Passing through Peru

So after two week unbelievable weeks in the Galapagos, Katie and I split off from the group and headed for Peru. We got off the plane in Guayaqil, on the coast, while Rory, luke and Laura continued on to Quito. We grab a cab to the bus station, which turned out to be only a block away and boarded a bus heading for the border. It was an interesting ride, cutting through Dole and other fruit plantations, but very slow so we arrived at the border way after dark. This particular crossing has the reputation of being one of the worst in South America, but I have been hassled more crossing into the states at the Peace Arch. We arrived in Tumbes late at night, so we just took one of the many rickshaws that were assutling the bus for passangers. Despite our requests to go to our hostel of choice the driver took us to some random place. It looked clean enough, was centrally located and it was late, so we decided to go with it. That was a mistake. Outside our window was at least four or five rosters who seemed to beleive that it was their job to crow all night. They seemed to not have got the memo that they are only to crow in the morning. It was a sleepless night. We got up the next morning and set out to find a bus to Trijouli, our first stop in Peru. It turned out that all the bus were full until that evening, so we had a day to kill in Tumbes. Tumbes is a nice enough town and the people were friendly but there is not a lot to see. We changed our money and were happy to find that you get about 3.3 Peruvian soles to the dollar, and you can get the set lunch at a resturant for about 5 soles. We checked out the Plaza de Aramas, the old church and some crazy scultpures, all done in over the top art deco style.

It was a nice day so we had a little nap in the plaza and then headed out to catch our bus. We were booked on a cama bus, which is unlike anything I have ever been on. It is more like first class on a plane. The seats fully recline (with a pop up foot rest), there are movies, meals (better than any airplane food) and a stewardess. The bus is also a double decker so you get a pretty good view from the top. It was a good thing that the bus was so comfy as it turned out to be a long journey. The guide book said ten hours, the ticket guy said twleve, but it took fifteen. The first delay was due to a provincal border crossing, where we were unloaded at gunpoint and they proceed to search the bus and the baggage. Our bags, perhaps due to our awesome potatoe sack disgues, were not inspected. After about an hour delay we were moving again. The next delay was a breakdown heading up the hill out of Mancora. I think the engine over heated as there was smoke or steam pouring out of it. After about an hour of roadside we work we continued on at a snails pace until we got to a serivce station were another hour of repair took place. So when we finally arrived in Trijouli, we were glad to get off the bus and the head to Huanchaco and the beach. And that is where I am now... I am almost caught up on the blog entries!