Bus-y bodies
Trip Start
Feb 20, 2008
1
16
62
Trip End
Aug 20, 2008
Cuenca,
Ecuador
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
After waiting around anxiously and having about 9 Ambato-bound buses pass us, I finally caught sight of our desired bus and Rob hollered for me to flag it. Bags safely stowed, we clambered on and paid US$10 each for the 10hour journey. Yaay us!
[Slight un-yaaay: check out how swollen my thumb is... :( ]
The ride passed uneventfully at first, as we munched on snacks procured from the vendors who would board our bus at intervals. However, as the hours rolled by and the road rolled on, we soon came to a very bad section in the volcanoes. There were numerous landslides which left only one lane passable, but thankfully the road clearing crew were already at work. What was unnerving was that we passed giant trucks and buses that went over the side, some lying in a ditch, others plummeted way over. We just hoped for the best and snoozed.
We arrived after nightfall in Cuenca, Ecuadorīs 3rd largest city and perhaps also Ecuadorīs prettiest. We had reservations at El Cafecito, a cafe/restaurant/bar/hostel, despite having read mixed reviews that it was excessively noisy although the rooms are great.
The brusque service staff ushered us to a room right beside the entrance, with an internal window that looks out at a table of diners. No waaaaaay, Jose! The cacophony of dinnertime chatter, the clanging of cutlery & crockery and loud music made me really uncomfortable. So we finally managed to find the manager who allowed us to "upgrade" to a room with ensuite bathroom that was significnatly quieter.
Unfortunately, our joy would prove to be shortlived as they eventually turned up the dance music late at night. Sigh. Thankfully we were sufficiently worn out to be able to sleep through it.
We werenīt gonna stay another night, thatīs for sure!
