I have been away for 200 days.  I just thought I would share that with you.  We’re on the move early to try and make ‘La Nariz del Diablo’ train journey, which we’ve heard is pretty spectacular.  It means rising for 5am, and bussing it to the station town of Alausi.  Since we both haven’t …

We’re collected from the hostel by Fernando at 8am in a Chrysler jeep sporting two mountain bikes on it’s back.  The mission today is to conquer Chimborazo, a dormant volcano that has not erupted for 10,000 years.  It’s due one then.  We’re not going to attempt to climb it, as at 20,564 ft we’d be …

I’ve fallen out with myself this morning as I acknowledge coming off the wagon last night was a terrible idea, and one that bore no fruit at all.  I basically undid all my good work with the bike trek and waterfall hikes and I’m turning into a fatty.  I should be ashamed, so to cheer …

After the healthy excursions of yesterday’s mountain bike trek, today is a day of R&R.  There isn’t much on the agenda, except repair my back pack, buy a couple of laundry bags, lift some money, get some new contact lenses, and pick up a pair of wacky green European Championship Irish supporting pants for Paddy.  …

It is with some surprise that I wake to find I’m still lying where I fell asleep.  I didn’t cannonball out of bed, nor did I sleep walk into someone elses.  I’m feeling like day of the living dead, but that’s all going to be cured with today’s activity.  We’re going to explore the waterfall …

I’ve woken up to be dragged out of bed and bundled onto a bus to Banos by Paddy.  He’s not standing on ceremony and wants to put serious distance between himself and this crack den.  I’m all over the shop as I say my goodbyes to the new hostel buddies, ooze into a taxi and …

I’m straight back on it as soon as I wake up.  I’ve no idea why, but I’ve got an itch and it hasn’t been scratched.  For some strange reason, I end up tanking it all day today, actually to the point of drinking the bar dry of beer.  I’m really the only one at it …

Today is all about tonight, and boy does it kick off.  We’re in the hostel bar early doors and it’s covered with balloons and streamers.  The kilt is on, the liquor flowing, and the night gears up to get very messy indeed.  You know it’s going to be mental when we’re drawing thongs on each …

Hangover nonsense in the morning as usual, so we’re not in a fit state to do anything.  We’ve managed to accumulate two English girls who want to visit the centre of the world today.  Apparently with Ecuador right on the Equator, you can visit latitude 00,00,00, and get your passport stamped to say you were …

Today is a total write off.  I’ve yet again attempted to cross a border when there is a holiday going on.  As ever leaving a country is no problem, especially as most would be glad to see the back of me.  Getting in is a different matter. Border crossings for me have always been unnerving …