Calibrate Your Panty Waddage Meters part 4

Mike, a slightly shady American, asks me where I'm headed Not sure except back to the USA, but if I stay in South America, I'll go to Medellin, Colombia. No debate. Medellin, they say, is the place to go. Climate, scenery, prices, charm, and the most beautiful women in the world.

Glasses raised and offers to go with me. I don't say it but I am a bit frightened at crossing any border with some of these guys. I bite the last of my El Vaquero and go. Pictures of Paolo and his staff are forthcoming. I needed this male offset to the disastrous episode of the previous day.

Observing the Young Lads

Cuenca's finest watching the games of Saturday at the park

In The Saturday Park

Young lads. 

My View From My Favorite Cafe

Across the street is the very old Hotel Victoria. A bit pricey for me but I love the building. This is on Calle Larga (long street) and is in the heart of the historical district. Lots of cafe's, restaurants, exotic bars with hookas and all that stuff. Two blocks away is the Carolina Bookstore, run by an ex-pat. Used books English and Spanish galore.

At My Favorite Cafe

The Coffee Tree. Very mixed bag of travelers, hikers, locals, gringos and a great breakfast for little money.

Rio Tomebamba

I am staying at a place on this river.  It is now the rainy season so it is in full bloom descending from the Andes and right through Cuenca on its way to the Napo in the Amazon rain forest.



West and east USA kayakers would be drooling over this.  Class 3 to 4 with standing waves, holes, and plenty of places to breathe.  La Policia frowns on that though

so it is unmolested except for many folks who do their laundry

Cajas Guru Dude

This is my guide whose name is Gustavo Loyola.  He is a veterinarian of large animals with a wife and three sons.  He chose to give up his practice to become a full time  guide because he loves the country.  There's no better site than what this sign describes.  It is a hidden forest in which you expect to see fairies, goblins, and other magical beings.

Huge trees t

hat grow on rocks, dozens of  fern species, and caves where people still sleep.  The trees are pink and the bark is paper.

 I know I'm taking a lot of crap for not having actual pictures but 1.  My battery ran out and 2.  I could never in a million years do it justice.  You must see it in person to believe it.  That said, I'm thinking of going back for a second chance.