James was right - I should set aside my worries over the stolen passport, and just make the most of my remaining journey, at least in Ecuador. We flew off first thing to Coca, a 30 minute flight on a 37-seater into this small Amazonian town. A motorised boat took us 100kms further in on the Rio Napo, a 2.5 hour journey. We then walked the jungle for another 15 minutes to catch a paddle boat to the La Selva Jungle Lodge, a beautifully rustic lodge perched on the lake bank in the Amazon jungle.

I have not experienced such luxury in ages. Our backpacks were taken directly to our cabins (such a luxury to not have to carry them on our backs!), and we were treated to a welcome drink and snacks, plus a cold towel on arrival - hardly the backpacker treatment, but I am not complaining!!!!

We had cabins on stilts, overlooking the lake and jungle. Lying in the hammocks strung across our patio, we can see various birds: the oropendolas with their unique call and hanging nests, stinking turkeys, chickadees, anis and vultures, and throughout the days and nights, we are treated to the sounds of the bird calls, the howling monkeys and cicadas. I can see myself spending a reclusive few weeks here!

Our days involved various jungle treks, lake excursions (including one at night), piranha fishing - and our guides, Andrea and Sixto, did a great job of explaining the fauna and the flora. We saw at least 4 different species of monkeys: cappuccino monkey, howler monkey, black tamarin, squirrel monkey; a sloth; a kinkajou (looks like a monkey but is more a relative of the racoon); a toucan; many different species of insects and spider; different frog and toad species; different species of birds; a couple of snakes; many butterflies..... and I can't remember the rest!

I did not think I was ever going to pick up a fishing line ever again, but I thought to give it another go - and surprised myself by snagging a reasonable sized piranha - which was cooked for us to sample at dinner later.

It was great to cool down in the lake after the morning walks. The surface heats up quickly in the sun, but waist down the water is refreshingly cool. As our water supply is piped from the lake anyway, this was a great alternative to showering at midday. The water was clean but murky enough that I cannot see below my chest, and we really had to shut out thoughts of the piranhas swimming all around us! They were actually no bother at all, so long as we were not bleeding.

The lodge meals were great, although the portions were not enough to satisfy my rather massive appetite! All in all, I was really glad I made the trip out - and it definitely helped alleviate my frustrations over having to cut my travel short in Ecuador.