Hola again!

Ok I think I last wrote here when I was in Riobabamba. The next day we were meant to be riding the Devil's Nose railway but woke up and it was pouring with rain. I was pretty confident it'd clear up (and dindn't want to miss out!) so got up at 5.30am to go, however Chris is scared of the rain so chickened out! He also decided to go straight to Quito that morning and miss out Banos. This meant that we had to part company so I was flying solo, without my wingman! It was pretty wierd for the first day (and a lot quieter!) but I met lots of people and its not bad at all travelling on your own. Just gotta be more careful - which I am mum, I'm being as careful as possible! Anyway the only thing I own worth stealing is my passport (which can be replaced) and Nan's camera!!

The Devils Nose was pretty but not at all scary like I thought it might be which was a disappointment! The nxt day I caught a 2 hour bus to Banos and about 10 mins after getting into town I somehow got persuaded to go white water rafting - it was awesome!! I went with a group of 16 Equadorians who luckily spoke perfect english or the safety briefing would have been interesting. Everyone in my boat got flipped out on the first rapids (bleurgh hope there werent alligators!) but after that I was the only one to get thrown out a second time - we hit a shallow patch underneath where I was sitting so I got bumped out then dragged over the rocks while they were pulling me back in. Ow that was sore! But worth it for the fun!!

The next day I went canyoning with the same people (which Ive just realised is in the most dangerous sports section so im not insured for it) and that was awesome fun too. Very scary, very wet and pretty cold! Not for the fainthearted but thoroughly recommended.

I was planning on organising an Amazon Jungle trip from Banos but the way it works is that youre supposed to get a group together then go to the travel agents and they get a tour for you. Being a billy no mates makes that a problem so I decided to go to Quito where thered be more tourists for me to join in with. So here I am! Its good too because I caught up with Chris and Kris and the others on the Kumuka truck get in tonight for the end of their tour. So Im anticipating a big one tonight!

So on the 15th Im heading into the Amazon for 4 days (want to see an annaconda this time!) then on the 21st I'll be flying to the Galapagos which Im so excited about! Paid the last of the money today (its scary walking around a huge city with that much cash on you!) so its final. Also Im staying on the islands for 2 days of diving after the tour ends. Going to dive with sea lions, manta rays, hammer head sharks, turtles, penguins and lots lots more! Yippee! And then I'll be home to see you all!

Right better run, gotta call some hostels onthe Galapagos to book accommodation while Im diving - if they stick to phrases that are in my Spanish book then I should be ok!! Lots of love, missing you loads, keep the emails coming, take care xxxxxxx