Ecuador
Ecuador was the last of the "Andean country trio" that I visited (the other two in the trio being Peru and Bolivia). Ecuador's only a small place, but it packs in an impressive diversity of tropical coastland, rugged mountains, and lush Amazonian rainforest. It's also had such a bumpy economic history, that several years ago the government abolished the national currency (the Sucre), and made the US dollar the only official legal tender in the country. There's a tonne of adventure to be had in Ecuador, as well as a rich culture and a tapestry of communities to be explored.
Patrick the Belgian
Another solo traveller, like myself, who's off to see the world for 12 months. Patrick's a master's graduate of Economics and Politics, he's a Belgian, he's an ace soccer player, and he's quite the ladies' man. First met him in Máncora last week, and I'm planning to spend the rest of the week here in Baños with him, going on recreational adventures by day, and on bar-bound adventures by night.
Residencial Patty, Baños
It's rather lacking in hot water, plush rooms, or any other bells and whistles. But Patty is cheap, it's always got space, and it's right in the middle of everything. Unfortunately, no dorms — just rooms with 2 or 3 beds — but that's OK if you've got someone to share the crash pad with, and for this week I'm crashing with Patrick. If it's a really busy week, if you're feeling a bit tight for money, or if you're just not too fussed about where you stay, then Patty is the place to go.
Into Ecuador by night
This evening marked the end of my long and much-loved time in Peru, and the beginning of my time in Ecuador. After making it to Tumbes — the northernmost major town in Peru — I embarked upon a 5-legged, night-long journey, from the border-crossing at Huaquillas, all the way into the heart of Ecuador. The next morning, I found my first introduction to this country being the lovely (if tourist-infested) town of Baños. It was a long and bumpy night, but I've made it.