After an ear popping bus ride back up into the mountains we arrived in Banos in the rain on Friday night and after getting dropped off in the most ridiculous of places that was a pickpocketers dream we found a hostel and then went for a Chinese.

Saturday afternoon was spent around town and trying to local speciality, taffy, but only after an ill-fated trip to the supposedly 'essential Banos experience' that was a visit to the hot baths. All it basically was was a murky open air warm pool swarming with locals, though it was funny seeing their reaction as these Gringos came down the steps into the pool-as everyone to a man stopped what they were doing and turned to stare before doing their own impression of the parting of the waves!!

After going for a run I then chilled out in the hammock at the hostel for a bit whilst the girls began some kind of strange beauty routine involving wax and hair dye - my being in touch with my feminine side only extends so far so I found myself a nice cold beer!

Saturday night was then a big night out and the place we went first had easily the best tunes we have had so far, with lots of dancing and sweaty locals leading the salsa way! We then went on to the Leprechaun club for more local packed salsa tunes, where only Riggers and I could hack the pace!

As usual, the following day was very leisurely but at least I was able to get up to date with various bits and bobs!

So after a few pretty chilled out days in Banos and plenty of sleep we decided to save the energetic activities for somewhere else and head on up through Ecuador for Becky's last week with us.