papers that will allow me personal and permanent access to my bike. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8210.jpg ---Alex |
Whoa
Alex....that's good news.....finally moving in a positive direction.....wishing the best
Hickery:mchappy::mchappy: |
Collecting a motorcycle takes…
A long time here in Ecuador
Or at least, it has been exactly one week from the day I started the process, and nearly 4 weeks in total since I arrived where I am now. On Wednesday, October 25th, the Lawyers assistant told me to come back in the morning at 8am, and so I did. I got up earlier than usual, didn’t sleep enough, and instead of meeting anyone, I found this. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8201.jpg I stood in the morning sunshine on the corner for 15 minutes, just in case, and eventually made my way back towards my hotel to sleep more. I was friggin tired. On the way back, I saw this Honda XL 185s. There wasn’t anything too special about it. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8202.jpg Out of curiosity, I like to check the odometers on bikes that I see. This little bike had 85,062 kilometers showing! 52,866 miles, NICE! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8203.jpg Back at the hotel, I forced myself to sleep a bit more. Around 11:30am, I was back at the lawyer’s office. The outside door was unlocked, but the door to his office was closed. No one was home. Around here, when a door is closed, and its business ours, you just sit and wait for them to come back. They come back nearly all the time. Luckily, I didn’t have to wait more than 5 minutes until I say the Lawyer walking up the hill. He saw me, waved, got closer, shook my hand (I shake about 20 hands a day when I’m with this guy), opened his office, grabbed my papers, and off we went to get my previously translated title, notarized. With some sleight of hand action, I snagged the Notary Lawyers photo. Little work happened, but what did “go down” was what needed to happen. When asked the price, I was charged $30, and the first real feel I have paid since I started my “release of motorcycle” campaign. (Not including heinous amounts of photocopying at $0.03/pg) http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8209.jpg The result? A very official looking folder with 13 pieces of paper inside that I have had copied for $0.39 a time, at least 5 times. EVERYONE wants a copy. Luckily every corner has a copy shop. Why these guys don’t buy their own copier for, I don’t know. They’d save an hour a day. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8210.jpg The fancy stamps, stickers, and signatures of the Notary Lawyer. (Side note: All lawyers are referred to as Doctor here. As in, “Hola Doctor”, shake a hand, etc. And if you’re my lawyer, you call the pretty lawyer women, “Doctorita”, hahaha. They do have a “doctorate” right?) http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8212.jpg From the the Notaries Office, it was off to Biblian, to talk to the prosecutor, and judge that are in charge of my case. My Lawyer seemed to have something up his sleeve, and I didn’t really understand his technical lawyer talk either. I can shoot the shit in Spanish mind you, just not legal terminology. So off we went. We arrived, and we chatted, and we talked some more, and we chatted a bit more. I shook about 15 hands, I said, “Buenas” at least as many times, and I sat in a chair. Lawyer man shot the shit with the second Prosecutor (who I met and shook hands with just then), and explained my case. “He’s has an accident. He’s been here for over 3 weeks. His friends are traveling ahead of him. He’s alone. He needs his bike. Can we get his bike? And while we’re at it, how about we move his hearing up to say, tomorrow, or Friday” Prosecutor Number 2, “Where are you coming from? USA? Holy shit! How long? Seven months? Holy Shit! All on a bike? Yes. Holy shit! Where are you going? Argentina. Holy shit! What kind of bike is it? Suzuki DR650. How much was it? About $5,500 when I left. That’s ALL!? I have a Honda CRF450 that I bought, it was $8000. I ride motocross. How long have you been here in Azogues? Almost 4 weeks? Damn! Are you traveling solo? You are now, but you have friends 2 days ahead of you? SHIT! Let me call the other prosecutor. Let me talk to the Judge. I have free time on Friday morning. You’ll get your bike tomorrow, and be free to go Friday, and catch your friends on Monday. Done.” HOLY SHIT. WHAT IS HAPPENING!? Did I mention that this guy rides motocross, is much younger than the other prosecutor, and was wearing a sporty (clean and never ridden in) Shift motorcycle jacket? And so he called the other prosecutor and got his permission to take my case. Then he walked across the hall with my Lawyer and I in tow. We shook hands, etc. Prosecutor Number 2 states his case to the Judge. “Senor, this guy is traveling from the USA, he’s been here for almost 4 weeks, and his friends are only days ahead of him. He needs to leave. We have free time on Friday. Can we get him into an audience? 2:30pm? We have 8:30am free. Ok. 8:30am, Friday the 28th. Done.” HOLY SHIT. WHAT IS HAPPENING!? Back in the car, and headed to the lawyers office, the Lawyer Man tries to explain what’s up. All I understand is that I’ll be getting my bike the next day, and having a court hearing the day after. I don’t understand the legal parts. So we talk about what I do for a living. I tell him that I drove trailers in Alaska, in the snow and ice 20 degrees below zero. He looks at me like I’m crazy. “Like the Discovery Channel?” he asks. “Yea, like that.” I say. (Disclaimer: I spent 6 months in Juneau AK, where the lowest temperature I saw there was only 15* F (-7.5*C). Then I spent one week in Fairbanks, lowest temperature I saw while on the job was still only -20*F (-25*C). TOM spent 2 months there in Fairbanks, 25 days of which never went above 0*F (-15*C) and he saw multiple days on the job at -40*F (-40*C).) Back at the office, Lawyer Man showed me what was up. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8229.jpg The Criminal Warrnts Judge can replace or repeal a precautionary measure ordered before or dictate nonetheless of having previously denied if: http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8228.jpg a) Current new facts so warrant; b) The obtaining of new evidence or substantiating facts give justified rights or not those upon the deprivation of liberty. (Just CAN’T Translate this) Well. I got the point, and he elaborated. He had been informed that the police investigation of the accident proved my innocence, and that I was not guilty of any wrong doing in the traffic accident case. He would present such evidence, and the case would be closed. I would no longer be required to stay in the country any longer as had been the case earlier. And with that, he told me to come back the next day at 8am, to go get my motorcycle…. --Alex |
Cuenca Philharmonic Symphony
Well hot damn! I’m getting my bike back, AND my court hearing has been moved up more than 2 weeks! Sweeeeeeeeeeeeeet.
Well, that enticed me to go get some chicken, and head back to my hotel. Not too long after I had been there, I received a Skype chat message from Charlotte. It said, “We’re going to a music gig (classical) at the church. Do you want to go?” Of course I wanted to go, and I said exactly that. I stuffed face on my chicken, surfed the web, and was ready to rock and roll an hour later when Charlotte and Lison showed up in the back seat of Gabby’s car. Sweet. We even had a ride. Minutes later we were parked in front of Iglesia de San Francisco, and I was snapping photos. Check it out Padre! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8232.jpg The view over the city is pretty good from up here too. Awesome. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8231.jpg The inside of the church is just as impressive as the outside as well. Stone pillars, painting, sculptures, wall hangings, and a very impressive back drop behind the pulpit. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8233.jpg We took our seats around the mid section on the left hand side. Here’s my view from the bench. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8235.jpg Say hello girls! From left to right are, Gabby, Charlotte and Lison. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8236.jpg We arrived about 15 minutes early, but by 7:05pm, things were underway, and we were being serenaded by a fantastic singer with the Cuenca Philharmonic Symphony behind her. Awesome. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8237.jpg Oh yea. I forgot. To my left, were two robed priests, standing, and enjoying the music while I was seated in my shorts and flip-flops. What a ridiculous presentation I made. If I had thought ahead of time, I would have at least put on my socks and sandals, and worn my only pair of pants. At least on second glance I saw that one priest wore traditional style sandals… That counts right? http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8238.jpg I wasn’t the only one out of place thought. This dog was having a great time. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8239.jpg After the first set, the singing woman stepped down, and everyone gave a standing ovation. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8240.jpg What came next though was my favorite. This guy ripped into the Yamaha Grand Piano like it was a play toy. He shredded the keys like than Jimmy Hendrix shredded a guitar. It was awesome. And then, THEN, he whipped out his accordion, and gave the originals an example! YES! As you might be able to tell, I very much enjoyed it. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8243.jpg Well, the second set ended with a call for an encore, and so it was. The symphony played a second song, and the Pianist/Accordionist ripped it up again. I spent about an hour uploading a mini video of the guy, cause it was bitchin. http://s979.photobucket.com/albums/a...t=MVI_8242.mp4 http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...h_MVI_8242.jpg After dinner, the girls were hungry, and so we hopped in the car and Gabby took us to a café that was open. Three of us ordered a beef plate, while Lison ordered fried fish. (Seems she’s pescatarian*, i.e. doesn’t eat meat other than fish.) Three of us had a glass of Strawberry juice as well ($0.75). It was the first time I had beef since I left Bogota, and I thoroughly enjoyed it! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8246.jpg With dinner over, it was time to go to bed. These are working girls, and they had work in the morning. Not me! I had a motorcycle to pick up in the morning! --Alex |
Today was a new story
I met the Lawyer at his office at 8am, as he requested. I was early, and he arrived in his Mitsubishi Montero. I hopped in, and first step was to drive to Biblian, to see Prosecutor Number Two.
The Prosecutor has gone about his business and accomplished everything that he has said he would, and to top it off, he had a stack of papers that needed to be copied. Perfect. Down the street we go with a stack of 10 or more pages that have been added to the 13 or so pages that were in my original folder. We find the copying place, make the copies, pay the lady (I always pay for the copies) and go back to the Prosecutors office to hand them over. We keep a signed piece of paper, say thank you, confirm the appointment for Friday at 8:30am, and then head back to town. I suppose I should mention that Biblian is a small town that is 3 miles from Azogues. It’s more like a suburb to me. Back in town, it was off to take a look at the bike, to make sure it was there… Excellent. Please notice my severely displaced hand guards, broken head light, and front brake line hanging on the front cowling. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8215.jpg When my right hand guard got twisted upward, the make shit bolt that holds my “Advmonster” LED light (LED Auxiliary Lights - ADVrider) to my “Highway Dirt Bike” (HDB) hand guards, (www.highwaydirtbikes.com/HDB_Shop/) impacted the banjo bolt on my front brake master cylinder, and ripped it right out of its home. DAMN. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8217.jpg My left side auxiliary LED light lens cracked. Shit. That means water. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8218.jpg When you run into large object on the highway, unprepared, bikes get bent out of shape! My pro-taper 1 1/8th bars have stood the test of time. Shoot, this time, even the left hand guard got bent a little. Can you believe that? HDB Guards don’t just, “bend.” http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8219.jpg Oh yea… My right side pannier and lid. Happy Trail, I like your pannier racks, and I like your mounting pucks. They kick ass. But I just don’t think I can handle Aluminum boxes. Not yours at least. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8220.jpg I saw another bike in the corner, a Yamaha 125. It had 80,505 kilometers on it. 50,034 miles, NICE. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8221.jpg Well, that was good enough for me. The bike is still there. No worries. On the other hand, someone else had something to worry about, as a funeral procession was taking place on the avenue outside the police impound lot. :/ http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8224.jpg Well, after confirming the status of the bike, it was off to the Jefetura de Policia’s office (A police boss man). Before that though, I needed 2 copies of my passport. Oh, and the Jefetura’s office is closed. So, instead, Mr. Lawyer Man took me to a motorcycle shop that he recommended because the Police motorcyclists use it. He took my there, I told the man what was up, and he just said, it was no problem, and that I should come back in an hour and a half. So, after more hand shaking, we went back to the Police Boss Man’s office. He was open. First though, it’s a cigarette break. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8247.jpg At the office, I was asked to pay $1.50 for each day that my motorcycle remained in the Police Parking Lot. My lawyer made a valiant effort to mitigate the fee (27 days multiplied by $1.50 = $40.50), but it was to no avail as we’d have to come back tomorrow as the systems that allowed it weren’t on the same computer. So, I paid the man. So far, I’m up to $70.50. From there, it was all straight forward. We got a signed piece of paper that said I had paid, and headed back for the bike. I couldn’t start my bike, because the kill switch was jammed closed, so I couldn’t ride it to the motorcycle shop. Mr. Lawyer Man had an audience in 30 minutes, and wasn’t about to miss it. In 3 minutes, he had a truck lined up to haul me and the bike a mile or so to the shop. The three of us heaved my bike into the back of a short-bed, dual-cab pickup truck, and with a single length of rope, the driver tied it in. I hoped in the cab of the truck, and off we went. It turned out that the driver spoke pretty good English, and understood me even better. He had lived in the United States for 11 years, and the child in the back seat was even American. Only a few minutes and three dollars later and I was dropped off at the Motorcycle shop. Que bien. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...1/IMG_8248.jpg Inside of 4 minutes, the shop owner had placed a new front brake master cylinder in my hand. How much? $18.00…. I’ll take it. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...1/IMG_8249.jpg After installing that, adding brake fluid and bleeding the brakes, it was onto the head light. First step was removal. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...1/IMG_8250.jpg Second step was convincing the helper that was now assisting me to retrofit the high-output 60watt halogen bulb from my old busted headlight into the new one. I wasn’t too fond of the idea of riding with a 30watt halogen bulb in my new $10 headlight assembly. He agreed it was better, and we installed it. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...1/IMG_8251.jpg Say goodbye to the busted head light! Adios you pile of crap! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...1/IMG_8252.jpg Next step was to address my broken clutch adjustment screw. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...1/IMG_8253.jpg And then after that, to deal with the burnt our break light that hasn’t functioned since the first week of Mexico. That turned out to be a BITCH, as the light bulb had rust/welded to the insertion slot, and removing it turned out to be impossible. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...1/IMG_8254.jpg Marvel at the rebar turned tire iron that measures about 3.25 feet long. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...1/IMG_8256.jpg Watch the shop assistant saw off some tabs on the edge of my new rear light bulb socket to replace the old one that was chopped out. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...1/IMG_8257.jpg By now, its 2pm and according to the boss man, seen below on the far left of the table, it is time for lunch. The guys are getting hungry as well. I am invited, and so I go along. I hadn’t eat yet, and I was damn hungry as well. Meet the guys that fixed up my bike! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...1/IMG_8258.jpg While we were sitting there at lunch, I asked the shop owner how much the meals cost. He replied that they were $1.50/each. We’re talking about a bowl of bean and noodle soup (that I think is really damn good), and a plate of rice, vegetables, and meat, accompanied by a glass of fruit juice. I almost laughed because it was so cheap. Right before we left, he got up to pay the bill for himself and the shop workers. He was probably going to pay mine as well. However, I beat him to it, and when he set down a $10 bill, I snatched it out of the waitresses hand from behind the counter, slapped it back on the counter in his direction, and handed over my own money. $7.50 for 5 meals. Call it a donation to THEIR beer fund. The owner said thank you to me no less than 3 times. He meant it too. Back at the shop after lunch, I was hard at work tweaking things, and making sure everything was good to go. The front turn signals were addressed and I had new L.E.D lights on in a flash ($8.00 a pair). After that, I locked the hand guards back into place, adjusted the lever positions, tightened the mirror, and shortened the screws holding my Auxiliary Light brackets. Putting the front cowling on was a slight chore as the new headlight unit is slightly larger. Adjusting the inside diameter of the cowling proved simply enough by using a hack saw blade to remove a few flanges, and VIOLA, I’m functional again. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...1/IMG_8259.jpg Next on the list was to take care of the Chain. I had replaced the chain in Bogota before I left, and used a 525 o-ring master link to do it. However, the master link was such a bitch getting it on, and not of the right fit apparently as the chain formed a kink at the master link and wouldn’t flex at that point. It was the right size as per the package AND stamping on the link (DID 525), but if just didn’t fit. Getting it off proved to be easier with a 4” dye grinder, and it was replaced with a 530 master link as a 525 was not available. To make it fit, one of the o-rings on the chain was ground down, as the 530 link was JUST too short to make it fully to the other side. I’m not worried about it. I’ll last. Next, was creating a buffer zone between my left hand aux light and water. I unscrewed the outer bevel that holds the glass plate in place and removed the plate as the release of pressure allowed it to fall into 3 pieces. I then placed 3 layers of clear plastic bag over the exposed LEDs, and screwed the bevel back in place, forming the plastic into a 3 level waterproof barrier. I then wrapped electrical tape around the light to prevent seepage from the not fully screwed down bezel. Until I can find someone to cut me a perfect circle out of glass, this will have to do. And now, the only things left on the bike to worry about are the right side mirror that was shattered, and finding a replacement windshield, as I broke mine when I body slammed it. I’m willing to bet that finding a new mirror will be the least of my worries, and a windshield will show up in due time. Last but not least, I pay the man.... Total?... $40.00.... http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...1/IMG_8260.jpg Then, for the first time in 27 days, I got on my motorcycle, and rode it back to the hotel, wearing flip flops, shorts, and a long sleeve shirt. I didn’t even have a helmet or sunglasses. That’ll be the last time that happens. I stopped off on the way back to the hotel to ask a welding shop if they could fix my side bag. They suggested another shop, and that was that. I’ll go their tomorrow after the hearing. Now, I just have to mentally prepare myself to leave this place. Saturday will mark 4 weeks that I have been here. I am thinking Monday, the 31st, Halloween, will mark my date of departure, and my subsequent entrance into Peru… Hot damn boys and girls! ONWARD!!! --Alex |
Excellent news! Well done. :)
|
Latin America to the Rescue!
Hahahahaha.
YEA RIGHT! Of course, things will not go as planned, but who here makes plans anyway!? Not me, that's for sure! Today, Friday morning at 8:10am, I was waiting in front of the Lawyers office, waiting to be picked up for our Scheduled 8:30am hearing... The outer door that opens to the street was open, but alas, his door was closed. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8261.jpg No sooner had I been waiting for 5 minutes or so, did his assistant show up. Shake hands ,buenas dias, etc. I followed him into the office, and he asked me what I needed. Instantly, without another word, I realized that my hearing would not be that morning... Guess what? It didn't phase me! HAHAhttp://d26ya5yqg8yyvs.cloudfront.net/yelrotflmao.gif I told him that the lawyer had asked me to come at 8:10 am for my audiencia (court hearing). He looked at me with a bit of an unsettled look, like he didn't want to ruin my day, and told me that he wasn't sure it was happening that day. He went over to the lawyers desk and opened up the drawer to remove the date book that was inside, He opened it up and scanned it for my name "ALEXANDER MICHEAL SMITH" (Pronouced Al-eex-onder Mik-eye-ehl Es-smeeth) He didn't find my name in the planner, but he did see the note on the table instead. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8262.jpg You can likely read this other than the word "Martes" which is "Tuesday". It would appear that I now have a scheduled audience on Tuesday, November 1st. Shortly thereafter, the Lawyer arrived, telling me what I had just heard as he was on his way int he door. Not pausing to speak even for a hand shake. The Audience (Court Hearing) had been suspended until the 1st of November upon request of the other parties lawyer. They had some evidence to demonstrate, or so it would appear. Mr. Lawyer man seemed nonplussed, and told me not to worry. I didn't worry, and I still am not. And so. I wait. On the way back to the hotel, what seemed like every 14-18 year old high school student was out in the streets, in a formed parade style conglomeration, marching against violence. Complete with a drum core. Well, I paused to listen for a little bit, and bought some fruit from my favorite fruit vending lady. Of course, Gringo in all his "casi" 2 meter tall, long ass hair (by local standard), shorts and flip flop wearing attire, was on display to the hundreds of high school students walking/marching in the streets. Then began the hooting and hollering. "WHOOOOOOOAAAAA".... "WHOOOOOOO"..... "WHEEEEEEEEEEEE"..... "HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEY"..... Etc. The girls were Cat Calling me, whistling me down 9aged 14-18) while the guys were yelling sounds at me. EVERY SINGLE person in the street was looking at me. So. I waved. And...They...Went...Ballistic! One girl even had the courage to come up to me and hand me a flyer. A guy did the same 30 seconds later but was too late. I don't know if it's because I am white, super tall, or a combination of it all (probably the latter), but these people really like to call me out. And so there you have it. I wait more. Party tonight. Why? Because it's Friday. --Alex |
Congratulations for having your bike back.
I wish you a safe trip and lots of fun. |
Side box and front brake rotor
Today I took the bike with the right side box strapped to my top rack, to a shop down the road.
They pointed me further down the road, so I kept going. My goal was to get my right pannier case bashed back into a "rectangle" rather than a diamond. $3.00 later, and I had a functioning side bag again. It's not pretty, and it surely isn't perfect, nor does it look good... But it will suffice. They also gave me a screw for my left passenger peg bracket as one apparently vibrated loose. Then I replaced the 4 plastic screws that hold my visor and face shield on my helmet. Two of the 4 plastic screws were missing, and the remaining two were cracked. Though I don't like the sound of it metal on my helmet, but I replaced them all with metal bolts. I'll be hard pressed to every find plastic screws down here. I know have 4 gold colored shining 8mm bolt heads on my helmet. During the to the mechanics, I noticed something again, that I had noticed yesterday when riding back from the motorcycle shop. My front brake rotor was "hiss, hiss, hiss'ing" as I rode at slow speeds. It was hard to hear at higher speeds due to engine noise and increased frequency, but a quick glance down at my rotor showed a wobble... So, I rode to the Motorcycle Shop. I told them what was going on, and they asked me if my wheel was not true. I told them that it COULD be the problem, but that I think the rotor is warped. So the assistant hopped on my bike, and took off down the road. 1st, 2nd, 3rd, WHACK! The masterlink in my chain (the original one, and not the one I made yesterday) broke loose, and the chain separated. Luckily, the chain barely piled up, and didn't bust a case or anything so severe as that. It did make a small mark on the case, but barely even a scratch. The guy walked my bike back, and we found the problem. Of course, there are no 525 master links available, and I don't have any. So the same story goes. The o-rings on one side of the chain were ground down, and a 530 link went on the chain. And he went for another ride, coming back with confirmation that my front brake rotor is warped, and look, there, you can see where it hit the cement; where that big ass gouge it. SHIT. I need a new front brake rotor, and the closest one is in Guayaquil, Ecuador, a 4 hour bus ride away. I would seem that I will be going on a bus one of these next few days. UNLESS one of you happy sons-of-guns has a spare front '96+ DR650 Front brake rotor for CHEAP? Parts here in Ecuador have a 100% import tax on them. That's a $200 brake rotor... ProCycle sells a replacement for $106. Does anyone else sell them. Ebay has a bunch of weird "chinese" looking front brake rotors for $60-$90. Damn it, now I need a front brake rotor. --Alex |
another good installment of your trip.:thumbup1:
Glad things are going the right way, accept for the brake rotor, is this the brake caliper?? hope that you get your part ready for Tuesday, when you hopefully get the ok to leave. Take it easy mate. Pete. |
Weekend Fiesta'ing
Around here, everything speeds up on the weekends. That means, heading off to the big city of Cuenca which is home to over half a million people, and this particular weekend is the weekend before Halloween. So, my weekend went like this.
Friday, the Euro girls asked me if I wanted to go to dinner in Cuenca. Of course that sounded good to me, regardless of the fact that I had eaten 30 minutes ago. And so, less than an hour later, Charlotte and Lison arrived in the back of Gabby’s car, I hopped in and off we went, headed for dinner. It was then, in the car, that the girls informed me that we would be going to dinner, and then going to a Karaoke bar. Well… Ok then. First was dinner. I had a chicken burrito. It doesn’t compare to Mexico, but it was good. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8265.jpg It just so happened we sat next to a group of fellow gringos, all in Ecuador as part of the same group of Peace Corp volunteers. It just so happens that they know my friend from University, Alex Helpenstell, who is 423km’s north of me in the jungles of Ecuador. Small world eh? http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8266.jpg After dinner we hopped back in Gabby’s car, and headed back to Azogues, to pick up Gabby and the girls’ coworkers, and hit up the Karaoke bar. We had 7 people in a 2 door hatchback. It was RIDICULOUS. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8267.jpg There is another woman, out of frame, in the top left corner. I am the only man. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8269.jpg There she is! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8271.jpg And where do you suppose we ended up? Hahah. At Elvis Disco Bar and Karaoke! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8272.jpg I think Charlotte was a little excited! Don’t you think? http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8274.jpg They were happy to be there. I was uncertain… http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8276.jpg The dance floor that see’s it’s action between sets of Karaoke songs. Again, I’m not so sure about this… http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8278.jpg The girls are getting their groove on! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8286.jpg And by then end of the night, we were the only ones there. I had sang, “We Will Rock You”, “Staying Alive”, and “Roxanne”… We Will Rock You, was my favorite. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8288.jpg At two a.m., the owner of the bar who apparently was from Brooklyn, and only sang Elvis songs, closed shop, and we all piled back in the car to get back into town. And that, was Friday night. --Alex |
And the partying continues, unbeknownst to me!
The same thing happened last night, Saturday the 30th. The girls suggested meeting at the bus terminal and catching a bus into Cuenca to have dinner. It was the last bus of the night, so we’d be taking a taxi back to Azogues afterward.
The bus left at 7:15, and arrived at 8pm. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8290.jpg We had dinner at a Mexican joint in town. While there, Charlotte got a call from Gabby. She was coming soon in her car. It seemed like we’d have a ride back that night, sweet. Well, while at dinner, we sat at a table for 4. Charlotte was across the table from Lison, and I was to the right of Lison. Twice during dinner, Charlotte left the table to answer a phone call. And it was during that time, that assumedly the person sitting behind Lison and I lifted her purse from where it hung on her chair, leaving with it unnoticed, when no one could see it happening. It was when we stood up to leave having paid our bill that she realized it was gone. She swore she didn’t leave it on the bus, or in the taxi we took from the bus station to downtown. It simply disappeared. So off we went to the Internet Café to use a phone booth to call her credit card company to cancel her card. Other than that, only her camera was of any importance. Damn it all. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8291.jpg Shortly after, Gabby arrived and off we went to a bar where we would meet with her friends. We each had a drink and the drinks were terrible. Soon enough Gabby’s friends arrived, we paid our bill, left, and walked to the next place; which as I’ve discovered is one of Ecuador’s favorite past times, a Karaoke bar. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8292.jpg And, like all good Karaoke bars, after each table has had its round of 3-4 songs, the dancing begins. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8293.jpg And basically, all Latinos can dance. The guys gave the girls a good work out, and we all took our turns helping to empty the two pitchers of Mojitos that graced the tables. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8296.jpg And that was how Saturday night went down; with too much singing, too much dancing, and too many loud noises until 4am. Damn I was tired that night! When Sunday came around, I didn’t wake up until noon and I was still tired even then. I didn’t do a lot until about 6pm besides go eat some chicken. Apparently there was some outdoor music festivities going on down the road in the parking lot of the old bus terminal, and the Euro girls invited me. While I was waiting for them to show up at the hotel to lead the way, I was happy to feed this dog the remnants of my chicken meal. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8299.jpg On the way to the “concert” Charlotte had a good idea for a photo. In respect to the “no nudity” rule, they covered them up. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8300.jpg Half the city was there, and the music sucked. I’m not a particular fan of Latin music, but I know how to appreciate someone that can sing well. And well, from what I’ve heard, and from what I’ve experienced, these guys enjoy people who can’t sing that well! What I have seen them do however, is rock out on any instrument in particular. Music is part of life here, and it’s bred into them. Very many people can sing well, but I have yet to hear many that are particularly GOOD. But it’s the mood of the people that counts the most, and they were all in a good mood, and we had a good time. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8304.jpg Here in the mountains for the past month, it has been rare that a particularly nice sunset graces the sky. Tonight however, it was nice. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8305.jpg After the show, it was off to the Italian restaurant that serves me my favorite ice cream. The girls each had pizza and I had an ice cream. For some reason, I wasn’t hungry… After their pizza, they shared an ice cream as well. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8310.jpg Then, it was back to the music for a little while. That turned out to be an entertaining aspect of the night! Apparently a person so tall as myself makes for a spectacle in a large group of people here where the average height of a man is 5’2” to 5’6”. Did I mention that Charlotte is 5’11” and Lison is about 5’6”? So, the three of us stand at height, a head over, and head and shoulders over the average person here. That was enough to warrant 7 different people to come up to me and ask for photo; two of which offered and insisted that I have a shot of Rum and Coke. Well then. If I must! And another shot of the crowd. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8312.jpg And with that, weekend Festivities come to a close! Tomorrow is a rest day, and I’ll take the bike out for a test ride to make sure all is well. Tuesday is the hearing for my case, and if I have it my way, Wednesday will see me exit Ecuador after a full month here in Azogues, Ecuador! ONWARD!!! --Alex |
Today I went for a mini adventure...
And it was surely a damn adventure! Ahah!
I took the bike out of the garage at about 4pm with the goal of giving it a good ride up into the mountains. I figured I’d be able to tell if there was anything wrong with the bike, especially the front brake rotor. So, off I went to the gas station 2 blocks down the road and filled up with just about 3 gallons of gas for less than $4.50. Gas is $1.48 for Extra and $1.98 for Super. I don’t need super, so Extra it was. For the next 5 miles I pulled over every 6 minutes or so, and checked the brake rotor. It was never too hot to touch, and never more than slightly warm. Good news so far. So, I took the first left hand turn that looked promising and headed East uphill, into the mountains. A few minutes later, I paused for a photo. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8315.jpg And a few minutes later, I paused for another one. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8316.jpg Son of a bitch! First the rear started to act shaky, but I was on a dirt road, but then I stopped, looked, and realized my rear tire was flat. Damn it. Well. I rode a flat about 50 yards up the hill and around the corner, and asked the two nice women sitting on the steps of a corner store where I could get a puncture repaired. They told me to go up the road, to the internet café and no further. Well… Ok. So I went up the road, to the internet café, and asked some working men across the street where I could get my flat tire repaired, and they told me to go into the internet café. Right, well, ok. In I went. Yea, we can help you says the man, and yelled something, and a Mom and younger son came out. Just up the hill there, to that building with the grey doors, they said. We’ll help you there. And so the sage begins. With a cement building block and three 2x6’s the bike was put up on its bash plate and the bike’s rear end was in the air. In my excitement to ride off into the sunset tonight, I had left with only my two standard tool kits. One is for removing the wheels and tires and patching flat tires, and the other is for everything else. Well, that just means that I didn’t bring my pump, my tire patches, or anything else for that matter. However, what faced me was NOT a motorcycle shop, but a bicycle repair shop. It wasn’t under equipped though, and between the 15 year old Paul (Pah-ool) and I, we had it covered. First step was to remove my rear wheel to get to the tire. Having ridden a ways on a flat tire, the bead had been broken, and using my tire irons proved to make easy work of getting access to the tube. And so it went. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8317.jpg With this HUGE compressor, we checked the tube for leaks. We found one, and it wasn’t too big. Nothing else seems to be an issue. Excellent. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8318.jpg Paul, grabbed a patch from the shelf and began his search for glue…. And he came up empty handed. He looked to me, and told me that he needed to go to town and to get some glue for the patches. I could wait in his home (the internet cafe) while he went and when he returned, we’d fix my tube. I asked him how long he thought it would take. About an hour and a half he said. OK! I’m not going anywhere with a flat tire, I F-ed up in the first place and didn’t bring my own equipment, into the mountainous towns of Ecuador, and well, an internet café is as good a place as any to be stuck for an hour and change! So the bike was left where it was, up on it’s make shift stand, the wheel, tire, tubes, my tools and helmet were locked behind the door, and I walked down to the internet café with the Mom (who’d been overseeing everything) and off went Paul on the next bus into town. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8319.jpg By the time that Paul got back, it was pretty much dark. The lights in the shop were dim at best, and we went to work. He had a Dremel Tool at his disposal with a little sanding disc on it, and he went to work lightly sanding the area surrounding the puncture while his mom watched curiously. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8320.jpg With the tire inflated slightly, he busted out his glue (he only bought one tube in town…), and smeared it on gratuitously, covering the area well. Then, we waited a bit. When the glue had become sticky rather than runny, he squared up the patch over the puncture hole, and using a screwdriver with 5 or 6 washers in the shaft, pressure rolled the patch to secure it. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8321.jpg After that, it was a simply 5 minute wait before we aired up the tube looking for any other leaks. With none found, we set about putting the tube back in the tire. Almost as an afterthought, but likely due to the numerous punctures I’ve had on this trip, a stuffed my hand in the tire and checked the inner section for sharp objects… Sure enough, I felt this little bastard stuck in the tire. I had to use pliers to get it out. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8322.jpg Shortly thereafter, the tube was in, tire was seated on the rim, tube filled up, and wheel was back on the bike. When I asked my partner in crime Paul, what the charge was to fix the flat, he responded with “I don’t know.” Well, Paul was a nice kid, and unlike many people that would have told me I was out of luck; this young guy spent nearly 2 hours going into town on the bus to come back with glue to patch my tire. Was he impressed with me? I don’t know. He sure liked to ask questions about my trip. And unlike nearly all of the other people that ask me questions, not one of them was about how much my trip cost me, or how much my bike cost me, or how much money I saved, or how much I earn from my job. Instead he asked me how I like traveling. Why I was doing it. Where I had been, where I was going, and where my goal destination was. A tire patch job in the town of Azogues, costs $2 when you bring your bike to the mechanic. The mechanic does all the work; he removes your wheel, removes the tire, removes the tube, patches it, reinstalls the tube, seats the tire, and reinstalls the wheel. He provides the tools, the work space, and the knowledge and he earns two dollars. This guy Paul could patch a tube, had a compressor, and had patches, while I provided the rest of the ingredients along with his help. They were my tire irons, my knowledge of motorcycle tire removal (not so impressive) and my methodical process that were used. It was joint operation. When I asked him the charge, and he told me “I don’t know,” I was giving him the opportunity to run the show. He didn’t take it, but I understand. The guy is 15 years old and is face with a 24yr/old, taller than a tree gringo who rode his motorcycle from the states. He doesn’t know what to do. So, with only $2.85 in my coin bag, and one $10 bill and two $20 bills in my wallet, I handed him the ten dollar bill. He looked at me like I was crazy. I told him that I knew that a normal shop charges $2-$3. I told him that because he was so willing to help me, and spent 2 hours of his time going out of his way to solve my problem, and gave me a place to rest while he did so, that his actions deserved to be rewarded. I told him not to think twice about it. He smiled, and didn’t complain. Furthermore, while I was there, his mother gave me three pieces of a local fruit of which I don’t know the name. When Paul came back from town, and we were in the garage patching the tube, he gave me a dried fruit bar, because I must be hungry having waited for him. Paul asked me where I was staying that night, and I could tell that he was going to offer me a place to sleep. I had my room at the hotel and told him so, but his intention didn’t go unnoticed. Paul was nice kid, and because of all the people that have supported me on this trip thus far, I was able to enjoy the pleasure of supporting this guy as well. Meet Paul. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8323.jpg From here, it was an easy ride down the mountain, on the same road, with no turn offs all the way to Azogues. Having walked around most of the entire central area, I soon came to a road that I recognized. From there, I headed to my favorite chicken joint that was still open at 8pm, and had a 1/4 chicken on the spot, and ordered an 1/8th to go. I munched my food, and too the rest back to the hotel. Tomorrow, Tuesday, November 1st at 8am, I have my second and final court hearing. Mr. Lawyer Man called me while I was in the mountains, and reminded me to meet him at 7:45 at his office to ride to Biblian where the audience would be held. Wednesday will see me cross the border into Peru, headed South. Onward amigos. --Alex |
Court hearing update
Today, this morning, I had my second court hearing, which took all of 15 minutes. This is how it all went down.
8:15am, The Judge explained why we were all there. 8:17am, The Prosecutor told us what the case was all about, and the circumstances involved. This included the location of the accident, the time of day, the events leading to the accident, the accident itself, the proceedings after the accident, the drunken status of the pedestrian, my black Suzuki motorcycle, and my North American self. 8:20am, The other party's Lawyer stated their case and tried to defend the status of the drunk pedestrian, stating that he was within his rights, and that the fault was with me, the motorcyclist, and they asked for damages. 8:25am, My Lawyer defended my innocence, stating I was within my rights, could not avoid the accident, and the pedestrian was drunk and crossed the highway non-prudently thereby causing the accident. He stated the police report decision that I was not guilty of an infraction of any sort, and that there was no one to prove otherwise. 8:30am, Then the Judge closed the current proceedings, stating that he needed to talk to his superiors, and we went to intermission. I go to meet my lawyer at 2:30 this afternoon for the rest of it. He believes that I will be free to leave tomorrow without any problems. I'm hoping so. I'm going to pack my luggage, and find a laundry shop... --Alex |
Best of luck to you. I look forward to the next instalment of your travels
|
Hope your on your way soon.... this ride reports has had me glued to the internet lol
Cheers Geordie aka Will |
Awww Screw It.
bier bier!!!I'm FREE!!! bier bier Free at Last, Free at Last, Oh Lordy I'm Free at Last! :scooter: |
I'm free
Hi Alex,
Yahooooooo! I had a huge smile on my face when I watched your video this morning Alex. Congratulations. Now my Father side is going to come out. Please take it easy on the bike. You haven't been riding for ages so just ease off a little and remember that you are very vulnerable. Maybe just back the fun meter back down into the green zone. :funmeteryes: Enjoy the rest of your trip. I'm hanging out for your next report. Cheers from Down Under, Simon. |
Free
:D.......Take your time and be safe :mchappy:
Hickery |
Sweet Freedom
Well now.
Enjoying my new found freedom, I took care of some last minute preparations in anticipation of leaving this joint tomorrow. 1st. I took all of my clothes to the laundry, and had them washed and cleaned. I'm good for another month now. Cost =$3.75. 2nd. I went to a seamstress and had my riding pants patched and sewn. My right ass cheek had a tear, as did the outside of my left knee. I asked if she could add 6" to my pants, but she said she couldn't do it tonight, so I told her not to bother. Cost = $3.00 3rd. I walked to the Ice Cream joint and bought myself a celebratory ice cream cone. Cost = $1.00 4th. I went directly next door to the seamstress with my pants and found buckles for my tank bag. I walked back to the hotel and grabbed my tank bag, and on the way back grabbed some sour gummy worms, a box of (20) 400mg Ibuprofen, and 3 ciprofloxicino. Cost = $5.54 5th. I took my tank bag and got new buckles replaced and sewn onto it where two had broken. The first broke in BAJA, Mexico (200 days ago) and was fixed with gorilla tape. The second was complete destroyed in Barranquilla, Colombia 3 months ago. Cost = $2.00 6th. I had the second seamstress add 6 inches to the bottom of my pants, because she could do it tonight. The material she used, she claimed was waterproof and it's sturdy as hell. I didn't need waterproof, but it's preferred, and I'll take it! Cost= $6 .00 7th. I went to one of my favorite food joints, and bought a more expensive meal. Pork this time. I said goodbye my people. Cost = $4.50 8th. I bought some chips and a 1 liter Gatorade from a favorite corner store. Cost = $2.80 Then I walked back to my hotel, paid my bill up to tonight, and told them I'd be leaving in the morning. And I plan to do just that, after saying goodbye to the ladies that own the corner store, and their helper. Now, I go for a beer with the Euro Girls. Hell yes. ONWARD! --Alex |
Great News,
Best of luck back on the road , keep those reports coming and ride safebeer |
On the Road Again!
Whammo Bammo!
Thanks for all the replies everyone! I am on the road again, and am in the deep south of Ecuador. I rode 180 miles today after leaving at 10:40am, much later than anticipated, after packing all my stuff, and saying goodbye to the ladies that own the corner store. At about 2:30, I was tired, so I pulled up this mini dirt road offshoot that some construction workers had paved to lay a 3¨ waterline into direct contact with a mini waterfall. I hung out there, eating some chips, and took a nap. I fell asleep for like 15 minutes, then got up and took off. 3.5 hours later, I found myselft 2.5hrs from the Peru border crossing at Macara. My front brake rotor repair job didn´t hold, and I am beginning to wonder if it fact there is a small deflection in the axle, and I only aggravated the issue by reefing on the brake rotor. So, I emailed a fellow rider named Frank that is waiting on a rear shock for his R1200GSA in Lima, and asked him if he could please help me find a replacement rotor, and possibly a front axle. If any body wants to call up Lima, that would be cool too! In a small town, I saw two Suzuki XF650 Freewind. They are nearly the same bike, and share the same frame (nearly) and same front hub/brake rotor. (though it´s on the right vs left side). One bike was with a BMW F650 and KLR650, all Ecuadorian. I stopped to speak with them and asked the XF650 owner if he new where I could find the parts. He and the other two guys all whipped out their smart phones and started making phone calls and texts. No one got a response. Ecuador is basically shut down for 3 days due to holidays and such, so the earliest I could get a part would be Friday. I can ride the bike to Piura, Peru about 5-6 hours away, and find it there, but it might take a few days. From what I´ve noticed, the brake doesn´t cause me a problem, and the rotor is NOT touching the caliper. It´s just wearing more on the right side brake pad every rotation. I´ll ride the bike to Lima, and sort the problem there. And for now, I´m going to go eat food, and go to bed, so I can leave at 8am fully rested. Internet cafe and me being tired means no photos today. ON THE ROAD AGAIN!!! --Alex |
Thanks
Just wanted to say that I am thoroughly enjoying reading all these posts
|
It's been 35 years since I wandered the same route at about the same age. Keep safe and we'll keep reading!:scooter:
John |
I nearly kicked a tree today...
Because I was ANGRY.
I left Azoques yesterday, and today I am on the border with Peru. They impounded my bike this afternoon at the border because I was 24 days over my alloted visa time of 10 days. When I entered Ecuador, the system was down, so everyone was entered manually and given ten days. 2 days later I had accident. I got a letter from the Judge from where I was, explaining the case, but apparently it was only good for immigration (i.e. my and my passport) but not valid for Aduanas.(i.e, custom and the bike). So, they made me leave my bike there, and I have to WAIT UNTIL MONDAY because of the ****ing holidays. On monday, the man that can make the necessary paper will arrive. All the Aduaneros (customs guys), wanted to help, but WOULD NOT budge. This is the first time I have been angry in 7 months. So now I have 4 days to chillax. Today, I got sunburnt, had a flat tire, and realized that I am without my electric ($100) pump (which had my patch kit with it) because it never made it back to me after my accident. Either did EITHER of my pairs of gloves ($100 and $125). Some cop got the BEST gloves on the market. Summer and winter gloves. So I got help from a local, took the wheel off the back of the bike, and left the bike on the road. Got driven about 5 miles, had the shit patched, got back on the bike, and was having a great time, and then this.......... Life is always full of adventures no? I uploaded all the pictures I´ve not posted yet, and will go back to my hotel ($6/night) and write out the report. I´ve got this internet cafe computer silently downloading movies for me... Did someone yell out ONWARD!? Right. Not just yet amigos. --Alex |
Alex...that sucks........stay cool. Its all part of the great adventure you are living. You endured 40 days ..... a few more will likely turn up more exciting times. This is what keeps your followers glued to your Blog....its pacted with the unexpected with its twists and turns.
Best Wishes... Hickery:cool4: |
Glad to hear you're back on the road again even though you're stalled for a few days. Hopefully you'll be on your way again soon. As a little encouragement, remember the words of Bill Hicks, "it's just a ride".
Good luck with the border patrol. |
On the road again, mostly.
The journey continues. Tuesday November 1st, 2011. Day 215.
The day my freedom to leave the country of Ecuador arrived; it was celebrated informally after the hearing by going out to breakfast with Mr. Lawyer Man. I tried to buy him breakfast, but the guy refused to let me pay, and in fact, never charged me a dime for his work. The Judge had just told us that he needed to consult with his superiors, but that meant little to Mr. Lawyer Man, as he was confident that the final hearing would be in my favor. He was eventually correct. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8324.jpg However, I still would need to return later that afternoon for the “final” verdict. In the mean time, we were close to Julio Cesar Guevara’s (aka, Mr. Lawyer Man) auto-body mechanic that was working on his Ford Explorer. As it turned out, Javier, his assistant (and brother and law) was driving the vehicle with his wife, two daughters, and two nieces when they had an accident, involving a tree, and rolling over on its right side. Julio told me that they all exited from the rear window, but were all completely fine! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8327.jpg After that, Julio (Lawyer Man) dropped me off at my hotel, with instructions to meet him at 2:15 to go to the Judges office for the latest news. Back at the hotel for a few hours, I received a phone call from Julio that involved him telling me to go to the Judges office on my bike, to get the papers for Migracion, because he was busy and couldn’t help right then. I didn’t have any idea what I was really doing, but I knew my way, so I got on the bike and headed for Bilblian 3 miles away. Into the building and up the stairs like every other time I had been there, and into the open door to the Judges office. “Hola!” I said, before further explaining that my lawyer had sent me to collect a paper for Migracion. I got the paper, and that is the one you saw in the video if you watched it. I call it the “I’m FREE” doctrine. And that is what it turned out to be; for my bodily person. After that, I had to go to the Migracion office at the Police station and give him a copy of the paperwork. I held onto the original for border crossing purposes, and that was it. I was told that the paper would allow me to leave without any issues potentially resulting from overstaying my original 10 day visa allowance that I received 32 days prior. Before I left the judges building though, I took a reminder photo of the place that served justice to me. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8334.jpg Ah, sweet personal freedom, and about as good as I have looked in 210 days. Kristi said so. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8338.jpg After that, you’ve heard the story. I went out and got all sorts of odds and ends taken care of, while still maintaining my “cheap bastidge” token at hand. I went for a beer with the euro girls that night as well, and we had French fries at a local restaurant. I told them each that they should leave with me and travel south, as I didn’t feel like going alone. They declined! After that, it was time for bed. And the next morning, I drug all my crap down 3 floors to the garage below, and loaded up the bike. Finally ready, it was another reminder shot of my time in Azougues, Ecuador; 32 days. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8354.jpg Packed, ready to go, and looking good. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8356.jpg THUMBS UP! I’m out of here! Almost! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8357.jpg Before I could leave though, I had to stop and see my favorite ladies here in Southern Ecuador, Aida and Inez, along with their mother Javiera, and their helper Diego. Here I am sitting in the chair they brought out for me. Aida will contend that I am now her family, and I must call her when I get home (I have her phone number). Further, I must bring Kristi when I marry her. And bring my family the gifts she gave to me to give to them. Damn. She was pouring out the love! So, please meet my 3rd family other than my own. (#1: Kristi’s, #2: My best friend of 18 years Kevin’s. #3: Aida and family) http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8359.jpg And to give you an idea of what I look like in comparison. From left to right we have the helper Diego (dark blue), one of the sisters Inez (light blue), a friend of the family (orange), the Mother of the sisters sitting in the chair Javiera, a friend of the family (light green), and finally Aida (purple). Of course, there I am standing with them all, none of which come to my shoulder! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8358.jpg Well, then it was time to leave Azogues, much later than my planned departure of 8am. I left at 10:30, and hit the road. It was totally awesome. About 4 hours later, after a gas stop, a pit stop for a snack, and another gas stop, I pulled over because I was beginning to get tired. Eyes were droopy etc. I passed this little waterfall with a dirt road leading up to it at first, but decided better, and turned around. 200 meters of dir t road had me underneath it, occasionally wiping mist off my sunglasses. Awesome. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8361.jpg It was as I left the hotel, after 32 days I realized that I was gloveless. Yes. I had no gloves. Neither my summer weight gloves, nor winter weight gloves were anywhere to be found. Maybe they were never found when my bike got dumped. The pannier did get ripped off, and the lid busted up, and things went flying BUT my gloves were on my hands still. So where did they go? I believe a police officer has them right now. Well, being gloveless felt like being naked. I didn’t like it. And my hands were cold as hell because it was raining, and I was at altitudes up to 3000 meters. Heated grips helped, but these mini minimart sacks do much better! No road protection, but I wasn’t cold any longer! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8362.jpg As I sat there, I was tired. Sitting on my ass for the past 30 days conditioned my ass to sitting in the saddle for hours, but not my body. I’ll have to get used to this again. Nap time! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8364.jpg This is where I came from. The southern mountains of Ecuador really offer some stunning views; more of that to come. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8365.jpg You can see here the type of weather I was experiencing that day. The sunshine was trying to push through the clouds, burning off the fog, yet failing to win. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8366.jpg What’s up everyone!? http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8367.jpg I found this scene particularly nice, so I stopped to take a picture of it as well. You can see rays of sun light coming down in the valley between the mountains on the left with farmland on the right, all surrounded by forest. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8368.jpg Well, somewhere in this ride, I made it to the town of Loja, and got lost for about 35 minutes, driving around looking for the exit. The VERY FIRST one I had fad looked fishy so I didn’t take it. 35 minutes later after asking police men and taxi drivers, I was back to where I had been. Damn it. It was 40 minutes later that I stopped for the day. I saw two Suzuki XF650 Freewinds in a small town that was unusually busy due the holidays. This one belonged to a guy riding with his two friends that were on other bikes, a BMW F650GS and a Kawasaki KLR650. This Blue Freewind is a 2002 model. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8369.jpg Some of you other DR650 riders will be interested to see the DUAL carbs. As the bike is apparently a 2 piston bike? That is new news to me! I thought it just had dual carbs like an XT550 or something! The man swore it had to be two cylinders though. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8370.jpg I need to recheck that, because the 47hp motor fits directly into a DR650 frame. The motors are identical on the outside from what I could see. The exhaust was the same, the oil sight glasses, the sumps, the stator covers, the clutch covers, the starter covers, the sprocket covers, etc. The oil cooler was placed differently, but so what!? http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8372.jpg I took the opportunity to ask the owner of the Suzuki Freewind where he gets his parts. He lamented that he gets his parts in Loja, 40 minutes back in the direction that it came, but that also due to Ecuadorian holidays, I wouldn’t be able to find parts in Ecuador until Monday. Alas, but front brake rotor isn’t too bad. It’ll be ok. On their advice I stayed at a cheap motel and used the internet next door, called my dad for 3 minutes ($.50/min) at a calling booth, Kristi for 4 minutes, and got some grilled meat across the street. After that, I spent about 30 minutes shooting the shit with a store owner that spent the last 11 years living and working in Spain, Monday to Friday, as a cleaning lady, which she said she prefers to working in Ecuador, as it she works 7 days a week. She came home with enough money to buy a house in Loja, which she’s renting on a 2 year contract while living and working in the smaller town further south, out of the mountains. I bought a razor and a couple bottles of water from her. She was a nice lady. To be continued... |
continued...
The next morning, I hit the road at 8am. It was awesome.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8374.jpg My goal this day was to cross the border to Peru, and get as far south as I could before I was too tired, or it became dark. The ride for the first hour looked like it was threatening to rain on my parade of happy sunshine. I was riding a ridgeline with sunshine on one side, and gray fog and clouds on the other side. This dirt road beckoned into the distance. If I didn’t feel like leaving Ecuador just so I could be in Peru, I might have taken it! You can see the sunshine on this side. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8376.jpg And the foggy clouds on the other! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8377.jpg This looks a bit more dramatic than it really was, but now you can see what I’m talking about! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8378.jpg Happy Travel, Drive with Caution. Macara 121km (THE BORDER!) http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8381.jpg In the next town, I saw a fully loaded motorcycle headed my way. I honked and waved. They pulled over, I followed them. These guys are traveling from Buenos Aires to North America, with the US as their end destination. They started on 2 bikes, but are now on one. Meet the Germans on a F800GS, Frank and Julie! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8382.jpg At this point, I was about an hour and a half from the border town of Macara, and the riding was awesome. It was 120km of twisty mountain roads with some dirt sections thrown in just to keep you real. At the next gas station, I found myself looking at this thing. The local transportation had room for about 30. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8384.jpg Onward down the road I pulled over to get some water, as it was 98 degrees outside according to my vapor tech. I drank some water, and got back on the bike, with a flat tire. DAMN IT. Really, another one?! Yeah, that sure looks flat as hell… http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8385.jpg This is when I realized that I was missing another thing that I left home with. My cycle pump, and the patch kit I stored with it. DAMN IT. In my excitement to leave Azoques, when I packed, I didn’t even realize I never had my pump and patch kit. I hadn’t had a flat tire since Mexico, (not including the one in the mountains when I didn’t pack ANYTHING besides my tools), so I never thought about the pump at the bottom of my right pannier. Now, I’m roadside, in the Ecuadorian mountains, 5 miles from the small town of Naranja behind me, and I pump my rear tire up. I’ve got a new rear tube on hand, and the tools to take off the tire, and replace the tube, but “I can’t ride it. Well, as luck would have it, right behind me was a large truck parked with a driver it in, and he offered to take me back to the town when I told him my situation. SHIT. I need to find a pump! As it was, I had to leave my bike on the side of the road. I left only locked panniers on the bike. Everything else I took with me into town to pump up the new tube and patch the old one. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8386.jpg Here you can see the truck and driver that helped me out. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8389.jpg At the vulcanizador, I had to help both the driver and the man working to find the whole in the tube. Neither could see well enough to spot it. Patching it was easy, and cost me $3. The guy driving the truck charged me nothing for the ride. Thanks amigo! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8390.jpg Back on the road, I was stopped in border town of Macara by a small demonstration between workers of one sort and another. Stopped there was a bus with some tourists on it. In particular I noticed a Canadian that was about 6’4” standing out in the crown. His bus was stopped and couldn’t go through the traffic jam of cars created by the demonstration. As I was on a bike, I was urged by everyone (demonstrators alike) to just pass on through, and so I did. I stopped at the next gas station, and as they weren’t serving gas, bought a beer instead. I had it in mind that it would be my last been in Ecuador for a long while to come! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8391.jpg International Point of Macara. Happy Travel, Return Soon. (NOT IF I HAVE MY WAY!) http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8392.jpg As I arrived at the border, I drove right up to the Migracion, and parked the bike. I filled out my immigration card, and handed it over to the officer in charge, along with the letter that you have all seen, that explains my case. I am 24 days over my allotted visa period given to me at the Colombian Ecuador border, and the paper says why. The man looked at it, asked me a few questions, asked his co-worker about procedure, and then stamped my passport. I was clear. Aduanas (customs) was right down the road. I left the bike where it sat, and went to talk to the Aduanjero. He was busy checking semi trucks passing through, so I waited a bit. In due time, he took a look at my paper work. I explained the same thing to him the same thing that I had explained to the worker in Migracion. I had had an accident, and that paper explained why I was late. He made phone call, and asked me to bring my bike up to in front of the office window. Sure, and so did. And this is when he told me. You are beyond your 10 day allowance, and this paper is not valid for customs, and is only valid for immigration. You have to leave you bike where it sits, and I am keeping your paperwork (title and bike import paper). You cannot leave until proper paperwork is created, and you can’t do that until Monday, due to the holidays. At this point, I nearly flipped out on this guy. I’ve dealt with a lot in the past month, and I was not enjoying this man telling me that I couldn’t leave, couldn’t move the bike, and couldn’t have my paperwork back. I explained (lying) to the man that I had to arrive in Lima on Saturday. I need to be there, to catch a flight, to go home, to a funeral. I CAN’T stay here. I HAVE to go. He replied that I should change the flight. I explained it was for a FUNERAL. He replied that I could leave, but I couldn’t take the bike with me. That was all there was to it, and there was nothing he could do. I couldn’t even pay the ridiculous fine because the office to do that was closed also! (I’d sooner leave the bike than pay the fine of $200/day per overstay. 24 x $200 = $4800.) I asked to see my title for a second, and he obliged. I folded the title and put it in my protective case, and refused to let him have it back. Eventually copies of my license, my passport (American) and my title were made. With MY hands on the paperwork. It was at this point that they felt like I was going to keep going, regardless of what they said, and they made a very pitiful effort to prevent this, buy putting a spike strip under my bike. Haha. The spikes were far enough apart that I could simply roll my bike over it. Lame. At this point, I seriously considered leaving illegally. I could enter Peru with no problem, and it would be of no concern to me. I can always enter Ecuador again on my Canadian passport, and I’ll not be bringing this bike back anyway. What stopped me was my urge to sell my bike in Buenos Aires at the end of this trip, and a distinct feeling that screwing a guy over, and eliminating his potential access to Ecuador and Colombia en route, was not ok. And that is what made me stay, virtue of honesty. Can you imagine selling a bike to another person that would be impounded when he/she tried to enter Ecuador? How screwy would that be!? http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8393.jpg And so I left the bike, after removing my day bag from the rear top case, and leaving only locked bags, on the bike. Here you can see the mileage of the bike. They don’t have my keys, so it won’t move, but just in case. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8396.jpg Well. The customs guys understood my frustrations. They knew I was being given the shaft by the holiday schedule; and probably because I told them multiple times that I was not angry, and was only frustrated, they were still being nice to me despite my demeanor. One guy just began ignoring me unless I specifically directed my question at him. Off to the side, I even offered the man in charge a bribe. I phrased in such a manner to describe the fact that in my previous border crossings, I was able to pay the customs agent on the spot and leave without any problems. He didn’t get it at first, but when he understood, he simply smiled and shook his head. He would lose his job, and not accept $10, $100, or $1000. Not here, not in Ecuador, he said. Well, THAT is something different from what I’ve experienced! However, each of the guys shook my hand like they meant it, and they were only doing their job as they each displayed. They answered all my 100 questions in turn, and stood their ground. They would not budge from protocol. And so the bike stayed, and I caught a ride into town that the border guards arranged for me. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8395.jpg They guys at the border even told the driver that was helping me (a young 20 something guy) where to take me; a cheap, affordable, clean hotel for $6/night. That is where I was subsequently dropped off. I was still not happy, but was neither was I defeated. It was odd. For the first time, I really felt like kicking something, and yelling out loud. But instead, I just looked around at my tiny room, and smiled. Life is full of adventure right? Life throws you curveballs sometimes right? Hahaha. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8397.jpg And so, this is my unhappy face, F$&% you face, which moments later was smiling instead. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8398.jpg This is the view from outside of my hotel room door. Pretty bleak really, but is about 80 degrees, so I´m happy. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8399.jpg The view into the inner courtyard of the hotel. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8400.jpg Hotel Bekalus. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8401.jpg I went out for some food, internet, and more food that yesterday afternoon/night. I found a Parrillada that serves good food, and lots of it, for cheap. Here you can see the remnants of beans and rice with steak, potato salad and a potato. Don´t worry. I ate ALL OF IT. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8402.jpg TWICE. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8403.jpg And, just for fun, a photo of the 1982 Honda Aero 80 that my brother and I tore around town on. 50mph was possible, and achieved on SEVERAL occasions. It was $50. It was awesome. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...ondaAero80.jpg More to come later! --Alex |
Back to Azogues I go.
Got double f´ed this morning. I have to go back to where I was for a month (8-10 hours by bus) and get more papers. Going back within the hour. When I get back, I´ll have all the papers I ever laid my hands on, and leave this place probably Thursday.
Best part is, I could have gone and come back had they simply told me this on Thursday last week. Also, the lawyer wont email me the papers. Probably because he can´t scan them into his computer. So, I have to go back. More to come when I get back. Count to ten Alex. Count to ten. --Alex |
sorry to hear you've got more trouble's with the paperwork side of things. Lets hope this is the last thing with that and you can get onward with the rest of your journey. Pete.
|
I'm off to see the Wizard!
Monday was spent like this.
Taxi from border to town center of Macara. Depart at 11am after all border b.s. Minibus from Macara to Loja. Bus from Loja to Cuenca. Bus from Cuenca to Azoques. Taxi from terminal of Azogues to my old hotel. Arrive at 10:40pm when all is said and done. Tuesday. Go to the lawyers. Explain problem. Be rewarded for my efforts with a notebook size stack of paper from the prosecutors office in Biblian, where I received the first paper that "set me free". Go to lunch with the lawyer which he refuses to let me pay. Visit my 3rd family. Have dinner with them, and arrange transport to Cuenca in the morning. Today, Wednesday. Get ready to go to Cuenca where I'll arrive at the terminal. Find next bus to Loja. Arrive there and find next bus to Macara. Arrive there, take taxi to the hotel there. Sleep. Cross border in the morning... We'll see about all that. A parting shot... http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8438.jpg ONWARD!!! --Alex |
The Wizard said, ¨Wait.¨
Last you heard of me I was leaving Macara, heading to Azoques. I arrived in good order, but not before a couple of other days in Macara.
On Friday, I went out to the town square to see what there was to see. That was where I came across a small motorcycle shop. Hmmm. I wonder if they have Suzuki parts. That insignia near the upper left of the door would lead you to believe so... http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8404.jpg And they had Suzuki parts, but of course nothing bigger than a Suzuki AX100 or GN125. However, I asked to see every brake rotor they had. And I came across this, for a Chinese brand motorcycle… Hmmm. I’ll have to bring the bike back and see if it fits. It has 6 mounting spots, countersunk holes, and it looks surprisingly similar to the Suzuki XF650 rotor that I have a picture of on my camera. I won’t know until I try it, but if it fits, it’s an $18 solution….That is, IF it is my brake rotor that is the problem. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8405.jpg Somewhere along the way, I found myself staring at this bike. Haha. Any of you guys at home have teenagers that need an appropriately sized supermoto? http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8406.jpg Then, it was off for some food. I have a habit of finding a restaurant that serves tasty food, and eating the same food for days on end. Order one to eat on the spot, and another to take with me. The name of this place was simply Parrilladas. (Grills) http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8407.jpg Off to bed I went, stuffed. The next day, I woke up to some kids pushing themselves around on a busted big wheel truck. Racing down the street, crashing, rolling, etc. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8412.jpg Lots of yelling going on here… http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8413.jpg After lounging around all morning, watching downloaded T.V episodes and the movie channel, I was hungry again. It was time to get some more meat. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8418.jpg This beer is in honor of the “Beer Fund!” YES! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8421.jpg From the grill, it’s onto the internet café where I blow young Ecuadorian mind with the fact that I can type with more than 2 fingers. No matter I can type 60+ words a minute (due in part to this Ride Report), any more than 2 fingers at one time…. Holy CRAP! These three guys spent half of their time looking over my shoulder at my photos, so I spent 20 minutes showing them photos of the USA, the first few days of my trip, Kristi in a bikini in Mancora, Peru, motorcycles and photos of backflips. When it was time to leave, they tore ass out of there 3up on their bike. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8422.jpg After that, back to the grill. Eat some food while watching T.V. with the owner. The owner was in and out… http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8423.jpg Then it was back to the room. On the way back, about 7 kids called out, “Heelloo Meester,” , “Heelloo, how err yoo.” When they found out that I speak Spanish, it was a question free-for-all for the kids. It seems to me that the kids understand the adventure aspect of this journey more so than the adults. They haven’t been given the responsibility to work 6-7 days a week, and still have personal freedom. No Jobs, No Responsibilities. They ask me questions like. How long are you traveling? How many countries? To learn about other countries and to get to know different places? They forego the questions about money, about the motorcycle, and about my job. It’s not about that to them. I enjoy their questions more. Soon however, they all bailed on me and took off in the back of a pickup truck driven by a 15 year old girl… http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8425.jpg The next day was more of the same, and when Monday rolled around, it was time to hit up the border at 8am. Ready to leave, I gave the farewell salute to my hotel room. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8427.jpg Only to go see more of this… And discover I waited 4 days just to have the privilege of being told that I needed to go back to Azogues to collect more paperwork. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8428.jpg Well, no use spending time here. With minimal negotiating, I had found a Buseta (mini bus) that would take me to Loja, from where I would catch a bus to Cuenca, from where I would catch another bus to Azoques… http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8429.jpg Before we left, we were already overloaded. 12 people in the van, and luggage on the roof. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8430.jpg Oh, and a cargo cooler from the hospital between my feet. I wonder what’s in there. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8431.jpg This girl woke up with a super sore neck. I wonder why! She slept the 3.5 hours to Loja and her head kept snapping to the left on every corner, in between being wedged into the drivers seat. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8434.jpg In Loja, it was time to eat for the first time that day, at about 3pm. 1/4 Chicken with Pineapple juice it was, but not before finding and booking a spot on the next bus for Cuenca. Somewhere in the middle of it all, I remembered to take a photo of a snack I like to buy when on the busses. Candy Coated Peanuts. I don’t know what is used to create the candy coating covering the peanuts, but it tastes like honey. I like them a lot. $0.40 a pack and it tides me over. I carry two most of the time when on the bus, and will stock up for the bike. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8435.jpg The bus to Cuenca was another drawn out affair, picking up and dropping off passengers throughout the 120 mile trip. It was 4.5 hours before we arrived. I tried to sleep. I don’t think I managed very well. In Cuenca, I asked around for a bus to Azogues. There are no buses that go ONLY to Azogues at 9:30pm, but there are a few buses that stop at the terminal on their way to further destinations like Guayaquil, and Quito. I got on the one that left 15 minutes later to Quito, and an hour later I was back in Azoques. How lovely. From the terminal, it was a cheap $1 taxi to Hotel Rivera where I walked up like I never left, and was given a key to room 110. It was now 10:45, and 12 hours after I left Macara. I went to bed shortly after arriving, and got up around 9am. I went to see the Lawyer another hour later, and again, just walked in like I never left. The lawyer knew what I needed, and that is when he drove me to the Prosecutors office where I laid my hands on THIS. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8437.jpg Which it turns out is 43 pages of gloriousness. As you can see here. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8438.jpg After securing the pile of papers, the Julio the Lawyer proceeded to drive me back to my hotel. However, before we arrived we happened to drive by a cooked pig on the side of the road to which I remarked, “Puerco!” (Pig) To which he immediately pulled into the restaurant displaying the pig, asking if I was hungry. I was indeed hungry. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8440.jpg So, there we ate, and we ate like kings. Around here, you either take charge or follow; there is little form of joint processing going on. So, I followed. He asked me if I wanted a beer, I accepted. Then he ordered the food. And the food came. First it was a small plate of choclo (a type of corn) with fried sections of pulled pork accompanying it, along with a 1 liter beer for me, and a coke for him. Next came a much larger platter of choclo with slices of crispy pig skin laid on top. Julio (Lawyer) asked me if I had ever tried it before, which I hadn’t, and then remarked that it is delicious. I followed his example, salted a piece a bit, and ate it. It’s not my form of delicious, but it was good. Then the next course arrived; a massive plate of meat, another coke for him, and one for me. And we proceeded to eat all of it. And the meat was some of the best I have had yet. Again, as like the first time I ate with him (breakfast after my second hearing), I tried to pay, and he refused to allow me to do so. I asked why, and he told me “You need it for later.” And that was that. I had to sit back down and finish eating. At the end of the meal, he drove me back to my hotel where he dropped me off. I shook his hand and asked him for a photo. This guy was very nice to me, and he never allowed me to pay one cent for his services, which without I would most likely still be in Azogues. I met him first, the first day I was in the Police station after the accident. He gave me his card, and told me he could help me, because I would need a lawyer. I thought he was simply looking for a job. It was in the car that he told me, “Remember in the police station, when I gave you my card? I told you I could help you. Thanks for letting me.” Thank YOU Julio! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8441.jpg Well, back in the hotel before 1pm, I got busy checking my email, Advrider, Horizons Unlimited, Facebook, and my traveling idol Hubert Kriegel‘s website “Thetimelessride.com”. (He’s been on the road 7 years. I truly think that no one else can really compare. HONESTLY. Oh, and he’s 65 now.) After chatting for some minutes with the Euro girls, it was decided they were too busy with the children at the orphanage to meet. So I got off my ass to go say hello to my 3rd family again. When I arrived, Aida was there, the eldest of her 5 other siblings. Also, Diego the helper was on hand (as usual). They were both surprised to see me, and asked what I was doing in Azoques. More paperwork. I need more paperwork. To which Aida simply shook her head. After asking my plans for the next couple days, she realized I would need to go to Cuenca the next morning, where her sister worked and who could give me a ride. I was to come back to the shop at 6pm, to talk to them when her sister got home from work, and I would be informed on what time to meet in the morning. Well, back I went at 6pm, where we sat in the shop until her sister arrived. Aida talks more than I do, which is saying something (really), and I was happy to answer her questions that never ceased. How is your family? Do they know what is happening to you? What do they say? Are you going to bring your girlfriend Kristi back here after you get married? Etc. My family is good, they do know what is happening to me, they want me to come home, and yes of course I will bring Kristi back here some day. Well, I wasn’t getting off easy, and after the sister arrived, I was ordered to the family room adjacent to the shop to sit and wait for dinner. Right… Dinner! Ok! What you are looking at is a huge pile of rice with chicken, a plate of potatoes with sausage, and a coffee cake! AWESOME. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_8442.jpg After dinner, which ended at 9pm, Aida’s sister (I don’t know her name) asked for a photo. She went to retrieve her antiquated digital camera, but the batteries were dead. So I took her memory card and put it in my camera to take a couple photos for her, of three sisters and a gringo. In turn, I was able to take a photo of them. Sister, Inez, and Aida. At this time, Grandma was already off to bed. Aida, on the far right is 5’2”. Like my grandma was. She reminded me of my grandma Valerie. All about family, cooking to much food, taking care of others. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0006.jpg Too be continued. |
After dinner, it was off to bed for me. The next morning, the sister was parked in front of the shop at 7am waiting to take me to Cuenca with her. I was more than happy to accept the ride, and off we went. We first picked up her nephew to take him to his school, and after dropping him off, she dropped me off at the terminal. I don’t know when I will see the family again, but I hope one day I do!
At the terminal, I booked my bus to Loja, a fabulous 4-5 hour journey that I would be making for the third time. The next bus was 45minutes later, and so I had some food. Breakfast was “Seco de Carne” which is basically a plate of rice (might come with beans) and some meat. I gobbled it up. Then I started waiting. As I waited, I was joined by these two women. They seemed happy at least! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0007.jpg The bus was scheduled to depart at 8:30, but only arrived at 8:35. We didn’t leave until 9:15. What’s new? Here is a view of the terminal from the outside. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0008.jpg On the bus, just down the way, a bunch of vendors hopped on selling food. I bought a bag of some type of cherries for $1 after being hesitant at first, but then being persuaded after the vendor insisted I try one. They were alright, and I was bound to be hungry later. Well. Here we go again. As I type, I sit on the bus in the terminal in Cuenca, waiting to depart for Loja. My 3rd family gave me a ride to the bus station where I arrived at 7:45. The next bus to Loja was scheduled for 8:30am. I paid the bus fair, and had some cheap food. Now I am on the bus that only just arrived at 8:35 to collect passenger. I expect to depart an hour late. Oh well. Such is life where I am currently. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0009.jpg Nearly everyone sleeps when on the bus, and it was my intent to do the same. I stayed up very late the night before in anticipation of two 5+ hour bus rides. I wasn’t disappointed. This little girl was passed the whole time. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0010.jpg The bus arrived in Loja at around 1:30pm. The next bus wasn’t leaving for Macara until 5pm. So, I took it upon myself to heed the advice of the bikers I met the week before, and try to find a front brake rotor for my Dr650 while in Loja. Off I went in search, and met lots of cool bikers, one mechanic, and two taxi drivers. Alas, I didn’t find a brake rotor. In the midst of it all, I got a photo of the mechanics shop. He searched high and low for a rotor to no avail. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0012.jpg When I got back to the terminal via taxi, there were several people waiting for a ride. I grabbed my bags, and hopped out of the taxi to let a middle aged woman have the taxi. As I turned to leave with bags in hand, the woman called out “Oye! Oye!” (Hey! Hey!) I turned to look, and she asked me, “Is this yours?” In her hands she held the most prized possession of everything that I own on this trip, nothing withstanding. She had my camera! I blame my mother and father for this. You see, as someone has mentioned earlier, I am tall, and it is obvious. I have already discovered and discussed this phenomenon once (think Lima bus station with Kristi). I am tall enough, that when I sit in the back seats of cars, or on buses, etc, my knees sit above pant pockets, and the contents tend to slide out. This time, it was my CAMERA! AHHH!!! And so, I narrowly escaped losing my camera. THAT was close. After a quick jaunt onto the internet at the café, it was back to busing. This bus ride would leave at 5pm, and finally arrive in Macara at 10:40. On the way, I drank about a gallon (4 liters) of water, as I was sweating the whole time. It would seem that there are some clouds going around, and well, that means rain and the threat of more. Temperatures drop about 10*f to around 65*F (18.5*C) and all the locals start to freeze there asses off. So, bus windows are closed, and everyone wears a jacket, while I roll up my sleeves and travel pants, unbutton my shirt, and drink lots of water. In my effort to close the window slightly on behalf of the person being frozen solid behind me, I was lucky enough to get my thumb in the way, allowing the window to stay open slightly. I might have melted otherwise. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0013.jpg Further down the highway, in the same town where I met the bikers on a KLR, F650GS, and XF650 (Freewind), a woman hopped on the bus selling choclo. I jumped on it, for only $0.50. I would have been better off with some “frita” too, which turned out to be friend beef chunks, but missed out. I did enjoy the choclo though. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0014.jpg Next to me sat Gustavo Ramirez, a guy that “lives” in Loja, but who works in Cariamanga, a 4 hour bus ride away. He works 8am-5pm with an hour break for lunch, from Monday to Friday, living in a campamento with the other workers. Every Friday after work he returns home to Loja to be with his wife and 3 children. He is 28yrs old, and his children are 6, 4, and 2. His wife is an accountant of some sort for another company. Gustavo is a large industrial machinery mechanic and works on things such as excavators and back hoes. I asked him if he likes his job. He replied with a firm and believable “SI!” He told me that he earns and gets paid $500 every month at the end of the month. He was on the bus on Wednesday as he was allowed a day off to get some medicine for his throat which was bothering him. He chalked it up to the cold weather. He wouldn’t be paid for that day though. It was too bad. We talked about my motorcycle, my adventure, my job as a truck driver, and compared our commercial driver licenses. I asked about his wife and children, and his job. He asked how much food costs in the USA. I told him that cooking your own food was the cheapest, but that restaurants where I lived were about $8-$15. Not the $1.50 meat and rice plate I had at the bus station. He told me his meals were expensive at the camp, and cost $2.50 each for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. He paid for his bus rides home also, $5 each way, and thus spent $47.50 every week on food and transport to work. That’s $190 of his $500. $3/day for other things brings him to $250 in expense, the rest of which he can provide to his family. He asked about my wages. I told him honestly that I was earning 12-16 times more than he did, but that circumstances weren’t the same either. I couldn’t take a bus to work. Food is 3 times more expensive. An apartment where I was working is $750/month per person. Gasoline is up to $4.50/gallon, not $1.48. We have to have cars, and car insurance. He couldn’t believe how much I had to pay for a room in an apartment ($425 when in school), or that I have $15k in University debt that I pay down every month. The fact that we easily pay $10 for lunch or $10 for a cinema ticket was pretty intense for him. In the end, we agreed that we were happy, and that was the most important thing. Not much else matters if you are angry or unhappy. We exchanged phone numbers, and I gave him my email. He gave me a small wallet sized photo of himself to remember me with, and I showed him my photos that I carry (of Kristi, my brother, and my mom and dad). He got off the bus in Cariamanga (1hr from Marcara). His luggage was a small bag, and a 5 gallon painter’s bucket with a lid. He looked back at the bus as he walked away and waved to me. Damn. What a nice guy! Here is the photo of Gustavo Ramirez. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0036.jpg After the bus station north of Cariamanga, few people besides Gustavo and I were still on the bus. We had been stopping every few minutes to drop off and collect passengers the entire time. Finally, for the last hour and fifteen minutes, I was the only passenger left on the bus. There was only the driver and the assistant left on board besides me. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0023.jpg When we got into Macara, I tried my hand at telling them to drop me off at the next corner. They willingly obliged. I thought I recognized the corner previously passed, as the one that held my hotel. I got off the bus and walked back. AND… This is me laughing because I was on the far side of town!!! HAHAHAHA!!! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0028.jpg Well, that didn’t work out so well did it! I saw a guy in a truck, and I asked him where the center of town was. He told me the way, and I started walking. Not 2 minutes later, a car pulled up. “Hey! Hey!” called the driver. I looked at the car, and realized it was one of the customs officers that had helped me last Monday. Where are you going? To Hotel Bekalus. I’ll take you. Aweeeesome. And we went! He was driving a brand new Toyota Highlander Hybrid. For a couple minutes, I was “highrolling” in Ecuador! At hotel Bekalus, I got a room for the night, paid my 6 dollars, and passed out. It was 11pm and I had been on the move for 16 hours. The following morning, today, I was up and checked out by 8:15am. Minutes later I was making my way to the town center to find a taxi to the border. At the border, I found myself talking to two completely different customs officers, who though familiar with my case were not the same guys that had helped me the past Monday. They weren’t the same guys that told me what I needed to come back with. The guy in charge however, DID know what he was doing, and after a short discussion he told me what the next step was in my effort to extract myself WITH my bike, out of the country. I was instructed to make a copy of everything I had, all of it, and keep on with me, as it was MINE. I was to take the copied paperwork to the Aduanas office in town, and give it to the secretary, ask for a “recibo” and then ask to talk to the Director Districtal. OK. OK. OK. Then come back? Yes. When you can talk to the Director Districtal, he can make the official paper/s that allows you to leave. “Today?” I asked him. “Ojala” he said. (I hope). With the utterance of that one word, I was inclined to look out the window and take a picture, because I would be seeing it around the same time tomorrow. I would not be leaving the same day. I knew it, they just didn’t say it. These guys are building a bigger and better bridge over the river to Peru. I felt the sudden urge to help them build it. I was going to be here long enough to see it completed at this rate… http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0029.jpg I told the taxi driver that took me into town to take me to the Aduanas office. From there, I asked the officer standing guard where I could make some copies. He pointed me to the town center. With that, I walked 3 blocks to the first sign that read, “Copias”, and made a set of copies of all 43 pages, 7 of which had a back side to it. 50copies @ $0.05/each = $2.50. Nice Christmas tree ladies J http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0030.jpg Back to the Aduanas office I went, and after checking in at the door with the guard, I was shown the way to the secretary. I handed over the paper work, asking for a recibo, and to talk to the Director Districtal. She knew who I was from a phone call the guy at the border had made, and she began to get to work. She told me that I would need to wait a bit. I told her that was fine. Waiting is normal. And so I waited a bit. After printing out two “recibo’s” she added one to each of my piles of paperwork. Then after a little while, she began to scan the original set into her computer… By that, I mean all 50 pages (including the double sides). She told me I would need to wait a little. Yes, that is fine. And so I waited. That was when the secretary apparently got the nerve to wholly explain to me what “wait a little” meant in her terms. She would be sending the scanned documents to a lawyer in Loja, who would check the papers, and then send back a document that she would print, and that I could use to leave the country, legally, without problems. But I would have to wait a little, and come back in the morning, because the lawyer in Loja is always very “busy”. Ok. Ok. OK. I thanked her for her time and on the way out, took a photo of this… What do you think guys? Should I get a tattoo of Ecuador on the palm of my hand like the one in this poster? I’m sure it’ll wear off before I leave this place, and if not, it’ll just remind me of my time spent here! Hahahaha! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0032.jpg And with that, it was back to the border to get my stuff for the night, and back to the town center. I bought a little bread from the bread store along with a 2liter bottle of water, went to the internet café for a little internet time, and then headed back to my hotel. Here I sit now, scribing away the history of my life, waiting for my favorite Parrallida to open so that I might order some food to eat, and some food to go. I intend to enjoy myself tonight. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0033.jpg I’ll hold off with the next “ONWARD!”, until I am in Peru… Until next time amigos! --Alex |
You win!
Did you ever read Kafka? You sure have experiences like his characters. You win because you're still stuck in Ecuador while I finally got out of the loop. My bike is running and I'll head out of Lima tomorrow. I'm sure I'll see you once I've crossed the border into Ecuador. :rofl:
Seriously now. I'll probably take 2 weeks for northern Peru. So we'll probably run into each other in a few days. Time for bier. I'm buying. Good luck! |
The Wizard told me to wait... ONLY AN HOUR...
Holy CRAP!
It sounds as though I may be getting out of here, on 11/11/11, a prime day for celebration when I cross the border. If for nothing else, I will allow everyone to get their hopes up on my behalf! I went back to the customs office this morning at 9am as requested yesterday, and this time a man was standing over the shoulders of the secretary. He had a mildly stern look on his face, and he was telling her things like, ¨El senor esta esperando mas de un semana! Puedes tener prisa!¨ (The sir is waiting more than a week! You can hurry!) Holy CRAP! again! After just a few minutes of them talking about the Director Districtal, Abogados (lawyers), Aduanas (customs) and other things, he looked up, and asked me if I could just wait an horita (little hour), they were waiting for the lawyer in Loja to revise my paperwork and create a ¨Providencia¨ (declaration) that I can use to leave. Just come back in an hour please. My mind jumped into overdrive, but I immediately shut it down. Yea, only an hour, that is fine! No problem, I will come back in an hour, 10:15am, no problem! And so I sought out internet to pass the next hour. I have 25 minutes left. MAYBE, I cross the border today. :welcome: --Alex p.s. mekongfrank: Time for bier. I'm buying the second round. |
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