Reflections of Ecuador

We arrived in Cusco on Friday - it's a wonderful city and as I write this update we are sat having lunch on the balcony of really good organic restaurant called Green's, it's just off the main square which in Inka times was known as Huacayapta (warriors square), and is now known as Plaza de Armas.

Before I start enthusing about Cusco a quick summary my memories of Ecuador.

Bus journeys were novel for a number of reasons, the hawkers selling CD's, crips, ice lollies, fruit and hot banana loaves (so good and only $1). On the overnight buses we think we worked out the usage policy of the on board toilet, women can request the key from the conductor and men can pee at the side of the road when the bus stops which it did frequently. 

There are no prams or pushchairs in Ecuador, none. Children are either strapped across the back with a sheet or carried in arms - often being breast-fed on the move.

Almost everything is closed on Sundays and it's illegal to buy/sell alcohol - we were told that in restaurants they can sell alcohol with food but this seems open to interpretation, in Quito we could in Cuenca we couldn't.

The sun sets on Ecuador

Highlights: The Travellers Inn Hostel; Learning Spanish; Maracuya Juice; Cotapaxi; Otavalo; Friendship bracelets and the ever present smell of Eucalyptus on bus journeys.

Lowlights: Banos; Spiders and Learning Spanish.

Brace yourself for Cusco - it's a great city and I already have lots to tell you about it.

Raine x