Hobo Drifters

The overnight bus to the Andes.

Yeah, the bus didn´t leave until 11:00 pm. An 8 hour trip. We opted for the economical seats (as opposed to the superbed) in an attempt to save a few soles. 35 soles (which we later found out was the American price) was the toll. One lady tried to steal our seats but eventually gave up and zoned in to the in-flight movie (a Miley Cyrus classic) of the Spanish dubbed variety. The windows were dark, and despite the bumpy road, painfull sleepiness in the legs, and the occasional trip to the very unpleasant lavatory, we slept. At least that is... Ashley and I slept. Upon arrival to Huaraz we found that both Tyler and Seth had not slept at all. Tyler was apparently becoming ill, and Seth... had no explanation; just a shrug.

We made it though. To Huaraz. Our base of operations the next five weeks. It was apparent we were in the Andes. Jagged white peaks in the distance. That feeling of choking as your body begs for oxygen. Our first task: find a hostel.

Seth led us first down into a damp narrow hole. At least that is how I would describe the place. In no way built (and especially not maintained) for human visitation. I was overwhelmed with claustoraphobia immediately and dragged myself back outside. Soon the others joined me. Seth arguing on the side of the hole. The search continued. We saw a couple other unnotable places (and a transfestite) before we found our sanctuary... Caroline Lodgine. Outside of town, free breakfast, clean and uncramped, trekker friendly and cost effecient. A safe haven, home away from home.

So now we play the waiting game. Huaraz is at over 10,000 feet so we had to hang out a few days and let our bodies grow more red blood cells so we wouldn´t get altitude sickness and die. Just walking around Huaraz that day I got very nausious and light headed. Nothing for us to do but eat drink and be merry. Let the good times roll.