Riobamba-ba-la-Bamba!

I was sad to leave my new found french friends but I can foresee this happening frequently in the future. I am like a rolling stone after all!!!

Next stop was a town called Riobamba, 3 hours south of Banos. The first scare happened a good 5 minutes after I had boarded a public bus when I overheard that the bus was going to Quito (ie. the opposite direction). I started to panique a little but was reassured when the ticket boy told me that by stopping in Ambato I could still make it. The direct road to Riobamba had been destroyed by the last volcanic eruption and this was the only way round.

Riobamba is a relatively large town with few touristy sites. It´s main attraction being that it is the starting point of El Nariz Del Diablo train ride. I arrived a day early only to discover that I was literally the only person staying in the hotel. It took me a while to get use to the solitude and the contrast with Banos could not have been stronger. I decided to venture out and wander the streets. My eyes were enthralled by the many indigenous people walking the streets all dressed in their typical hat and shawl, many carrying children on their backs.

Travelling solo can also be a huge advantage. I travelled to a small town called Guano today, famous for its weaving and leather. Unfortunately this being low season most of the shops were closed. I walked around for a while only to find people washing their clothes in a stream nearby. As I got closer a young 12 year old girl called Jimenez approached me and said "hello". I was surprised to hear her speak english as so few people speak english here. This was the begining of a two hour conversation. She was really chatty and I could sense that she really wanted to share her knowledge with me. I took as much as I could in, learning about her culture, her food and most importantly that she wanted to be a pop singer when she gew up. She also taught me my firs words in Quechua. In return I showed her the pictures of my family and of my home. This is the first time that I have experienced such genuine kindness during my trip. I will remember this day as the day I met Jimenez and her brother next to the stream in Guano.