Riobamba and
Cajabamba
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"On the Trail"
Sunday, October 29, 2000: Goodbye to the Allans & lentils near the stream!
Near the stream, 15 kms out of Riobamba
Tad here,
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| Somewhere between Riobamba and Cajabamba More Photos |
Today was our day to head out of Riobamba, which has been a wonderful homebase for the last two weeks. I had to go get my bike first which I had left in a hotel in the center of town because I figured it was a bit too risky to ride it home late last night. Speaking of last last night... I got a chance to go see "Jesus En Vivo" which means Jesus Live, an alternative bar, serving coffee instead of booze, run by Naomi Allan. I had a great time brushing up on my ping-pong skills with Walter, Jessie, and Silas. Thanks to all! A very friendly crowd.
Went to get my bike at Hotel Shyris, home of 24 hour cyberland, and then called Mom. It was good to talk with her as I had a lot weighing on my heart. Although, I called early Sunday morning Oregon time I think she was still pretty happy to get my call and it was great to hear her voice.
Frank and I packed up and then said goodbye to the Allan Family. What good people. Thanks for the food, folks, fun, and Vegi-Tales. We gave a little birthday present to Jamima, who is now nine years old. We gave her a non-sweaty PeaceBike shirt,which has traveled from Mexico to Ecuador, and a PeaceBike button. Happy Birthday Jamima!!
Headed out and bit by bit found our way out of Riobamba. Stopped for lunch and I asked at two places right next to each other. I went back and forth trying to get the best price for a plate until I realized it was the same restaurant with two doors. That kind of makes it more difficult to haggle.
After lunch, a Spanish review for me, and a power-nap for Frank we were heading out of Riobamba. Lots of people along the side of the road waved to us as we passed and wished us well. I think a few people recognize us from the TeleAmazonas bike documentary aired a week or so ago. A truck full of drunk guys pulled alongside of us and drove right next to us for a while trying to get us to down some shots of Tequila. I played happy dumb gringo who didn't understand what they wanted. They finally gave up and went slobbering up the road.
It started heavy misting and then raining and then slowed up a bit. We were climbing uphill and I saw this nice grassy spot next to a stream, hidden, and off the side of the road. It was just up the road from a mine or rock quarry. Found a good place to put up Frank's tent and I cooked up a slightly pallatable cooked lentil dish with bread. It was fun for me to be out under the stars, chatting with Frank, next to a bubbling brook, and roughing it again.
Sleep tight,
TAD