After a 28 rather than 25 hour bus journey I arrived here last night rather hot and tired! En route we were stopped about five times for passport checks, had someone removed just after the border by the police and reversed up a dual carriageway before being pulled over by the police! The scenery was stunning - extremely dry sand dunes to acres of banana plantations to lush floodplains. As always, managed a few hours sleep overnight which passed the time together with endless rubbish films with spanish subtitles. Next plans are to head to the coast tomorrow for a couple of days, then back here before heading off to Riobamba (amazing 5 hour train journey) and then to southern town of Cuenca. I then return here to fly to the galapagos for an 8 day boat trip - very exciting and also very expensive, but hey - i couldn't not go being so close! Love to everyone and keep the messages coming Fran- no matter whet Jakko says, you know you'd regret it if you don't do it, plus i'm totally selfish and would so love to travel with you in oz!! Jenxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx