Another long bus journey again through the vast coastal desert landscapes punctured by verdant areas watered by rivers (what will happen when these dry up once the mountain snows and glaciers vanish ....?). In the Trujillo area sugar cane is the dominant agriculture whereas further north it is rice, paddy field after paddy field of rice. We pulled into Piura after dark scanning the streets for bus companies that go to Ecuador. We had found a cheap deal on Expedia for the best hotel in town (Los Portales in Plaza des Armes) so got there quickly to make the most of the facilities. It was good to be told by the hotel receptionist when we checked in that our English was good!! For food that night we had our mind set on some local specialities but were disappointed when restaurants highlighted in our guidebooks were no longer in evidence and most of the eateries in the bustling centre seemed to be fast food joints. We did however manage to get some good ceviche and meat/chicken kebabs - could have done without the chips and salad though!

Great work by M the following morning.She met Mario who Rosemary had recommended (we may meet him again at the weekend as he has a hotel in Colan) and with his recommendations she went to CIFA and tickets to Guadaquil were bought. After Hogmanay in Colan we'll be on our way to Ecuador and then to the Galapagos.

Everyone have a great New Year.

Love

E & M xxx