Since visiting Cuenca, Ecuador (Saturday/Sunday) and arriving in Zorritos, Peru (yesterday) there hasn't been much to do or see, which has been a nice change of pace. During the last few days I have been happy to spend more time with some members of the tour group - which has helped us move past pleasantries into more meaningful conversation. It has been comforting to be able to connect with others and it has helped me get through the moments when homesickness hits.
Cuenca was a bit dissapointing. It is the third largest city in Ecuador and is often billed as the most beautiful. Unfortunately, we were there Saturday evening and Sunday when nearly everything is closed (and it was unseasonably cool). Another long travel day (8 plus hours) brought us to Zorritos, Peru, an extremely sleepy coastal town. Accomodations are rustic to say the least - even more basic than the Amazon. The next two days will include significant travel (8 hr bus, overnight in hotel, then overnight bus) to get us down to Lima. Yesterday's bus ride was slightly torturous (so many sharp turns); the upcoming days are causing me some concern. I'm keeping in mind that Lima is the light at the end of (this) tunnel. We will (supposedly) be in one of the nicest hotels of the trip and a few of us plan to scout out a movie theatre that shows films in English. Until then, more time by the beach followed by paella and a bonfire tonight.
Random Highlights
Seeing Cindy in Cuenca (Swiss friend I met in Quito) for drinks and chips/guac
Being able to enjoy a vodka soda by requesting the following at the bar: 1) vodka shot; 2) sparking water (agua con gas); 3) cup of ice; 4) straw
Laughing at a Michael Jackson impersonator in white(!) face in Cuenca
Having the tour group members amazed at my age/thinking I was much younger (after the two people in their 60s, I'm the eldest of the 16)
Watching Fashion Police on E! in English
Bobbing around the warm water of the Pacific
Recovering fairly quickly from finding out that my "room" in Zorritos does not have a private bath; and better yet - it's a shared drop toilet or a bowl you have to pour a bucket of water into (no flushing)
And just a few Lowlights
Walking past three huge dead rotting sea lions on the beach, causing me to be concerned that I swam in the ocean
Eating a questionable lunch of ceviche; currently praying that I don't get hit with a bout of food poisoning
