Vilcabamba - Days Two and Three

Day two started put well. The restaurant at the hostel is quite good. Breakfast is included in the room charge. The restaurant is a covered but open air building. It has spectacular views of the mountains, valley and pueblito of Vilcabamba. We got a trail map from the reception area and headed out for one of othe easiest trails. Problem is, in Ecuador, their easy is my four star trail. Unfortunately, we had to abort the hike very early. We did walk into town. It is not much but we did buy a few things and had lunch. The almuerzo (menu del dia) was seven dollars. We got charged extra for having cola light(diet cola). The walk back to the hostel was about 40 minutes uphill (mountain). Relaxed on deck and practiced some Spanish. There is an old Spanish church just outside the gates of the hostel. Apparently, they are having a weeklong celebration of something. Each night, we have been provided with free fiesta music and goings on. Apparently, last night, some of the huespeds went over and joined the crowd. Can't really sleep while it is going on anyway. Day three started well, also. Weather was good. We signed up for a four hour horse ride. It was very cool but very advanced. Up and down mountains, into farmland, rough trails, riding m through rivers beds (con agua) and small villages and pueblos. We were with a couple from Switzerland (I don't think they work there, everyone we meet is Swiss) and a German girl. Downside was that the horses are Andes horses. Mine was too small for me and was vey skittish Probably because he had a big fat gringo on his back all day. We went up one trail so steep, I contemplated getting off and pushing him up - but he made it. I think I got the horse because had a lot of past experience riding. It was a struggle all day as the horse shied at everything. The other downside is that we did not stop for a break. I had my good camera along but never got the chance to use it. We did not think to bring the I phones. After the incredible ride, we had time for lunch and a shower. We then had massages. Forty five minutes of heaven (and sometimes hell) for twelve dollars each. Becky is having a late siesta in the hammock right now. I will be kicking her out in a few minutes. Tomorrow back to Cuenca. Our van got cancelled so we have a mish mash of of connections to get back tomorrow.