A word to the wise. After trekking a hard 42km to Machu Picchu, it is not a good idea to hop on a bus just a mere 12 hours after you get back do Cusco, especially if said bus ride lasts for 21 hours. Then after a short stopover in Lima, hop on another bus, this time for 19 hours. That is NOT A GOOD IDEA and not how your muscles would like to recuperate.

Anyhow I did make it to Máncora just under 48 hours after I left Cusco. My bus had multiple stops and was terminating in Tumbes. In typical South American fashion they do not announce which town you have arrived in. Being so tired - I was almost delirious after 41 hours couped up in buses, I almost missed the stop for Máncora. In my haste to exit the bus, I left behind a Kathmandu jumper. Shattered! I went to talk to the bus company in my broken Spanish and although I didn't understand all that was said to me, I do understand the body language of 'I don't give a f***, you're never seeing that jumper again.' Given the heat here and in Mexico, it's not an issue for the next month, but come Washington DC imma be real sad.

The hostel I'm staying at (Loki del Mar) is sick. Loki hostels are always awesome but this one is incredible. It's right by beach and has its own access point down to the beach. It has a pool with a volleyball net in the middle and cabanas and hammocks to relax in. It honestly looks like a resort not a hostel (see picture attached to this blog for proof).

Yesterday I walked around Máncora - it doesn't take long and it's a really cute little beach town. The hostel lunch/dinner special was lasagna and after trying to avoid Western food, i had a real craving for some. After lunch I hunkered down in a hammock to rest my sore muscles. Heavenly!

I ventured out again to book my bus ticket and on the way saw about a million shops selling Havaianas. The things I brought with me were a 2 for $5 Old Navy purchase made in 2008, so they've seen better day and are wearing quite thin. So new Havaianas I bought for the brill price of 30 soles, or just over $11 - jealous Bridie? After this I tried to collect my laundry but the place was deserted, I got bored and decided it could wait until tomorrow. However this did lead me to discovering an excellent little cafe specializing in desserts. Hello Oreo cheesecake, you speak to me. It was served with mango, don't knock it till you've tried it and hella, it was incredible. New life mission to learn to make such a delightful delicacy. I'm hoping I have time to go back and try their waffles. So not coming back gaunt.

After the mild but balmy weather of yesterday - my ankles swelled up like crazy and it was horrifying, the dry heat of today is welcome. Don't worry Mum and Shannon, I'm slip slop slapping like a good Aussie. I applied sunscreen this morning and will reapply after writing this blog. I'm sitting in the shade and keeping hydrated. The only thing missing from this equation is a hat...but I can't be fully sensible can I?

I started my day so leisurely. A walk and swim on the beach, even seeing some little crabs along the day. Then fruit salad with yogurt for breakfast - fruit, hallelujah! I ate so many fruits I wouldn't normally - watermelon, cantaloupe, red grapes, banana, you would have been proud mum. Then some reading by the pool followed by a swim. Such. A. Hard. Life. I. Lead.

Post MP most of my clothes were dirty and gross so again I enjoyed the luxury of paying someone else to deal with this problem. Picked up my laundry, grabbed some USD and a cute little beach dress that I couldn't resist. Don't worry Mum apart from the jacket in Chile, pants in Bolivia, Havianas and dress, I have been restrained and not purchased the many, many cute clothes I've seen here. Sadly a girl needs accommodation, culture and food above clothes.

Now it's back to the pool. Jealous much?

Post pool I decided to take in the free Spanish lesson at the hostel. Again I learnt that I do know more than I think I do. But yay for some new vocab and a verb or two.

Then out to buy another pair of Havaianas but alas they did not have my size in the desired colour (red in case you wondering). It's a sign I guess. So I bought a dessert instead. Brownie with ice cream and for fudge. So many yums.

Then it was just all boring stuff like showering and discovering I have at least 15 mozzie bites. Combined with my still healing bruise, my legs are looking real good. Not.

And now after 18 days I bid farewell to Peru. It's been great but I'm ready to move on. Next!