Day 49 – Worst coach journey of my life

Now we could of flown but we opted to take the coach as people rave about the views.

Setting off after being robbed didn´t exactly make the journey a good start. Things looked up when we got fed and a decent film was put on. After that I read until I passed out; which wasn´t for long as it was near impossible to sleep as the coach wound up the mountain roads and people snored all around. How I longed for my ear plugs!

We were roused at 7am to the sound of popular songs played on pan pipes. After a dry breakfast and no drink I really was longing the snacks that had been stolen along with my bag. I´d thought the coach would stop more than the once it did and even there it was hard to get supplies.

Granted that the last couple of hours provided stunning view but but this time I was just feeling plain sick and hollow inside. I spied the airport in the distance and contemplated leaving.

Thankfully we were met at the bus station by one of the tour reps, Manuel, who turned out to be one of my heroes of the day. We got settled into our modest accommodation before settling up our outstanding bills. At this time I informed Anna, another member of staff, that I needed to get to the police station to file a report. She was very sympathetic and arranged for Manuel to accompany me.

He took me across town, telling me about the city as we went. As is typical with the time of day the policeman I needed to speak to was on lunch/siesta. Manuel said he´d take me back at 5.

Returning to the hotel I waited in reception for Tom. Whilst there Anna cheered me up by helping me with some informal Spanish lessons. It really took my mind of things and I started smiling for the first time that day. Meeting up with Tom we explored the area. My initial impression is that of bustling streets set against stunning architecture, in particular the main plaza.

At 5 Manuel accompanied us to the police station once more. I then spent the next 3 hours explaining what happened, filling in forms and signing stuff. After the main officer realised I knew about computers he was asking me about how to hack wireless networks; I asked him if that was legal. The report was compiled but apparently it has to be sent to Lima to be dealt with by the local authorities. Get this; I was asked how much money I´d be happy leaving them to cover costs and any possible tip! Not wanted to argue I gave them $20, took my report and left.

With that sorted we were in the mood for good food. We were´t disappointed when we found an Italian place that cooked the food in a giant stove oven meters from the table. It was pricey for here but I didn´t really care.