hi there,
well its been a few days since the last post - surprisingly, no internet in the jungle! it seems to be everywhere else though. Anyway, since then, weve arrived in Baños, a fantastic town surrounded by luscious green mountains including a looming active volcano. Hot baths and waterfalls here, which I can definately handle for a few days. Anyway, we pretty much headed straight into the jungle joining a tour for 3 days with 5 other people (some nice, some irritating). We stayed in wooden huts with thatched roofs under mosquito nets near the river, really quite civilised! The second night I woke up with a view right over the trees - sooo lovely. We did a few walks through the jungle and mud ending up at the most fantastic waterfalls with swimming holes. Quite a relief as it was really hot and humid. It was the best feeling diving under the falling water with rainbows and ferns all around! On one you could stand in a little cave behind the falling water and look out - very cool. Our guide taught us all about the medicinal plants (which he used on one of the group who was sick) and the various nasty mosquitos such as the ones who lay their larvae under your skin. mmmmmm! The mozzies werent that bad though, so hopefully no malaria! We saw the best butterflies, some as big as your hand and bright blue. I really didn't want to come back to the town though, I really loved it there - it was so beautiful and relaxed. But, must move on, things to see and do!
Back in Baños, theres some lovely little food places - almost melbourne like cafes. One shows movies each night which you can watch over dinner - tonight its Casablanca. yay!
We are heading to Riobamba tomorrow to catch the Devils nose railway - sounds good huh! you ride on the top for 5 hours! Until then, hope all are well and i'll chat soon.
H XOXO