Vilcabamba

We arrived at Vilcabamba at about 7:00 last night. It is about 45 minutes from Loja. Loja is about 120 miles from Cuenca. It took about four and a half hours to get to Loja. The Pan America Highway (2 lane road) goes straight through the Andes. We were up and down mountains all afternoon. It was constant hairpin turns and switch backs. There were very few straight stretches of a mile or more. Of course there were constant drop offs of enormous proportions. To make matters worse, at the highest point, we were in clouds. The fog was very heavy. This lasted for about a half hour. To make matters even worse, our driver was very visibly tired. We think he made the run in the morning' as well. With my fear of heights, needless to say, it was a long ride. For Becky, she only had concerns during the fog. We are staying at the Hosteria Izhcayluma. It runs the gamut from traditional Hostel to the cabin type accomodations that we are in. The hostel was built by two Germans several years ago. This area is a very popular tourist area for extra jeeps and Ecudorianos. It is very pretty. We are getting ready to head out for the day. I won't be ableto post pictures until Sunday, assuming I survive the trip back. We just brought the I Pad and can't download from Becky is feel ing much better. A couple days ago, I went to the little shop below our apartment for some supplies. Maria, the proprietess asked how Becky was (Maria speaks only Spanish, so I get to practice with her). When I explained the problem, she launched into a long explanation of what Becky should do. Another older lady came in. She joined the conversation. After about 30 minutes it was decided the best thing for Becky was chicken soup and a boiled oregano. I guess chicken soup is universal. Using oregano medicinally is very popular in Ecuador. They sell it in little bags. Of course, Becky didn't use either, opting for the Cipro instead.