Pilgrimage to the Past

I've always believed that you appreciate a beautiful vista more if you hike up to it; that the reward is greater if you have to work for it. If you agree with this idea, than a view of Machu Picchu is undoubtedly worth four strenuous days of hiking. Four days that will alternately take your breath away and leave your aching body begging for mercy.

From Paradise to Purgatory

This is the beach of Mancora, Peru. Looks like paradise dosen't it? If sunny, year-round perfect weather, and nice accomodation for less than $10 a night is your idea of paradise, then I won't blame you. I spent a couple of relaxing days here before making my way down to Lima. The town is mostly inhabited by a mixture of Peruvian and foreign tourists. The ocean water is warm enough to bath in, and the wind is perfect for windsurfing. However, what I enjoyed most was simply being in a t-shirt and shorts, and soaking in the sun. After the cold of Quito and Cuenca, I really didn't want to leave! But I had a flight from Lima to Cuzco coming up, and had to push on south.

Se llama Llama

Ever heard of the Motorcycle Diaries? The film about two young idealistic men who travel across South America on a motorcycle? Well, inspired by their journey, I'd like you to meet my new pet: Señor Llamabeans. I got him in Ecuador in exchange for my mp3 player. He'll be accompanying me on my quest, and hopefully be my ticket to movie stardom.

Would you buy a Computer here?

Store seen in Cuenca, Ecuador