Heading north with Samantha proved a real treat. We make a super team, and got along like two proverbial peas in a pod. Im not sure how we are still friends though, after every morning i made sure she woke up to me poking her eyes, or playing the theme song of the trip loudly on her speakers. We went far north straight away, a 19 hour bus trip overnight and arrived middayish into the sweltering heat. I dont actually think it was that hot, but after being in lima and HYO for the entirety of my stay i sure wasnt prepared for that weather. It was gorgeous. The city of Tumbes itself (pronounced Tum-beys) was nice enough, though seemed out of touch with most of the world, and how to treat foreigners. Since being in Peru i have been treated in all shapes and manners, though without destroying the image that Tumbes is trying to create of itself, lets just say we left the following morning on the first bus out of there.
Next, Mancora. Apparently world famous amongst serious surfers as one of the best spots along the south american coast, sadly...not much happening whilst we were there. Dont get me wrong, still gorgeous and pristine. Still nice enough for a swim, and to consider kite surfing, though certainly did not live up to the pumping swells it boasts of. We hired a motorbike and rode to a neighboring town. Oh yeah, and no helmets. Coming from riding in NZ and Australia where it is compulsory, it was a weird feeling, and extremely enjoyable. Enjoyable until coming from the opposite direction following a large truck were a series of small rocks it was picking up from the loose gravel highway. Coming at just the right height to hit me right in the eye. I would give you the speed we were traveling at, but the speedo was broken on the bike, as was the fuel, heat, and taco gauge.
The following cities were just that, cities. Not peruvian in the sense i understood it, though gave out more of a first world feeling. Bright city lights, massive advertisement boards, real shops as opposed to little markets and the like. Enjoyable cities, though reminded me too much of home whilst im still not quite home. We went sand boarding just outside of Trujillo (True-he-yo) which was just too much fun. I was honestly scared for my life, and it wasnt until Sam manned up and went down first that i followed her down. I sure look forward to that again.
What else? Well, our final stop was in a region of the Andes called Huaraz (Wahrahz). Being in the highlands, i expected a similar cold to that of HYO, though was greeted by a fresh spring air, and a warmth on my back. We spent a day trekking around the neighboring towns, and though it was great, took the following day off to recover and make some of our own fun for the day. My flight out of Lima was saturday night, midnight. After being told the bus was only 7 hours long to get to Lima, we booked it for Saturday morning, 9am. The bus arrived to pick us up at 10:30, needless to say i was panicking a little by now. The driver though, made it his personal mission to get us there on time, and so raced down the mountain at a frightening pace. Im sure i heard the tail slide around a few corners. Made it back in time, got the bag repacked, fare-welled Sam, and now am in BA.
Decided to have some fun whilst being here, as im here for 25 hours. Tried to catch a bus into the city centre, but got sick of waiting, so just got the next one that came along. It took me to the middle of no where. So i tried to get another one. The driver asked where i was going, i said, "wherever you are". He asked again, so i replied, "I dont care, take me anywhere". He slammed on the breaks and told me to get off. I thought it was hilarious. So i caught another one, and that literally took me no where. Down to the end of a dirt road where there were all of 10 houses. Some kids were playing football so i joined in. Either my spanish is not as good as i thought it was, or they speak another language down here, cos i have no idea what is going on.
Although the tripping has been fun over the last week, and i am on another journey right now, i cant wait to get back to Aussie to see everyone, and then NZ to see everyone there. Also cant wait to get all suited up for my brothers wedding in a bit, should be choice.
Anywho, i am sleeping outside tonight. Check in is at 5am, so i didnt wanna book into a hostel and then not even make use of it...so, wish me luck. Im sure i will make some new friends. Pray this finds you well.
Joven Felipe.
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