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Merry Christmas to you all - If you are reading this why aren´t you at the sales???
Well the New Year will soon be upon us - what have we been up to I hear you cry! I am trying to figure that out meself, everything is starting to blur!!
The last time we spoke we were in Banos, in Equador. From there we went to a place where the Devil´s Nose train run´s. Its not really a train more a truck on tracks. Kim did´nt go on the train ride as she felt a little poorly plus I had pointed out a dead cat in with a box of rubbish on the way to the station - its rare to see a cat in South America so a dead one is a treat.
Anyways, the train ride basically consists of daft tourists sitting on top of a train whilst it negotiates narrow hillside tracks - scary eh? Its not too bad actually, nice views down the valley of whereever it is. The only downside to the ride is being on the the train with an American who talks constantly and does´nt stop for breath. The upside is you can always shove the b****** off. There are some pictures. Oh and some of Banos.
Follwing the train ride we set of the the beach at Punta Sal. Lovely place, popular with the nuevo rich - what can I say sun, sea and sand - same the world over only the temperatures vary. Loadsa crabs though, we have only a handful of pics of them, as they run off as soon as you get near them - very selfish (or should I say shellfish - ho ho).
Quick stopover in Santa Rosa at the Hotel Califonia! Fans of the Eagles song will be aware of what went on in the lyrics. Hotel California, Santa Rosa does not reflect the song whatsover and is not connected with the Eagles in anyway. Clothing cannot be laundered however money laundering may be available - such a lovely place!! (Kim - looked liked Papa McGowan had been to fit the shower!!! check the photo´s) Did´nt stop too long. Nice Chimas (noodle bar) round the corner though for pocket change you get a bucket of noodles with everything in - v nice!
Goodbye Ecquador!
Hello Peru! (I think, we are not sure where we crossed the border but the passport control was interesting!!)
Down to another beach resort, Haunchaco - this place is great for learning to Surf and is very young and lively - only thing is we had another American being an a******* - when are they gonna realise the world does not revolve around them!! Went to the cash machine, could´nt find it, got lost, then found it, then had the wrong card with us! Nice place though!
Christmas Eve now - From here (at sea level) we set off to Huaraz, our destination for Chrimbo. Leaving the coast behind we set off. Ten minutes in and we´re travelling through desert, two hours later we start our ascent into the Andes. (Kim here - Ricks stepped out for a cig!!) Right where were was we are yes the Andes.
This was journey was the most amazing and scary yet! for 9 hours we travelled high in to the Andes on a single track road with shear drops which made us both a little nervouse, me lower down though which Rick took great pleasure in taking the mick out of me as I jumped every time we went round a corner. Higher up we got the chance to try out the soft top section of the truck which was the most fun I´ve ever had. At the back of the truck is two hatches that open up and you can sit on this shelf whic turns in to seats, so Hannah, Chloe, Rick and myself jumped up and rode with our heads stuck out the top. IT WAS EXCELLENT! better than any fair ground ride I´ve every been on. so up up and further up we went with us laughing our heads off and screaming to! This all got a bit much for Rick though as him and hightes don´t go together so he gave up and got back inside! he he he.
Me and the girls though carried on with our santa hats on, driving through little villages were the people just looked on in amazment wondering want the hell was going on! We then hit cloud and it started to rain so fun over and back in the truck it was!
Our journey then took us to the higest point which at 4230mts so we got out of the truck fand scrambled up top for a photo, which was just to much for me as the altude hit and I nearly passed out! Thanks to Rick and Marg for catching me! ( I was on the gound not on top of the truck mum so don´t worry) after this we headed back down the otherside to our destination Huraz.
We arrived at about 8pm got some kip and a shower then headed next door to our Peruvian host for the evening, this huge family had invited us to join them for xmas dinner which consisted of turkey a bit of salad and about a jar of apple sauce! after this at midnight we all went out on the roof to bring in xmas day with home made fire works, (Health and safty would have had a field day) after fireworks it was drinking and dancing. Rick pulled grandma christmas & Mrs Christmas as we now like to call them which was hilarious. I tried my hand at some peruvian moves and they even played a pretty retro dance tune thanks to their daughter which me and the other english girls got up and showed the peruvians a little bit of hardcore dance which was the funniest thing ever. There we wree in the middle of the Andes with a peruvian family throwing some shapes, something I won´t for get in a hurry. Eventually we gave up and left them to it, and trampled off to bed.
Xmas Day - After leaving Rick in bed as he was ill! the rest of us went to market to pick up dinner whic was an experience every dead animal you can think of just strung up and waiting to be eaten - not a veggies day out that for sure! After this we went back to Jo´s the guy´s hostel we stayed at, he is this barmy english dude who invited us all to sit round is table and share dinner with him and his family which was a riot. After dinner we drank played cards and sat round a log fire swapped our secret santa gifts which was ace, Rick got a cool festival hat some xmas socks and this strange musical insrument, I got a pot pinyarta (not sure how to spell tht) which we tied to the washing line and blindfold me with ricks xmas socks! after a few miss hits and a smack on the head of my pressy I finally cracked it, and out poured chocolate and a llama (not a really one). So back to fire it was and more music and drinking was had - What a Christmas it was one we will not forget in hurry.
Boxing day - All feeling a little a delicate we headed out to the glacier and after a walk to 5000mts which was bloody hard going. Rick again.... After walking at altitude climbing up a glacier is not what you´d call fun. It was´nt it was flipping brilliant after two climbs I have decided that Everest is next - but not just yet!! Check out the pics, they´re cool - cool get it?? Little joke there! After the climb we walked back and headed off to the hostel. It later transpired an avalance occured in the area shortly after our departure which was probably triggered by the snowball fight we had! Sorry to any folks who wanted to visit the following day but were unable to because of this!!
After an excellent few week we are now in Lima - stopin at Caral on route to check out some recently discovered pyramids dataing back to 5000BC!!.
We hope you all had a great Christmas - I´m sure there was more booze at the McGowan house than normal due to our absence but I´m sure you will have saved it!!
Have a great New Year all!
Congratlulations to my sister, Vicky & Andy on your Engagement and to Jessica on her birthday!
We miss you all loads just not enough to come home yet!
Much love,
Rick & Kim
PS Up the North End!
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