Day 57: Santa Cruz to San Cristobal (01/23/10)
I got up at 8 hoping to make it to breakfast by 9, but around 8:30 ish I lost my motivation.
I missed breakfast by 5 or 10 minutes and decided to go looking for a place after hitting the bank and paying for a boat to San Cristobal.
I tried to get some cash with my USAA card first, but it said that I'd exceeded my limit.
Next I tried my Chase card and that worked (thankfully).
The boat ticket was $30 and was for one of the boats at 2pm.
I left my bag with the desk and headed out in search of food. After a lot of walking I headed to a place with a few other people out front and ordered a sandwich and juice. The sandwich was ok, but the juice was delicious.
I headed to an internet shop briefly (this one is more expensive than the one closer to my hotel, but it also has phones). I only stayed a short while, then headed to my hotel for my bag.
When I was walking towards the main drag, I ran into the woman from the desk of the hotel.
She said that my boat was called "Cholita," I thanked her for her help and we parted ways.
I stopped in at the (cheaper) internet place again, then headed to the dock to figure out where to catch my boat.
I waited and talked to (I think) a British couple for a bit (Fiona and??).
They offered recommendations about places they had been. They both quit their jobs and are traveling for 1-1.5 years all over South America.
There was some confusion about my boat, but it thankfully was resolved in time. My bags were checked by some type of island authorities and I was ok-ed.
The boat was much nicer than I had pictured.
The seats were plush and a flat screen TV played music videos the whole ride (2.5-ish hours).
Last minute a girl sat next to me. She (Tara) is from (northern) New Jersey and has a boyfriend (Wilson) here on San Cristobal. She met him while studying abroad and they've been dating since (about 2 years).
She offered to meet me at the dock at 8 to show me around. I checked into my hotel, which is a bit disappointing to be honest (tomorrow I'll probably try to find something else).
I ate a small snack then headed to an internet place across the street from the dock.
At 7:50 I started signing out of things and payed for my time (much cheaper than all the places on Santa Cruz).
I think I made it out to the dock about 8 and have been sitting and writing since, but they're still no shows. I hope the internet clock wasn't wrong. Oh well, I guess.
I'm gonna head back now.
When I got back there were a ton of large ants (I smashed some, but they kept coming). I got in my pjs and went to bed. I woke up a couple times in the night, but managed to sleep ok.
I missed breakfast by 5 or 10 minutes and decided to go looking for a place after hitting the bank and paying for a boat to San Cristobal.
I tried to get some cash with my USAA card first, but it said that I'd exceeded my limit.
Next I tried my Chase card and that worked (thankfully).
The boat ticket was $30 and was for one of the boats at 2pm.
I left my bag with the desk and headed out in search of food. After a lot of walking I headed to a place with a few other people out front and ordered a sandwich and juice. The sandwich was ok, but the juice was delicious.
I headed to an internet shop briefly (this one is more expensive than the one closer to my hotel, but it also has phones). I only stayed a short while, then headed to my hotel for my bag.
When I was walking towards the main drag, I ran into the woman from the desk of the hotel.
She said that my boat was called "Cholita," I thanked her for her help and we parted ways.
I stopped in at the (cheaper) internet place again, then headed to the dock to figure out where to catch my boat.
I waited and talked to (I think) a British couple for a bit (Fiona and??).
They offered recommendations about places they had been. They both quit their jobs and are traveling for 1-1.5 years all over South America.
There was some confusion about my boat, but it thankfully was resolved in time. My bags were checked by some type of island authorities and I was ok-ed.
The boat was much nicer than I had pictured.
The seats were plush and a flat screen TV played music videos the whole ride (2.5-ish hours).
Last minute a girl sat next to me. She (Tara) is from (northern) New Jersey and has a boyfriend (Wilson) here on San Cristobal. She met him while studying abroad and they've been dating since (about 2 years).
She offered to meet me at the dock at 8 to show me around. I checked into my hotel, which is a bit disappointing to be honest (tomorrow I'll probably try to find something else).
I ate a small snack then headed to an internet place across the street from the dock.
At 7:50 I started signing out of things and payed for my time (much cheaper than all the places on Santa Cruz).
I think I made it out to the dock about 8 and have been sitting and writing since, but they're still no shows. I hope the internet clock wasn't wrong. Oh well, I guess.
I'm gonna head back now.
When I got back there were a ton of large ants (I smashed some, but they kept coming). I got in my pjs and went to bed. I woke up a couple times in the night, but managed to sleep ok.
Day 58: Killing Time (01/24/10)
This morning I decided to ask about a pharmacy to get some seasickness meds (to see if maybe that would help).
My stomach was quite upset and I was afraid that I might need some re-hydration supplies (unfortunately I left the ones I already had in Cuenca).
I asked the older woman near the hotel entrance. She was very nice (much nicer than the woman that checked me in), she told me the pharmacy was on the main drag, so I went to look.
I walked the front street and didn't see it, so I stopped for some breakfast, then headed to the internet place. I couldn't find out where a pharmacy was located, but I did find the name of the seasickness medicine that is most commonly found in Ecuador (Mareol).
After I finished up online I bought some Gatorade and headed down a different street back to the hotel.
I found the pharmacy on one of the side streets and bought some Mareol.
The only problem is that there are no instructions. I went ahead and took one, got in my underwear, put a cool damp bandanna on my forehead, pointed the fan at myself and tried to nap on top of my sheets.
At one point I think someone opened my room (to clean?) thankfully my back was to them and they left right away.
I got up around 5 and decided to try to find some yogurt, toilet paper and look for Mareol instructions.
The store I thought would be open for sure, wasn't. I walked a while and made it to the internet shop without passing an open store.
It took me a while, but I finally found official instructions for the Mareol (1-2 pills 2-4 times a day).
I was online forever, but I guess that's not such a bad thing, since I don't know what else I'd do.
I went to the store next door and bought toilet paper, but they didn't have yogurt. I headed to the ATM to get some more cash.
A few blocks away I found a small store with yogurt (I also got some Gatorade).
When I got back to the hotel I ate the yogurt, drank some water and took another Mareol.
I decided to shower tonight so I wouldn't have to worry about it in the morning. I took a couple pictures of the shower head because (like a lot of construction and wiring in Ecuador) it's pretty sketchy.
After killing about 30 ants and packing up, I tried to sleep. It was still early and I had a hard time falling asleep.
I woke up a couple times, but didn't sleep too badly.
Being ill is making me want to be home, more than I already wanted to be.
My stomach was quite upset and I was afraid that I might need some re-hydration supplies (unfortunately I left the ones I already had in Cuenca).
I asked the older woman near the hotel entrance. She was very nice (much nicer than the woman that checked me in), she told me the pharmacy was on the main drag, so I went to look.
I walked the front street and didn't see it, so I stopped for some breakfast, then headed to the internet place. I couldn't find out where a pharmacy was located, but I did find the name of the seasickness medicine that is most commonly found in Ecuador (Mareol).
After I finished up online I bought some Gatorade and headed down a different street back to the hotel.
I found the pharmacy on one of the side streets and bought some Mareol.
The only problem is that there are no instructions. I went ahead and took one, got in my underwear, put a cool damp bandanna on my forehead, pointed the fan at myself and tried to nap on top of my sheets.
At one point I think someone opened my room (to clean?) thankfully my back was to them and they left right away.
I got up around 5 and decided to try to find some yogurt, toilet paper and look for Mareol instructions.
The store I thought would be open for sure, wasn't. I walked a while and made it to the internet shop without passing an open store.
It took me a while, but I finally found official instructions for the Mareol (1-2 pills 2-4 times a day).
I was online forever, but I guess that's not such a bad thing, since I don't know what else I'd do.
I went to the store next door and bought toilet paper, but they didn't have yogurt. I headed to the ATM to get some more cash.
A few blocks away I found a small store with yogurt (I also got some Gatorade).
When I got back to the hotel I ate the yogurt, drank some water and took another Mareol.
I decided to shower tonight so I wouldn't have to worry about it in the morning. I took a couple pictures of the shower head because (like a lot of construction and wiring in Ecuador) it's pretty sketchy.
After killing about 30 ants and packing up, I tried to sleep. It was still early and I had a hard time falling asleep.
I woke up a couple times, but didn't sleep too badly.
Being ill is making me want to be home, more than I already wanted to be.
Day 59: San Cristobal to Cuenca (01/25/10)
I woke up a few times in the night. I was worried that my clock wasn't set correctly (well, I knew it wasn't, but wasn't sure how off it was) so I think that had something to do with it.
I woke up when my clock said 8 (it was really 6) and stayed in bed until it said 10 (really 8).
I left to get some breakfast, find the actually time and kill some of it.
My plane is supposed to leave at 12:45 and the travel agency told me to arrive at the airport 2 hours early, but I was assured by other travelers, and the guide from my boat tour, that 2 hours wasn't necessary.
I ate breakfast at the same place as the other morning, but ordered something different.
After, I went to the internet place for a while then headed down the boardwalk. I stopped at the post office to mail some postcards. It costs as much to send a postcard as as letter ($2 a piece).
I headed to one of the public bathrooms on the boardwalk and when I came out Angela and Stefano (the Italian couple) were nearby.
I talked to them for a while and then we sat and waited for the bus that was coming to take them to the airport. Angela said it would probably be fine for me to ride with them (I thought so too), but she asked Estefano (the guide) to be sure. He okay-ed it.
We got to the airport just after 11 and checked in. We had to wait until 12:39 almost to go through the "customs" and then waited about another 30 minutes before loading the plane. We left late, but still made it to Guayaquil about on time.
Once in Guayaquil I had to go back out to check-in with TAME for my Cuenca flight.
All of the signs said check-in for various classes of passengers for a Quito flight leaving 30 minutes after my flight.
I was a little confused, but I still had a while before the flight, so I sat and wrote and listened to my iPod.
When it got down to around what I guessed should be boarding time, I went to the desk to ask.
The man checked me in right away and I made my way to the terminal.
In Guayaquil you have to walk through a store to get to the flight gates.
When I got through, I sat close to my departure gate, but there still weren't any attendants at it.
After about 20 minutes they started loading the plane. The flight was pretty empty. On the last flight (to Guayaquil) the plane had been very full, but I had somehow wound up with a row of seats to myself.
The ceiling above my seat (for the second flight) was dripping some unknown substance. A larger drop hit the top digit of one of my fingers and it burned.
Luckily during the actual flight it only dripped tiny droplets and they hit the inflight magazine I was reading.
I got to Cuenca on time. It was raining. I was glad my rain coat was at the top of my bag. I hopped a taxi right away and headed to Hostel Santa Fe.
It feels strangely like a second home.
This time I have the room next to the one I had before. It's bathroom has a fan (the other one didn't) which is nice, but the room itself is a little awkward. Because of the door placement (to the room and bathroom) there isn't really a different spot to put the bed. The hanger pole is right above the bed, which is probably the most awkward part.
I kind of slept in, which was nice, but I'm still feeling the non-existent motion.
I took some anti-diarrhea pills yesterday, so my fingers are crossed for fewer emergency bathroom trips.
I managed to sleep, but had some very strange dreams.
I woke up when my clock said 8 (it was really 6) and stayed in bed until it said 10 (really 8).
I left to get some breakfast, find the actually time and kill some of it.
My plane is supposed to leave at 12:45 and the travel agency told me to arrive at the airport 2 hours early, but I was assured by other travelers, and the guide from my boat tour, that 2 hours wasn't necessary.
I ate breakfast at the same place as the other morning, but ordered something different.
After, I went to the internet place for a while then headed down the boardwalk. I stopped at the post office to mail some postcards. It costs as much to send a postcard as as letter ($2 a piece).
I headed to one of the public bathrooms on the boardwalk and when I came out Angela and Stefano (the Italian couple) were nearby.
I talked to them for a while and then we sat and waited for the bus that was coming to take them to the airport. Angela said it would probably be fine for me to ride with them (I thought so too), but she asked Estefano (the guide) to be sure. He okay-ed it.
We got to the airport just after 11 and checked in. We had to wait until 12:39 almost to go through the "customs" and then waited about another 30 minutes before loading the plane. We left late, but still made it to Guayaquil about on time.
Once in Guayaquil I had to go back out to check-in with TAME for my Cuenca flight.
All of the signs said check-in for various classes of passengers for a Quito flight leaving 30 minutes after my flight.
I was a little confused, but I still had a while before the flight, so I sat and wrote and listened to my iPod.
When it got down to around what I guessed should be boarding time, I went to the desk to ask.
The man checked me in right away and I made my way to the terminal.
In Guayaquil you have to walk through a store to get to the flight gates.
When I got through, I sat close to my departure gate, but there still weren't any attendants at it.
After about 20 minutes they started loading the plane. The flight was pretty empty. On the last flight (to Guayaquil) the plane had been very full, but I had somehow wound up with a row of seats to myself.
The ceiling above my seat (for the second flight) was dripping some unknown substance. A larger drop hit the top digit of one of my fingers and it burned.
Luckily during the actual flight it only dripped tiny droplets and they hit the inflight magazine I was reading.
I got to Cuenca on time. It was raining. I was glad my rain coat was at the top of my bag. I hopped a taxi right away and headed to Hostel Santa Fe.
It feels strangely like a second home.
This time I have the room next to the one I had before. It's bathroom has a fan (the other one didn't) which is nice, but the room itself is a little awkward. Because of the door placement (to the room and bathroom) there isn't really a different spot to put the bed. The hanger pole is right above the bed, which is probably the most awkward part.
I kind of slept in, which was nice, but I'm still feeling the non-existent motion.
I took some anti-diarrhea pills yesterday, so my fingers are crossed for fewer emergency bathroom trips.
I managed to sleep, but had some very strange dreams.
Day 60: Plans (01/26/10)
I got up around 9:30 and organized my things (dirty laundry, etc.) and got ready for my day.
I made it downstairs for breakfast around 10:15.
I've been sitting here writing since. The younger guy that works here must be listening to some type of American love song compilation.
He was listening to "Total Eclipse of the Heart," followed by " Unbreak My Heart." I was stoked until "My Heart Will Go On" came on. I'm beyond over the "Titanic" movie and that song.
I'm gonna head to the internet shop to try calling my mom in a bit.
I got a hold of her right when she was considering getting out of bed. We talked for a while. Penny's doing well, and dad and Katie are up skiing today.
After talking to her, I went online.
Staying in Ecuador is getting harder, but to be fair it does seem to come in waves.
There are things that I'd still like to see. I think there are really 3 that come to mind: 1.Loja/Vilcabamba 2.Baños (the one up north, not the one right next to Cuenca) 3.the amazon.
Hopefully I'll feel more normal tomorrow and be able to start planning a trip to Loja/Vilcabamba.
I'd like to leave some room for flexibility, but I'd also really like to plan most of the things out to some extent.
I'd like to at least maybe figure out where I want to stay in Baños and Loja, and figure out the day trips I'm interested in. Maybe also look into Amazon possibilities. It seems like the Amazon trips are better to plan once you're actually in Baños or whatever you're going to use as your base.
If any or all of these mini trips get planned in enough time for me to really enjoy them I will be thrilled.
It sounds like Vilcabamba is pretty hard not to enjoy and Loja is attached to another one of the National parks.
I went back to the hotel for a while, but now I'm finishing up dinner. Dinner was alright, I had a Shawarma. I'm going to pee, pay, check email, then call Gabe.
After talking to Gabe for a while, I headed back to the hotel and went to bed.
I made it downstairs for breakfast around 10:15.
I've been sitting here writing since. The younger guy that works here must be listening to some type of American love song compilation.
He was listening to "Total Eclipse of the Heart," followed by " Unbreak My Heart." I was stoked until "My Heart Will Go On" came on. I'm beyond over the "Titanic" movie and that song.
I'm gonna head to the internet shop to try calling my mom in a bit.
I got a hold of her right when she was considering getting out of bed. We talked for a while. Penny's doing well, and dad and Katie are up skiing today.
After talking to her, I went online.
Staying in Ecuador is getting harder, but to be fair it does seem to come in waves.
There are things that I'd still like to see. I think there are really 3 that come to mind: 1.Loja/Vilcabamba 2.Baños (the one up north, not the one right next to Cuenca) 3.the amazon.
Hopefully I'll feel more normal tomorrow and be able to start planning a trip to Loja/Vilcabamba.
I'd like to leave some room for flexibility, but I'd also really like to plan most of the things out to some extent.
I'd like to at least maybe figure out where I want to stay in Baños and Loja, and figure out the day trips I'm interested in. Maybe also look into Amazon possibilities. It seems like the Amazon trips are better to plan once you're actually in Baños or whatever you're going to use as your base.
If any or all of these mini trips get planned in enough time for me to really enjoy them I will be thrilled.
It sounds like Vilcabamba is pretty hard not to enjoy and Loja is attached to another one of the National parks.
I went back to the hotel for a while, but now I'm finishing up dinner. Dinner was alright, I had a Shawarma. I'm going to pee, pay, check email, then call Gabe.
After talking to Gabe for a while, I headed back to the hotel and went to bed.
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